"Girls Night Out, Part 1"
By: Kallia Brael
Yara Brael [NPC+]
Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Agarra
Date: Selene 3, 4 ABY

***

Kallia Brael slipped into the screened area and smiled as she watched Kaysa gazing off into the distance. She moved forward with Yara in her arms and then slid into the seat next to her new closest friend. "Credit for your thoughts," she said. When Kaysa turned, she smiled more fondly. "I'm starting to feel better again, like I have a balance within me. I feel like...like everything is starting to fit again."

Kaysa patted Kallia's knee lightly and smiled. "See? I told you it would come back to you in time." She sighed and gestured to the view past the balcony. "And...I was just thinking of Tae'Karada...of my husbands. I don't know what's happening with them."

"I wonder too," Kallia said. "I know I have a life there, and I see pieces and parts of it when I close my eyes. I wonder what it will be like to return. Will the memories come back even faster? Will I remember more of Yelara? There is so much still to remember. At least I have friends who won't disappear when I open my eyes, or close them."

"Definitely not," Kaysa assured her. "You're family now, Kal, and the only person I really have to keep me company while Shiv's off with Keeve." She shrugged. "Besides...I enjoy spending time with you. It really wouldn't be the same if you weren't here."

"It's a strange feeling, but I actually do feel like family. I feel like I belong here, with you and Maeren. It's very...comforting and nice. I feel like I haven't had a lot of comforting and nice in my life...except...except I do remember some of that with Yelara...before..."

"You loved each other," Kaysa surmised. "Very much, I bet. Do you feel it, even though you can't remember?"

"I can," Kallia said. "It's deep down, but I can remember. Have you ever had a dream and you tried to remember it the next morning? It's a lot like that."

"Well, I know that if you don't think too hard about it," Kaysa told her, "much of the time, the dream just comes back to you when you least expect it." She reached across the divide between the two chairs and covered Kallia's hand with her own. "So...just relax. It'll come."

Kallia covered Kaysa's hand with her other hand and smiled. "Thank you for being a friend," she said. "I don't think I could have survived this without you. I owe you...just say the word, and whatever I can do for you is done."

"No repayment necessary," Kaysa told her with a warm smile. "This is what friends do, Kal. The only thing I expect in return is...someone to talk to, to share my thoughts and secrets with...." She shrugged. "Just a friend in return."

"Then a friend is what you shall have," Kallia said with a smile. "And, a baby to practice being a mommy to, if you still want. Would you like to go out with me on a walk later? To give Yara some fresh air?"

Kaysa nodded readily. "Anytime you're ready. I think I could do with a walk. My muscles are feeling all stiff today." She frowned. "The consequences of being pregnant have already begun."

"I know what you mean," Kallia said. "A walk will be good for me too because my muscles are starting to feel a little stiff as well. Shall we go now? I know a wonderful new route we can take."

"Sure." Kaysa rose from her seat with a long sigh, then held out a hand to Kallia to help her out of hers. Yara batted at her hand, and Kaysa laughed softly. "Don't worry, you're coming too, darling."

Yara squealed happily and kicked her feet and waved her hands, little baby giggles filling the air. "For some reason," Kallia said as she let Kaysa help her up, "she loves hands. And, feet. When Va'Lesh would be asleep next to her, she'd always grab his foot. It was the cutest thing." There was a momentary look of shock and surprise on her face, and then she laughed. "It's weird how the memories just bubble up like that."

Kaysa grinned knowingly. "See? I told you." Then she slipped her arm through Kallia's and together they made their way out of the apartment, and into the Agarran streets. The minute they hit the streeth, Kaysa already felt the heat enveloping her. "I can't believe Shiv lived her most of her life here," she commented, cooling herself by flapping the front of her shirt.

"I believe the answer to that is that she just removed all of her clothing," Kallia answered with a soft laugh.

Kaysa chuckled. "We should try that some time...before I get all big and round...." She whimpered jokingly. "That's another part of pregnancy I'm dreading."

"I'm game if you are," Kallia answered with a laugh. "And, I'm quite certain you'll be as beautiful big and round as you are now."

Kaysa smiled politely. "I doubt that, but thank you. And I know it's going to be really hard...." She sighed. "The doctors said I had to be careful because of...a certain injury I received about a month ago. I'm going to need a lot of help when I'm farther along."

"I'll help however I can," Kallia said. "I can use the Force to help you if you're up for it. I am fairly good at that sort of manipulation." She looked around and sighed. "I think I prefer the dry, dusty heat of Tatooine to the wet heat here."

Kaysa raised an eyebrow at Kal. "Oh? Do you wish we had gone there instead? You know...we can always move on after a time. It's probably better than staying in one place."

"That might not be a bad idea," Kallia said. "Though, I don't think we would want to wander around without any clothes on there. It's just hot here, but the sun doesn't blaze the way they do there."

Kaysa chuckled. "Then we'll have to stay here a while yet. And when I'm too fat to go without clothing, we can move there."

Kallia laughed. "It's actually pretty amazing how quickly you get used to everyone staring at your naked body. When...when Keeve was taking me out wearing nothing but leashes, it was difficult at first, for about an hour. I wondered if there was something wrong with me when I started to enjoy having people look."

"Shiv's the same way," Kaysa assured her. "I mean, I'm not modest...but I'm not sure I could do that." She smiled at her friend. "You're brave, Kal, in many ways."

"I can only imagine what Keeve would say if he were to see you wandering around like that," Kallia said. "I can only imagine the sort of aneurism it would give him."

"Keeve?" Kaysa snorted and waved dismissively. "I doubt he'd care. He still doesn't look at me as his mother, so I don't think that sort of thing would bother him."

"I think you're wrong there. I think he does care, and he does know that you're his mother. And, I think he would have the same childish reaction to seeing you naked that all children have about their parents. I know I still shudder over the thought of my mother and father having sex, let alone just getting naked."

Kaysa giggled. "You saw your parents have sex?"

"Thankfully no," Kallia said with a laugh. "Though, I've always had a good imagination, and there are some things that just shouldn't be imagined."

"Agreed," she concurred readily. "Like...imagining Keeve with Shiv.... That's actually surprisingly difficult for me. I mean...she's my girl, and he's the son that hates me...." She sighed. "I hope he's alright with the new baby. I hope he accepts him or her, even if he doesn't accept me."

"I'm sure he will," Kallia said. "I think perhaps a brother or sister may change him and how he thinks of you."

Kaysa smiled wanly. "Or he'll resent the me *and* the...a child who'll have the things he never did."

"You're dwelling on the negative," Kallia said. "Your thoughts have a large impact on your actions and if you continue to focus so negatively on your relationship with him, it will manifest. Try looking for some hope, some brightness, and cling to that."

"Some hope," Kaysa repeated softly. "I guess...something hopeful is that he's here now...and he's at least talking to me, even if it is just to call me a bitch." She grinned at Kal, then laughed.

"You can still reach him, Kaysa," Kallia said. "I can feel it, especially with Shiv on your side. If you want to draw him back, she can help you...provided she doesn't push."

"He needs a push!" Kaysa exclaimed with a laugh. "He's my son. All Zenarrs are stubborn, and the only way to get them to do anything is to push hard."

"Then we push him until he realizes he's being a stubborn ass," Kallia said. "We all love him, and that he lashes out at all of us with impunity is not right. He needs to realize we're the people he should open his arms to and embrace, not shove away."

Kaysa chuckled ironically at that. "Definitely like his mother... I was the same way before Shiv, and Merrick, and Zale showed me differently. It's a difficult thing to learn...but I did it, and I'm hoping he can too."

"With us, I think he can," she said. "We just have to be sure not to push him away or shut him out."

"And we won't," Kaysa declared. "I'm stubborn, and Keeve is going to soon learn that. No matter how much he attempts to alienate me, he won't succeed. I'm going to make sure he knows that no matter what, I'm not going to stop loving him, even if he is a brat."

"Good," Kallia said with a satisfied smile. "And, I think that store looks really nice. It looks like they have native fabrics and foods. An odd combination, but I like both. Let's go look."

"Whatever you say, friend." She winked at Kallia, then laughed softly as they threaded their way through the other pedestrians to reach the shop. Kaysa cooed the moment they stepped inside, drawn immediately to the dresses and Agarran clothing offered. "Those would be perfect. That material looks thin enough that we might not have to walk around naked after all."

"They're beautiful," Kallia said as she slipped her hand along one of the dresses. "It's a little transparent, so you might be able to see through it, but not nearly as revealing as wearing nothing. Oh, they have one that's cut so that it'll leave one breast exposed. I bet Yara would love that at feeding times."

Kaysa chuckled. "I don't think she's the only one," she quipped. "I mean...if you really want it, you can start looking for love elsewhere, Kal. You don't have to wait for Keeve."

Kallia nodded. "I can look, but I don't know. I doubt that Keeve will ever want me again, not anymore." She sighed, then laughed. "I don't need anyone though. I've got my friends, and sex is highly overrated."

Kaysa raised both eyebrows. "You sure about that?" She chuckled. "You wouldn't be saying such things if you'd been with my husband. He studies the sexual arts...and he's pretty accomplished." Kaysa shot her a suggestive smile as she reached past Kallia to pluck a dress from the rack.

Kallia grinned. "That sounds very nice," she said. "You don't happen to have any tips or tricks you could give me, would you?"

"On finding a man?" Kaysa held the dress up before her and smoothed a hand over the front of it. "Well...you start by going where the men are," she replied. "But better yet, dressing in appealing clothing." She smiled at Kal. "And by not walking around with a child in your arms."

"Well, I don't want to limit my options too much, so a place where men and women are, while wearing something appealing. Someone will need to watch Yara for me, of course. Though, I don't know... It sounds like a lot of work, and it would require that I divert my attention away from protecting you and Maeren."

Kaysa snickered. "Kal...does it look like we're in any danger here? You can afford to take a couple hours out of one day to just...flaunt yourself."

Kallia sighed and then laughed. "It'd be easier if I could just flaunt myself to you. At least then, I could still watch over you...and I'd at least know I was with someone I care for."

Kaysa smiled curiously, and draped her dress over one arm before folding both across her chest while she studied Kallia. "You care for me? But...that's not the same thing, Kal. I want you to find a mate, someone to love and love you back. Isn't that what you want?"

"I don't know what I want yet," Kallia said. "I know I'd eventually like to find someone, but...I don't know if I'm ready for that yet. I guess I can just...just see what happens. Maybe you and I could go out together...and we can leave Yara with Keeve and Shiv."

"Sure," Kaysa replied. "I'd like that, Kal. But we'll need to try on some dresses first." She handed the one she'd chosen to Kallia, and held her arms open for Yara. "Go on. It looks to be just your size."

Kallia let Kaysa take Yara and then disappeared with the dress inside one of the changing rooms. She was in there for only a couple minutes before the door opened and she emerged. She spread her arms wide for Kaysa, a wide grin on her face. "Well?"

Kaysa nodded vigorously the moment she saw the dress, and Yara mirrored her enthusiasm with a squeal of delight. "Definitely your dress," Kaysa told her, grinning. "Look how it fits you! And that shade of blue works well with your skin tone."

"Oh, I don't know if I would say fits," Kallia purred. "It's more of a...delicious clinging." She glanced down at her body mostly encased in the garment. "It's not too much is it? Or rather, too little?"

Kaysa grinned slyly. "There's never too little, Kal. You'll be luring them in by droves wearing that!"

"I'll definitely have a choice then," Kallia said. "And, if I have a hard time choosing, I could always pick more than one."

"You could..." She chuckled. "Not exactly the best way to find love, though a little fun couldn't hurt."

"I think some fun now would be good," Kal said. "I've had too much non-fun...and I think it's time to cut loose and just...I guess, live."

"And you should," Kaysa told her. "As a matter of fact, tonight you and I are going out. And you're wearing that dress." She looked down at Yara and smiled. "Tell her, Yara." The little girl giggled and flapped her arm happily at her mother. "Well...that's two of us who think you should," Kaysa quipped.

"How could I refuse that?" Kallia asked with a smile. "Very well, but that means you need a dress too. Though, you don't need to bare a breast for the night."

Kaysa pouted playfully. "And I was so looking forward to that." She laughed and gingerly handed Yara back to Kallia. After turning back to the racks, she passed her eyes over the selections, and allowed her hand to guide her to the perfect outfit. She pulled it from the rack, winked at Kal, then strolled to the nearest fitting room. It was only a few minutes later that Kaysa strode out, swaying her hips in an exaggerated manner and spinning for Kal. She laughed. "How's this?"

"Oh, very nice," Kallia said with a wide grin. "It's perfect, Kaysa. The colour is a perfect match for your eyes. I think that gold tint and your... It's perfect, and it definitely helps to show off what a great figure you have."

Kaysa grimaced. "For now." Her smile returned as she smoothed her hands over her hips, and luxuriated in the silken fabric accentuating her curves. "It's so simple...but it's so beautiful. We should definitely get these, Kal, then you and I are going home to prepare for our night out. I think I know the perfect style for your hair."

Kallia grinned and slipped her hand into Kaysa's. "Come on, let's go change back into our clothes and buy these. We have so much to do."

Kaysa obliged and the two women separated when they reached the stalls. They laughed when the two exited simultaneously, holding their selections. The man at the counter rang them up, and Kaysa was quick to purchase both, even at Kallia's protest. "I want to," she told her. "For my friend, I want to."

Finally Kallia just laughed. "Thank you," she said softly. "It means so much, especially to have a friend like you." She leaned forward and kissed Kaysa's cheek. "Thank you."

"No problem," Kaysa replied with a dismissive shrug, then she grinned and returned Kal's kiss. "Tonight, we're gonna have fun, so I hope you're ready."

"Oh, I'm more than ready," Kallia said. "If it weren't for the whole having to get ready thing, I'd be ready to go now. Come on, we also have to make sure Maeren and Keeve can take care of Yara."

"It would require them to--" She smiled at the storekeeper and took the bag from him with a thank-you. After he'd charged her credchit and they started out of the shop, she continued, "To stop having sex for a moment, but I'm sure they won't mind."

"Oh, do you think it would be wrong of us to ask that of them? I mean, they are a newly married couple. Aren't they supposed to have continual sex for at least six months? They were so wild last night, Hope came in and curled up on my pillow."

Kaysa giggled. "Well...they can always continue after Yara's in bed. They need to come up for air sometime."

Kallia laughed. "I should hope so," she said. "If not, they have far too much energy and enthusiasm."

"They're young," Kaysa explained. "I was just as virile when I was their age. It'll pass with time...hopefully."

"Oh, I hope not," Kallia said with a grin. "I know I still want to be just as virile as they are with a person that I'm with. And, I bet you're probably just as virile when you want to be." She reached out and brushed a hand along Kaysa's arm. "Aren't you?"

Kaysa smiled slowly as she gazed up at Kallia, suspecting a note of interest in her eyes. "Well...I won't deny that I am. I just figured I'd at least be a little more modest about it in my old age."

"Kaysa, my dear, we're the same age," she said. "Don't give me this about being old, or I will have to prove to you just how young we really are."

Kaysa raised an eyebrow at Kallia and formed a lopsided grin. "Oh? I'd really like to see how you'd manage that."

Kallia grinned, and then quickly slipped an arm around Kaysa and pulled her close. Their lips met, and they were kissing. Between them, Yara giggled and reached up to tug on hair or clothes or whatever her little hand could find. "Baghubiea!"

Kaysa opened her mouth to Kallia's, and brought her free hand up to Kallia's cheek. She smiled as they kissed greedily and deeply, all the while receiving what seemed cheers of encouragement from Yara. Finally, Kaysa pulled back, breathless, and laughed softly. "Virile?"

"Yes," Kallia said with a smile. "Baghabubi!" Yara confirmed. Kallia brushed her lips against Kaysa's once more. "Very virile."

Kaysa caressed Kallia's cheek, and sighed. "Just friends...right, Kal? I mean...I wish I could give you more...."

"Just friends," Kallia whispered. "But virile friends."

She giggled. "Quite." Kaysa kissed Kallia briefly, then stepped back, still smiling. "You're going to have no trouble finding someone tonight, Kal. And if not" --Kaysa grinned-- "you can always come home with me."

"That actually sounds pretty nice," Kallia said with a smile. "But I promise to try to find someone tonight."

Kaysa chuckled, and returned to Kallia's side with one arm wrapped around her waist. "Good. Now, let's get you ready. It's going to be a very eventful evening, I imagine."

They reached their small home and slipped inside. When they stepped through the hall, they found Hope sitting in the middle of the floor watching them. She let out a soft trilling meow and cocked her head to the side. "It's always nice to have someone to meet us," Kallia said as the reisakitten padded forward. "I guess that means Keeve and Maeren are home."

Kaysa smiled. "Which means they're going at it again, I imagine." She sighed. "Shiv! We're home!"

A moment later, Shiv appeared at the far end of the room. She was topless, as she had been for the last day --- apparently having finally convinced Keeve that it was alright and natural here on Agarra. She wore a long skirt that fell all the way to the floor, though it was made of a fairly thin, wispy fabric. "I wondered where you guys were," she said. "We were just...in the other..." She blushed. "Having sex." She giggled.

Kaysa chuckled. "We sort of figured that out on our own, my love. I'm sorry we interrupted. Just pretend we're not here...as you always do."

"At least we weren't in the middle of the room this time," she said with a wide grin. Hope finished sniffing at Kallia, then wandered over to Shiv and then leapt upward, right into Shiv's arms. "I love how she does that! I think I want to try to teach her more tricks. She's very smart, you know."

"She does know to stay out of the bedroom when you two are in there," Kaysa quipped. "You guys really should be more careful! I don't particularly enjoy having to replace the lamps every day."

Shiv grinned. "Are you saying we're too wild?"

"Oh, I would never even think it," Kaysa replied, her voice richly sarcastic. "I mean, when have you given any indication of that?" She smiled facetiously at Shiv, kissed her cheek, then moved past her towards the kitchen. "Kallia, do you want something?" she called back.

"Just something to drink," Kallia said. "That fruit drink we got yesterday would be nice." She took a seat at the small table next to the kitchen and watched Kaysa. Maeren moved to sit in one of the other chairs.

"Maeren, you--" Keeve halted in mid-sentence as Kaysa glanced up just in time to witness him exit the bedroom, wearing only a sheet around his waist. Kaysa chuckled and looked away. His face slightly red, Keeve tightened his hold on the bedsheet and waved Shiv over.

Shiv slipped out of her chair, leaving Hope on the table, and padded her way over to where Keeve was. "Have I mentioned how nice you look in a sheet," she said.

Keeve frowned at her, and with his free hand, grasped her arm and pulled her aside. "Maeren, I still think we need our own place. I mean...have you even asked Kaysa yet?"

"I haven't," Shiv said. "But, what about Kallia protecting us? She won't really be able to do that if we're not living there."

Keeve scoffed. "Maeren, she's here to protect Kaysa, and I'm here to protect you." He moved his lips to her cheek and brushed them along her jawline. "I hate being interrupted," he whispered. "And we won't be if we just find some place for ourselves."

"So we just abandon them, then," Shiv said. "I don't know, Keeve. Maybe if we found a place with a little more privacy where we could all stay together. Someplace that might have a separate apartment for us...maybe we could find that."

Keeve groaned. "Maeren...I can't wait that long!" He surreptitiously moved one hand up to her breast and cupped it gently. "I need you now, and they just keep barging in."

She slipped a hand down to the hard lump at the front of his sheet. "I think I could accommodate you now," she whispered. "Let's go back to our room and finish what we started." Her touch was expert as she massaged his erection through the thin makeshift covering.

From behind them, Kaysa sighed and carried two glasses of juice off to the living area. "Don't worry, you two. Kal and I are going out tonight so you'll have the entire apartment to yourselves."

Shiv spun around to gape at Kaysa and Kallia. Her hands however, snuck back behind her to continue stimulating Keeve. His heavy breathing was a sign that she'd found a good spot. "Really? You guys are going out? Oh that's great! Where are you going? What are you gonna do? Oh this is wonderful! We'll watch Yara for you!"

"In between romps?" Kaysa smiled knowingly at the two as she sat down upon the sofa next to Kallia. "We may be gone for awhile, so you sure you can handle Yara for that long?"

"Of course," Shiv answered. "We want a baby, so it'll be good for us to see what it'll be like when we have one. Don't worry, she'll be happy and safe with us, and we'll watch her until she sleeps, then we'll have our own fun."

Keeve fought back a moan as Shiv's hands worked faster. He finally whispered for her to say 'goodbye' and start returning to the bedroom with him. "I am not blowing my load in front of Kaysa," he told her.

"You're not, are you," Shiv said with a knowing smile. "I think it'd definitely let her know how virile you are, and how much you love me."

Keeve grumbled and gently slapped Shiv's hand away as he stepped out of reach. "No, I'm not," he reiterated firmly. He glanced up at Kaysa and Kal, who were trying to conceal chuckles with their glasses of juice, then snapped off a curse and stormed back into the bedroom.

Shiv glanced after him, then back to Kaysa and Kallia. "I'll be back in a few minutes," she said. "Watch Hope?" Then she was gone, rushing down to the room she shared with Keeve. "I'm sorry," she said as she slipped in through the door.

"It's okay," Keeve told her as he tossed aside the sheet and scanned the floor for his pants. "I just didn't want them watching." He smirked back at her. "Some of us do prefer a bit of privacy when engaging in intimate activities."

Shiv laughed. "Well, I guess so," she said. "Don't you have even a little of an exhibitionist streak in you? Not even a little desire to let someone have a peek during our intimate moments?"

Keeve frowned. "No." Then he bent over and snatched up his pants from the ground. "I don't see the point," he continued, already pushing one leg through the opening. "We love each other, and we're expressing that love to hopefully make a baby. No one needs to see that, Maeren."

Shiv stepped forward and put her foot down on the crotch of his pants, as he was hiking them up, and pushed them back to the floor. "Don't even think about putting those back on, Mr. Shivral," she said. "We have unfinished business to take care of. And, I'm an exhibitionist, Keeve. I don't care about people seeing me or watching me, and in some cases I like it." She kissed him. "But, I'll keep it private for you."

He smiled wanly. "It's not exactly private if they're in the other room, now is it?" He pressed his lips to her forehead, then gently lifted her off his pants, and set her back down a foot away. He succeeded in getting them up fully this time. "They're going out together," he mentioned, while fastening the garment. "I want you to get all the details. I don't trust those two out alone."

Shiv raised an eyebrow. "I'll get the details," she said, "but are you saying that you're not going to finish what you started?" She slid her hand down to her crotch and started making slow circles on the front of the thin fabric of her skirt. "Are you saying I'm going to have to finish this up on my own?"

Keeve groaned and hung his head low in defeat. They'd been married only a few days and already she was wearing him out with her appetite; he imagined she'd either keep him quite fit, or send him to an early grave. Still, he couldn't resist clutching her arms and pulling her into him for a firm kiss. From there, he didn't stand a chance in resisting her.

---

"Girls Night Out, Part 2"
By: Kallia Brael
Keeve Shivral [NPC+]
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Agarra
Date: Selene 3, 4 ABY

***

"I like it," Kallia said as Kaysa stepped away, setting the brush aside. Kallia turned her head to one side and then the other. "I never thought my hair could...could do that. It's perfect, Kaysa."

"Really?" Kaysa admired her work for a moment, then smiled as she smoothed out any stray strands of black hair. "I thought you'd look great with your neck exposed. It really showcases your face, and considering you have beautiful features, that's exactly what you want to do."

"It looks great," Kallia said. "I've...I've never had my hair up like that. I think...do you think I should keep it like this? I mean...wear it up more often?"

Kaysa leaned over Kallia's shoulder and lightly kissed her cheek while watching Kallia in the mirror. "Most definitely," she whispered.

"Thank you," Kallia said. "So, where are we going tonight? Do you like to dance, Kaysa? I think it would be nice to go somewhere with dancing."

"Dancing's the perfect way to meet people," Kaysa told her as she moved off to lay out their dresses. "Though it's the perfect way to get fondled, wanted or unwanted," she added with a laugh.

Kallia laughed. "Well, tonight, it'll be wanted," she said. "It's been so long since I've..." She blushed. "Well, you know... But, tonight I just want to be wild and free. Maybe I'll even get drunk. I remember getting drunk once...it was...it was with Yelara." She smiled fondly as the memory didn't quickly slip away.

Kaysa watched Kallia with a touch of sympathy, then smiled ruefully and began smoothing out both dresses. "I would prefer not to remember the times I've been drunk. I'm glad I stopped. It just wasn't good for me."

"You had a problem?" Kallia asked. At Kaysa's nod, Kal gave her a weak smile. "That you were able to stop shows that you have the strength to overcome that sort of thing. Now, what can we do with your hair?"

Kaysa picked up a loose brown curl and almost grimaced. "With this?" She chuckled and let it fall upon her shoulder again. "It's impossible to do anything with this except tie it back." Kaysa reached behind to unclasp her bra, then let it fall away. "Besides, it's your night. I don't have to look good."

Kallia smiled. "Well, if you ask me, you're looking good."

Kaysa grinned at Kal over her shoulder. "You're flirting," she said. "That's good! Get practicing for tonight." She then took up her dress from the bed and stepped into it.

"I'm glad you approve," Kallia said as she looked around the room. "I think tonight's going to be good. It'll give me a chance to let loose and unwind, and I think I need that very much. And, it'll give you a chance to have some fun and just be free. My only concern is that I don't want to leave there with someone and leave you on your own. So, if I find someone there to go home with, we're bringing you home first, unless you're feeling very wild...which, if I'm not mistaken, is a far-fetched idea..."

Kaysa turned to face Kallia, with dress bunched around her waist and hands on her hips. "And what is that supposed to mean, Kallia Brael? Are you saying I'm not fun?"

"Nothing of the sort," Kallia said with a laugh, though she couldn't remove her eyes from Kaysa's fully exposed breasts. "All I'm saying is that while I may find some man to go home with, I doubt that you will. Though, there's definitely a woman who wouldn't mind going home with you."

"Well, I'm just there as an escort," she told Kal, and finally pulled the sleeveless bodice over her torso. "This is for you, Kal, though no one says you and I can't share a dance or two."

"I think I'd like that," Kallia said with a smile. "I've never had a best friend before, Kaysa. You're definitely the best friend I've ever had, that I've ever allowed myself to have."

"I'm glad you find me worthy," Kaysa replied sincerely, and once the back of the dress was zippered, she lifted Kallia's from the bed, and carried it over to her. "We have fun, we can talk to each other.... It's what friends do, so I think we're a perfect fit."

"I think so too," Kallia said with a smile. She held herself open for Kaysa to dress her, grinning the whole while. "We will have to do one dance at least. It is mandatory."

Kaysa grinned as she slipped the dress over Kallia's head, careful not to disturb her hair-do. "This is going to be fun, Kal. I've never actually been out with a friend before. Well, there is Shiv...but we were a little more than friends at that time." She adjusted the single strap of Kallia's dress onto her shoulder, then smoothed out the rest of the outfit. "That looks really great," she commented.

"It's not...too slutty, is it? I mean, it is the fashion here, so I'm sure it's fine. But...it's okay? Oh gods, Kaysa, I'm so nervous. It'll be fine. Everything will be fine."

She couldn't help chuckling at her friend, and embraced her to imbue some comfort. "It's only a night out with me," she told her gently. "You don't have to bring someone home tonight. Just...meet people, that's all."

"Whatever happens tonight," Kallia said with a gentle smile, "it will be fun. Just a girls' night out. It would be interesting if Maeren could go with us, but I doubt Keeve would ever allow that."

"Unfortunately, I doubt Shiv will be having anymore nights out for a long while." Kaysa pulled back and caressed Kallia's cheek affectionately. "Now...let's get our shoes on and we should be ready to go, hm?"

"Yes," Kallia said as she slipped off to find her shoes. "I do hope he doesn't always remain this...controlling. I hope he loosens his hold just a little. Though, I imagine that will happen when he realizes he's not going to lose her."

"Well, I believe part of it has to do with the fact that somewhere inside, he's still a little boy." Seating herself upon the mattress, Kaysa slid her shoes out from under the bed and crossed one leg over the other. "You see," she continued, slipping on the first sandal, "Keeve was a little spoiled when my parents were fostering him." Kaysa shrugged as she fastened the ankle strap of her heeled, open-toed shoe and extended her leg to appraise the sandal. "See...it explains a lot," she mused. "My parents gave me everything too...and it made me stubborn and greedy, even when it came to love." She chuckled wryly and glanced aside at Kal. "But love was the one thing they didn't give me, and now that I have it, I know I'd do anything to protect it, just as Keeve would."

Kallia nodded as she put on her second shoe. There was barely any heel to it and the straps were thin and hardly noticeable. She examined her footwear and then her dress one more time. "I imagine it'd be hardly noticed if I just went wearing nothing, though maybe this has just a little more tease value to it." One breast was exposed, its nipple pierced with a single loop that held a blue gemstone that winked and glittered in the light. The dress was cut in such a way that the tattoo on her lower back timidly peeked out over the fabric. She stood up and presented herself to Kaysa. "Well?"

Kaysa laughed merrily and rose to applaud Kallia excitedly. "You're going to be fighting them off, Kal!" She strode forward to fondly embrace her friend, while taking care not to wrinkle her dress. Kaysa's was far less alluring than Kallia's; it was a simple sleeveless dress with a fitted bodice whose material crossed at her waist and continued into an airy, full skirt that fluttered as she moved. Her intention wasn't to pick up a new husband that evening, so she graciously offered Kallia the full spotlight. "This is going to be great," she whispered. "Let's get going while it's still early. We want to make sure we have a full night ahead of us."

Kallia reached out a hand to Kaysa. "Come on, let's go say bye to the kids and Yara, and then go find some fun."

Kaysa grinned and clasped hands with Kallia. "Considering it's us, that shouldn't be too hard." With gossamer skirts flowing behind them, and delicate perfume lingering in the air they touched as the two women walked, Kaysa and Kallia strode into the living area, where Keeve, Yara, Hope, and Shiv were waiting - the latter almost bursting with glee. "Well...we're ready!" Kaysa announced.

"Oh wow," Shiv said as she gaped at them, her eyes lingering on Kallia. "Oh double wow. Look at you. Oh Kallia, you're going to cause an orgy in that." She grinned silkily. "Just remember to have fun, and if anyone wants to touch, make sure they wash their hands first...you don't want any fingerprints left behind."

Kaysa chuckled. "I'll protect her, Shiv." As she stepped forward to give her lover a departing kiss, Keeve signalled for Kallia to join him, then moved off into the kitchen.

Kallia gave Shiv and Kaysa a smile, and followed Keeve into the other room.

When she arrived, Keeve was leaning his hip against the counter with his arms folded over his chest. His eyes, however, refused to remain stationary as they travelled over Kallia's form. "So...you're going out then?"

"Yes," Kallia said. "Kaysa and I are going out together. It'll give you and Maeren some time alone here."

Keeve shrugged, then held Kallia's gaze and smiled slowly. "Come closer," he told her. "Let me get a better look at you."

Kallia returned his smile and moved closer, slowly and sensuously, the way she knew he liked. "I hope you approve," she said softly once she was standing in front of him.

"You do?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. He chuckled as he lightly brushed his fingers up her bare side. "I thought you were going out tonight to find a replacement for me." His hand moved across to smooth over her breast. "Are you saying you're not?"

"I'm going out to have fun," Kallia said as she watched his hand. "You don't need me anymore, do you, Keeve? You have Maeren now...and...and you haven't shown any interest in me at all. Do you still want me, Keeve? And, if you want me...will you have me?"

"Do I look like I'm not showing interest now?" Keeve asked, his smile crooked as his fingers played with the hoop appended to her breast. "Come on, Kal," he whispered. "Don't be coy." With a chuckle, he wound his other arm around her waist and drew her up against him. "You're mine, remember?" His lips brushed against hers. "Or are you trying to replace me?"

"I remember," Kallia whispered. "Oh gods, Keeve, I remember. You don't mind me going out for some fun tonight, do you? I mean, with Maeren, you hardly ever have time for me." She reached down and brushed her hand against the front of his pants. "Will you have time for me again, Keeve? Will you let me love you like I used to?"

"Are you saying you don't love me anymore, Kal?" He grinned against her cheek as his lips moved towards her ear, while his one hand massaged her breast roughly, as he knew she liked. "You're mine, Kal," he told her, his voice carrying a hint of fierceness to it. "Have your fun, but don't forget that."

"I'll never forget it," Kallia rasped as she gripped the erection bulging out the front of his pants. "You're always the one, Keeve, the only one I'll ever love." She moaned loudly. "I know I'll never be as important as Maeren to you, but I know I'm yours, always and completely. I am yours, Keeve."

He nipped at her earlobe, then chuckled lowly into her ear. "Good," he told her. His hand had slid down her abdomen and now pressed between her legs. "Be a good girl tonight. And don't fuck anyone, especially not Kaysa."

"Will you fuck me, Keeve?" Kallia asked breathlessly as she pushed her hips forward, harder into his hand. "Will you fuck me, Keeve, since I can't fuck anyone else?"

He grunted through clenched teeth as while smiling viciously and crushing Kallia's supple breast in his hand. "Don't beg," he advised, then removed his hand from her crotch, released his hold on her breast and gently pushed her back. "You're my mistress, not a whore." Then he grinned. "You only beg when I'm in the mood for that. Otherwise, you just sound desperate and cheap." Keeve crossed his arms over his chest again, then nodded permission for Kallia to leave. "If you come home with anyone, you'll never be with me again. Understand? I don't share."

"It's just a ploy for control," Kallia said, asserting some of her own personality. "You won't be with me, but you won't allow me to be with anyone else. You'll keep me at arm's-length until you grow completely tired of me, and you'll just cast me away, but you'll do it in a way so that I don't have anyone or anything. You're a dark, cruel bitter prick, Keeve. You are a heartless bastard, and if you keep this bullshit up, I will make it my personal goal in life to make certain that Maeren sees you for what you are." She stepped close, dark and menacing. "Do you want to try me, Keeve? Do you want to see how serious I am, how darkly I can play your game?"

Keeve chortled and raised his hands innocently in the air. "Kal...what game? You're too suspicious." Cautiously, he set both hands gently onto her shoulders. "I said I'd be with you," he told her softly. "And I thought you liked the control. You get off on it. That's what this" --he flicked the hoop on her nipple with a finger-- "is for, isn't it?"

A shudder ripped through her body and she reached down to the front of his pants. "I love being controlled, Keeve," she rasped. She deftly opened his fly and drew him out in a practiced motion. "I hate being teased and misled." She leaned close to him, her lips brushing his throat, her breath warm and fresh. "Just be glad I don't have a problem sharing, Keeve." She kissed him and then met his eyes. "I'll fuck who I want, when I want...because I don't have faith that you even want me anymore. It's been weeks since you were with me, Keeve. You have Maeren now, and you don't need me...not with how voracious her appetite is."

Keeve closed his eyes and smiled at Kallia's expert touch. His pleasure was instantly extinguished, however, as Kaysa snapped Kallia's name from the doorway of the kitchen. He growled and opened his eyes. "We're busy. Can't you see that?"

Kallia glanced down at Keeve's erection and then at him. "We were," she said, and withdrew her hand. She turned and started toward Kaysa. "Come on, we'd better get going before all the especially desirable men have been taken."

Keeve pulled his bottom lip through his teeth in controlled rage, then zipped his pants up aggressively. "Remember what I said, Kal!"

Kallia turned to him, a knowing smile on her lips. "And you remember what I said."

Keeve glared menacingly at Kal until she disappeared, then he cursed and slammed a hand down onto the counter. He was losing his grip on her, and it was Kaysa's fault. "Stupid bitch," he muttered.

In the living area, Kaysa and Kallia waved a final time at Shiv, after saying goodbye to Yara, then departed. They walked in silence for a time, until Kaysa looked aside at Kallia and said, "Don't let him manipulate you. Be strong, Kal. You deserve better."

"I don't believe you need to worry about that anymore," Kallia said with a smile. "He wants me to be only his, but it's only so he can put me on a shelf and keep me from being with anyone else. My only purpose is to be there in case Maeren ever dumps him, which is a very tempting encouragement."

Kaysa smiled curiously. "Tempting?" She sighed and slipped an arm around Kallia's waist. "Hopefully, in time, we can rid you of even that small feeling of temptation. You're a free woman, Kal, and I want you to be that, fully. And tonight," she added brightly, "we're going to do just that!"

"Oh, I'm not tempted by him," Kallia said with a laugh. "The more he does what he was doing in there, and the less temptation there will be. No, the temptation is to reveal to Maeren what a controlling, arrogant little pervert he can be."

Kaysa sighed. "She'll listen, but I doubt it'll really make a difference." She smiled and kissed Kallia's cheek fondly. "But tonight, the only worry either of us has is finding you the perfect man or woman."

"And, even if we don't find the perfect one," Kallia said, as she gave Kaysa's hand a squeeze, "I've got a pretty perfect woman with me already. Would you believe he forbid me to have sex with you?"

"Oh, he did, did he?" She grinned and grazed Kallia's shoulder with her lips. "Well...you're through listening to him, now aren't you?"

"I'm through listening to him," Kallia said. "I'll have sex with whomever I like, whenever I like, and however I like, and nothing he can say will make a difference. He's not controlling me any longer."

"Good," Kaysa affirmed. "You deserve better than my brat of a son!" She chuckled and embraced her friend as they made their way to the lifts, glad she could aid in Kallia's liberation.

As they rode the lift down, Kallia reached out and brushed a hand along Kaysa's side. "I imagine your son would hate us both if he knew how close we were." She took a step forward and brushed her lips over Kaysa's. "It's nice to have someone with no strings, no commitments but friendship. It's nice to have someone who can just be a friend, a friend who you can be close to but without any ties or strings, someone you can comfort and who can comfort you."

Kaysa smiled tenderly, and with her heeled sandals elevating her to Kallia's height, she was at the perfect position to return Kallia's light kiss with a more deliberate one. She knew Kallia could never be included as one of her lovers, but that didn't mean she would be excluded from receiving Kaysa's love and affection. Leaning her body into Kallia's and sharing a slow, deep kiss with her, she was assured a place in Kaysa's bed at least once.

Kallia's arms slipped around Kaysa as she pulled her friend into her, until their bodies were melded as one. When their lips finally parted, Kallia gave Kaysa a smile. "Maybe tonight should be a date," she said softly. "We can find me the perfect man or woman later. Tonight, I want to go on a date with my best friend."

Kaysa smiled slyly. "I thought Keeve disapproved."

Kallia grinned. "Let him disapprove all he wants," she said. "I'm not his slave, and I don't have to do what he tells me. He's good in bed, but there's more to life than sex. Friendship is more important, and if you can have sex with a friend, then you've got it made."

"Makes sense," Kaysa replied with a shrug, then chuckled and returned her lips to Kallia's as the lift descended. For good measure, she brought her hand up to cover Kallia's breast and play with the hoop pierced through her nipple. A part of her resented Keeve for his mistreatment of Kallia, and would punish him for it by bedding with his 'slave,' but the more prominent part of herself told her it was simply needing a friend and confidante where she barely had one in Shiv now. Kallia was the perfect companion outside of the bedroom, and her worth within might just be decided at the end of their date.

---

"Girls Night Out, Part 3"
By: Kallia Brael
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat

Location: Agarra
Date: Selene 3, 4 ABY

***

They stepped into the club after making sure each other was presentable before getting out of the hovercab. Their little interlude in the lift had left them each slightly rumpled and breathless. Their ride had been comprised of many gentle, shared kisses and light, feathery touches while they talked of incidental things. It was good to feel completely at ease and relaxed, and Kaysa and Kallia had found a perfect friend in each other. They had more in common than they would have thought, and kept finding more.

Holding hands, they wound their way through the small crowd of the club. A band comprised of three Bith and a Rodian was at the front of the place with dozens of small circular tables surrounding them. They called themselves Modo Alpo and the Swingers, and had attired themselves in jungle finery. Kallia grinned, then turned to Kaysa. "That table looks good," she said, indicating one that wasn't quite next to the stage, but close enough to be a good seat. "How about there?"

Kaysa took one look at the table and nodded. With a laugh, the two women crossed the way towards their table, affectionately leaning against one another and sharing a kiss or two along the way. This was their date, and announcing early on to any potential courtiers that they were an item that evening would prevent interruptions during the night.

Kaysa seated herself beside Kallia and turned her chair slightly to face her friend. Atop the table, she covered Kallia's hand with her own. "Can you believe it? Cushioned seats. Pretty fancy place."

"Very fancy," Kallia said with a grin. "It's nice though. I think we'll have to come here more often. If your son weren't such a prick, I'd say he could come with us...we could make it a double-date. So, I guess it will just be you and me on our date, and any future dates we decide to have. Do you like dancing, Kaysa?"

"Of course I do," she replied with a sly grin. "How do you think I found Zale?"

Kallia laughed. "Oh, it's going to be a good night then," she said, then leaned close. "We could give them a taste of their own medicine tonight, if you're up for it."

Kaysa smiled, intrigued. "Oh? Are you getting ideas, dear Kal?"

"Oh, I've definitely got ideas," she said. "And, hell, if we didn't want to actually do anything, we could just go into your room and sound like we're having a wild time."

Kaysa giggled and lightly slapped Kallia's hand. "You're horrible, and most likely a bad influence on me." She grinned. "Keeve would hate us both."

Kallia laughed and brought Kaysa's hand to her lips. "He may, but he needs to learn a few lessons if he wants to be an adult."

"And you're going to teach him that lesson using me?" Kaysa brushed her fingers over Kallia's cheek, then smiled. "That sounds good to me."

"Just don't think of it as using you," Kallia said with a grin. "Think of it as us having fun together, and his lesson will be a byproduct of that. Or, another way, we're using him to have some fun for ourselves."

Kaysa frowned pensively, then nodded. "I like how you think, Kal." Both chuckled and shared a brief kiss, as one of the waiters came up beside them with a padd in hand.

"Drinks?" the man asked laconically, yet still politely.

Kaysa smiled up at him, then gestured for Kallia to proceed.

"Oh, a Corellian Sunrise," she said. "With a twist of sembria, if you would. Your turn, my dear."

"And I will have a monga fruit juice," Kaysa told him with a mimed kiss for Kallia. The waiter smiled, then departed to fill their orders. "So," Kaysa began, "let's talk. And we'll start with where you were born. Do you remember that?"

"The name of the planet is Nordis-Kae, it's near Malistare. I really don't remember much of it. Master Tal Dan found me when I was very young, around six or so. And, I went away with him and learned about the Force. He was kind and gentle, and I learned much. I never really had a home after that because we had to move around so often."

"So you never really knew your parents?" Kaysa asked. "I mean, I knew mine, but I wish someone would've come and taken me away from them when I was young. But did it bother you?"

"I was very sad for the first year or so, and then I guess I got used to it. One of these days, now that Jedi are no longer hunted, I would like to go back. I would like to see my parents again."

Kaysa smiled kindly and gently squeezed Kallia's hand. "And maybe I could come with you," she said softly. "It'd be fun to just...get away."

"I'd like that," Kallia said with a smile. "Just us girls. I think we could use the time just running around and exploring."

Kaysa sighed wistfully and nodded as she rested her cheek upon her fisted hand. "Yeah...though I'll probably have a child to take care of. Can't exactly go running around with a baby in my arms, now can I."

"We'll both have babies," Kallia said with a chuckle. "I'll have Yara, you'll have your little one."

"Yeah...." Kaysa distractedly watched as her thumb brushed over Kallia's, then she smiled ruefully. "I don't know how to be a mother," she admitted. "I don't know what I'm going to do. How will I raise a child?"

"I'll help you," Kallia said with a smile. "I've got about a year's experience with Yara, so I should be able to give you good advice, since I'll be a year ahead of you."

Kaysa smiled wanly. "Well I know...and I appreciate that...but just being a mother, showing your child you love them... How do you learn something like that? That sort of thing has to come from the heart...and I just don't know if I'll be able to express that in a way my child can identify." She sighed. "Like with Keeve."

"The only way is by doing it," Kallia said. "I'll watch over you, and I think you'll love your baby just fine. I can see it in your eyes, and I can feel it inside you. I think together, we'll make it perfect, Kaysa. You'll see."

Kaysa nodded grudgingly, then at the unmistaken look of encouragement from Kallia, she laughed softly and nodded with more confidence. "Together...and with a brooding son, insatiable lover, and two husbands."

"Well, hopefully we can do something to make the son less broody, and the insatiable lover really isn't all that bad and two husbands has got to be nice."

"Well...." Kaysa forced a chuckle. "It's still hard. I mean...how do you give that many people attention enough that they won't feel neglected? And then to add another child to the mix?" She sighed and absently placed a hand on her abdomen, where she hoped her child wasn't sensing her doubts. "I want this baby," she whispered, "but I'm so scared."

"It's the unknown that usually scares us," Kallia said. "Don't worry, Kaysa. You're strong and you have a big heart. You'll get through this, I promise. And, if you ever need someone to lean on, I'll be here."

Kaysa smiled graciously and pressed a kiss to Kallia's cheek. "I'm glad my foolish son took a liking to you or I would never have gotten to know you. You're a good woman, and a friend, and I plan on us being together for a long time...if you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all," Kallia said with a gentle smile. "Now, do you think you'd mind a dance?"

"Would I mind?" Kaysa grinned and rose from her seat. She then offered Kallia her hand. "My date, will you help me show all these people what fun's all about?"

"It will be my pleasure," Kallia said as she slipped her hand into Kaysa's. They both rose and moved to the small section of floor reserved for dancing. Kallia looked at Kaysa then laughed. "So, who leads?"

Kaysa grinned and pulled Kallia into her arms. She dropped one hand to Kallia's waist and smoothed the other over her arm until it was laced with Kallia's. "We'll both lead," she told her.

"I like the sound of that," Kallia said with a grin. "Kind of like...equal partners." They started moving to the music, making up their own steps and flourishes, just letting the music take them, just as they were doing with their relationship. It would be impossible to place their relationship, but it was certainly evolving. "You're a marvelous dancer, you know? I like how you move."

"It's easy to move well when I have you to work off of," Kaysa replied. She slid her hand to the small of Kallia's back and lightly brushed her fingers over the bare flesh as they danced. "The tattoo," she said. "Where'd you get it? What was the occasion?"

"It was...it was on Corellia," Kallia said, trying to remember. "It was...it was with her...I can remember that much. I think...I think it's because we'd moved out together, and we were both getting tattoos." Kallia blushed and laughed. "I got another one for her. If we make love tonight, you'll get to see it." She pressed her lips to Kaysa's. "I want you to see it."

Kaysa smiled silkily and pushed her hips gently forward to sway against Kallia's as they moved. She sighed at the sensation deprived her lately because of Keeve's possessiveness. Though Shiv wasn't protesting too loudly.... "We probably shouldn't go home then," she murmured, her lips still brushing Kallia's. "I don't mind if Shiv suspects, but I don't want her knowing for certain."

"It would be nice to drive Keeve insane with it," Kallia said with a smile, "but you're right. How would you like to find a nice hotel for the night? I'll definitely need some comforting. I'm not used to being away from Yara for so long."

"We could have breakfast in bed," Kaysa suggested. She glanced up at her friend from beneath long, curled lashes as her hand dropped lower to her rear and gently cupped it. "We can have a couple more dances and go if you like. Just to get us warmed up."

"That sounds like a beautiful plan," Kallia said, then lowered her lips to Kaysa's throat as they danced. She trailed kisses along Kaysa's skin as they moved together, gracefully and comfortably. It was amazing how comfortable she felt with Kaysa, how being together, dancing together...it all felt right.

As they continued undulating rhythmically, and touching and caressing one another, Kaysa sighed and lay her cheek upon Kallia's slender shoulder. "I hope my husbands won't disapprove..."

"From what you've said about your husbands," Kallia said with a laugh, "they're probably having sex with each other."

Kaysa chuckled and nuzzled her face to Kallia's neck. "Don't make me paranoid, Kallia Brael." Then she added with a mischievous grin, "Or I'll have to punish you later."

"I hope that's a promise," Kallia said with a sly grin. "And, I'm sure everything is fine with them. If we weren't hiding here, I'd suggest trying to contact them."

Kaysa looked up at Kallia with interest and asked, "But...couldn't we do that? I mean...isn't there a way to make a secured transmission?"

"We can try," Kallia said. "We can have someone monitor the connection to see if anyone is listening in. We can be extra secure, and take a transport to another planet and signal from there."

Smiling curiously at Kal, Kaysa whispered, "You'd do that with me?"

"Of course I would," Kallia said with a smile. "I'd even pilot the ship if no one else would. We'll look at a starchart and see where to go that would be a good transmit spot. And, if anyone does zero in on us, they'll be looking in the wrong location."

Kaysa laughed cheerfully, then placed a firm kiss on Kallia's lips. "We'll start planning right away. Oh, Kallia...you're wonderful!" Kaysa wrapped an arm securely around Kallia's waist, then threw them both into a series of rapid, dizzying spins across the dance floor. Both were laughing louder than the band was playing.

While Kaysa had started the twirling, leading them across the floor, Kallia took over and led them both through some intricate improvised footwork that managed to get some cheers of approval from the other patrons. They had drawn attention, and by the applause and laughter, had gained approval. Kallia looked into Kaysa's eyes, a large grin stretching across her face. "You know, I do really like that sound," she said. "I can't remember the last time I had this much fun!" She let out a squeal of joy and kissed Kaysa. "This is the best night ever." Her voice got more husky, and there was a hint of playfulness in her eyes. "And, it's only going to get better."

"It'll be strange at first," Kaysa said, "but you'll make me comfortable, won't you?" She smiled suggestively at her friend. "We can go empty our drinks, have another dance, then get out of here if you want." Kaysa pressed the length of her body to Kallia's and kissed her greedily, letting her know the sooner they left, the more content both would be.

"A perfect plan," Kallia whispered. She led the way back to their table and their drinks. Once they were both seated, she raised her glass. "To us, the future, and the hope that whatever awaits us out there will bring us prosperity, happiness and joy."

"And much pleasure," Kaysa added triumphantly, then tapped her glass to Kallia's. She sipped the fruit juice, sighed at the agreeable flavour, then set her glass down. Watching Kallia thoughtfully, Kaysa said, "You deserve happiness, Kal. I hope I can help you find it."

Kallia smiled and brought Kaysa's hand to her lips. "I know I'm very happy right now," she said. "Who wouldn't be happy with such a fulfilling and perfect friendship? I feel alive; I feel like I matter and that everything is going right. It's a great feeling, Kaysa. Thank you."

"Well, part of the credit goes to you," Kaysa told her. "You're doing the right thing by cutting loose from Keeve. You deserve better."

"I wonder what it's like between Keeve and Maeren behind closed doors," Kallia mused. "I wonder what they have besides wild sex."

Kaysa sighed. "I don't know...but I hope it's something more than sex. They're both still kids.... If they don't find something more in common than sexual appeal, they won't last long."

"It will be interesting to see what Keeve grows into as he matures. I just hope he does so before it's too late."

"And I hope he knows," Kaysa added, "that I'll be there for him no matter what, and no matter how much he hates me." Smiling regretfully, Kaysa whispered, "If only I'd done so many things differently.... If only I'd never met Cadwin."

"If you hadn't met him, who knows where we'd be right now," Kallia said. "I'm sure he knows, and hopefully he'll realize to stop biting the hand that's trying to feed him and comfort him."

Kaysa nodded slowly. "Hopefully Shiv can help him with that." She paused in deep thought to sip from her drink again, and after a long swallow, she smiled at Kal. "Another dance?"

"I was hoping you'd ask that," Kallia said with a smile. She stood and reached out to Kaysa and together they moved out to the dancefloor. There were others there now, and it was starting to feel more like a nightclub. It was a good feeling. Kallia pressed herself close, and nuzzled Kaysa's throat. "Should I keep them?" she asked. "The piercings? Keeve would hate me for certain."

"If you like them, you should," Kaysa replied. She cradled Kallia's exposed breast with her hand, and played with the silver hoop there. "But...I wouldn't mind if you did."

Kallia moaned happily. "Maybe I will," she said with a grin. "I like it when you do that. They've been terribly neglected lately, you know."

Kaysa grinned. "Me too."

"Well, after our dance, I think we can put an end to that neglect, and give each other the attention we deserve."

"After the dance..." Kaysa smiled up at Kal. "Shall we make it a short one then?"

"Not too short," Kallia said with a sexy smile. "This is foreplay, after all."

Kaysa chuckled as she slid her hand down between them and produced a moan from Kallia. "Foreplay..." she mused. "I like foreplay."

"I can tell," Kallia whispered as their dance continued. "I can tell..."

And as they lazily wound their way across the dancefloor, Kaysa and Kallia furtively shared intimate caresses and tender kisses meant to stimulate both before they even reached the hotel. But Kaysa was convinced simply being with Kallia, exchanging hopes and dreams with her, was far more titillating and satisfying than any amount of physical pleasuring. She imagined that was the sign of a fulfilling friendship.

***

"It's big," Kallia said to Kaysa. "Very big." She grinned. "Much bigger than I would have ever suspected in a hotel room. I think I'm going to like it here."

"Zale is going to wonder where all his creds went," Kaysa said while taking a tour of the room. "Though, I don't think I should tell him about this."

"Do you believe he would be upset?" Kallia asked as she stepped over to the refresher and laughed. "They weren't kidding when they said the tub was extra large. We both could lay down in there and not touch."

Kaysa peeked into the refresher, and smiled up at Kallia. "We can try that later on." She stepped back, then sighed as she made her way to the bed. "You see...a while back, Zale and I had some problems. He...he cheated on me and I almost pushed him away. I imagine if he found out about this, he might feel as if I were deliberately trying to hurt him."

"But you're not," Kallia said, returning from the refresher. "If you talk to him about it, I have no doubts you can easily convince him of the truth of the matter."

Kaysa shrugged as she sank down onto the bed. She couldn't help giggling. "Soft."

Kallia slipped onto the bed next to Kaysa and sighed happily. "Very soft," she said. "I think this was a very good choice on our part." She reached over and lazily trailed a finger along Kaysa's thigh. "All of it was a good choice on our part."

Kaysa grinned and covered Kallia's hand as it slid under her dress. "This isn't too planned, is it? I've found that the most satisfying part of encounters like this is the element of spontaneity they involve."

"It isn't planned," Kallia said. "It's all spontaneous. From our date, to our hotel room, to our touches and caresses, and even to the bath we'll possibly share later. I don't know where this is going or where it shall lead us. I'm just going with the current that is carrying us along."

Kaysa sighed and rested her head upon Kallia's shoulder. "You're as poetic as Merrick..." She chuckled, then, and dragged her lips over Kallia's neck. "Do you sing too?" she mused.

"Not really," Kallia said with a laugh. "I've never really....well, tried. But, I don't think my voice is suited to singing. Did you want me to sing for you?"

Kaysa moved her lips to Kallia's chest and her hands to Kallia's waist. "A little song," she murmured.

Kallia moaned as Kaysa's lips closed around the ring piercing her nipple. She allowed herself a cry of pleasure at the feelings Kaysa was reawakening.

Kaysa sighed as her hand slid across Kallia's abdomen, then she smiled lazily at her friend. "Oh, you sing beautifully, Kal.... Will you sing some more for me?" Kaysa leaned forward and kissed Kallia's belly through the fabric of her dress, moving her lips lower with each kiss. "Will you?" she whispered.

"Oh gods," Kallia whispered. "You keep doing that, and you're going to get an opera." She reached down and brushed her hands down through Kaysa's hair.

She slowly slid from the bed onto her knees and gazed up at Kallia as she parted her legs. Kaysa positioned herself between them, and smoothed her hands along Kallia's thighs while pushing up her dress. The silver piercing glistened from within the folds of flesh between her thighs, and Kaysa leaned forward to tease it with her tongue. She felt Kallia's body tremble.

"You're definitely trying to earn that song, aren't you?" Kallia asked, her voice breathless and thick with desire. "Oh, I definitely can't deny you that...never that." She yelped and cried out, loud and long. "Oh gods, you're good!"

Kaysa grinned. "I've had enough practice," she replied, then placed a hand upon Kallia's abdomen and gently pushed her back. "Now, relax...and we'll work on the music and spontaneity."

"Oh, with you doing that, I don't know if I can relax, but I-- oh! --can certainly make some music for you...oh gods!"

Kaysa's body shook with silent laughter, but her mouth continued pleasuring Kallia. She knew Shiv wouldn't mind that she was with Kallia, but would if she knew the reason why: Kaysa needed companionship. They were on a foreign planet, with both her husbands lightyears away, while Shiv ignored her to focus all her attentions on Keeve. In the meantime, Kaysa was left to dwell on her sorrow and anxieties. But Kallia would be her comfort, and she hers. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and proving a none too unpleasant one as well.

Kallia's cries echoed throughout the room, and quite possibly into the other rooms as well. The rest of the world didn't exist for them that night, especially not Keeve's jealousy or anger. As they lay together afterwards, cuddling and snuggling, Kallia nuzzled her lips close to Kaysa's ear and smiled. "Thank you," she whispered. "That was beautiful and fulfilling in ways I didn't know it could be...at least...at least, not since Yelara. Thank you, Kaysa."

Kaysa sighed, lazily stroking the curve of Kallia's hip. "It was my pleasure," she replied. "It felt so...comfortable. I'm glad we did this too."

"It was fulfilling," Kallia said with a smile. "It's nice to be with someone who's not just interested in their self, who actively tries to please the person they're with before their own self."

Kaysa gazed up at Kallia with a languid smile, and asked, "And I did please you, didn't I?"

"Oh, you pleased me enough to last me a week," Kallia said with a laugh. "Though, don't think that means we should wait a week to do this again...if you're interested in...again."

Kaysa sighed softly as she propped herself up on one elbow and regarded Kallia. Pushing long black hair away from Kallia's shoulder, Kaysa said quietly, "I wouldn't mind.... I just don't want you to get too attached, Kal, or thinking that this can be a permanent arrangement. You're my friend and I care for you...but I don't know if there's room for another lover in my life."

"I understand," Kallia said. "It's just nice to have someone to feel good with, to feel like I matter and there's hope, and...and to remember what an orgasm feels like."

Kaysa snickered and leaned forward to place a kiss upon Kallia's forehead, which was still slightly damp with perspiration. She lightly licked the salty taste from her lips and sighed happily. It was a delightfully familiar flavour, one she missed experiencing with Shiv. "Well," she said softly, "I hope I can help you remember that feeling again some time soon." Brushing her hand across Kallia's chest, she added, "Maybe even again tonight."

"Oh, I like the sound of tonight," Kallia whispered happily. "Maybe a couple times tonight? And tomorrow? Until we have to go back to our other lives?" She reached over and trailed her hand over Kaysa's thigh. "I know I can't be your lover, but I can be your friend and I can give you comfort when you need it."

Kaysa smiled and covered Kal's hand with her own. "I'd like that," she replied gently, then slid back down beside Kallia and curled up against her naked side. "I wonder what Keeve would do if he found out," Kaysa mused after a time.

"Oh, I do think we'll eventually find out, and I don't think it will be pretty. I am very curious though, and it might teach him a valuable lesson, a lesson he really does need to learn."

"That he can't always get what he wants?" Kaysa asked.

"That and that he can't control everyone around him," Kallia answered. "They're valuable lessons he needs to learn before they get him hurt."

Kaysa smiled curiously at Kal, then laughed softly and wrapped her arms around her waist to hold Kallia closer. "You're wise and insightful. I could use your advice a lot, Kal. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, I think I like the sound of that very much," Kallia said. "From now on, I shall be your advisor in all things that require advice." She smiled and kissed Kaysa lazily. "I hope that is acceptable to you."

Kaysa grinned and sensually smoothed her leg against the length of Kallia's. "Quite acceptable...." She chuckled and tangled her fingers in Kallia's hair, then brought her lips to her friend's. Breathless from the kiss, Kaysa whispered, "Again?"

"Oh definitely again," Kallia rasped. "And, maybe we can be loud enough that even Keeve will hear us."

Kaysa giggled and buried her face between Kallia's breasts as her hands stole their way beneath the sheets. Kallia's whimpering sigh was acknowledgement enough that she was ready and willing for another round. Kaysa obliged, to teach Keeve a valuable lesson, and to make a lonesome time in her life feel not so lonely in the end; that it would also offer hours of sexual gratification didn't hurt either.

---

"Choice of Destiny"
By Kyra Ronso
Kitana Gellar [NPC+]
Donal Grath [NPC]
Rolara [NPC]

Location: Estri-Casren Tower, Tae'Karada
Date: Selene 3, 4 ABY

***

The Hoersch-Kessel Delaya-Class Courier Angel I, approached the Estri-Casren Tower has the ship received immediate authorization to land her ship on the left tower. As the ramp touched the ground Kitana and one guard walked out of the ship as the welcome committeee. The guard was dress entirely with black clothes but she had a helmet on and she never looked up.

"I'm Princess Kitana Gellar, representative of Gallor, this is my Personal Security Guard. I wish that she has full cooperation to examine this surrounding area where the meeting place and people that got in and out of the last 24 hours. It's for security reasons," Kitana said to the welcome committee.

"Believe me, Princess," Rolara replied, "we've already got that covered. But for the sake of good relations between our peoples, you may carry out your own examination."

The soldier raised a little her head and looked to Rolara, but before the soldier could do or say anything Kitana butted in.

"I thank you." She gave a look to the soldier and she walked towards the entrance, accompanied by another New Republic trooper.

Kitana looked to her soldier as she entered the building. "Rolara, Mr. Grath shall we go?" Kitana said, but she had an apprehensive look, towards the entrance. She tried to show that she was calm, but that was almost impossible since she knew there was a possibility that she would never get out of that building alive, but she hoped that Kyra would be successful.

Grath gestured toward the entrance and nodded. "By all means," he said, indicating she should go first.

Kitana looked once more to the entrance. Just enter and everything will be fine, Kitana thought.

Kitana walked through the entrance as a small shiver ran down her spine, like it was the last time she was going to see the light of day.

***Meanwhile inside Estri-Casren Tower Main Hall***

The soldier looked towards the New Republic trooper as he approached one man standing, talking to another trooper. The trooper accompanying the Gallorian soldier said something in the man's ear. He looked to the Gallorian soldier and approached the Gallorian soldier.

"So you are in charge of security for the Princess?" He glanced to the two troopers as they walked away. "So what do you want to know, miss...?"

"Just call me Kyra. There has been a person stalking the Princess. She wants to be sure that he is not here. Also Princess Kitana wants this be done quickly and quiet; we don't want to alarm the people and the stalker," Kyra said in low tones. "Now, I want the list of people that entered in the last 24 hours."

"Even if that would help you the list is quite long. The preparations to this meeting took a lot of people. The list is quite long!" the man said.

Kyra looked to the man; she knew that was not the way to go. "Ok the man is probably someone that was not scheduled, someone that was replacing someone or last minute repairs, anything like that."

"The central security computer has the logs of the IDs and what the people were going to do in here and where. If there were unscheduled deliveries or repairs, the computer will have the information," the man said, looking to Kyra.

"So what are we waiting for?" Kyra said as the man showed her the way to the security computer.

***Minutes later inside the Room of the Meeting***

Kitana entered the room accompanied by Rolara and Mr. Grath. They saw that the room was still not ready for the meeting. Kitana looked to Rolara. "Rolara, if you don't mind asking, I always wondered what did you do before being a high officer and meeting with boring people like me?" Kitana said.

"I was just a pilot," Rolara answered plainly. "Then I realized I would never be able to truly explore this galaxy with the Empire in control, so I joined the Rebellion."

"Yes, but I was asking when you were in the rebellion? What did you do?" Kitana asked.

Rolara laughed softly. "One never ceases to be part of the rebellion, Princess. Once you devote yourself to a cause, you never stop feeling passionate about it. I'll always be a rebel, no matter what. But to answer your question, I was a pilot." She grinned. "It's what I'm best at."

Kitana raised her eyebrows. Rolara was not being so polite since Kitana was trying to make a conversation. She knew that their hate for Garnet continued and Garnet's crimes were being transmitted to all Gallorians. "There was no point being so rude, Rolara, I was just making a conversation. If you do not want to tell me the truth, it's fine by me. You guys continued to say that is our foul for Garnet's crimes. May I say I want this alliance to be permanent as fast as I can." Kitana grinned as she turned away from Rolara. She was being insolent. Even Gallorians died to fight on their side. That made revolting inside her, but she cleared her mind. Kitana knew that she was hiding since Rolara was Kyra's superior while she was a spy inside the Empire ranks.

"Rude?" Rolara chuckled dryly. "I was answering your questions, Princess. And if you wish to maintain good relations with the New Republic, you will need to learn patience and tactfulness. Directly insulting a New Republic representative is simply not proper etiquette, Princess."

"I was only making little nice chat. But you New Republic see us as criminals that we are not. I want this alliance as fast as I can so transports with food and supplies arrive as fast as we can at Gallor or we will have a civil war in Gallor. Do you want that in your hands?" Kitana grinned as she saw that everything was prepared for the meeting.

Rolara stopped and faced the princess with a slow smile. "So that's what this is about. You don't want an alliance with us because you are interested in a mutual, peaceful relationship. You just want what we can give you. For all we care, Princess, your people can murder each other with their bare hands. We have more important matters to attend to than to baby-sit your people...Princess."

Kitana raised her eyebrows. She was somewhat angry. She tried not to show it, but the fact that she was angry, was not about the tone that they spoke to her, but it was their pride. That same pride that took the Galaxy into darkness, took the Galaxy to a fight for total control and freedom. "Did I say that we need someone to baby-sit us? Did I? You people like to twist our words. What I meant was that we want an alliance with you, because we want a mutual and peaceful relationship. Also we need help especially in supplies. The leaders of Gallor want this alliance with you, but that won't be possible if we have civil war in our hands. It is time that we can ally ourselves to help each other to get out of this darkness. You are trying to push us away, far away from you. We are part of this Galaxy like or not, it is time to ally ourselves against any future enemies and to make this Galaxy a peaceful place to live."

***Meanwhile On the Central Security Computer***

Kyra looked as the IDs of many people passed right in front of her. She looked to the computer and she then saw something strange. "Stop that man who you passed right now. I want to see him."

The computer showed Kyra the man. He was a normal person that looked like any electrician. "It says that we report there was electrical problems in sector twelve, and yet the computer says that everything is operational," the man responsible for the security said.

"Where is Sector Twelve? Where is exactly supposed to be that repair?" Kyra asked, as she looked to the man.

"Sector Twelve is where the meeting is taking place. According to the report we sent, is not the computer that he repairs right under the meeting room?" the man said, surprised.

"Show me where that is?" Kyra said as she followed the man.

***

Kitana sat down as she looked in a very cold way towards Rolara and Mr. Grath. She was not going to be treated like a criminal. "Shall we begin?" Kitana said in very cold way.

"If not," Rolara replied dully, "then we're wasting our time here. What's the first order of business?"

"I can assure you this will be a memorable meeting," Kitana said as she sat down. "As you know Gallor is in serious problems since we have a food shortage. We don't know why or how this happened, but the truth is that Gallorians are starving and this can cause several problems. We want supplies, especially food. Also I want to discuss if this alliance was only for convenience or you really wanted Gallor to be part of the New Republic."

"Gallor is too far removed from the Republic," Grath stated blandly. "We valued your assistance during the battle to put down the Empire. But in all honesty, I do not see membership on Gallor's part being beneficial for either of us...that is unless you're just looking for a free handout, in which case only Gallor would receive any benefit." Grath leaned forward and fixed a gaze on Gellar. "Gallor will not be offered membership in the Republic, and neither will Tae'Karada or any of the other worlds in this system. Perhaps there can be a friendly peace between the Republic and Gallor, as well as the other worlds of the Outer Rim. Perhaps you should discuss the matter of alliances and memberships with Liam Zaneth. Were you aware that he is organizing the worlds of the outer rim, or at least this region of the outer rim, into an alliance of sorts? Or, have you only been interested in your own wants and needs to care what's happening around you, in your own front yard, so to speak?"

Kitana looked surprised at how Mr. Grath spoke to her. "Very well. I will not insist in the matter of membership. Tae'Karada is probably in better situation then we are. We are willing to offer people and any ships whenever you want to help you set peace on this Galaxy. In the exchange we would like food and supplies for the first weeks to Gallor. Until I or any representatives of Gallor go and speak with Liam Zaneth."

A smile split Donal Grath's face. "Perhaps you should try to speak with Liam Zaneth as quickly as possible," he said. "There are logistical matters to consider here, Princess. We are in the outer rim at the moment, and the aid you seek would come from the core. How long do you suppose it would take for the Republic to gather the resources necessary for you to survive a few weeks, then have it transported all the way out here to the rim?" He raised an eyebrow. "I do hope that you can see the potential problems. What you are doing is traveling to a nearby city to ask for a cup of carbosyrup, when you may be able to get some from your next-door neighbor. Do you see my point?"

"Yes. I see your point. But there is only one problem. Liam Zaneth didn't seem to like Gallorians when we were helping you out to free Tae'Karada he didn't welcome us, he even said that he would open fire if we took out our forces from Arcadia. Yet it took the entire night only for his forces to rescue mine. Probably of course it was my General's fault. The thing is it would be better if we contacted him right now to solve this problem in Gallor for the good of this sector? Also you may appoint a representative of the New Republic in Gallor. We will offer as many ships and many soldiers that we can provide to help you ensure peace in this Galaxy. Shall we talk to Emperor Zaneth?" Kitana saw that Mr. Grath had a point and she never predicted that the meeting was almost over. She had to say, since she knew that if Kitana and the New Republic representatives contacted Liam Right now that would give time to Kyra to apprehend the bomber.

"Neither Emperor Regent Zaneth of Tae'Karada, nor this planet are members of the New Republic," Rolara noted. "Therefore, if you wish to have an audience with him, you should make the arrangements on your own. As far as Captain Grath and myself are concerned, we have nothing more to contribute to this meeting." She nodded to her companion. "Which means, our presence is no longer required."

"Fine!" Kitana said coldly towards Rolara. "Thank for your time, Mr. Grath."

***Meanwhile, the floor under the Meeting room***

Kyra looked to the man in charge of security. "This is the only entrance and exit there is?"

"Yes, it is if you are not planning on jumping through the window at this altitude," the man said.

"Very well. Stay here with your guards and make sure that no one gets out from here," Kyra said as she saw in the man's eyes that he agreed.

Kyra entered as the room was pitch black. She didn't see anything in front of her. She was able to touch the wall next to the door and turned the lights on. It had a huge table like it was another meeting room, but for executives. She stepped forward into the room as she saw that was too quiet for her.

As she touched the table, a man exited from his hiding place and tried to stab her. She quickly heard his movement long before he could have done it. She quickly grabbed her foe's right hand, holding the knife and threw him above the table.

"You have to do better than that..." Kyra said as she saw the man jumping towards her, but she jumped and kicked him on his legs. The man fell on the table, hitting with his face right on it. The man screamed in pain.

"Who hired you? Or who is your boss?" Kyra said very coldly.

The man had one of his hands on his face. He looked to Kyra as he showed his bloody nose and mouth. The man started to laugh at Kyra's face. "I will not betray my lord!" the man said very convincingly.

Kyra approached the man as she wanted some answers. She heard something entering the door. She looked to the door and it was the man in charge of security. Kyra turned to the man laying on the table has she dragged him to the edge of the table.

"Who is your boss? Where is the bomb?" Kyra asked as she put her hand on his throat.

"Stop that, you're killing him!" the man said.

"This do not concern you. This is between me and him..." Kyra said as she punched his face. As she stepped back the man quickly got up. He took out Kyra's blaster and pointed to her. The man standing on the door drew his as well and pointed to the bleeding man.

Kyra looked to her foe. "If you kill me, he will kill you!"

"That is where you are mistaken, Kyra Ronso. I know who you are!" The man standing on the door pointed the blaster towards Kyra. "I don't hate you or the New Republic or Gallor, but I love money that is all." The man approached her and stopped, standing next to her right as the bloody man stood on her left.

She looked to both men. "Since I'm going to die could you tell me where the bomb is to kill my curiosity?"

"I don't see no harm done. The bomb is under the table in the meeting place. It will explode in five minutes and take out the floors above and under with it."

Kyra looked and gave a fiery look. She extended her arms and punched both weapons at the same time. Both weapons flipped around as she grabbed both weapons and pointed to both her foes. She fired upon the man, in his chest and the bloody man on his shoulder.

The man stood there, surprised that he had been shot. As the bloody man charged against her she punched him in his face and grabbed him by his hand and threw him through the window. The security man in charge tried to support him on anything as he tripped and fell through the window.

Kyra frowned as she looked to the window. She realized that she had less then three minutes to disarm the bomb. She ran out of the room and made her way to the meeting room.

***In the Meeting Room***

Kitana got up as she heard some firing noise and some screams. "What was that? It sounded like that came from outside!"

Donal Grath looked in the direction of the noise and sighed. "You've been extremely jumpy since the beginning of this meeting, Princess Gellar. Is there something you wish to tell us?"

Kitana looked to Mr. Grath apprehensively. "I probably should tell you what I kn--"

Kyra entered through the door with worry. She simply stood there as Kitana and the New Republic representatives looked to her. Kyra, without saying anything, ran to one of the sides of the table and looked under it. A small device was there, attached to it upside down. "Sorry if I interrupted anything important," Kyra said as she slid under the table.

Kitana understood quickly that the bomb was inside the room. She looked under it as she saw Kyra taking off the cover of the bomb very carefully. She then looked to Mr. Grath and Rolara. "Someone is trying to kill me. I don't know why or how. I learned this yesterday, since I want to know who is eager to kill me." Kitana looked. "I'm sorry not to tell you this but we didn't know if the assassin was inside our or your ranks."

Donal Grath frowned and looked at Rolara. "We're leaving, Princess. Thank you for the meeting; good luck with Regent Zaneth. And, I do hope you are more honest with him, being a Jedi Knight and all. I am quite certain he will notice any deceptions and omissions you wish to make, and call you on them. I hope now you understand why we do not trust you, and why we lump you with the criminal, Garnet Seifer."

"Princess!" Kyra screamed under the table. "Don't forget to deliver the datapads!" Kyra said as she successfully disarmed the bomb with five seconds left.

"Ah yes. We came across some important datapads. The information broker that had them shortly died a few minutes later." Kitana took out two datapads and delivered them to Mr. Grath. "Hope this information should be more useful to you than us," Kitana said, as she walked away from the room. She stopped at the door, waiting for Kyra.

Kyra exited from behind, putting part of the bomb on the table. She smiled towards Rolara. She approached the two representatives and looked in a cold way. "You should be careful where you choose your meetings. The man in charge of security of this place was in with the bomber. Especially you, Rolara, since you were always to have your friends close and your enemies even closer." She gave a smile and joined Kitana at the door.

"We are the ones leaving, Mr. Grath. It has been a pleasure to do this nice and useful meeting and, Rolara, you shouldn't lose your grip like that. Someday you will meet someone that may take that tone as an insult," Kitana said very sharply and in a cold way. Kitana turn her back to the two representatives and walked away and Kyra followed her, leaving the two New Republic representatives in the room and that place.

"Very strange," Rolara commented, watching the two women depart. "I wonder if she even heard a word we said."

"Somehow, I doubt it," Grath answered. "They don't seem to see anything but their own problems, and whatever else is happening around them is so much ronto fodder."

"Well, they're Regent Zaneth's problem now." Rolara sighed. "Good luck to him."

"I almost feel sorry for him," Donal Grath said with a shrug. "Almost. They're his problem out here, and he has to deal with them, just as we have to deal with our problems in the New Republic. And, speaking of problems, did you wish to grab something to eat before we return to our ship?"

Rolara shrugged and started off with Grath, convinced now, more than ever that the New Republic needed to choose their allies wisely.

"I can't believe," Grath was saying as they moved toward the turbolift, "she knew there was a bomb, and said nothing. And, she wanted membership? And, only for food and assistance by the sound of it. I'm quite certain, that our report will be quite interesting." The doors closed and Rolara and Grath went home, happy to turn the matters of Tae'Karada and the outer rim to the new government of Tae'Karada.

---

"New Digs"
By: Kel Deneb - Bounty Hunter (and other things)

Location: Arcadia
Date: Selene 3, 4 ABY

***

Kel picked through his sparse belongings that he had shipped to this new place. Luckily, he had managed to find some living space in the capital of this planet, something Kel had not counted on happening. Being here would make his life easier, being in a fairly central point for the planet. Bounties would be that much easier to come by, and involve slightly less travelling to bag the prey. The only bad thing was having to unpack things, even though there was not a whole lot to begin with.

Kel opted to unpack later, and instead put on some sunglasses, and walked outside, his blaster holstered at his side as well. The bright sun indicated it was sometime in the early afternoon, which was perfect for him to check out the various places. Kel knew that the Empire, or someone, he would have to check out exactly, had been over thrown recently. He still had some minor ties to the Empire, having been an ex-Commander himself. Hired, at least, but they paid well, especially for his bounty services. Here, though, he'd have to take whatever came his way, which would allow him to be well off overall. Kel would also have to look up when time permitted if the Empire still had good bounties on heads of high ranking Rebels, in case he caught wind of one being on the planet.

Walking up to one of the taxi areas, he hopped onto one. "Where to?" the droid asked.

"The Business District," Kel said, sitting back in one of the seats.

"Any place specific?"

"The closest one to where we are," he said to the droid, smirking slightly. He did not really have a plan overall for the afternoon, other than to get to know what was probably the busiest place he could think of on planet. Kel watched as the taxi skimmed along in the air, catching in as much of the various sights as he could. Overall, it appeared the planet was fairly prosperous, which could mean large money for him. He smiled to himself at the prospect. Usually, at least with Kel, money did not always come in at a regular rate with the profession he had chosen. It was something he enjoyed at least, and something that had taken him away from his parents. He kept decently regular contact with his sister Jordan, if he was not gone on a job. From the last he heard, she was doing well, and was soon graduating. Hearing that had pleased Kel to no end, as he always knew she would become something. For all he knew, however, she could have graduated in the month or so that they have been out of contact. When he returned in the evening, he would send her a message.

A little while later, the taxi stopped, and Kel paid, then started walking around. The buildings and shops were unlike things he had seen before, most likely due to the fact he had not encountered the people of this culture in the past. He continued walking around, taking in all the shops, the places to live, and the various activities that people would partake in. With time, he would learn which bars and restaurants were frequented by which type of customers as well. Kel made his way to the understory of the city, which was a place he knew well, as it was like many others that he had been in and worked in. The dregs of the city was where all the action occurred usually for him, and it was a place he was more comfortable being, instead of up where the money was.

Kel walked into one of the bars, and sat down at a table, ordering a drink. He would spend some time here, and start to get to know it.

---

"Sight-Seeing, Part 1"
By: Xara Q - Free-lance Pilot

Location: Thanatos, Arcadia, New Plouton
Date: Selene 3, 4 ABY

***

Xara Q stretched her shoulders languidly as she stepped away from the grimy hotel building, ignoring the preemptory offers made by the men that always seemed to be hanging around the entrance to her temporary homestead. Shaking out her greenish-white hair, she headed for the street corner and leaned against the wall to wait for the next transport.

Several more passers-by made several comments and propositions, including money offers. Xara Q assured them coldly that she wasn't into that kind of business, and after a glance at the light blaster that hung easily at her side, the would-be customers continued on. Xara Q smirked bitterly to herself; Thanatos reminded her forcibly of Nar Shaddaa. It would seem that in all of the cycles she'd been working, she'd hardly moved up in the world at all. Piloting had seemed like a good way to get a quick credit, but then....

Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the transport. Hopping on board, Xara Q found herself a seat and settled in. She didn't pay any attention to where the transport was headed; that was how most of her life went, anyways, drifting to wherever the cheapest transportation would take her. Today was just a day to explore this new place.

The journey to Arcadia took considerably less time than she had anticipated. Hopping off the transport, Xara Q found herself staring up at the palace, which jutted off into the clouds above her. Automatically, she took in the guards at the front gates and turned to walk quickly away. There wasn't really any chance of her drawing any attention, but then, there were some chances that just weren't taking. And her last run hadn't necessarily been "by the books."

Strolling down the street, Xara Q avoided passing the police barracks. More safe than sorry, she told herself as she wandered through the streets, taking in the sights. However, the political world didn't hold much appeal; she didn't really have a firm enough grasp on galactic politics to follow along. Not too surprising, considering....

Again, Xara Q cut her thoughts short. She'd gone without a drink for almost eight hours. Turning the next corner, she found the nearest bar without too much difficulty.

The Arcadian drinks were something new, again, but fortunately, they had a lot more potency than the watered-down swill in Thanatos. Peering around the room, Xara Q took in the muttering crowds, probably all runners and underlings in the local government, although there were a few skulking around that seemed as out-of-place as she felt.

The nearest transport whisked her to New Plouton with only about an hour of daylight to spare. Yellvin looked a little too expensive for her tastes, so she waited for the next stop. As soon as she stepped into the Yallder district, the familiar scent of dried-out booze and sweat greeted her nostrils. The crashing of glass from somewhere behind her caught her attention, and Xara Q turned to find herself standing in front of another bar. Two humanoid men were tumbling out of the front, apparently too caught-up in attempting to strangle one another to take much notice of the figure standing over them.

Shrugging to herself in a resigned sort of way, Xara Q made a mental tally of her remaining funds and stepped around the brawling couple into the bar. Huddling down at the main bar, she waved down the tender. "Strongest of whatever you have," she muttered in a gruff voice.

Drink in-hand, Xara Q turned, only half-heartedly surveying the room. This was undoubtedly the rougher side of town, and she subconsciously laid a hand on her blaster, even as she lifted the glass to her lips to down half of the drink in one gulp. Her mind, however, was far away from the bar.

Xara Q hadn't set out on her haphazard piloting career in the hopes of really finding anything except a few steady jobs and the chance to travel the rest of the galaxy. Then again, that in itself had been something to search for when she'd started. Maybe if she saw enough of it, she'd wind up in the right place. Of course, what the "right place" was, she didn't know, but it had to exist.

Still, looking back on it, Xara Q was amazed to discover that she had some regrets. She regretted that she hadn't made enough money to afford anything but the cheapest and lowest hotels, regretted that she spent her life crawling from slum to slum, regretted that she still couldn't....

Fourteen days was really all anyone needed to spend in a place, wasn't it? Stepping away from another fight that had broken out only a few feet away from her, Xara Q splurged on another strong drink.

It would take several long hours and many stiff drinks for Xara Q to finish contemplating her fate. But then, she was going nowhere in a hurry, anyways. And no one was expecting her back.

---

"Window Shopping"
By: Raia Osyn and Kel Deneb

Location: Rellia's Blaster Emporium, Level 498, Drogen Shipyards
Date: Selene 3, 4 ABY

***

The Shipyards were in an uproar over the Empire's defeat, and such was the news that even the dregs on the station were celebrating in earnest. Raia succumbed to the occasional bear hug, but for the most part, she remained unmoved by all the revelry.

Who won or lost made no difference to a free trader. There would still be pirates; there would still be customs officials and others to bribe or buy off; there would still be drugs and illegal cargo to smuggle, and a host of other situations. About the only good thing that would come out of something like this would be a brief cessation in border patrols and customs interdictors while the New Republic sorted things out.

But after that, it would be the same as it ever was.

Raia's meandering took her near a shop, one Rellia's Blaster Emporium located on the lower level. The scuttlebutt had it was that if you had the right currency, the proprietor could lay hands on nearly any weapon, legal or otherwise. No doubt there were the usual payoffs and kickbacks to station officials to keep them from shutting his business down.

She stopped to browse, being careful not to disrupt the energy field protecting the store's exterior; should she so much as brush against it, the field would generate a nasty, potentially lethal shock. In the plasteel window, she saw an astonishing array of energy and projectile weapons. One pistol had caught her eye: a BlasTech DH-17. Judging from the wear and tear on the handgrip and barrel, it was an older weapon. It had fairly good stopping power, and was accurate even at longer distances. If the focusing crystal remained intact, it would more than prove itself over time.

She looked at her own pistol, an older Imperial Munitions model KK-5. It was too heavy a weapon to draw with if she needed to get it out quickly, and it didn't have near the range. It had served her pretty well, but then again, she made it a point to avoid shootouts, not seek them out.

Maybe Rellia could discount me the price of a DH-17 in trade, she mused.

So intent was Raia on looking at the weapons that she failed to notice the approach of another.

Kel had noticed someone standing near a shop, which was closed. Approaching silently, wanting to get a full bead on the person, he came up behind her, obviously without the woman knowing he had approached. She appeared intent on the blasters, even though she had one. Interesting, he thought to himself. The one she had was a good model, which made it all the more odd that she would be looking at them.

"So, anything worth viewing in the window of a closed shop?" he asked suddenly from behind.

Raia had jumped at the sound of the voice, and her hand instinctively went for the pistol at her side. Only the impossibly smooth motion of the man's own pistol - pointed squarely at her chest - stopped her from reaching her objective.

Quickly she looked for an avenue of escape - and saw that there wasn't one. This man would stand out in any crowd; he was tall and had a powerful build that was ill concealed from beneath his clothes. He had deep blue eyes, and brownish blonde hair with a neatly trimmed goatee. The man's face was impassive and unmoving, his eyes never blinking or wavering, as though it were chiseled in stone.

He had the look of somebody who'd killed someone before - and might kill again if her hand strayed any closer to her holster.

"You don't seem the sort of guy who would hang around the lower levels," she surmised. "And you don't appear to want to rob or rape me. At least," she added, "I don't think so.

"I'm going to move my hands very slowly - away from my weapon. Okay?"

"Okay," Kel said, and watched as the person did as she said. Nodding, he put his own blaster down. "In my line of profession, you learn that anything out of the ordinary is suspect," he added. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I'm sort of between jobs," Raia answered, "and since this" --she pointed at her blaster-- "is a little too heavy for me, I was hoping to maybe get a lighter weapon with more or less the same firepower."

She looked around and listened to the sounds of the raucous celebration goings-on. "Well - that and the fact that the Empire's loss doesn't really change anything for somebody like me. It's just a different set of rules to live under."

She looked the man up and down. "Say now - you seem to be pretty handy with a weapon. Maybe you could make some recommendations, so I can make an informed decision when Rellia comes back from the parties."

Kel looked at her, trying to use his instincts to determine if she really was just what or who she said she was. He did not trust people readily, which was required in his line of work. He had been trying to ignore the fact that this planet had overthrown the Empire. They had been a steady employer, before the New Republic had come around.

"I might be able to," Kel finally said. "I usually do not give advice for free, however," he added with a seriousness that belied his personality. "First, I need to know your name."

"Gods, I'm sorry. You just don't have time to really exchange names with a blaster pointed at your chest."

There was no question that she was a bit nervous. Beads of perspiration had formed on her forehead, and one particularly mad bead of sweat had begun to trickle its way maddeningly down her back. She wanted very much to reach back and scratch it, but dared not succumb to any urge that might trigger a violent reaction from the man. Raia suddenly had no idea what to do with her arms and hands, and kept folding and unfolding them in a comical windmill type fashion, doing anything with them that would keep her hands away from her weapon.

"I'm Raia," she said self-consciously. "Raia Osyn. If it's on a ship, I can fly it, shoot it, or fix it. And you are what, a gunfighter or a contract killer?"

"Anything and everything," Kel said to her, holstering her own blaster after a few moments.

"Bounty hunter by trade for the right price," he added, smirking slightly. "You act like I was after you or something. If that were the case, you'd already be caught," Kel added, noticing that Raia visibly relaxed slightly. "I'm Kel, Kel Deneb."

"A pleasure to meet you," Raia said, laughing nervously. "No I'm not wanted for anything." She frowned. "Not that I'm aware of at any rate. And you never said whether or not you'd give me some advice or whether I'd have to pay for it."

"Get the newer model of the blaster you have," he said to her after a moment of thinking. Advice like that was free for anyone from Kel, as he did not care who had what weapon. "It is lighter, and slightly more accurate. Oh, and if you need anything, look me up. I live in the capital of the planet below," Kel added with a slight smile to her. After a wink, Kel headed off to see what other things he could find on this station, since he was up here.

Raia looked at her wrist chronometer. "Geez - would you look at the time? Well, I've gotta go and jump jets. Thanks for the advice - if I get back this way again, I'll look into it." She left - in another direction - and headed off to the relative safe haven of her cabin.

---