"Pressing Engagement, Part 1"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Moril Astren

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

***

Quickly planting kisses upon both Shiv and Merrick's cheeks, Kaysa rushed out of the apartment and into the lift to make her descent towards the waiting hovercab outside. She wished she could have spent an entire week staying inside the apartment and reuniting with Shiv, but the matters she had to attend to were too important to postpone.

As she stepped out onto the street already filling with rainwater, she realized this was the most dangerous, yet conniving thing she'd ever have to do. The old Kaysa would have been able to pull it off with little effort and even less conflicting doubts and emotions; this was the new Kaysa, though, and this alternate version of herself had regained a conscience and her rational thinking. This situation, however, called for impulsiveness and daring, both of which were obstructed by the voices of her inner self, ones now free from the influence of the demons.

Kaysa stepped into the hovercab as the driver once again blared his horn. Her clothes had already been soaked through by the rain and as she sat down, the driver grimaced, most likely at the sight of his seat getting drenched by her sopping clothes. He impatiently awaited the destination he was to take her to, and it took a moment for Kaysa to decide between Zale's Thanatos headquarters, or his office in New Plouton. No matter how far she had to travel, she'd find who she was looking for. "Yesdol," she said quickly. "The Estri-Casren Tower."

The driver simply nodded and veered the hovercab out into the busy streets. She hoped Zale's men didn't mind her coming unannounced, because there was no way she was going to let them stand in her way, and even if she had to unleash the bitch upon them, she would get what she wanted.

***

"Estri-Casren Tower, Miss."

Kaysa opened the door and jumped out of the cab before it had completely come to a stop. The driver was about to shout an angry comment at her when she popped her head through the open door and hollered, "Wait here. If I'm not back in ten, take off." She reached into her purse and tossed him a cred chip, then shut the door and hurried into the building, leaving behind an annoyed, profaning driver.

As expected, the moment Kaysa stepped out of the elevator on the top floor of the tower, Zale's guards sprang into action and approached her. Kaysa didn't let them deter her and simply kept strolling down the corridor, smiling congenially. "Deez and...oh, I don't recognize you. Are you new?"

The guard had the temerity to look offended. "I was here the last time you were, Ms. Zenarr," he said. "Name's Aron. I was here when you brought that other woman in to see Mr. Tregat, her and that little slave man of hers." He laughed. "It's okay. I know how with all the guards around here, we can start to look the same." He grinned. "Are you here to see Moril, ma'am?"

Kaysa looked at him suspiciously and slowed her approach. "Hmm...and how would you know something like that, Aris?"

The guard frowned. "Aron, ma'am," he said. "And, with Mr. Tregat gone, Moril is the one in charge around here. When you and Mr. Tregat were taken away together the other day, I figured you coming back now would be to see the man in charge." He grinned at his own cleverness.

Kaysa smirked at Aron and stopped before him with her arms folded over her chest. "Well, while you're busy being cunning, Aron, I'll just wander around the corridors, poking my head into every room until I find Mr. Moril. Frankly, I'm on a tight schedule and I don't have time to watch you demonstrate your amazing powers of deduction to me. Now excuse me..." She smiled smugly at him, then started moving past both the guards.

Aron laughed. "To save you time, Ms. Zenarr, I'd recommend starting with Mr. Tregat's office. Moril's been running things from there. Go on in, he's expecting you."

"What?" Kaysa spun around to face Aron. She had the feeling she'd stepped into a strange dimension where everyone had the uncanny ability to know precisely what she was thinking. She continued backing her way down the corridor, smiling warily at the guard. "Expecting me...great. You guys are very...very organized and... Zale made a good choice in hiring you...Aris."

"Since the incident," Aron said with a grin, "security's been very tight around here. You were spotted coming into the building and we were alerted here. And, thank you, ma'am. I always like to think that I'm a good addition here."

Deez snickered but said nothing.

"It's good to see you again, Ms. Zenarr."

"Really?" Kaysa eyed Aron skeptically, then laughed softly and shook her head. "Does Zale pay you to kiss his associates' asses too?" Still laughing quietly to herself, Kaysa covered the rest of the distance to the doors of Zale's office and with a final look at Aron, she pushed her way through. Moril was seated in Zale's chair - well, the one she liked to think of as her own - and was already looking up at her by the time she entered. "Moril... Hi...I guess."

Moril managed a smile for Kaysa. "Hi is appropriate still," he said. "I think. Zale told me about what happened." He stood and moved around the desk to her. "How are you doing? Can I get you anything?"

"Oh, nothing, thanks." Kaysa turned to the door and closed it behind her. For a moment, she questioned whether Moril was really to be trusted, but with the short amount of time she had and the limited resources, she knew there was no other choice. "Moril," she said as she faced him again. "We have to get Zale out...now. He's not exactly the most liked person in that prison and I really don't like thinking about him in there anymore. You're the best man he's got, Moril. Will you help me?"

Kaysa sighed and before Moril could answer, she paced quickly over to Zale's desk and sat heavily into his chair. "I know you probably don't like me very much, Moril, and after everything I've done, I don't blame you. But you have to believe me when I say I really do wanna get Zale out of there just to get him out of there, and not for any selfish reasons of my own. Now, I've got most of my plan worked out, but I need you for the rest of it. I can't do this alone." Kaysa sighed deeply, and finally managed to look Moril straight in the eyes. "Will you help me? Please."

Moril tried to mask his smile behind a hand rubbing across the scars on his cheeks. Finally he nodded. "I'll do whatever I can to help you," he said. "Zale contacted me last night after you were released from the prison. He said that Roba tried to get at him again, but he turned away the attack. I agree that Zale needs to be released and as soon as possible." He moved to one of the chairs in front of Zale's desk and sat. "You said you have a plan?"

Kaysa's relief was overshadowed by a renewed concern for Zale. At least if she were in prison still, she could keep Roba occupied and Zale safe. But soon, she would make everything right again...or make things worse than they were before. She leaned forward towards Moril and said simply, "Vrax. He's the first step. Find him and Zale will be free. Can you find him?"

Moril smiled an enigmatic smile. "I think I can," he said. "I take it you want to talk to him? Are you up for a trip to the desert again so soon after leaving?"

"The desert? What for?"

Moril's smile broadened. "We picked Vrax up late yesterday afternoon," he said. "We raided another of those moon bases, and he was amongst the prisoners we took. Would you believe he's claiming to be a general? Anyway, we're holding him at the Thanatos facility since we have better prisoner detention areas there. And, it keeps him a little further out of the way. We've been questioning him off and on since we grabbed him, but he's still given us no information on Maeren."

Kaysa grimaced and slowly sat back in her chair, getting as far from Moril as she could. "About Maeren," she said slowly. "Well, Vrax can't tell you anything about her whereabouts because...well...she's kind of at home...in my bed right now." She laughed nervously and furtively slid Zale's chair back away from the desk in case Moril decided to pounce. "I...I made a deal with...Vrax's employer and..." Kaysa sighed and looked away. "I'm sorry I couldn't get Zale out then, but we will now." She gazed back at Moril with a sigh. "I'll tell you everything, Moril, I will. Just...let me talk to Vrax. We need him to confess to the murder - Rennor's murder. He's the only one who can get Zale out of this."

Moril grinned. "I can have an airspeeder ready for us in about fifteen minutes," he said. "Zale mentioned that you'd been given a deal to get out of there. I don't think he would have expected the deal would be Shiv." He stood and slowly approached Kaysa. "You did the right thing, getting out of there. Especially to save Shiv from her captor. I know that if it had been any other deal, you would have stayed in the prison with Zale; but since it was Shiv, you couldn't reject it and leave her in that torment. I would have done the same thing if I were in your place, and I have a feeling Zale would too. Though, I have a feeling he'd have a more difficult time leaving you behind."

Kaysa smiled at Moril and stood to face him with an inquisitive gaze. "So...you've noticed that I'm not just one of Zale's flings? You're either very perceptive, or Zale confides in you...or both." She laughed softly and finally came to the conclusion that she trusted him more than she trusted herself. It was in his smile and the fact that Zale trusted him enough to run Antorial Industries while he was in prison. "Moril?" Kaysa asked with a grin. "There's more to the story than I've just told you. On our way to Thanatos, how about I tell you everything?"

Moril nodded. "I'll have the speeder ready," he said. "While we wait, I've got some fresh kaffe going if you'd like." As he sent the request for the speeder, he glanced up at her. "And, I knew you were more than a fling from the beginning. The way you two looked at each other said there was something more than just flings. And, there was the whole situation where he kept wanting to see you." He smiled and moved to the kaffe machine.

Intrigued by Moril's observations, Kaysa followed him to the machine and prodded him for more information. "So...from the very beginning you could tell there was something more between us. Did he...did he say anything about me? I mean...what did he tell you about me?"

Moril laughed softly. "He swore me to an oath of secrecy," he said, and then glanced sideways at Kaysa. "He said there was a spark when he was with you, and that no other woman made him feel as alive as he did when he was around you. He also mentioned that no other woman frustrated him like you did." Moril laughed as he poured out two cups of the kaffe. "Very few women are able to frustrate Zale Tregat and still keep his interest. Not many women are able to keep his interest at all."

Kaysa grinned at all the praise she was receiving, and even in hearing Zale's criticism of her, she found herself flattered. "You and Zale talk about me, then? Moril...how long have you been working for him? I mean, Zale doesn't trust many people and he obviously trusts you, which means you've either saved his life numerous times, or you're sleeping with him too."

Moril handed one of the cups to Kaysa and took one for himself. "I've worked for him for about five years now, and in that time I've made myself valuable to him. He and I aren't sleeping together, but we have become friends in the time we've known each other. I help keep his businesses running smoothly, and coordinate between them. I guess I haven't saved his life in the conventional sense, but I have helped with business matters that would have meant certain death. I believe in Antorial Industries, and in Zale, and will remain loyal to him until I die, and he knows that."

"Well...I'm not so sure he trusts me entirely yet, especially not after everything. But, you don't exactly need to trust someone to feel for them." Kaysa cradled the warm mug of kaffe in her hands and watched the steam gently rising. It swirled gracefully, then dissipated in the air, giving Kaysa time to collect her thoughts. "Moril...if Zale trusts you, so do I. So, before we proceed, I need to tell you something. Not even Zale knows this, and I'm telling you now because it's something you need to know before we carry out the second phase of our plan...not that we've completed the first yet, but arrangements need to be made in advance for the second part."

Moril nodded slowly. "Did you want to have a seat again to talk about it," he asked, indicating Zale's chair. He suddenly had another question he wanted to ask, but he decided to hold off until later.

"No need to sit, even though this news may be a bit shocking..." Kaysa stepped closer to Moril so she wouldn't have to raise her voice, thereby eliminating any risk of being overheard. She leaned in towards him and kept her eyes focused on his as she said, "It's funny, you know... When Dargus Kandran died, they never did find his burned body. Everyone just assumed he was dead." Kaysa smiled at him conspiratorially and added, "It would be quite convenient for him, if he really weren't dead, don't you think? I mean, he can secretly rebuild without anyone suspecting anything because...well...he is dead, after all. No one would target his operations because they no longer exist and it'd be insane to focus your efforts on destroying an enemy who's at the bottom of the Tarkayze Sea" Kaysa laughed efficaciously and shrugged her shoulders. "But what am I saying... Dargus Kandran's dead...right?"

Moril raised an eyebrow. "Then he's not dead," he said. "Or else you wouldn't be mentioning him. What happened to you and Zale, and Shiv, Dargus Kandran--who's not as dead as we've been led to believe--is behind. I won't even bother to try to piece together how he could have survived. But, if he lives he constitutes a much bigger threat, especially now. So, he does live and you've see him?"

"Who do you think handed me my freedom and Shiv, Moril? Well...not without a little something in exchange." Kaysa stood back and sighed. "Now that I'm clear of the murder, I'm partial owner of the spaceport. I don't think you need to guess who the other owner is."

Moril nodded. His mind raced as he tried to search out the more malicious reasons for desired ownership of the spaceport, and they all sent a chill straight to his bones. "So Kandran owns part of the spaceport now. He wanted the spaceport, told you that he'd turn in evidence that proved your innocence. When you said no, he played Shiv. Deal, and he'd give you Shiv back too. He needs it for something, and it probably has to do with his return to power. Trying to figure that one out, I'm out of my league. We have to get Zale out and fast. With Zale out of the way, it'd be too easy for a man like Kandran to topple us."

"See, Moril," Kaysa said with a grin, "the spaceport is the focus of the next phase in my plan. I haven't exactly thought about the repercussions of what I'm going to do, but I know that I can't let Dargus have that much power. We need to balance the scales again, and I need Zale out of prison before we can do that."

"And, you think Vrax is the key to getting him out," Moril said. "Are you certain he's the one responsible for Rennor's murder? If he is, I'm certain we can get a confession out of him."

Kaysa expression became grave and she nodded her head slowly. "He's the one, Moril. I've no doubts about that. He was playing me from the very beginning." She laughed morosely and put down her cup of kaffe before she was tempted to hurl it against the wall. "I thought I had him wrapped around my finger, meanwhile he was manipulating me the entire time. He's the one who encouraged me to pursue Rennor when I wanted to scrap the entire plan. He used my weakness against me... He used Keeve..." Kaysa's entire face sank and she felt her blood turn cold. "Oh gods," she whispered. "That bastard... My son...he was never dying. He just used it as a way to refocus me so I could continue carrying out the scheme. And now...now he'll use my son against me again to save his ass." She looked up at Moril while trying to hide her fears and the sudden panic that struck her. "He'd hand over my son to Dargus... He'd do it, Moril. I...I need to protect him. How am I going to protect him from here?!"

"I can send a ship with a few people that I trust," Moril said. "They can watch him or bring him here for you. In either case, they'll keep him safe from anything Vrax could do. And, just so you know, I don't trust anyone that Zale wouldn't trust."

"And I trust you, Moril. But...bring my son here? What about my parents? They...they'd have to know that I'm taking him from them." Kaysa gasped quietly and leaned against the table behind her for support. "I haven't seen him for ten years...I've no right to take him from them... But I just...I would never stop worrying about him if he weren't here. My parents...I'd make them come too, but they'd never leave."

Kaysa closed her eyes and prepared herself for what she was about to do. "Bring him here, Moril," she whispered. "Bring my son to me, and make sure my parents have all the protection they need. Oh gods..." She turned around quickly and rested her hands firmly upon the table. She hung her head low and took in deep lungfuls of air to replace the sudden breathlessness that afflicted her. "We have to do this and do this now, Moril. I might lose my nerve if we wait any longer, and then we'll never be able to stop Dargus."

"I'll send a ship immediately with some of our best people," he said. "I'll just need some information so they can find him. If you'd like, we can also record a message for your parents. But we can do this quickly."

Kaysa looked back at Moril with a gentle smile and said softly, "Now I know why Zale keeps you around. You're a good man, Moril. You're good for Zale. I only hope I can be as well." She sighed deeply and straightened up. Moril was given all the details he needed to locate her family on Bespin, and as she spoke, she felt a renewed resolve, one she'd need to send a message to her parents telling them she was taking away the child they'd raised for ten years. She couldn't help feeling cold and heartless, but if anything, she was being responsible for the first time in her life, and doing what she needed to do to protect those she loved. "Tell your men to start moving. I'll record the message while they're preparing."

"Good," Moril said, and moved behind the desk to notify a team to be ready to head to Bespin. It wouldn't take long for them to get under way, and would be nearly six days travel. He truly hoped he could be there when Kaysa was reunited with her son. He looked up once confirmation was made that preparations were under way. "It's done," he said. "They'll be leaving within the hour."

"So I have an hour to gather the nerve to break the news to my parents." Kaysa smiled wanly at Moril and nudged her head towards the door. "Let's go do this. While we're on our way to Thanatos, I'll tell you why you're going to be seeing me around here a lot more than you do now." She laughed gently. "It's okay. You can groan and gripe as much as you want. I don't mind."

Moril laughed. "Well, as long as you'll be wearing something other than those equadi, I'll be able to concentrate enough to get my work done. And, I can delay the departure as long as you'd like, but it'd be best to get the team out of here soon so they can protect your son if anything should happen."

"Right. Let's head to the speeder and I can record the message there." Kaysa and Moril headed quickly out of Zale's office, and despite the gravity of the situation, she couldn't stop smirking at him. "So...I looked good in an equadi?" Kaysa emitted a short, throaty laugh and linked her arm with Moril's. "I didn't even know you were looking. I would have thought your eyes were on Shiv the entire time."

Moril found himself blushing under Kaysa's scrutinizing gaze. "Well, it's very difficult not to notice both of you together. And, you did look amazing in the equadi." He glanced at her and laughed. "So, how is Shiv?"

"Well...as lively as ever. She's getting used to the splendours of being with her two lovers again, except..." Kaysa sighed and looked down the corridor somberly. "She has nightmares. That bastard Kandran... He branded her like she was a nerf. He drugged her and...he just used her like an animal. I...I don't know how long it's going to take for me to help her through that, and no matter how happy she looks, I know it's just welling up inside of her and at any time, she could just explode. My girl... I should have done more to protect her... I should have..." She shook her head slowly and forced back the bitter sobs of regret. "We'll make him pay though. I'll teach him never to mess with me or her again."

It was difficult for Moril to listen to Kaysa's telling of how Shiv was treated without letting the emotions bleed through. How could anyone treat another person that poorly? Zale may have been a crimelord, but he didn't use people like herd animals or sex slaves. He could be ruthless, but at least people enjoyed basic rights when dealing with him. "We'll make him pay," he said in a tight voice. "He won't get away from something like that." After a moment, he took a breath and let it out. "Well, at least she has you and Merrick. That will probably help her through things more than anything else."

She glanced sideways at Moril and smiled. "You really like her, don't you? Well, I mean, how can anyone not like her? She's Shiv!" She laughed as they headed into the lift and Moril entered a series of numbers onto the access panel embedded into the wall. "I'll bring her by one day," Kaysa said absently, paying more attention to what Moril was doing than what she was actually saying. As the elevator began rocketing upwards, Kaysa looked around in confusion and asked, "Wait...where are we going? I thought this was the top floor."

"It is and it isn't," Moril said with a smile. "We have an airspeeder pad on the roof. It makes it easier to get to Thanatos if we go by air. And, the roof is closer than the garages below the building. That and personally I feel sorry for anyone trying to pilot any kind of ground vehicle in this city."

"Tell me about it. It took me almost an hour to get here through the traffic today." Kaysa couldn't help but smile at Moril, and through it, she conveyed astonishment at how truly honourable a man he was. He was a man of integrity, and she reminded herself to pester Zale about giving him a huge raise. Without hesitation, Kaysa leaned over and lightly kissed Moril upon the cheek. "Thanks...for everything you're doing and are about to do for me...and for Zale. And I'm sure when Shiv sees you, she'll want to give you a huge kiss too."

Moril felt his face redden again. "Thank you," he said. "I'm...I'm just doing what I can for people I care about. I just wish I could do more." He glanced at Kaysa and then laughed. "Just don't tell Shiv that I'm looking forward to that kiss."

"Don't worry...you can trust me, Moril. As much as I have done that hasn't been exactly respectable, I'd like to think I've changed enough to gain the trust of an honourable man like yourself." Kaysa smiled as the lift came to a stop. "I also like to think that Zale trusts me, but I'm not sure if he does. I hope to give him a reason to today."

Moril smiled as they reached the roof speeder hangar. As they started out toward the waiting speeder, he leaned close to Kaysa. "I think he trusts you," he said. "At times he thinks he's crazy, but he can't help himself."

"Yeah, well I think I'm responsible for driving him crazy most of the time, but I'm making an honest effort towards being a little less neurotic. It's necessary if the next part of my plan is to run smoothly in the long run." Kaysa smiled, catching the look of intrigue in Moril's half-smile. "Don't worry...you'll learn soon enough what I have in mind. First, I think we should get to Vrax. Getting Zale out is our first priority."

"First priority," Moril said as he opened the hatch for Kaysa to get in. "I just hope we can get what we need from Vrax. He's been somewhat defiant as we've questioned him. I was just about to order more...convincing measures taken to loosen his tongue. Though, I'd hate to have to use bacta on that beast, especially with the things he said about Shiv."

"He's not her biggest fan. In fact, I think he's about the only other person on this planet who hates her...well the only one now. Rennor's dead, after all." Kaysa moved into the speeder and Moril secured the hatch for her. He then moved around to the other side of the speeder to slip inside himself. Once he settled into place, Kaysa smiled at him allusively. "And don't worry. I have my ways of getting information from Vrax. He'll give us what we need...eventually."

Moril laughed. "I won't ask about your methods," he said. "As long as they work, that's good enough for me." He activated the controls and took the speeder out into the New Plouton sky. As he angled the speeder toward Thanatos, he glanced at her. "We'll get Zale back, and then we'll make Kandran pay."

Kaysa sighed. "Definitely. I only hope I don't end up starting a war in the process." She laughed dryly and glanced at Moril. "Zale will kill me if I do...and I wouldn't blame him if he dumped me too."

Moril laughed. "I wouldn't count on that," he said. "Sometimes wars can be good for business, especially in the current environment. Besides, he was already planning on going to war with the Empire. Taking it to another crimelord or the rest of the crimelords is really no different. I think whatever comes out of this, Zale will support. Though, he may want to have a private meeting with you to either thank or chastise you."

She grinned at Moril knowingly. "Both of which will have the same outcome, I'm sure." She stared pensively out the canopy of the speeder, deliberating mentally upon the next step in her scheme against Dargus. She needed Zale's cooperation, and as stubborn as he was, he'd demand to know what the underlying plan was, which was something she couldn't divulge to him until the deed had been fully undertaken. She could, however, tell Moril everything. "Do you think you could make some preparations for me, Moril? I want everything to be ready for when Zale's freed. This must be done as soon as possible before Dargus has a chance to firmly plant himself into New Plouton."

Moril nodded. "Anything you need, just name it. I have full authority to use any Antorial resources. Now, what do you need me to do?"

Kaysa leaned over towards Moril with a gleam of mischief in her eyes and a sly grin upon her face. She may have given up her ruthless ways, but she could not deny that she enjoyed a good, underhanded plot. Flying over the hot sands of Thanatos, Kaysa indulged Moril in the intricacies of her plan, hoping Zale would be as impressed by it as Moril appeared to be. Unfortunately, Zale wasn't so easily convinced, but despite how stubborn he was, Kaysa knew she was more so and would have his cooperation whether he gave it freely or not.

---

"Pressing Engagement, Part 2"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Moril Astren
Zale Tregat
Vrax Draydge [NPC]

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

***

Moril led the way from the speeder pad. "Vrax is this way," he said. "We've been keeping him in one of the subterranean cells. It keeps him out of trouble. We caught him trying to escape earlier in the day. He was trying to dismantle his bed. So, we removed everything from his cell before he could do serious damage."

"He's persistent, just how I taught him to be. But I'm worse and I won't let him rest until he tells us what we need to know." They stepped through the doors of the guarded lift and started their descent. The deeper into the structure they moved, the more pressure weighed upon her ears. She swallowed hard to relieve the pressure, until she decided it was more useful to acclimatize to the situation instead of fighting it. "I'll want to be alone with him, though," she said after a moment's silence. "I'll get more from him if it's just the two of us."

"I understand," Moril said. "I'll have guards waiting just in case. And, I'll be nearby. If you need our assistance, just let us know. We'll make sure you've got a comlink before you go in." He typed a code into the control interface to allow them access to the lower levels of the complex. "I'm sure he'll be happy to see you."

A dry laugh filled the lift, one louder than Kaysa had intended to emit. "He'll be ecstatic, especially when I fire him again. I think, however, I'll try a different approach in getting information from him." Kaysa looked down at the pants and conservative shirt she'd chosen and grimaced. "I guess I should have worn something shorter..."

Moril took a look at Kaysa's clothing and raised an eyebrow. "We might be able to find something around here if you'd like something a little more...enticing. We have a fairly large supply of clothing for our infiltration work. You'd be surprised at how skimpy a woman's attire needs to be to infiltrate most Tae'Karadan organizations. We can make a slight detour if you'd like."

"Infiltration work...sure." Kaysa laughed and shook her head. "I knew Zale was trying on my clothing when I wasn't home." She looked up at Moril and said, "I think I've got enough sexual magnetism to sway him...I hope."

Moril looked at Kaysa for a moment, raised an eyebrow and then grinned. "Yes you do," he said. "Vrax doesn't stand a chance."

The lift slowed to a stop and the door slid open. Moril led the way down the corridor, using his own credentials to get Kaysa through the checkpoints. It was obvious that even if Vrax could manage to escape from his cell, he wouldn't get far.

"Do you want to see him in a private room, or in his cell?"

"Private room...preferably one with a bed." If Moril hadn't known what she had in mind before, Kaysa figured he'd have some clue by now. "Show me to the room and send him in after. I'll be ready for him."

Moril nodded and then quickly gave instructions to one of the guards. Once the man nodded his understanding, Moril motioned for Kaysa to follow him and then led the way down the corridor toward a room. It was comfortably furnished, and included the bed as Kaysa requested. "We'll be nearby if you need us." He pulled a comlink from his belt and handed it to her. "If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to use that. We'll have stunners ready, just in case."

"Good idea." Kaysa weighed the comlink in her hand and smiled tightly at Moril. "Make sure you record everything. This is our only chance and I don't want anything to go wrong." Letting out a deep breath of air, Kaysa gave a nod to Moril then moved farther into the room. "Good luck, Moril," she said with a glance back in his direction.

Moril smiled. "I think you'll need more luck than me," he said. "We'll be close, Kaysa. And, we'll make sure we even get the sound of his sweat dripping down his forehead when you really lay it on him. I'll have him in here in another couple minutes." And, then he was gone.

Kaysa watched as the door slid closed and trapped her in with her thoughts and doubts. Vrax wouldn't fall for it, especially not after their last encounter, and especially not with the knowledge that Kaysa was repulsed by him. She looked towards the bed and feared she really would have to use it to accomplish her first task: freeing Zale.

With a roiling nausea rising inside her, Kaysa moved towards the bed and sat down upon it. The sound of it creaking beneath her weight made her shudder and brought up far too disturbing thoughts about what she might have to force herself to do. It would be no different from what Roba attempted to do to her, and even though she would be giving herself somewhat freely this time, she knew it would make her feel just as disgusting.

Sounds of footsteps approaching the door made Kaysa stiffen and set her heart racing. Vrax despised her now, thought her weak, and the fact that he wasn't stupid either made her task more difficult. He would see through her scheme, but that wouldn't stop him from living the dream he'd had since he first met her. The sad irony was that it was Kaysa's worst nightmare, and she herself was making it realized.

The door slid slowly open, and then after a long pause, Vrax stepped through. His eyes were dark pits as he looked around the room. Finally, his eyes settled on Kaysa. He stepped into the room and stopped briefly while the door banged closed behind him. Once he was alone in the room with Kaysa, his mouth twisted from a scowl into a vicious smile. "Hi there, Kaysa," he said. "I see you're looking well. It's amazing what a trip to a prison will do for your figure. Though, I must say that slavery did wonders for your girl's figure. And, let me tell you, she can scream. A beautiful sound. So, what'd you want to talk to me about?"

A moment of hesitation and uncertainty incapacitated Kaysa, then the fury within her that had been ignited by Vrax's taunts about Shiv brought her mind to focus on what she was to do. She'd played this part before, had lived it for almost ten years; she'd mastered the role of the manipulative, conniving bitch and Vrax would witness first hand how good she really was at it. She glanced at the sealed door behind them, then slowly shifted her gaze back to Vrax while a malignant smile curled her lips. "So...you made her scream like I asked you to after all." With a sigh, she rose from the bed and languorously approached him. "A shame... I really wanted to hear that bitch scream."

Vrax raised an eyebrow. "You've got a musician boyfriend, Kayse," he said. "I figure he would have taught you by now that you stick to one tune per song." Vrax looked at the bed, and then over to Kaysa. "Dargus has really been giving her the works, especially when he gives her to me and my boys. Did you know he branded her? Just like the nerf she is. Basically, he said, 'She's mine.' Oh and you can see it in her eyes too. She's completely his slave. She loves it, thrives on it. Doesn't even flinch when he tells her to spread her legs for visiting guests. I wonder who Dargus will have her doing tonight. Could be one of the Hutts. I hear they like young human girls."

Kaysa stopped and feigned a stunned look as she said, "Wait... Dargus didn't tell you? I don't know why he would keep something like that from you... I guess you really can't trust anyone nowadays. A pity."

With narrowed eyes, Vrax stepped closer. "Told me what? I know he and his new girlfriend took a trip to the planet, but he left me to keep things in order. It's just that Zale got it in his head to get Shiv back. Too bad Dargus took her with him. His people are turning the base upside down, but they're not going to find a single pretty blonde hair. Too bad."

"They won't find her because she's not there, Vrax." The mixture of rage and surprise in Vrax's eyes sent Kaysa laughing and once again, she approached him. "You should choose your employers a little more carefully, Vrax. Dargus went behind your back and handed that little slut over to me in exchange for a little piece of property." She stood before him with the same mischievous grin on her face and gave a low, resonant laugh. "You did all that work... You murdered Rennor, handed Shiv over to him, and what you get is betrayal? Vrax...I thought you were much smarter than that. I taught you everything I know, and you go and get yourself duped by Dargus Kandran? I imagine that's gotta sting a little."

Vrax was silent for a long moment, his eyes the only indication of the seething rage within. "I handed the bitch to him gift-wrapped," he spat. "How dare he use her as a deal! The little whore was for morale. Where the fuck else am I gonna find a bitch who'll take three guys at once? I'll kill him. I'll take that smug, arrogance... I don't care how much power and influence he has, I'll take Kandran and...skull fuck him!"

Kaysa pressed her finger to Vrax's lips and hushed him with soothing susurrations. "Listen to me, Vrax. We can do this. We can do this together. I don't like Kandran any more than you do, and now that he's got something I worked so hard for-- we worked so hard for, I need your help in getting it back." Her free hand went to Vrax's chest and she gently clutched the fabric of his shirt. With a smile, she pulled him along towards the bed and continued speaking to him in soft tones. "Now that Shiv is back, I'm right where I started. Merrick's with her right now fucking her brains out, and without me. Do you know how that makes me feel? Do you know what it's like to watch as the person you love is with another - someone who isn't you?" Kaysa sat down upon the bed, and gazed up at Vrax with an alluring smile. "Do you know what that's like, Vrax? Do you?"

With hard eyes, Vrax nodded. "Every time I watch one of my recordings of you," he said. "I know exactly what it feels like, Kaysa." He lowered himself to the bed next to her. "You know I've always loved you, Kayse. And, you always push me away. You won't even let me touch you. Hell yes, I know what it's like to watch someone you love fucking someone not you."

"But you know why I do it, don't you Vrax? You know why I push you away?" Kaysa shifted closer to him and forcing back the disgust she was feeling, she brushed her lips against his ear and whispered, "It's because we're so alike. I know how you think because it's precisely how I think. You scare me, Vrax, just like I scare myself. That's why I can't be with you...even if I wanted to."

Vrax smiled and then moved his lips next to her ear. "You forgot one thing," he whispered. "I disgust you. You find me thoroughly repulsive, and are probably ready to empty your stomach onto the bed right now just being this close to me." He looked up at her. "Have you ever loved someone so much you hated them, Kaysa? Do you know what that's like? I know you could never love me, Kaysa, but you feel less for me than half the guys I've watched you fuck."

Kaysa pulled back and glared at Vrax. "I don't have to feel anything for you to know that we make a good team...we always did! You're a worthy adversary and I can't afford to have you opposing me anymore." She placed her hands firmly upon his chest and let her face linger near his. "I need you, Vrax. I need you on my side again. I mean, look at all you've done without me, on your own. Rennor's murder, framing Zale and I... If you and I worked as a team again, think of what we could accomplish. We could be running New Plouton in a month. Together, Vrax, you and me... Together we could be unstoppable."

"Especially since all that money that was Rennor's will now be yours. Did you know he was drafting up a new copy of his Will? You wouldn't have seen a single credit if he'd made that thing official."

"So you saved me from that by killing him?" Kaysa laughed softly and trailed her fingers lightly upon his cheek and lips. "You did me a favour then, and I show my gratitude by firing you. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have you by my side, Vrax. I do now. You murdered Rennor and got him off my back. I owe you everything for that."

"Well, now you know," Vrax said. "Actually, I didn't kill him because he was going to cut you out of his Will. He was a prick and deserved it. That and he wouldn't give the money I wanted to keep quiet about his slut fiancée who was sleeping with half the city. I didn't go there with the intention to kill him, it just sort of happened. Fortunately, I do quick work."

"You just didn't plan for Zale and I getting arrested for it. The least you could have done was help me clear my name, Vrax. I mean...I thought you loved me. Was it because I wouldn't give you Shiv? Hmm?" Kaysa let her hand glide lightly along his chest and casually let it fall into his lap. "You do know why I kept her around, don't you? It was because I wanted to break her myself. I wanted to tear the little bitch's hair out with my bare hands. Now...I want you to help me do it. You murdered Rennor and got away with it. Now I want you to help me do the same with her." Despite the revulsion she felt, Kaysa began kneading Vrax's groin, and making him that much more pliable while she manipulated him for information. "Will you help me, Vrax? Your hands are already stained with blood... A bit more isn't going to taint your soul anymore than it already is. What do you say?"

Vrax moaned softly. "Keep that up and I'll do anything you ask," he said. "I'll help you do anything you want to the little slut. After you fired me, I didn't really feel all that generous so I let you fall. If it's any consolation, it hurt like hell to see you suffering. I was the one who talked Dargus into making the deal to get you out."

"I thank you for that. You've always been very persuasive and conniving, Vrax. I mean, you convinced me my little boy was dying so I wouldn't trash the Rennor idea, didn't you?" Kaysa hastened her hand's movements, even though the more she pleasured him, the more sickened she felt. "You fooled me, Vrax, then you went behind my back and planted recorders in my room. I know it was you; don't deny it. Tell me, Vrax, how many times have you been in my apartment? How many times have you sat by my bed, watching me sleep, wanting to slip under the covers with me and just hold me? You still want that, don't you? You still want me enough to do anything for me."

"Anything," Vrax rasped. "I wanted to, Kaysa. I never did though. I didn't want it like that. I couldn't like that. I'd do anything, Kaysa. Just name it."

"There's my quandary now, Vrax. I mean you've already given me everything...most of which I never wanted in the first place." His body tensed as her cryptic words roused his suspicions and made him wary now. He'd worked with her long enough to know her quickly shifting moods and that she spared no one a taste of her deviousness. Her hand slowed its movements, but the smile on her face never waned. "You're curious," she whispered. "I can tell. But curious you shall be, no more."

A derisive laugh pierced through the thick tension in the air and before she could bring Vrax to the climax he'd yearned for for so long, she slipped her hand away and rose from the bed. "You fool...have I taught you nothing? You called me weak...but your love for me is a weakness just the same. You committed the perfect crime, yet for one touch from me, you give yourself away. That's another reason I could never love you," she said as she leaned towards him, "you're a fool."

Vrax' face transformed from the look of pure confusion to one of unspeakable rage. His hands moved quickly as he grabbed Kaysa around the waist. Before she could raise much of a fuss, he slammed his forehead into hers, dazing her. Before she could regain her bearings, he quickly threw her down on the bed and started tearing at her clothes. "I always hoped you'd give me what I wanted, but now it looks like I'm going to have to take it."

Her mind was still reeling from the pain coursing through it, but the touch of the cold air upon her exposed flesh pushed away any confusion. She focused at first on the crazed, frenzied look in Vrax's eyes, then sluggishly her gaze shifted to his hands desperately trying to remove her clothing. She murmured a protest and struggled vainly to push him off, but Vrax's mind was set on the deed and now his obsession would come to its culmination. Kaysa stopped struggling and lay upon the bed limply, gazing up at Vrax with a grin. "It's over, Vrax," she said coolly. "You're not getting out of this place, no matter what you do. Zale is getting out of Throntas, you'll be charged with murder, and that little blonde bitch will still be sleeping in my bed. So I hope you enjoy this screw, Vrax, because it's done...you're done for."

Once he'd managed to get enough of Kaysa's clothing off, he'd started on his own. In his blind lust, he didn't hear the door banging open behind him. As he prepared to thrust himself inside her, he was vaguely aware of the hands on his shoulders. He cried out in anguish as he was pulled off Kaysa. His limbs flailed against the arms holding him back, holding him down. His cries rose and fell in a wail as he struggled to get free, to finish what he'd started.

Kaysa lay upon the bed, listening to Vrax's cries but unable to look at him. She'd known disappointment too in wanting something so badly, yet having it torn from her hands. She too had hungered as he did for her now, and that had driven him mad, madness all too familiar to her. The demons no doubt spoke to Vrax too and had driven him to lengths no sane person would have gone to. A part of her pitied him for that reason, for the demons were persistent and even more persuasive. He was no longer in control of his mind and his faculties, and now would forever be drowned in darkness and hate, and Kaysa herself would be at the centre of it.

As the primal grunts and cries died away, Kaysa finally sat up in the bed. A warm stream of liquid rolled down her cheek from her brow. It dribbled onto her torn clothing and left a dark, crimson blot. She passed her hand over her brow and winced at the pain that erupted. "Great," she muttered as she stared at the smear of blood upon her hand.

As the guards took care of the still-struggling Vrax, Moril entered the room and approached Kaysa. He pulled a small kerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. "We have a physician here who can take a look at that," he said. "And, we got everything we needed from Vrax. I think we can go to the Empire and get Zale out based on his confession."

Kaysa took the white piece of cloth and gently placed it over her wound. "I'll be fine. Let's just go get Zale and finish this." She glanced down at her torn clothing, and then back up to Moril with a grin. "Do you think I could borrow your jacket?"

Moril smiled, and pulled off his jacket and handed it to her. "If you'd like we can stop for a change of clothing," he said. "We have a few...conservative options available as well. If you want to change, I can contact the Throntas warden with the new preliminary evidence to clear Zale."

"Sounds like you really want to get me out of my clothes, Moril." Kaysa laughed wryly and rose from the bed. She staggered for a moment but placed her hand upon Moril's arm to steady herself. After taking a moment to regain her balance, she began slipping on his offered jacket. "I guess I could use a change of clothing and a moment to collect myself. Don't want Zale worrying over nothing."

Moril slipped an arm around Kaysa's waist for support. On their way out of the room, he paused briefly to give more instructions to the guards. Once they had their orders, he led the way back to the lift and took them up to a wing of offices several floors above. He led Kaysa into a room with racks of clothing. "There should be plenty of things in your size here. I'll go make that comm. Now, you go ahead and get out of your clothes for me." He gave her a grin, and then moved over to the desk.

Kaysa laughed softly and with as much lack of inhibition as she'd always shown, she slipped out of Moril's jacket and began disrobing. She looked back at Moril and noticed his eyes flutter from time to time up in her direction. Even as she pulled the outfit she'd chosen off the rack, she continued to gaze at him. Once he'd completed his comm, she moved towards him while still doing up the buttons of her vest. "Moril...do you have anyone? I mean...family...anyone?"

"The closest I have to family is Zale," he said. "My parents died about ten years ago, and I was an only child. I've had the occasional fling, but I don't have a steady someone in my life. For the most part, work here keeps me busy."

"But...are you content?" Kaysa stopped before the desk and folded her arms over her chest. "I mean, a person can be surrounded by hundreds of people and feel lonely. Just because a person is alone doesn't mean they can't be happy."

Moril thought about it for a moment and then gave a wry smile. "I think I'm some where in the middle," he said.

"Aren't we all." Kaysa's mind began conjuring up plans and schemes that would eliminate that tinge of sadness in Moril's voice. She moved to his side and slipped her arm through his. "You know, I think I can help you with that," she said with a smile. "So...do you like brunettes or blondes?"

Moril laughed. "You know, Zale told me about you and Shiv's little scheme to find him the perfect woman," he said. "Will both of you wear equadi for me too?" With another laugh, he shook his head. "I guess I really have no definite preference, I think I like both blondes and brunettes, but right now I think I'm leaning toward blondes."

"Ah...and I think I know why that is." Kaysa laughed and headed with Moril towards the doorway. "And for you, Moril, equadi it is. But I doubt Shiv and I will be needing them because we won't fail! We'll find you someone...someone Zale approves of, obviously. He is a bit picky, though. No wonder he's not married..."

Moril glanced at Kaysa and grinned. "The truth on that one is that he hasn't found anyone until now who he thought he'd want to see tomorrow, let alone a year from now. And, I'm sure if you find someone you approve of, Zale will also. Unless it's that one woman you and Shiv found for him. Just mention her name, and you can watch Zale shudder. It's actually quite funny."

As they approached the waiting speeder, Vrax had already been placed in the other next to it.

Kaysa could feel his rage beginning to burn a hole through the transparisteel and looked away. Wherever they were taking him, she hoped it was some place with high security, for if he was ever free again, Kaysa wasn't certain how long she and anyone near her would remain safe.

Distractedly, she tried to continue with the conversation she'd been having with Moril, but her anxieties were bleeding through even her smile. "Arrista! I'll...I'll have to remind Zale about that once he's out. I'm sure that would raise his spirits...or put him into an even worse mood." She looked again to the speeder Vrax was being held in, then asked Moril, "Where will he go? I mean...he'll be far away, won't he?"

"Throntas most likely," Moril said. "It would be fitting if he was put into the same cell we're freeing Zale from. It'd be poetic, for certain." He smiled. "Let's get in and get this over with. I think Zale needs to get out. Last night he was complaining about Roba pulling his hair again."

"Not the hair again!" Kaysa feigned an expression of disgust as she slipped into the speeder. "Well...I'll make it all better...after the next matter on the agenda is taken care of. You did get ahold of an officiator, right?"

"I got ahold of him," Moril said as he activated the speeder's repulsors. "They'll have someone waiting for us there. I figure we'll have Zale free within the hour. Two at the most if they want to make us jump through some hoops. I don't think we'll keep him waiting for long."

"That bastard Satar will no doubt give us a hard time. He's had it in for Zale and I since we arrived at that prison." Kaysa ran her finger over her brow, lightly over the cut inflicted during Vrax's enthusiastic assault. "And I wanted to look so wonderful for Zale too," she muttered sourly.

"It adds character," Moril said. "And, trust me, you could show up in tatters and you'd still be the most beautiful woman in the world to him. Besides, this is Zale. You dress up too much and he gets a big head."

"Hmm...any other tips I should know? Zale enjoys being elusive and mysterious...even to me." Kaysa paused for a moment and gazed out the canopy. When she spoke again, her voice was hesitant and quiet. "I... I love him, Moril. I didn't want to and I did everything I could to keep myself from feeling anything for him, but...that didn't exactly work. I need to know what to do so I don't hurt him, and since you know him best, I figured you could help me with that." She cocked her head to the side and looked up at Moril. "Tell me how not to hurt him, Moril. What can I do?"

Moril slowly glanced over at Kaysa. "Keep him close if you're going to love him," he said. "But if you can't love him like your heart tells you to, you need to make a clean break. It'll hurt both of you at first, but that would be less pain in the end. If you can't love him, then that's the best way to not hurt him." He grinned. "Not much help, I know."

"No...it was good advice. And...and you're right; if I can't love him properly then..." Kaysa laughed softly and shook her head. "Problem is, no matter how hard I try to break it off with him, we always end up together again. Either I run back to him, or he to me. Making a clean break with Zale is impossible because it only ends up bringing us closer together." She glanced at Moril, who seemed to shift uncomfortably in his seat. Kaysa laughed again. "I'm sorry. You don't need or want to hear this, I'm sure. All I'm trying to say, I guess, is that if I do break Zale's heart, you have permission to hurt me, okay?"

Moril smiled and then reached over and covered her hand with his. "It sounds like in your heart you don't want to break it off with him," he said. "So, maybe you'll just have to find a way to keep him around in that unorthodox relationship you've already got."

Glancing at Moril's hand upon hers, Kaysa couldn't stop herself from wrapping her arms around his neck and embracing him. When Moril's surprise caused the speeder to veer off course, Kaysa yelped and released her hold. "I'm sorry! I couldn't help it," she said with an innocent smile. "I'll make it work, Moril. And I'll find you someone to make it work with you too. You deserve it."

Moril laughed softly despite the sudden red washing over his face. "Thank you, Kaysa," he said. "And, I want you to know that it's nice to see Zale happy. Though, it's going to be nothing compared to when you spring him from Throntas. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't get all mushy."

"Oh, he will. Believe me. He doesn't want anyone to know, but he's a crimelord with a heart. I imagine we might even see some tears."

Moril laughed. "Very few people have ever seen that side of him," he said. "He's very good at keeping it hidden for those he feels close enough, and trusts enough with his feelings." He glanced at her. "He'll be very happy to see you again. And, once he sees you again, I wouldn't be surprised if I don't see you for a couple days."

"Well, he did say he wanted to teach me a few special Shac'tae techniques..." Kaysa smiled at Moril, but the smile reverted to a frown as the Throntas facility came into view. Even from high above it looked wretched and vile, but at least from such a distance, the blood stains weren't visible and better yet, the stench couldn't reach them. "So we go in, hand over the evidence and get out? Is that it?"

"After letting them take possession of Vrax," he said. "I'm sure they'll love to get their hands on him. I can't believe we got that confession. He must really be blinded by his lusts if he didn't see that set up."

"Hey! I thought I was pretty good in there. I mean, of course it wasn't hard to manipulate him because he's desired me for years, but I thought I did a good job of trapping him."

Moril laughed. "You were masterful," he said. "I think you should be training people into trapping other people into confessions. Keep making yourself useful like that, and in other ways, and Zale will never want to get rid of you."

"In time, you'll come to discover that I don't much care for what people want. I tend to do my own thing...which is probably why I frustrate Zale so much." Kaysa smiled at Moril and added, "But in a matter of hours, I'll officially be a member of Antorial Industries whether Zale likes it or not. I'll probably need your help in getting him to go through with it, but I think he'll agree that it's a flawless plan."

Moril took the speeder down toward the Throntas pad. "Oh, I'm sure the two of us together will have no problem at all convincing him that it's a good idea," he said. "And, he's good at recognizing and signing on with flawless plans. He'll sign on for this one for certain." The craft settled onto the surface, and Moril shut down the engines. "Ready?"

"Of course I am!" Kaysa pushed open her hatch and hopped out of the speeder with unrestrained anticipation. "Moril! Come on. We don't wanna keep the boss waiting."

Moril laughed and had to rush to keep up with Kaysa as they entered the prison. They were met by a trio of guards who led them to a small side room.

Within, already waiting, was Commander Satar. He stood at their entrance, and then stepped forward. "Ms. Zenarr," he said, and then gave Moril a cursory nod. "I'm told that you've found new evidence that implicates someone else in the murder of Rennor Karradas."

"No, we've found the real murderer, Commander. Now you can let Zale Tregat free as well." Kaysa smirked at Satar and sauntered closer to him haughtily. "Sorry to shatter your preconceived notions about Zale and I, Commander, but we're not the scum you were so content in labelling us as."

Satar smiled. "You are still scum, just not murdering scum," he said. "You have evidence. I will need to see it before I can release Zale Tregat. Unfortunately, your assurances will not be enough, Ms. Zenarr."

Moril stepped forward with the datacard. "It's an audio recording," he said. "It's Ms. Zenarr conversing with her former employee, Vrax Draydge."

Satar looked at the datacard, and then took it. He stepped over to the table, and fed the card into the reader. He listened intently to what was said. As the scene progressed, his eyes held a mixture of contempt and revulsion. Once it ended, he turned toward Kaysa. "You are quite clever, Ms. Zenarr. With this information, we will have a full case against Draydge. If you wish, you may also file assault charges along with the murder charges he is guilty of."

"No, I think he's in enough trouble with the murder alone. I just want Zale free and then I wanna leave this place forever." Kaysa watched Satar with an amused smile on her face and said, "Not everyone who doesn't wear an Imperial uniform is scum, Commander. I don't think you give the people of this planet enough credit. We're not all Vrax Draydges and Dargus Kandrans. Some of us are actually loyal citizens who are only living as best they know how. It would be wise of you to keep that in mind next time you try condemning a person for a crime they had nothing to do with. Maybe then, people would have more respect for the Imperial justice system."

"Quite possibly," Satar said, his mouth twisting as if the words left a sour taste. "Wait here, I will have Tregat brought to you."

With that, he left, leaving Moril and Kaysa alone.

Moril grinned. "That was much easier than I thought. I figured we'd have to fight it out with them, but he was fairly easily convinced." Then he frowned. "Do you think it's a trap?"

"I'm not sure... Maybe he's just so glad to be rid of us both that he doesn't care where we came up with the evidence, he just wants us gone." Kaysa shrugged her shoulders and added with a smile, "Or it could just be a trap."

"Let's hope that he just wants to get rid of us."

It was a moment later that the door opened again, and Zale was pushed inside followed by Satar.

Zale's eyes went to Moril and Kaysa, and his grin nearly consumed his face. When his eyes found Kaysa's, he couldn't pull them away. He could barely breathe as he found himself caught in her gaze. "I hear I'm going to be a free man again."

Kaysa laughed and dropped all pretense of formality as she rushed to Zale and leapt into his arms. She kissed him deeply upon the mouth, which made Satar grumble and mutter words of disgust under his breath, but Kaysa still continued. She broke the kiss only to take a deep breath and say softly, "I told you I'd be back for you."

Zale grinned. "I never doubted you for a moment," he said, and kissed her again. "Though, Roba was asking about you last night. He said that he preferred it when you were kicking his ass. He says that I'm not as gentle. I had to remind him that you hadn't even started to kick his ass yet."

"I'm afraid neither of us will get to finish that. Vrax... Moril found him and I worked a little of my magic and...well...he confessed to everything." She glanced to Satar and still speaking to Zale, said, "If only we could hurry along this release process..."

Satar smiled. "Just produce Mr. Draydge, and I can release Zale Tregat into your custody."

Moril pulled out his comlink. "This is Moril," he said into the device. "Bring down our package. Make sure he's docile."

Zale glanced at Kaysa and grinned. "You two are good."

"We got our inspiration from you. It was nothing really, though. I mean, a little seduction. some nasty head wounds... It was all very straightforward stuff." Kaysa grinned slyly. "But I think you'll be even more impressed by what we've got planned next."

Zale kissed her forehead, careful to not aggravate her wound. "I'm looking forward to hearing all about it somewhere else," he said. "And, I will make up for you having to go through what you had to go through with Vrax. I imagine close proximity to him could leave some lasting scars." He glanced to Satar who was watching them warily. "You'll want to keep an eye out for Roba. I think he's going to be very upset with only Vrax to play with."

Before Satar could respond, the door opened and Vrax was lead in. When he saw Kaysa, his eyes blazed. "You're going to suffer for this, Zenarr," he rasped. "You and yours will suffer."

"I'm afraid that could prove difficult when you'll be spending the rest of your life in this prison, Vrax. You're getting what you deserve." Kaysa didn't shift closer to Zale for protection, but she couldn't deny that just the sight of Vrax made her uptight. If she weren't confident that he would be incarcerated for a long time, she knew she'd have something to fear by him.

At Satar's signal, Vrax was taken away. Once he was gone, the commander turned to Kaysa and Zale. "You are free to go, Mr. Tregat. Please accept the Empire's sincere apologies for this misunderstanding. There are a few forms that will need to be filled out, and then your belongings will be returned to you. I believe transportation has been provided."

Zale's eyes hardened, but he made no comments about his treatment since the arrest. The Empire seemed to make up the laws to suit its needs, and he figured making a scene would only lead to more trouble. With an offering of his thanks, Satar headed toward the door, and Zale's freedom.

---

"Pressing Engagement, Part 3"
by Kaysa Zenarr
Moril Astren
Zale Tregat
The Officiator [NPC]

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

***

"I need to find a way to thank you for saving me," Zale said as he and Kaysa reclined together in the back seat of the speeder. "Now, we'll need to re-double our efforts to find Shiv. I can do so much more outside the prison than I could inside. But, I'll get your girl back for you, Kaysa. I'll get her back."

Kaysa saw the gentle ripples of laughter running through Moril and decided it was time she let Zale in on the news. She looked up at him with a hesitant smile and began awkwardly. "Well...about that, Zale... I mean, Moril and I have been meaning to mention it to you, but with all the excitement and..." Kaysa laughed uncomfortably and explained to him as quickly and briefly as she could. "See...it seems Dargus Kandran - who we all thought was dead - isn't really dead after all. That's who got me out of prison, but at a price, of course. I...I had to give him half the spaceport, and in return he gave me my freedom and...well..." Kaysa winced as she half expected Zale's rage to flare and both she and Moril would bear the brunt of it. "He gave me Shiv. She's...she's at home with Merrick right now and... Sorry?"

Zale sighed with relief as he sank back deeper into the seat. "She's alive," he said. "I-- Well, I guess we don't have to keep looking then. But Dargus Kandran? He's back?" Zale shook his head. "That's bad news. I can't imagine he's going to sit by while the rest of us take over the underworld." He fixed his gaze on Kaysa again. "Is Shiv alright? He didn't hurt her did he? She's alright?"

"She seems as cheerful as ever. It looks like she was treated otherwise well considering..." Zale along with everyone else on Tae'Karada knew what kind of man Dargus was, so Kaysa had no doubt Zale could surmise what Shiv was used as while in Dargus' care. Hearing it would only fuel his hatred more so. "She needs some time to get over it, I think. She wants to see you, though. She's not mad at all, just like I told you."

Zale sighed with more relief. "That's very good to hear," he said. "I was afraid it would be worse. I think I could deal with her hating me more than I could have dealt with serious scars or worse. I don't think that she scars easily. She's good at getting through things, even things that would destroy anyone else."

Kaysa tried to smooth away the tension in Zale's face with her hand and lightly kissed him. "Dargus will pay, Zale," she said softly. "In fact, Moril's taking us where we need to be right now to set that into motion. I don't want you asking questions yet; just...trust me, Zale. I'm doing what has to be done."

Zale glanced between Kaysa and Moril and then shook his head. "I trust you," he said. "I know you wouldn't do anything to deliberately hurt me, and I know you have a completely devious mind. So, at this point you couldn't keep me away from seeing what you have planned."

"No way in hell." Kaysa laughed and hollered to Moril playfully, "Move this thing, Moril! I know Zale's dying to see what cunning scheme I've concocted this time. That, or scared out of his mind."

Moril laughed as he pushed the speeder faster. Zale only shook his head. "Both," he said. "I know I'd be insane not to be scared out of my mind. And, I know I'm not completely insane yet. But, I know whatever it is will be well worth that unsettled feeling I've got in my stomach."

"You mean the same one I've got in my stomach?" Kaysa saw the flash of anxiety in Zale's face and laughed. "You'll see soon enough, don't worry. It was the only thing I could think of, and believe me, I thought of hundreds of alternatives, none of which will work...except for this. You're gonna wanna kill me for it, but I think in the end, you'll thank me."

"I'll want to kill you? I don't like the sound of that," he said. "I never like a plan that includes 'you'll hate me for this, but it's the only way.'" He gave her a kiss. "But, as I said, I trust you."

"Well...you won't after this." Kaysa smiled at Zale as the speeder descended the heights of the New Plouton sky and made a clean landing upon the street below. Before them stood a tall, judicial building which was their final destination, as well as the beginning of an interesting journey for both Zale and Kaysa. "Come on!" She pushed open the hatch and hopped out of the speeder with a squeal of excitement. Zale, however, was probably only feeling mortification. She rushed up the grand flight of stairs leading to the entrance, and stopped only to wave both Zale and Moril over. "You're not that scared, are you, Zale? Hurry! We have a schedule to keep."

Zale chuckled as he followed along up the stairs. He looked around as they continued upwards and wondered just what Kaysa had in mind. "I'm hurrying as fast as I can," he said. "I'm still not used to moving around in this prison garb. And, I'm petrified. I know how your mind works, Kaysa. I know I should have run the other way when we got out of that speeder, but I know my body would have never let me get that far from you."

"We'll be even closer than you think after this is over." Kaysa knew her cryptic remarks were only making Zale even more nervous, but it only made the situation that much more humourous to her. Kaysa reached the top of the stairs and held the door open for Zale. She glanced at Moril with a conspiratorial smile and once Zale entered, she moved to Moril's side and they exchanged a few quiet words before she moved to join Zale. She slipped her hand into his and immediately led him to one of the lifts. "Don't worry. I've got everything under control, Zale." The chime on the elevator sounded and the doors slid open. With a laugh, she pushed Zale inside and followed soon after with Moril. Once she'd hit the number on the panel corresponding to their destination, she leaned towards Moril and whispered, "Make sure he doesn't try and escape."

Moril grinned. "Don't worry," he said. "I'll make sure he doesn't get away. I've got a stunner in my pocket if he tries anything sneaky."

"Good. Although, we do need him conscious for this..." The lift ascended quickly and thoughts of she and Zale sharing a passionate moment in the elevator of the Segrelat Tower produced a knowing smile on her face. "You know, if Moril weren't here, we could really catch up for lost time. We haven't been together for an entire day, you know."

Zale smiled and slipped his arms around her. "I don't think Moril will mind if we get a little closer here," he said as he kissed her tenderly. "I love you, Kaysa. From the time you left yesterday until the moment I saw your face again, I couldn't get you out of my mind." He kissed her again. "You do realize you're my hero now, don't you?"

"Oh, am I?" She singled out a braid of Zale's hair and twirled it around her fingers idly. "What do I get for it? I mean, we'd better agree to something now before we go through with this plan and you hate me forever. If we agree on something, at least I know you can't renege on it no matter what crap I pull."

"Well," Zale said with a smile, "what do you want for it? Ask and you shall receive. You saved me from all that, and now you can have whatever you want. Except to pull my hair. No one pulls my hair."

"Yes, I imagine the hair pulling has caused you to develop some phobias regarding that. Poor dear..." Kaysa chuckled, then regarding the ceiling of the lift as she pondered on what a fitting reward for a hero was. "Hmm..." As the lift chimed and the doors slid open, Kaysa's thoughts were interrupted and her excitement was roused again. She laughed and took Zale's hand before she tugged him forcefully out of the lift. "Don't drag your feet, now. This will all be over very soon." Kaysa walked briskly down the corridor and looked to Moril to indicate the correct door. When he did, she stopped before it, pulling Zale to a halt as well. She turned to him and began dusting off his coveralls and tried to smooth out the wrinkles. "Moril. Lend him your jacket."

Moril chuckled softly and removed his jacket for Zale. It had definitely been a jacket lending day. Zale quickly slipped into the jacket pausing only briefly to consider the look Moril was giving him. Finally once he looked presentable, he turned toward Kaysa. "Is this better?"

"Yes, much!" she said emphatically. Kaysa slipped her arm through Zale's, and with a nod, Moril opened the large doors. The tall, durasteel doors, once parted, revealed a large hall with benches on either side and at the far end of the room stood an ornately engraved podium behind which an aging man was standing. His expression was sour and he tapped his foot impatiently as he watched them approach. "Sorry we're late--"

"I set aside time in my busy schedule to do this," the man's gruff voice called to them. "Now hurry along. Let's get this done; I have other appointments to keep."

Kaysa looked up at Zale with a tight smile and said quietly, "Just follow my lead, okay?"

Zale glanced between the old man and Kaysa, his face going slightly pale at the thought of what might be occurring here. "Your lead," he echoed. "Where you go, I'll follow. Lead on, Kaysa my dear."

Kaysa smiled and lead on she did, straight to the podium, where the grave, old man squinted at them as if deeply scrutinizing them. A dry laugh sounded low in his throat as he finally finished surveying them and looked down upon his datapad. He narrowed his eyes at the padd, dragging on the tense moment even longer, until finally he dipped into the pocket of his robe and pulled out a pair of spectacles.

The moment of silence gave Kaysa time to think about what she was about to get herself into. It was the only way to keep the scales of power from tipping in Kandran's favour, and she knew it was for the good of Tae'Karada, yet all she could think about was how angry Merrick would be.

Kaysa flinched and gasped as the officiator cleared his throat, a sound that echoed through the empty hall. He smacked his lips together while he studied the notes before him for a moment, preparing to delve into it as if a meal. Kaysa was about to raise a plea that he begin soon, when he opened his mouth and started reading from the passage. "In Tae'Karada, and especially in New Plouton, contracts are made and broken each day, and as you stand before me today, you too have already taken the first step towards sealing a contract of your own."

He glanced at Kaysa and Zale, and grinned at them with something looking more like a sneer than a smile. He cleared his throat again, then continued. "I was asked to make this short, so I'll just skip right to the important part. Now...oh yes. This contract is one that can be broken by no human hand, for it is one created by two asri who, through this ceremony today, have the blessings of the gods bestowed upon them. You will create this union, and only the gods themselves may unbind you." The officiator motioned to Zale and Kaysa, urging them to face each other.

Once Kaysa turned, the look of utter horror in Zale's face sent her own panic rising and she felt herself glancing towards the door, ready to flee. "Oh gods..."

Zale's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. "I-- uh--"

"By the blessings of the gods, and by my authority, your two asri are now one. Now repeat: I, Kaysa Zenarr..."

"I...oh...uh...Kaysa Zenarr..."

"...am now your asri, Zale Tregat, bound to you and ever devoted."

Kaysa continued to repeat the vows, but the words no longer registered in her mind and all she could concentrate on was how furiously her heart was pounding in her chest. When the officiator orated the final vow, he looked to Zale and began dictating to him.

Follow my lead, she'd said. She had a plan. Some plan, a part of his mind responded. Then, he couldn't stifle the sudden laugh that came up.

"I, Zale Tregat..."

Zale glanced at Kaysa, smirked, and then repeated the words.

"...am now your asri, Kaysa Zenarr, bound to you and ever devoted."

Zale met Kaysa's gaze. "Am now your asri, Kaysa Zenarr, bound to you and ever devoted." What have I done, part of his mind asked. Oh shut the fuck up, the rest of his mind answered.

The officiator gave his ambiguous smile again and uplifted his arms as if summoning the gods above. "Joined in love and obedience, may your hearts never stray from where they truly belong. Kaysa Zenarr, everything that you are, you are for Zale Tregat and only him. You are Kaysa Tregat--"

"Oh gods..." Kaysa wavered and quickly gripped Zale's arms to keep herself from staggering backwards. The officiator cleared his throat, and Kaysa waved at him quickly to continue.

"Very well... Zale Tregat, that which was Kaysa's is now yours, utterly and completely." The man thrust out a datapad towards Zale and in his other hand, he held out a stylus. "Do you accept, Mr. Tregat?"

Zale felt his chin lying on the floor, and he had a feeling his eyes were somewhere nearby. He shook his head slowly and mumbled something incoherent. He said something else which in his mind sounded like "What the hell are you talking about?" He knew that the sounds that came out were nothing near that, and probably couldn't even be classified as language. A look into Kaysa's eyes told him she was serious, and so he turned back to the officiator. "I accept," he said, and then signed his name to the datapad.

The man glanced down with disinterest at the signature upon the padd, then thrust it out towards Kaysa. "You divest yourself of all you own, and pledge it to your new lifemate. Do you accept?"

Kaysa nodded her head dumbly at the man and with mechanical motions, she pulled the stylus from Zale's tight grip. Her hand moved unsteadily as she signed her possessions and name away to Zale. "Merrick's definitely gonna kill me..."

Once she lifted her hand away from the padd, the officiator took the stylus from her and recited a short blessing. "Zale...I'll explain everything...just as soon as I can think again."

Zale nodded. "I'd appreciate that," he said, and then hastily added, "I think. So, did you have any preferences for a honeymoon? Maybe while we're there we can figure out a way to break this to Merrick and Shiv."

Just as Kaysa was about to groan, the officiator cleared his throat efficaciously, and glared at them like insolent children. "The ceremony is not completed yet." Kaysa looked down in shame at the old man's chastisement and kept quiet as he continued. "Now, Kaysa Tregat, you may kiss your lord's hand to seal the contract."

"What?!" Kaysa's timidity dissipated as she gazed impudently at the old man. "I will not kiss his hand."

"You will or the contract will be voided!"

"Wait...I thought you said only the gods could break this marriage contract."

The man sneered at Kaysa and leaned over his podium towards her. "My dear, those vows are over a hundred years old. It's the legal aspect of this ceremony that means anything at all, and since I am the legal authority at this proceeding, I have it within my power to nullify this marriage if you don't obey me. Now kiss his hand!"

Kaysa's mouth hung agape at the stupefication evoked by the little old man's audacity in ordering her to perform the most demeaning task she'd ever heard of. She whimpered quietly, then sighed sharply as she picked up Zale's hand and studied it for a moment. She glanced at the officiator who was watching her intently, and when she finally pressed her lips to Zale's hand, the man straightened up triumphantly and began putting his own name to the datapad. "Congratulations on your union. May you, Kaysa Tregat, be a dutiful mate, and may you, Zale Tregat, be content with your woman and the many children she shall bear you." Without another word, the officiator stepped off the podium and headed towards the back room with his purple robes flowing behind, leaving Kaysa and Zale with the opportunity to contemplate the event that had just transpired.

"Oh...Merrick's gonna dump me for this."

Zale thought about it for a moment. "I won't let him," he said. "Merrick is yours, right? What's yours is mine. So, Merrick is mine, and I won't let him dump you. Convincing him of that may be difficult, but I'll figure it out. I think once we get Shiv on our side, it'll be easy enough with Merrick."

Kaysa swallowed back a petulant whimper and looked to Moril, who had a most amused smile on his face. "You better not be laughing, Moril! I'm now the wife of a crimelord. I'm to be feared. I'm...I'm so dead!" Kaysa moaned and whined as she fled past Moril and Zale. "Merrick's gonna wanna know why I could marry you, but I couldn't marry him. I promised myself after Cadwin, I would never marry again. I'm fucking insane!"

Zale quickly followed after her. "Kaysa," he said. "We'll figure something out. It won't be as bad as you're fearing. And, get back here, I haven't kissed your hand yet."

Kaysa stopped and turned to Zale with a disapproving glare. She folded her arms across her chest stubbornly and slowly moved towards him. "Do you wanna know what this is all about, Zale? Do you wanna know why I'm now Kaysa fucking Tregat?" Her anxieties displayed themselves as a series of short, dry laughs, until Kaysa sobbed pathetically and took a seat on the nearby bench. "So stupid..."

Zale moved to the bench and sat next to Kaysa. "Well, I seriously doubt it's so you can honour and obey me, or because you want to be married to me. If you want to tell me, if you're able to tell me...then yes."

"I think it's something too important to keep from you, but I couldn't tell you before because I was afraid you wouldn't agree to it." Kaysa slipped her hand into Zale's and watched as her fingers played across his flesh. "Now that I'm your wife, you have all my assets. I'm creditless, Zale. I mean, even Zenarr Inc.'s yours now." She slowly shifted her gaze to his, hoping he was catching on to what she was alluding to. "Everything, Zale. It's all yours. That's the way it is on this patriarchal, misogynistic planet. A woman reverts all her assets over to her beloved husband so she can work at being a devoted, docile wife while keeping her mind free of all distractions like..." Kaysa continued to gaze at Zale but spoke now hesitantly. "Like...running a spaceport."

Zale nodded slowly. "So, I suppose now I'm going to have Dargus Kandran banging on my door demanding his half of the spaceport." He shook his head slowly and sighed. "I hope he doesn't expect me to just give it away for free. I'll have to make sure I have a few extra guards around in case he gets rowdy."

"Was I wrong, Zale? Did I just do something really stupid?" She grumbled irritably under her breath and sat back with a huff against the bench. "I only did it because on this stupid planet, women are nothing. The minute I gave Kandran that half of the spaceport, he automatically became the senior partner. I was nothing. But now that it's yours, you're equal partners again. I just...I needed a way to take some of his power away, and this was the only way I knew how to do it."

"Do you have legal possession of Rennor's estates yet? If you don't, then when they are given to you, they automatically become mine. Kandran won't be able to touch them through you, because they're not yours. If he wants them, he'll have to go through me to get them. I guess the question is how tough do we want to make this fight on him? I haven't assessed his strength, but for having been dead for four months, I have a feeling I'm in a better position than he is."

"You mean...the spaceport is yours entirely? Oh dear..." Kaysa turned slowly away from Zale and chewed her lip nervously. "He'll want Shiv back, of course, since I didn't deliver on my part of the agreement. And of course, he'll have us both hunted down and killed for this...my dear husband."

"I guess it's a good thing we have Rennor's wealth to purchase the best security available on this planet," he said. "And, he can't have Shiv. He shouldn't have taken her in the first place. If he tries again, I'll make sure he has a selection of which of his many orifices to breathe out of."

"I really love it when you get all vile and despicable." Kaysa laughed and settled into Zale's arms. "This'll work. And especially with a devious wife by your side, we can keep Kandran at bay. Gods...never thought I'd be married again. I really hope you don't expect me to produce offspring for you."

Zale kissed her and sighed softly as he held her. "But that's the Tae'Karada way," he said, and then laughed. "I won't pressure you into turning into the perfect Tae'Karadan wife, wearing nothing and popping out babies like some sort of organic assembly line. Though, the wearing nothing part does sound nice."

"I know...I can't wait to see you in one of those equadi." Kaysa grinned at Zale then patted him on the arm as she sat up. "Come on. Let's go get you into some real clothing and then...then you and I can go to Merrick and Shiv and tell them why my business has suddenly become Tregat Inc."

Zale smiled. "Well, I think we can keep the name as Zenarr Inc.," he said. "While this planet may desire to deprive you of all rights and privileges not granted by a man, I have no wish to do so. You will find me to be a very generous asri." He pulled her to her feet and into his arms. "Let's go find me something decent to wear. And, then we have to figure out where to take our honeymoon."

"You are joking about the honeymoon, right? Now, I don't mean to sound curt or anything, but this whole marriage is just a sham, Zale. No matter how much I love you, there is no way I would have ever married anyone again, except for something as serious as destroying Dargus Kandran." Kaysa looked away and laughed softly. "Besides...I don't think there's time for honeymoons. Keeve will be here in a week, which means I only have a few days to figure out how to be a mother."

"I don't think I can help you there," Zale said. "And, even though we're married, it's only a legal thing. Though, it's very possible that Kandran may try to use that to get the spaceport away from you. We'll need to make this situation look like what it's supposed to look like. Though, I think there may have been fewer headaches if you'd married Merrick instead. Or you could have really thrown this world off its axis by marrying Shiv."

"That would've taught those chauvinistic bastards who run this planet." She turned her gaze back to Zale and asked warily, "So, by making it look like it's supposed to, do you mean we'd have to...you know...move in together? Not that I would dread something like that, it's just I'm not sure how Merrick would take it. And besides, if I live with you, Keeve will be too." She shifted closer to him and kissed him softly. "When would we find private time for ourselves?"

"Let's talk to Merrick and Shiv, and see what their reaction is. I don't want to make too many decisions until after we've talked to them. They're a part of your life, and we all need to get through this together. Regardless of what our new relationship has become, we'll need to talk to them. We have to make this whole thing work, not just the plot against Kandran."

"I won't lose Shiv and Merrick again...and I won't lose you either." Kaysa sighed deeply and glanced back at Moril. "Get the speeder fired up, Moril." She looked back to Zale with a nervous smile. "Zale and I have to go make an announcement to my two lovers...or ex-lovers."

"Lovers," Zale said. "If we need to, we'll get this marriage annulled, and Merrick can marry you and Shiv. And, I'll just provide the three of you protection from Dargus Kandran, as well as enjoy a fling on the side. Though, I really have no idea what Merrick would think of a fling with me."

Kaysa playfully slapped him on the arm. "Stop that. And if I had married Merrick, it would have only made him a blatant target for Kandran's rage. I married you because I know you're much better capable of protecting yourself. Besides, Merrick would have no idea how to run the spaceport. He's a musician, remember?"

Zale chuckled. "Well, I think he's got good people running his other businesses, but you're right. I think Rennor's assets would probably be too much for him. Perhaps when the Kandran situation is over, we can figure out a way out of this. That is, unless you want to stay married to me."

"Why, Zale Tregat...are you telling me you're actually glad we got married? Well, give it a day or two and I'm sure I can help you change your mind." Kaysa frowned as she glanced again at Zale's coveralls. She took him by the hand and shaking her head, began leading him away. "You really need to change. I mean, when we were in prison, I thought you looked sexy in those things, but out here, they just look so drab and not very flattering at all."

Zale laughed. "You mean, I'm not sexy in this? It's probably Moril's jacket. And, I guess I could open the front and tear off the sleeves. Would that help? Come on, let's get to my apartment where I can change. On the way we can come up with a plan for how to break things to Merrick. If nothing, you may need to find a way to assure him he's still one of the number one men in your life. Unless he's THE number one man. In which case, you'd really have to make sure he knows that."

Kaysa conveniently kept her eyes facing the ground as she centred her thoughts and emotions, trying to think of something that would make Zale more confident about her feelings for him. It was just as she'd felt when they lost Shiv. She had convinced herself that in Merrick's heart, she came second to Shiv, and although there were still remnants of that mindset, Kaysa knew it to be false. She would have to reassure Zale of the same. "Merrick was the first man I loved after Cadwin, but that doesn't necessarily make him number one, Zale. It's strange, but the love I feel for you and Shiv and Merrick...it's different for each of you. I can't compare how I feel for you and how I feel for Merrick, because the sensations and the emotions aren't the same." Kaysa laughed softly. "I guess all I'm trying to say is, you're not above or below Merrick; I love you just the same."

Zale nodded. "I understand," he said. "Then, you'll need to make sure he understands that too. We'll also have to make sure he understands why you married me, and how that doesn't change your love for him at all. And, if he doesn't get it, you and Shiv can gang up on him until he does. We'll make this work, Kaysa. I'll do everything I can to make this work."

They'd been moving slowly, but they finally arrived at the speeder where Moril sat waiting for them. "I was wondering if I was just going to have to go get the clothes and bring them back for you."

"Sorry, Moril. You know how it is when he starts talking..." Kaysa stood by as Zale opened the hatch for them, but before she stepped into the speeder, she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. "I think this marriage thing could work, Mr. Tregat, my asri. Just don't expect me to stay home and keep the apartment tidy. My time could be put to better use helping you take over New Plouton, don't you think?"

Zale pulled her body to his, as if he were trying to merge them into one being. "Oh I definitely agree," he said. "I think you will be best suited to running my latest acquisition, Karradas Enterprises. Though, I do think that will require a name change, don't you? I think Zenarr Enterprises, or possibly Zenarr-Tregat Enterprises. What do you think?"

"I think you're still trying to woo me, Zale. We're married, remember? The romance is supposed to end here." Kaysa smiled as she slipped into the speeder and held out a hand to pull Zale inside. "And I think the hyphenated form works best...with my name first, of course."

"Of course," he said. "And, we may be married, but I'll only stop trying to woo you when you no longer want to see the stars in the sky at night." Zale took Kaysa's hand and followed her into the speeder. "The romance isn't supposed to end, it's just that so many people figure they've won the battle and don't have to fight anymore. Though, perhaps metaphors of violence aren't exactly appropriate for romance."

"Yeah, so save it for the bedroom." She settled in against Zale and rested her head upon his chest. "I'm glad you're outta prison, Zale. The only thing I regret is that we won't have as much time together as we did in there. We have a lot of work to do now."

"We'll figure something out," Zale said. "We'll probably spend a lot of time working together, so that'll give us some time together. Maybe we'll have to lock ourselves away in one of the Antorial detention cells, for old time's sake." With a laugh, he tapped Moril on the shoulder. "My apartment, Moril. And, hurry before I have to tear these damn coveralls off and throw them out the canopy."

"Would that be so bad?" Kaysa asked with a silky smile. "I don't think Moril would mind, do you?"

Moril laughed. "Just as long as you two stay back there," he said. "I don't want to crash the speeder."

"Oh, you have better control than that," Zale said. "You could keep this going if we were up there having sex next to you. Now, just fly. We'll keep our enthusiasm contained to back here."

"Although, going out during an act of passion wouldn't be such a bad way to die." Kaysa laughed and pulled herself into Zale's lap. She kissed him lightly upon the lips then sighed deeply. "This has been quite a day. I free you from prison, I trick you into marrying me, and now we're off to tell my two lovers that a fourth will be joining our unconventional arrangement. Quite a day indeed..."

Zale slipped his arms around Kaysa and held her to him. "Well, it's definitely unconventional and unique," he said. "And, this will only make it more so. So, which of your lovers will you be staying with tonight? Maybe the four of us should get a place together. I could probably buy one of the smaller buildings up for us, and then convert it into something that would suit all of our needs. Studios for both Merrick and Shiv, offices for both of us, plenty of bedrooms, just in case. Unless that's a little too unconventional."

"Well...we'd need an extra room for Keeve...your new son, Zale." Kaysa smiled slyly. "I think before we all move in together, you should find out if you're cut out for the fatherhood thing. If not, I doubt you'd wanna be spending your every waking hour with Keeve around."

Zale chuckled. "A good idea. Well, in a week, I guess we'll see just how I do with the whole parenting thing. If nothing else it'll be payback for all the hell I put my parents through when I was a child." He grinned. "We can see how it goes, and if all is well, then we can think about all of us together."

Kaysa gazed at Zale skeptically, then laughed. "I think we should see first how Merrick takes the news. I mean, if he starts pulling your hair, I think that's a bad omen."

Zale laughed. "If he starts pulling my hair, you really should dump him."

"Or maybe you should cut your hair." A look of consternation flashed across Zale's face, and Kaysa laughed. "Fine, you can keep the hair. And dumping him is out of the question. He was a mess last time I did that...I was a mess last time I did that."

"Merrick doesn't strike me as the hair pulling type," Zale said, "so, I don't think we'll have to worry about any dumping. Everything will work out, Kaysa. It's all going to be fine. We all love you too much to let something like this ruin it. It'll all work."

"Coming up to Zale's apartment," Moril said. "Just please don't tell me I have to wait around while you two have sex."

"What? You don't think Zale and I can control our urges?" A look at Zale's lopsided grin and the lust filling his eyes, and Kaysa quickly answered her own question. "Fine, I'll stay here with you, Moril."

As the speeder settled onto the street in front of the apartment, Zale started out. Before heading up to the front door, he turned back. "Just make sure you keep your hands to yourself," he said without really directing the words at either of them, and then sprinted away to change his clothes for what would soon be one of the more difficult encounters of his life.

---

"The Confession"
by Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Zale Tregat
Maeren Shivral
and Merrick Braston

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

***

She could feel the hands on her body, pawing and clawing. Hands dipping inside and covering. Tongue and mouth licking, biting, tasting, and consuming. She writhed with the touch, and in the midst of the ecstasy, the revulsion. She could feel her body filling with blackness, loathing and hatred like she'd never known before, could never have known in her existence. She wanted to scream, to cry out in sheer anguish. But, the only sounds she could make were moans.

The searing heat, hotter than a star, burned into her body, throat and hip. She tried to cry out again. Nothing. Oh gods why did it hurt so much?

She heard the laughter next, burning laughter that seemed to seer the skin from her bones. It nearly shook her body apart, and left nothing behind for even the carrion birds.

And, then he was filling her again, blackness consuming all the light, all the joy. She screamed.

***

Shiv sat upright in the bed, gasping for breath. She knew she'd screamed, could still feel the burning in a throat worn raw. She felt arms around her and at first fought them away. At least until the plaintive whispering calmed her. She was in Merrick's arms. Her love, her light, comforting and calming.

"It's alright, Maeren," he whispered. "You're safe. You're with me. He can't get you anymore."

Shiv sobbed. "I know. It's just...the dreams. They're so bad."

"I know. Just stay in my arms. I'll make everything alright." To prove his point, he started singing softly. And, it worked. Soon Shiv had relaxed back into his embrace and he could feel the rigidity of her body lessen. He blinked away his own tears and wished that Kaysa would return soon. Together they could make Shiv forget all that happened to her. Together.

***

Kaysa had started down the corridor towards her apartment and attempted to flee four times before Zale clutched her hand securely and prevented any further dawdling. She'd whined and whimpered about how Merrick and Shiv didn't need to know, and that they could keep it a secret indefinitely, but she knew, as Zale most likely did, that she would only be able to keep quiet for so long before her newly awakened conscience forced her to come clean. "Stupid honesty," she grumbled irritably. "Never had to worry about it before..."

"There are certain people," Zale said as they walked hand in hand, "that you want to be honest with. The rest? To hell with them. They're just a bantha herd anyway. Shiv and Merrick deserve the truth, and I don't think it'll be as bad as you're expecting. Now stop frowning before those lines stay there. I will not tolerate a bride with worry lines."

"Okay, okay. I promise not to pout or run away anymore. Can you please loosen your grip on my hand?" she asked sweetly.

Zale loosened his grip and smiled at Kaysa. "Sorry about that," he said. "It was keeping you from running though. Are you ready? Need a hug to get you through?"

"No," Kaysa replied with a frown. She glanced down furtively at her hand loosely laced with Zale's and smiled slowly. "But you can--" Kaysa squealed and rushed away again in another attempt to escape the inevitable.

Zale quickly gave chase and caught Kaysa back near the elevator. "Don't make me put you over my shoulder and carry you in there," he said with a laugh. "And, I'll do it too. Now, come on before I have to do something drastic. You don't want me doing anything drastic, Mrs. Zenarr-Tregat."

Kaysa chewed her lip to hide its twitching, but she finally surrendered to it and let her mouth spread into a smile. "I don't know what it is, but I rather enjoy hearing that." She laughed softly and willingly rejoined Zale in what had turned out to be a rather laborious trek towards her apartment. "The Mrs. Zenarr-Tregat part, I mean. Although, the drastic part sounded nice too..."

"Oh, don't worry," Zale said with a sly grin. "We'll get drastic later on after you've talked to Merrick and Shiv. And, hopefully we can work something out between all four of us. At least now, if we all go out together, it won't be lopsided. Two boys, two girls."

"Until Merrick finishes packing up his things and catching the first ride off the planet. We could always keep the numbers even by inviting Moril along..." Kaysa whimpered again and pounded her forehead gently against Zale's upper arm. "Why do I always take the course of action with the most catastrophic outcomes? I need to learn to think things through before I act... I know that's not going to happen, but it's something to strive for."

"I'll help you to strive for that one too," Zale said. "I think this will work out alright. I don't think it'll be as bad as you're expecting. And, well, I guess we'll just have to see. I can always have him hunted down and brought back to us." Zale took Kaysa's hand and brought it to his lips. "It'll be alright, my love. We'll all make this work."

Kaysa's fears melted and she found herself gazing with a dreamy smile at Zale. How she'd allowed herself to become so easily placated by Zale, she couldn't conceive. She knew, however, it had something to do with the little weakness called love she felt towards him. "If he gets angry and starts flailing his limbs in an attempt to take out his rage upon us, I'll use your sturdy body for cover."

"Good idea," Zale said. "Unless he pulls my hair, and then you're on your own. I don't go in for the hair pulling, not even for my wife's other lover." He pulled her into his arms and smiled. "We'll get through this."

"Of course we will. And don't think I don't know that the only reason you're in such a rush to do this is because you want to get me back to your apartment and make up for lost time." She smoothed her hands along Zale's arms and smiled silkily. "In fact, that doesn't sound like a bad idea..."

"I know it doesn't," Zale said with a grin, and then kissed her. "I love you, Mrs. Zenarr-Tregat. I love that devious mind of yours, and the way it tricked me into marrying you. And, Moril knew about it. I'm going to have to...to give him a raise. I never knew he had such a devious streak in him. I think while I was locked away, he spent too much time with you."

"Only a day. Not long enough as far as I'm concerned. I could really transform him into a particularly treacherous fiend with the proper time." Kaysa kissed him tenderly, then gave a muffled groan. "Zale, can't we just go back to your apartment and do this later? I really, really don't want to do this."

"We have to do this, Kaysa," Zale said. "We owe it to them to do it. It won't be as bad as you think, and I'll be with you the whole time. Just explain why we did this, and that you still love both of them as much as you always have. We'll get through this."

Kaysa continued to sulk petulantly but nodded somewhat equivocally in ascension nonetheless. "We'll do this...I guess. But no touching until we have their reactions!" Kaysa said as she pushed free of Zale's embrace. "That's your punishment for making me go through with this."

Zale laughed softly. "Fine," he said. "But, I'll remember this when things get drastic." Restraining from the sudden impulse to take her hand as they approached the door, they walked together to the entrance to the apartment. He took a breath and looked at Kaysa. "It'll be fine," he whispered.

A tight smile that belied her confidence was all the acknowledgement Kaysa gave before she swiped her keycard along the slit on the doorpanel. A short chirp followed by a click indicated they'd gained access to the apartment, which was something Kaysa never thought she'd dread as much as she did now. The door slid open smoothly and for a moment, she stood in the doorway, stunned. With a silent yelp, she turned back to attempt another escape, but was barred passage by Zale's imposing form. "Just a little nudge, and I should be fine."

Zale turned Kaysa around and gently pushed her through the now-open door. "I'm here with you," he whispered softly. "If you're really good, I'll teach you a few shac'tae tricks today."

Kaysa found the task ahead even more cumbersome, especially when she would have rather been in bed with Zale, learning the secret wisdom of sexual mysticism. Her gait was unsteady and hesitant as she moved into the apartment. She tried once to call out to Shiv and Merrick, but her voice shrank back in a panic and withered in her throat. She took a deep breath, and once again called out to them, this time hearing her voice ring through the apartment.

"In here," Merrick's voice called out from the bedroom. A moment later, the door opened and Merrick stood there in an old t-shirt and thin, linen pants. "Hey there, Kaysa, Zale. I was just...it was the dreams again. Shiv's doing better now, but she was pretty strung out a little bit ago. How are you two doing?"

"Fine-- Is she alright?" Kaysa moved towards Merrick, forgetting all her anxieties, and embraced him warmly. "Is she awake? I should go check on her."

Merrick gave Kaysa a kiss and held her to him before glancing back to the bedroom. "She's awake. I made her an herbal tea. She was listening to one of my songs when I came out here. If you want to go in, I'm sure she wouldn't mind." He grinned, and kissed her again. "I was just thinking about you."

Kaysa smiled, and gazing into Merrick's sparkling, grey eyes, she was even more despaired by what they needed to discuss. She could postpone it, however, and that was precisely what she intended to do. "I'll go in and see Shiv. You and Zale...can think of something to do." She kissed Merrick tenderly, then whispered, "I love you, Merrick. You know that, right?"

Merrick looked at Kaysa quizzically and then nodded. "Yes," he said, "of course I know that. I can feel it just in the way you look at me. Go check on our girl, and I'll keep Zale entertained."

Kaysa nodded and glad to have some more time to collect herself, departed for the bedroom.

***

She watched silently from the doorway, feeling her heart becoming riddled with aches the longer she gazed at her poor, tortured star. Her light had dimmed, and even with the garish sunlight flooding into the room through the large bedroom window, her skin had lost its radiance and her eyes were cold and pale. Kaysa's hatred for Dargus Kandran was fuelled the longer she observed the physical manifestation of Shiv's inner conflict with dark memories, ones for which there was little hope of banishing so easily. Kaysa didn't have enough confidence that her love for the girl would help facilitate her recovery, but she didn't know any other way to aid her, and decided the best way to help was to simply love her.

"Shiv," she called out in the most gentle, unimposing voice she could manage. "Shiv...my love?"

Shiv, who had been staring out the window as she lay on the bed listening to one of Merrick's songs, quickly looked toward the door at the sound of her name being called. When she saw Kaysa standing there, she brightened considerably. "Kaysa," she said. She sat up, with a wide grin. "I had a dream earlier, a bad one. But, Merrick was here with me. And, now you're here. I was missing you very much, you know. Merrick is good with the hugs, but not as good as you."

"Then let me make up for it now." Kaysa moved towards the bed and sat upon it. She didn't waste a moment's time and pulled Shiv gently into her arms. "I'm sorry I wasn't here, my love. And I'm sorry you had that horrible dream. If you want to talk about it, you know you can. I'll always listen."

"It was the same thing as earlier," Shiv said softly as she snuggled into Kaysa's arms. "You're here now though, which makes everything better. Where have you been? I wish I could have gone with you. But, Merrick needed someone to cuddle with. He's so demanding sometimes, you know. But we're all here now, so it's all better."

"And I promise not to be away for so long again if I can help it. It's just...something needed to be taken care of and...I took care of it." Kaysa sighed gently, but masked the anxiety in her voice with a laugh. "Zale's here. He's out talking to Merrick right now. He really wants to see you, Shiv. He might not admit it, but he missed you." She looked down into Shiv's eyes and smiled. "Moril missed you too. Everyone missed you, my little nymph!"

Shiv grinned. "I missed everyone," she said. "Is Zale...how's he doing? He's not...like he was before, is he? He's okay now? And, I want to see Moril again. He's fun. It's so good to be back. I hated it there, but that's all done now. And, everything's okay. It's all okay again with me, you, and Merrick. We should go out together tonight. We should go do something fun."

"I think... I think we shouldn't make any plans until I've told you and Merrick something. That's why Zale's here. Well, he's here to give me support and to see you." Kaysa stroked Shiv's hair tenderly and kissed her lightly upon the cheek. "Don't worry about Zale. He's not like that anymore, Shiv. That...episode... It was my fault, but he's better now and he wants to see you." Kaysa sighed. "I told him about what happened...with you. I told him about Dargus. He needs to see you and together, we need to tell you and Merrick something." She took Shiv's hands into her own and kissed them fervently. "Don't hate me, Shiv. Please...don't hate me until you understand why I did it."

"I could never hate you," Shiv said. "Nothing you could say would ever make me hate you, Kaysa." She looked up at Kaysa and slowly smiled. "Something happened between you and Zale, didn't it?" She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Something happened between you and Zale."

Kaysa laughed nervously as she nodded her head. "You could say that." She looked at Shiv's expectant gaze and sighed. "Yes, something happened. A lot happened, actually, some of which I'm still trying to come to grips with. I'll tell you now if you promise not to over react."

Shiv giggled and then nodded. "I promise to keep my squeals to a minimum," she said. "Now tell me before I go totally crazy."

Shiv's exuberance made Kaysa giggle and she found herself surprisingly giddy with anticipation about revealing her secret to Shiv - her best friend, and her lover. Kaysa glanced at the door to make certain Merrick was still occupied with Zale, then she huddled close to Shiv and suppressed her giggles as she began. "It started in prison. Basically, we reconciled about what happened the day you... Well...you know. But that's not when things changed completely. That was almost a week after when I was attacked by one of the rape gangs. Zale swept in like the valiant hero he is, and saved me." Kaysa covered her mouth as her laughter grew and her body began to tremble with excitement. "That's when... That's when I told him I loved him, Shiv. I love Zale and I don't know when or why it happened, but it did."

Shiv let out a squeal of laughter that she quickly stifled with a hand over her mouth. After a moment, as the giddiness died down, she pulled the hand away. "Oh Kaysa, that's so wonderful. It won't be long and you'll be like me. Oh...he's really a good man, and I think he needed some love too." She hugged Kaysa tight. "So, that's what you were gonna tell us? That you love Zale? Do you want him...to be part of us? If you do, I want that too. I like him a lot, and he's really great, especially when he looks all tough and stuff. It's so wonderful, Kaysa. It is!"

Kaysa sighed and embraced Shiv, but her relief was fleeting, even though she'd gotten part of the confession out of the way. "That's not all," she said softly. "There's something else, Shiv." Kaysa gently loosened her hold on Shiv and held her at arm's length, in case she decided to add more bruises to her already marred face. "Shiv...we...I mean... I didn't make this decision lightly, mind you, but..." Kaysa made a sound partway between a laugh and a whimper, then took a deep breath and said, "Shiv...Zale and I--"

"Did I hear someone giggling in here," Zale's voice said from the doorway. Merrick was standing behind him looking in as Kaysa and Shiv sat on the bed. "It sounds like someone in here is feeling happier."

Shiv looked up at Zale, a large smile forming on her face. "Zale," she said. "You're looking sexy as ever. I wish I had hair like yours. But, I'd probably look pretty silly."

"Thank you," Zale said. "So, what's happening in here?"

"Nothing," Kaysa blurted out. "I mean...I was just..." She looked around helplessly between Zale and Shiv, then to Merrick, which caused her fortitude to elude her and left her stammering nervously. Her heart was stabbing at her chest and her stomach churned painfully as all eyes in the room watched her inquisitively. She felt desperation possessing her and fear taking hold as well, and for strength, she squeezed Shiv's hand tightly. "What? Why is everyone staring!"

Merrick laughed. "We're not staring, love," he said. "We're just all in here together, and we happen to be looking in your direction."

"We're just all taken by your sexiness," Shiv said with a giggle. She slipped her other arm around Kaysa and snuggled close. "Now, I think everything is perfect with the four of us here. I think all of us together is perfect. All friends and perfect. And, stuff. And, I love being back here with all of you. Even Zale, though he doesn't smile enough."

Zale looked at Shiv and laughed. "What did Merrick put in your tea? What kind of herbs were those?"

Shiv giggled. "Very tasty herbs." She leaned close to Kaysa. "Smile, Kaysa, you've got me back."

Kaysa ran her hand along Shiv's cheek and laughed her tension away. "I know... I'm so grateful for that, Shiv." Sitting on the bed, she placed pressure on her feet to test how well her legs would hold up if she attempted to stand. She slowly released the breath she realized she'd been holding and rose unsteadily. She clung still to Shiv's hand but released it as she moved timoroursly towards Zale and Merrick. "Uh...Merrick maybe you should... You should probably have a seat...with Shiv or...something."

Merrick looked confused for a moment, and then did as Kaysa suggested. He sat on the bed next to Shiv and looked up to Kaysa. "What's going on," he asked.

"There's nothing, Merrick. I mean..." Kaysa's voice was consumed by a fit of uncomfortable, choked laughter. She looked to Zale in a silent entreaty, then finally sighed and slipped her hand into his. "I'm sorry," she whispered as she gazed up at him. "I love you, and I don't want you to think my apprehensions are because I'm afraid or ashamed of that. I'm sorry."

Merrick looked up at Kaysa and Zale and then the realization hit. When it did, he laughed. "Oh boy," he said. "You know, you're as bad as she is." He slipped an arm around Shiv and pulled her to him. "I was wondering when I might hear that. So...are we going to need a bigger apartment, or will Zale be keeping his own place?"

Kaysa's eyes slowly grew wide with surprise as she looked back at Merrick. "Wait...how did you--" She turned fully around and placed her hands on her hips while a gamut of emotions ranging from confusion to relief to amusement crossed her face. She gazed at Zale for a moment, then back at Merrick with a gentle laugh. "Merrick... How the hell did you know that? What...do I look like a married woman or something?"

Merrick laughed. "No," he said. "You don't look like a married woman. You just...I know you care for Zale, and have as long as I've known you. At least in our second incarnation. And...I guess it just doesn't surprise me that your feelings go deeper for him. You can love someone without being married to them. I can just look at you two and...see that there's more, that's all."

Shiv was staring at Kaysa and Zale. "Kaysa!" Her eyes narrowed and she flew out of the bed. "You bitch," she screeched. "I wanted to be your maid of honour!" Before any violence could be inflicted on Kaysa, Shiv quickly took her into her arms, and spun them both around, squealing as she did.

On the bed, Merrick was stunned. "You-- you're married? K-Kaysa...I don't...I don't understand..."

Shiv's excitement induced a bubbling laughter within Kaysa, but one look at Merrick's pallid face and shocked expression, and she found celebrating wasn't exactly appealing to her any longer. When her feet finally settled on the ground again, and with Shiv still kissing her furiously, Kaysa gazed at Merrick and felt her world shattering again. He was going to leave her again and despite all the happiness surrounding her, she knew she wouldn't be able to cope with it. "Merrick... I'm...I had to do it. Merrick?"

Before anyone else could say anything, Zale moved closer to Merrick. "There's a reason for it," he said, and then proceeded to explain to both Merrick and Shiv why he had been the one who Kaysa had to marry. "It doesn't mean she loves either of you any less." He glanced at Kaysa and then smiled. "She loves each of us for who we are. And, she especially loves me because Antorial Industries is going to smack Dargus Kandran down. This was to keep him from getting what he wanted, and now he can't. We're all hers equally."

Merrick nodded slowly, and then looked to Kaysa. "Talk to me," he said. In his eyes was the confusion and pain, but the love he bore for her seemed to consume it all. "Talk to me, and tell me everything's the same."

Her dread was driving up tears she'd been restraining. Slowly and hesitantly, she moved towards Merrick and tried vainly to use words to reassure him that things hadn't changed and that he was still her first true love. All that sneaked out was a groan as she sank to her knees before him. "Nothing...nothing's changed, Merrick." Kaysa lowered her eyes to her trembling hands resting in her lap and she shook her head slowly. "That's not true... Things aren't the same and never could be." Her eyes met his again, which were slowly darkening with misplaced dejection. She laughed softly and placed her hands atop his. "Things are better," she said gently. "I feel so...empowered, Merrick. I'm not afraid anymore, not afraid that the demons will come back and ruin everything we've worked so hard for. I love you and Shiv...and I love Zale, Merrick. You're not going to lose me... Do you believe me? Please...don't leave me, Merrick. I love you... Don't leave me."

Merrick sank down next to Kaysa. "I love you too much to ever even think of leaving you," he said. "I guess I'll just have to get used to you being someone else's wife. I know I won't lose you, or else you wouldn't be here now. And, if it helps stop the bastard who...who took Shiv, then it's worth it. I love you, Kaysa."

"You do?" Kaysa exhaled sharply and smiled. "You do." She wrapped her arms around him, giving silent thanks to the gods for bringing such a rational, understanding man into her life. "And I'm not just someone else's wife, Merrick; I'm Zale's wife, but only out of necessity." Kaysa winced at her own remark, and looked back slowly towards Zale with an apologetic smile. "Not that being married to you will be such a horrible thing...dear."

Zale laughed. "Oh, don't worry...dear," he said, "I'm the one married to you too. And, I'm sure it'll all be just wonderful. Well, except maybe keeping the schedule."

"What schedule? You don't mean a...sleeping schedule, do you?" Kaysa smiled nervously at Merrick. "Oh...I guess that's another thing I meant to tell you. I... We don't have to do this here, Merrick. There are a lot of things I have to tell you...unless you don't mind me saying it here in front of...everyone."

"Kaysa," Merrick said, "we're all in this together. We might as well do it here. The fewer secrets we keep from each other, the happier we'll all be, I imagine."

"Well it's not really a secret to Shiv, and I imagine it isn't really a secret to you anymore but..." Kaysa sighed deeply and gazed up at Merrick with a palpable anxiety in her eyes. "I know I said I'd stop but... I've been sleeping with Zale. I made a promise that it would only be you from now on, but I broke that vow many, many...many times. I even went so far as to go behind your back to be with him and...I'm just so sorry, Merrick."

Merrick nodded slowly. "I figured that," he said. "I would rather that you had told me, or hadn't or something." Then he smiled. "But, I guess in the end it all worked out for all of us. I have to share a little more of your heart, but I think you have enough love for the three of us. It may be a little difficult at first to share you with another man, but I guess I can't think of anyone else I'd rather share you with." He pulled Kaysa closer, and lowered his lips to her throat. "I believe I'm going to have to punish you for your infidelity, my dear."

Kaysa laughed and tried coyly to push Merrick away. "If I'd known cheating on you would result in a night of passion, I'd have told you about Zale sooner."

"Well, I think if you'd told me at any other time, I may not have reacted this way," Merrick said. "But, who knows. Whatever the case, I love you too much to let you sleeping with Zale behind my back upset what we have. I'm a little hurt by it, but at least I still have you, and Shiv. Now, what are we going to do tonight? Go out and celebrate Shiv's homecoming, and your marriage? You were just married, right? This isn't something that you've been hiding for awhile?"

"No. We've been married for a matter of an hour, Merrick. It was actually Zale who insisted I tell you now." Kaysa grinned at Merrick and pushed herself to her feet. She took his hands in hers and forced him up from the floor. "Now, come along," she said as she led him towards Zale. "You two are going into the living area, all by yourselves, and you're going to talk."

Merrick laughed. "Fine, we'll talk. Just don't be surprised if you have no more secrets when we're finished," he said. "You know, like that thing you do when you... Oh, and then there's the way you... Oh, Zale, we have so much to talk about."

Together the two men went out into the other room, leaving Kaysa and Shiv together in the bedroom.. Once they were gone, Shiv grinned at Kaysa. "It's perfect now, isn't it? Everything's going to be fine? Oh Kaysa, it's wonderful. This was a perfect time for you to save me, to get me back. Just perfect!"

"Yeah...perfect," Kaysa muttered as she stared blankly into the other room. "Except there's another thing I failed to mention." She glanced at Shiv with a tense smile. "We're about to have another addition to the living arrangement around here. I just hope Merrick likes kids..."

Shiv squealed with excitement. "Keeve!" She giggled and hugged Kaysa, then frowned and looked at her. "You do mean, Keeve, right?"

"Gods, Shiv! How many abandoned children do you think I have?" Kaysa smiled wanly at Shiv then kissed her lightly upon the lips. "Yes, it's Keeve. I was afraid Dargus would go after him so I had Moril send a team to retrieve him. And frankly, Shiv, I'm scared to death more than I was knowing I'd have to tell Merrick I was married."

Shiv pulled Kaysa into her arms and kissed her. "I didn't think you had any other kids, well not kids that were out and about. I just wasn't sure if there wasn't another surprise with Zale. But, I'm glad he'll be coming to live with us. I'll teach him to paint. And, maybe he and I can dance together. Dancing is really good exercise...well, so is sex, but I won't teach him that. So, is Moril still looking incredibly cute in that frazzled secretary kind of way?"

Kaysa stared at Shiv with amusement, then planted a firm, tender kiss upon her mouth. "You're a peculiar individual, Maeren...which only makes me love you that much more. And it's probably one of the reasons Moril is completely taken with you." She smiled slyly and whispered into Shiv's ear, "I thought you'd like to know, he's expecting a kiss from you. Don't disappoint the man."

"Really," Shiv said with a grin. "I guess I'd better start practicing then," she said. Without delay, she pulled Kaysa tightly to her body and proceeded to kiss her soundly. When it broke, she grinned. "Do you think that might be too much for him?"

Before Kaysa could respond, it sounded like a small war had started up in the other room.

***

Merrick and Zale moved into the other room and sat down; Zale took the couch, and Merrick took one of the chairs. There was a long drawn out silence with neither of them speaking, and each just staring off into the distance.

Finally Zale broke the silence. "So," he said. "This is kind of strange, isn't it?"

Merrick laughed and nodded. "Quite strange," he said. "But, I've come to expect strange from both Shiv and Kaysa. Though, I can't imagine any time I've been happier in life than with them. You have to watch them. Shiv's wild streak is...very wild. And, Kaysa's actually becoming more like her each day. Which I like."

Zale chuckled. "I think Kaysa's wild side has more of an edge to it than Shiv's. But, it's nice when her spirit is freer. It's much better than it was before." They were both silent for another long couple minutes before Zale sighed. "So, are you as alright with this as you seem?"

Merrick took a breath and let it out. "I think I am," he said. "I love her too much to do anything to lose her. Besides, I knew it was happening. I know Kaysa. I know she's not going out with strange guys anymore, but I know she's been with you. And, I know Shiv was with you too."

"How'd you--?"

Merrick laughed. "I didn't, but I suspected. And, Shiv worships Kaysa. If Kaysa were to have sex with a Wookiee, Shiv would want to because Kaysa did. It's adorably cute, even though it has the tendency to get them both in trouble. And, I think the trouble worked out for the best in this case. I wish I didn't have to share, but you're a good compromise."

Zale laughed. "Thank you...I think."

"I don't think the four of us should ever really be together, at least not for awhile. I think it would be too awkward. I think we're going to have to share both of them."

Zale nodded. "That's what I figured. It would be easy to suggest that I get one and you get the other, but I'm sure they want to be together."

Merrick grinned. "Oh yes," he said. "I think we should all talk out that part. We don't have much space left, but you're welcome to move in, or take a room, or whatever. I know you have places stashed all over the city, but if you want one here."

Zale suddenly smiled. "Thank you, Merrick," he said. "For being so understanding. I don't think I could have handled it if you didn't so readily accept this. I would have given her up, but she wouldn't give me up. It would have been bad."

"Kaysa's demons are gone," Merrick said. "Kaysa's demons are gone, and she's happy. This is fine with me if it makes her happy. To see her smile like that, I'd gladly share her with you."

Zale laughed. "Well, I couldn't think of a better person to share my wife with," he said. "And, on top of that, a famous musician. I bet we can get good tickets."

Merrick laughed and threw a pillow at Zale. "So that's why you didn't want me to leave! You'll pay for that, Tregat!" With that, he launched himself at Zale, and all hell broke loose.

When Kaysa rushed into the living area, she thought her worst fear had become realized. Zale and Merrick were rolling on the ground in each other's clutches, with Merrick crying out in what only sounded like pain to Kaysa. "Oh gods...they're gonna kill each other, Shiv!"

Shiv looked at the scene, the two grown men rolling around on the floor trying to get the upper hand, and giggled. "Watch out for the tab-- Ow. Oh, Merrick. Um, Zale, not so rough, and stop rolling him into the furniture. He bruises!"

Suddenly, in the midst of the scuffle, Merrick let out a laugh that turned into a yelp. "Hey, stop pulling my hair!"

"Wait... They're not fighting? You're not fighting?!" Kay