"Pleasure and Pain, Part 1"
by Dani
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
Raeila Mullerin
Ferrig Mullerin
and Orn Gham [NPC]

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 5, 4ABY

***

Dani gazed out the window again as the sun climbed higher in the sky. This morning, however, it seemed more subdued, less vibrant. Today was the day that she and Nieme would be leaving Thanatos, after they'd just arrived. She stepped away from the window and moved to check the bag she'd already packed. She owned very little; most of her belongings had probably already been ejected into the vacuum of space by Reza Anoran. And, then the little she'd purchased since then was left at the Temple when she and Nieme had fled. This time she had enough time to gather what she had to take with them.

She moved over to the bed where Nieme still slept. "Wake up, my love," she whispered. "We have to go to the Rhack now."

Sleep departed easily from Nieme and she awoke as if she'd only just succumbed to the lulls of slumber. Her eyes opened fully and immediately met Dani's. "What time of day is it?"

"It's mid-morning," Dani said. "We should go talk to Orn, and start toward the city before it gets too late."

Nieme nodded her head. She caught a glimpse of the sack lying near the doorway, bloated from being stuffed with everything they owned, all the things they'd bought to celebrate their new lives. Now, they would only be a burden on their journey to find some sanctuary in the universe where they could freely be happy. "Are my things packed too?" she asked softly.

Dani nodded. "I packed up everything I could," she said. "I didn't really have much, so that left more room for your things." She pressed her lips to Nieme's forehead. "We'll find a nice place in the city, near a park with trees and a pond, and no one will know us there. No one will try to hurt us in the city, Nieme."

"I hope you're right, Dani, because there are only so many places to hide." Nieme pulled back the sheets and slipped off the bed. She walked past the shirt that had been torn in the struggle the previous night, and a shudder ran through her body. Dani was right, and they had to hurry. They had to leave before they suffered more than some scratches and ripped clothing. "Did you leave anything unpacked for me to wear?"

Dani grinned and moved up behind Nieme. She slipped her arms around her and poked her head around Nieme's so she could see her friend. "Even though I think you look wonderful like this, I did put out some clothes for you. They're over on that trunk." She kissed Nieme's cheek. "I hope the choice was okay."

Nieme smiled wanly and ran her hand along Dani's cheek. "I trust your judgement, my love." She shifted around to face Dani and kissed her friend tenderly. "Do you think, when we get into the city, we should contact Jae Dyn Brael? Just to let her know..."

"I think we should," Dani said. "She'll want to know we're safe, and she won't come here looking for us. We don't want her to come here and have to deal with them. She'd be able to, but...but she could get hurt. It'd be nice if she and Liam Zaneth could come here and take care of the Feltreys. Everyone would be safer that way."

"Jae Dyn Brael said a Jedi only kills people if there is no other choice. They wouldn't be able to help us." Nieme pulled away from Dani and moved towards her clothing. She picked up the light shirt and crushed it in her hands. "But...we could, you know. We're not Jedi yet. We...we could kill them, Dani."

Dani nodded and stepped forward toward Nieme. "We'll train in the city. And, then, when we're ready to kill them, we'll come back. We'll make them pay for what they did to us. They'll pay for good, Nieme. We'll make Thanatos safe for people again. We'll use our power to get rid of them, and make this a safe place to live again."

"Kael could help us, you know," Nieme said. She pulled on her shirt, then ran her finger along the scabbed scratch peeking out from beneath it. "He hasn't told me, but I think he's killed before. He...he could help us."

Dani nodded. "He'll help us. Especially when he finds out what they tried to do. We'll make them pay. They'll never hurt anyone again." She moved close to Nieme, and then leaned forward and kissed the scab. "We'll make everything better."

"And we'll make them bleed," she added in a cold whisper. She moved from Dani and finally stepped into her pants. In the doorway, she took up the bundles Dani had packed and gestured her over with a cock of her head. "Let's go. We don't have time to waste." She pushed open the door and stepped out into the sunlight. It didn't burn her anymore, not when the fire raging within her had already completely consumed her. Nothing could touch her now, not even the Feltreys.

With a nod, Dani quickly followed Nieme out into the sunlight. She moved over to the speederbike, and climbed on. As Nieme climbed onto the back, she kicked on the repulsors, and they sped away towards the Rhack.

***

As his two girls stepped through the door of the diner, Orn was met with only grim faces and bleak stares. He attempted a smile for them, but didn't step forward to receive the hug he'd come to expect from Dani. "Morning, ladies. Work doesn't start for a couple hours still."

Dani wiped away a tear that had formed in one eye. She stepped forward, the sound of her sandals against the hard wood of the Rhack's floor sounding ominously loud. "We have to...to go away," she said. "Something happened last night, and...and we have to leave."

Orn rested his rough, supple hands on his thick waist and looked between the girls with a frown. "What happened? Come on girls, tell me what happened. If it's something bad, I can help you."

"You...you can't, Orn. We can't let you. You'd only get hurt," Nieme said sombrely.

Orn shook his head and took another step forward. "Someone hurt you, didn't they? Scared you? What? Tell me."

"It's a gang, Orn," Dani said. "They caught us on the way home last night. We got away, but they're gonna try again. We know it. It'll just be safer for us to leave. It's better this way. We'll try to keep in touch with you. And, maybe the gangs will be gone soon, and we'll be able to come back for good."

"The gangs will never be gone, Dani," Nieme replied harshly. "If we go, we can never come back."

"Look, girls...you just have to be careful, that's all. Just like the rest of us," Orn said. "You can't let them run you out of the city. I can escort you home at nights, and if you get to work before it gets dark, you'll be fine."

Dani turned her attention back to Nieme, a wounded look on her face. They'd already talked about it. They'd take care of the gangs. They'd come back with their Force powers, and take care of them all. She took a breath and turned to Orn. "I don't want to live my life looking over my shoulder, Orn. We can't be happy if we're always looking over our shoulder to make sure no one's following us. And, if they really want to get us, I don't think you'll be able to stop all of them." She stepped forward and put a hand on his chest. "I'm sorry, Orn. We have to go." She glanced back to Nieme. "Can we stay for breakfast, or should we just go and eat on the way?"

Nieme couldn't bear to look into Orn's eyes. Leaving him the first time was painful enough, but twice was adding more wounds to her already tortured heart. "We have to leave now, Dani. No time for breakfast."

Orn sighed despairingly and gave Dani the hug he knew she was yearning for. "Do as Nieme says, Dani. Whatever will keep you two safe."

"I'll miss you, Orn," Dani said softly. "You stay safe here. And...and...oh it's so terrible." Finally she took a deep breath and turned back to Nieme. "Let's go."

"Wait!" Orn lumbered back to the counter. He moved behind it and unlocked a secured drawer. It slid open and Orn rifled through it. "You guys will need this," he said as he started towards them again. He picked up Dani's hand and placed into her open palm a large wad of credits. "What I owe you for working here, and a little extra just in case you need it."

Dani looked at the credits in her hand, and then back up at Orn. "Thank you," she whispered, and then kissed him on the cheek, and then on the lips. "Thank you for being such a wonderful man. We'll try to contact you if we can." Then she moved back over to Nieme, and slipped her hand into her friend's. "I'm ready."

Nieme finally managed to gaze up at Orn, and it was then, with his eyes showing sorrow no matter how desperately he tried to hide it, that Nieme lost all her resolve. She ran into his arms with a wailing cry and buried her face into his shoulder as he lifted her easily from the ground. "Oh...Orn. When...when we're stronger we'll come back. When we can defend ourselves...we'll come back to you. We promise."

"I know, kiddo," he said thickly. "When you're good and strong, we'll see each other again."

Dani moved over toward Nieme and Orn and smiled. She put her hand on Nieme's back and sighed. Things would be alright again; she and Nieme would make them alright.

***

Ferrig approached where Pack stood waiting. Behind him strode six other Feltreys, and next to him, Raeila. The rat and the alien were inside, and it was only the two of them and Orn. Everything was falling into place, and they were about to get that payback they'd been looking for, that they were cheated out of last night. "This is it, little sister," he said. "We go in there, and we make them ours. Our very own pleasure girls."

"And with that ephreda plant, she won't be pulling that pheromone shit again." Raeila applied more of the secretions from the plant under her nose and over her upper lip. She inhaled deeply and winced as the sharp fumes drifted into her nostrils and eliminated entirely her sense of smell. "Gods...I hope this doesn't do permanent damage."

"Don't worry, my sweet sister," Ferrig said with a grin, "it won't do anything permanent, well not to us. To that purple bitch, when we all take her, that'll be something permanent. You know, I don't think we've ever targeted a rape raid. I kind of like this."

"And if these fools could keep themselves organized, we might just get away with it without any hitches." Raeila slinked closer to Ferrig and ran her finger along his cheek. "Don't forget Orn. Send the expendable members of the gang in first in case he does manage to pull out his blaster rifle."

"I'll make sure he's first, and I'll send in the other three before us," Ferrig said. "And, then Pack after us. And, I have a feeling Orn would feel left out, so I have a surprise for him too."

Raeila squealed with delight and wrapped her arms around Ferrig's waist. "I like surprises. Going to let me in on it? No, no! I want to wait and see it for myself."

Ferrig patted the blaster at his hip. "He may be modest and not accept it at first," he said, "so I've brought this along to encourage him." He looked around at the group. "Everyone ready? Let's go. You three in first. You want to get Orn first. He's got a blaster rifle in there, and we don't want him using it. This is all for fun, we don't want any blasters going off."

***

"Now," Orn said as he patted each of their cheeks. "You two better--" His head jerked up in reaction to the loud crashing of the front door as it was knocked off its hinges, followed by jeers and warlike cries. He threw Nieme and Dani behind him for protection while he backed away towards his counter. A small mass of what could only have been gangers filtered through the doorway with mouths curled into feral smiles and eyes scanning the room as if searching for prey. "Nieme! Dani! Into the kitchen and get out!"

"But Orn--"

"Now!"

The frightening intensity of his command set Nieme into a frantic scramble towards the kitchen. "Dani...this way!"

Three gangers immediately swarmed toward Orn as they ran inside. Ferrig, seeing the two bitches being hurried back into the kitchen turned to Pack. The youth only nodded, immediately understanding what Ferrig wanted him to do. With that, he rushed out and around to the back of the building.

Orn managed to make it to the counter and deftly reached for his blaster rifle. "I should've know, Ferrig. You always were trouble."

"Always," Ferrig said. "Now, get the bitches back to me, and we won't bring your little restaurant to the ground. We'll even let you live. They poisoned Selrid's mind against us, so now they have to face the consequences."

"Like hell they will." Orn, moving more swiftly than seemed possible with his hefty frame, gripped his blaster rifle and swung it up into his arms. The barrel of it was pointed directly at Ferrig, but his eyes darted between the other gangers, anticipating which of them would pull a weapon of their own first. "Out, now, Ferrig, or you and your gang won't be allowed to eat here anymore."

"We don't eat here anymore," Ferrig said with a grin. "You shoot that thing, my boys will be on you before you can get off another shot. And, my little sister, she's really upset that Kael left here with that kitchen whore of yours. You get rid of me, there won't be anyone to temper her when she gets her hands on them. And, when you shoot me, and my boys tear you apart, Rae gets the girls."

"I don't have to shoot you yet, Ferrig," Orn said with a smirk. "I just have to hold you back long enough for Nieme and Dani to get away. After that, I don't care what happens to me." Orn brought the barrel of the rifle towards the ceiling above the gangers' heads and let off a warning shot. Pieces of ferrocrete crumbled and hailed upon their heads. The barrel was facing Ferrig again before he could react and Orn's grin broadened. "Care to try me, Mullerin?"

"I don't want to have to shoot you, old man," Ferrig said with a sly smile. "I have a little surprise in store for you. I think you'll really like it. You don't want to do all this, then you might not get your surprise. Come on, Orn. You'll really like it, I promise." He glanced to one of the gangers and motioned with his eyes, then he lowered his hand down near the blaster at his hip. "But, if you want to play, Orn, we can play."

The corner of Orn's mouth twitched, but his finger remained steadily over the trigger device of his blaster. He mentally assessed whether Nieme and Dani had had enough time to escape into the alley, and once he'd pictured them running to freedom, the tension on his face lifted and he smiled easily. "Alright, Ferrig," he said as his finger began depressing the trigger. "Let's play."

---

"Pleasure and Pain, Part 2"
by Dani
Nieme Yaresh-Selrid
Raeila Mullerin
Ferrig Mullerin
Orn Gham [NPC]
and Pack [NPC]

Location: Thanatos, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 5, 4ABY

***

Nieme burst out into the alley with Dani stumbling behind her. From within the diner, shouts and blaster fire erupted. "Orn!" Nieme compulsively started back into the diner in a rescue attempt she knew would be in vain, but she was jerked back before she could get but two steps. "Dani! We can't leave him there!"

"He wanted us to get away, Nieme," Dani said, tears streaming down her face. "If we go back in...they'll just get us. Oh goddess, Nieme. I don't want to leave him in there, but...we have to get away...that's what he's doing...so we can be free..."

Nieme wailed in anguish as she forced herself to turn away from the door. "We'll...we'll come back for him after." Blinded by tears and breathless from guilt and fear weighing down upon her, Nieme plodded through the shifting sands dishearteningly.

A shadow formed in Nieme's path, and attached to it was a pair of feet and long legs wrapped in skin tight pants. "Where you going...rat? Not gonna ruin our fun, are ya?" Nieme raised her head, but the blinding sun behind the woman's head blotted out her face. Nieme didn't see her hand either as it came down upon her cheek to knock her off balance and onto the ground. "That's for turning Kael against us, you little bitch."

"No!" Dani screamed, and then rushed forward, her pheromones filling the air as she did. "Leave her alone!"

Raeila stepped back and attempted to secure Dani's flailing arms. She gripped her wrists roughly with her hands, but she staggered back from the force of Dani's approach and was finding it difficult to deter the attack. "Pack! You fool! Get this bitch off of me!"

Pack was there instantly. His arms went around Dani's waist, and he pulled her back away from Raeila. He pulled his arms up higher to secure her arms so she couldn't hit anyone. He could smell the faintest hint of flowers in the air, but all it served to do was fuel his lust. "Pheromones don't work anymore, bitch." He ground his erection against her backside as she struggled futilely.

Nieme whimpered and tried to clamber away in the sand, but her leg was jerked back and she screamed. "You're not getting away!" Raeila hissed in frustration. She buried her fingers in Nieme's short hair and grabbed a handful of it before wrenching her head back. Nieme groaned and emitted choked cries as her throat was stretched to its limit. "If Kael really loved you," she whispered into her ear, "he'd be here. But he isn't. And do you know why?" Raeila tugged on her hair sharply and Nieme cried out again. "It's because he loves me. Not you! Me."

She pulled on Nieme's hair violently and forced her to her feet. The face Nieme saw before her was a remorseless, implacable one determined only to hurt her and Dani...which she did with another stinging blow to Nieme's already reddened cheek. "Pack! Let's get them inside. The boys are waiting to get their hands on some fresh cunt."

"Come on, Purple," Pack said. "That's your new name now. You're a Feltrey pleasure girl, and your job is to pleasure Feltreys or whoever the Feltreys tell you to pleasure. Come on. Let's go visit Ferrig." He jerked Dani ahead of him, keeping a firm hold on her. "This is gonna be fun."

Nieme was forced through the kitchen, clawing at the hand ripping her hair from her scalp. "Stop that, Rat, or I'll tell Ferrig to be extra mean to you." Raeila's jeering, shrill laughter made Nieme flinch, as did the sight of the room full of adolescent, sexually aroused gangers. She tried to turn back and flee, but Raeila quashed her attempt with another open palm across her face. "Ferrig! We've got them!"

"Orn," Ferrig called out, "give up now, or we'll flay the bitch."

Nieme was pulled to a halt in the doorway leading to the dining area, which was now littered with broken glass and toppled chairs. Orn was huddled behind the counter with a rifle in his hand, while the gangers were crouched behind upended tables and holding ready their blasters. "Orn..." Nieme croaked. He turned his head and instantly a tortured, apologetic expression contorted his face. She knew Orn and also knew he'd never forgive himself for being unable to protect her. And she knew she'd never forgive herself if he died defending her.

"Kiddo..."

"Orn...just go. Please..." Nieme pleaded.

"Oh no," Ferrig said with a wide grin. "Orn's not going anywhere. He gets to stay here for the fun. Bring them into the room. Orn, hand over your weapon. I want you to come out and have a seat here. Now, do it nice and pleasant unless you want to see your little kitchen rat with a few holes that aren't supposed to be there."

Nieme witnessed in Orn's eyes the internal war going on within him. Something he found in her eyes or in her features caused him to mouth an apology before he slipped the rifle onto the counter and stood with his arms raised. "You hurt her, Ferrig, and I'll come after you myself."

Ferrig made a tsking sound and stepped forward. One of his thugs moved up and quickly pulled the blaster rifle away. "We're not gonna hurt her, Orn," he said. "This is about having fun. Everyone likes this. Now, have a fucking seat." He turned to Raeila and Pack. "Get them in here, and get their clothes off."

Raeila sent a knee into Nieme's back to get her moving. From the corner of her eye, she could see Orn sinking heavily into a chair and looking helplessly into his hands. The room spun as her feet were kicked out from under her and she fell to her back on the floor. Raeila's looming figure stood above her, then upon her. She straddled Nieme and kept her compliant by striking her. "Pack! Bring the purple bitch here. I want her. You get this one."

"You got it," Pack said with a laugh. "She still smells all flowery." He pushed Dani forward and shoved her to the ground next to Nieme. "You taste as sweet as you smell? I guess we're all gonna find out."

Dani whimpered. "Please," she sobbed. "Please leave us alone."

Pack laughed again. "Here's yours, Raeila."

Raeila ran her hand along Nieme's cheek, then let loose with a peal of harsh laughter as she rose to trade places with Pack. She stalked deliberately towards Dani, her gaze scrutinizing and filled with a desire far too sinister to be lust. "Are you purple underneath all that clothing?" she teased. She bent over low and whispered, "I guess we'll find out." She sat down upon Dani's waist and kissed her roughly. "Mmm...tastes like flowers too. Sweet..."

"Please don't hurt us," Dani sobbed. "I'll do anything you want, just don't hurt us. We didn't mean to hurt you. We just want to be happy and peaceful. We didn't mean to hurt you."

"Oh...hush now." Raeila caressed Dani's cheek, but all tenderness was banished by the wicked gleam in her eyes. "We're not gonna hurt you. That's not what we do to our pleasure slaves." One hand clutched at Dani's shirt, which tore away easily to reveal a heaving, purple chest. "Oh...the boys are really gonna love this. I imagine they'll have fun seeing what colour you are under all this purple."

"I'm all purple," Dani said, her voice frantic. "I'm from Zeltros. My people are like this. It's me. Oh goddess, please...just...please...what do you want with me?"

"I would have thought that was apparent by now." Raeila heard the tearing of fabric followed by Nieme's choked cries, and this provided her with even more motivation. She shifted down and straddled Dani's legs. She hastily opened her pants and signalled for some of the gangers to crowd around. "Would you look at this... Purple, even down here."

"Can I have some," one of the gangers said. "She looks real sweet. I bet she's good too, looking like that. I bet the bitch knows how to fuck."

"She makes Pack all hot just by looking at her. I imagine it's even better when you're inside of her." Raeila grinned as she peeled back Dani's pants and pulled them free. She rose and placed her hands on her hips as she surveyed the lithe, purple body before her. "From head to toe, just as I thought."

Pack looked over from where he straddled Nieme's nearly naked body. "Oh, she does look very purple indeed. I wonder if, after you fuck her, if your dick's purple too. You gonna do anything with her, Raeila? Or, you gonna let us have her?"

Raeila shot a seething glare at Pack and hissed, "She's mine for now! Just...focus on the Rat. Can't you see she's crying out for attention?"

"Oh," Pack said with a laugh, "she's begging for me!"

"No," Ferrig said, suddenly stepping forward. "Get those fucking pants off her, and she's mine. Time for her to feel what a real man's like. And, the purple bitch better take notes."

Pack quickly moved to tug Nieme's pants free while Ferrig stood above them. Two of the gangers moved back over behind Orn to keep watch on him. Once Nieme was naked, Ferrig opened his pants and climbed down on top of her. "Time to become a woman, Kitchen Rat."

"Please," she begged piteously. "I...I didn't do those things to Kael..." Nieme clenched her eyes shut to mitigate the stinging of her tears, then opened them again only to be faced with Ferrig's grin. "He left because...he didn't want to be a ganger...that's all!"

"Not Selrid," Ferrig said as he positioned himself at Nieme's entrance. "Come on, it'll be alright Rat. I'm a good lover, ain't I sis?" With that, he shoved himself inside her. "There, that's not so bad is it?" Slowly at first, he started thrusting into Nieme.

The first jolt of shock made Nieme cry out, but the pain she expected wasn't there. She neither sought, nor found any enjoyment in the act, but the fears she'd had all her life about being raped as all the other unfortunate women had been, and the physical pain associated with it seemed to vanish. Now, all she felt was humiliation, sorrow, and a yearning to once again be in Kael's arms. He'd protected her before from Ferrig and the Feltreys, but she drove him away and now was left to fend for herself. In leaving Kael, she even deprived Dani, now, of the protection she would need when her time came to be defiled. Knowing that added guilt atop all the other surmounting emotions piling within her and bearing down upon her like Ferrig was now.

The rough floor of the diner scraped at her bare flesh, and combined with the smell of Ferrig's breath upon her face, her worst fears took on a far too realistic manifestation. So, it was into her mind that Nieme once again retreated. No one could find her there. Sometimes, she even lost herself in the winding maze of thoughts and memories that weren't her own, but ones she conjured to give her comfort at times like these. Her body could be taken by Ferrig, but there was no way he would find her soul in the sanctuary of her mind.

Ferrig cried out as he continued to drive himself into Nieme. Finally, his release drew near and he spilled his seed into her with a victorious shout. He stayed inside of her for a moment before pulling out. Then, he turned toward Orn. "Get the pants off at least, Orn," he said. "You're next." He lifted his blaster, and pointed it down at Nieme. "And, don't defy me or else I'll spatter the girl all over the place."

Orn rose swiftly from the chair and it toppled to the floor with a loud clatter. Nieme was torn out of her sanctuary and she returned to reality with a gasp. The first sounds she processed was Orn hollering, presumably at Ferrig. She opened her eyes and shrieked as she stared into the barrel of a blaster, hovering dangerously close to her head. "Leave her alone!" Orn bellowed as he stepped forward.

With his thumb, Ferrig dialled up the setting on the blaster. "You're going to do this, or I will kill the bitch. She means nothing to me. If she means anything to you, you'll fucking do this, old man!"

Orn stopped his advance and stared in utter disgust and disarray at Ferrig. "You're sick, Ferrig. How can you do this? She's done nothing to you...neither of them have!" The sight of Ferrig's thumb depressing the trigger made Orn's heart lurch, especially with the terrified look in Nieme's eyes. "Fine," he said defeatedly. "You bastard, fine. I'll do whatever it is your sick mind has decided it wants me to do."

"It's because of that bitch that Kael's gone," Ferrig said. "And, the purple bitch is just wrong. She's worse than a wetter. Now, go give Nieme what you know you've always longed for. And, make it good, Orn."

"How the fuck do you expect me to do that, Ferrig? The girl's terrified, and this isn't something I wanna do... If you were truly a man, you'd know that makes things a little anatomically difficult."

"The bitch is lubed up good for you," Ferrig said. "And, if you need a little encouragement, we can always have the purple one help you out. Her mouth's gotta be good for something."

"Ooh...good idea, Ferrig." Raeila pushed back the gangers she'd had stuffing themselves into Dani's mouth, then forced her to her feet. "Get up! Orn needs a little help so he can give your friend the Rhack special."

Dani coughed slightly as she approached Orn. Before she got to him, she used the back of her hand to wipe her chin clean of the remains of the other gangers' pleasure. She looked up at Orn and sobbed softly. Then, she reached out and started unfastening his pants.

Orn clenched and unclenched his jaw as he watched Dani about to unwillingly do something he couldn't bear to see her do. He reached down and gently pulled her hands away while giving her a rueful smile. "It's okay, Dani. I can manage this on my own. There'll be no need." He reached into his unfastened pants and freed his himself. His hand encircled his shaft and he proceeded to massage it. With his other hand, he cradled Dani's tear-soaked cheek comfortingly, then moved past her and grudgingly towards Nieme. "Get that fucking blaster away from her, Ferrig."

"Kael always said you could be reasonable," Ferrig said as he pulled the blaster away from Nieme's head. While Orn worked at his prick, he bent down and kissed Nieme. "You're almost a woman, Rat. Though, I think I'll have to let Rae be the final judge of that."

Nieme turned away from Ferrig and watched as her tears fell to the dirty floor below her. She tried with her small hands to cover her breasts, but the gangers had already seen more of her than she would ever have let another see, besides Kael and Dani. She could feel the gentle vibrations caused by Orn's approach and her body went rigid. Not Orn... He had already suffered enough and the look of agony upon his face indicated he would get no pleasure from what he was being forced to do. This would be another source of guilt for Nieme. Orn was suffering too now, and it was her fault entirely.

She whimpered and shrank away as Orn reluctantly straddled her. "I'm so sorry, Nieme," he said in a tortured whisper. "Kiddo...I promise I won't hurt you. I'll be as gentle as possible."

Nieme nodded her head slowly and finally erupted into tears again. Orn looked up at Ferrig one last time with murderous intent. "You're an insane fuck, Ferrig. You deserve to die for this."

"You're probably right," Ferrig said. "But, I'm the one with the blaster right now. Now, you're holding up the line, get to it. Patz, lock the door. Most of the customers who come in here wouldn't be interested in joining in, so we don't want them." Ferrig moved closer. "Now, make it good. I'll have you fucking the purple one next."

Orn ground his teeth and looked away from Ferrig. He was angry with himself for reacting to his own hand's coaxing, but it would be easier on Nieme if it was over sooner. "Nieme...I'm so sorry, kiddo," he whispered before he carefully and slowly entered her.

Nieme jerked and gave a startled gasp, and once Orn began thrusting into her, she retreated again into her mind. She didn't want to find her way out this time. She didn't want to come out until her torture had ended, but she also didn't want to leave Dani all alone. Her head lolled side to side until she finally stopped and focused on her purple friend. She was forced to close her eyes as Dani was surrounded by gangers again and made to take them into her mouth, one by one, repeatedly.

Nieme winced and emitted a pain-tinged cry. Orn had promised to be gentle, and he was being for the most part, but his bulk upon her was making it hard to breathe, and he felt much larger than Ferrig, which alone caused the most pain. Sweat was collecting upon her chest from Orn's exertion, and his grunts made her cringe everytime. She eventually covered her ears with her hands to block out the noise so she could focus only on the sound of the waterfalls she was visiting in her mind.

Ferrig leaned down to where Nieme and Orn were. He watched them for a moment, then moved over to Raeila. "So, dear sister, what do you want to see next?"

Raeila tapped her chin pensively as she watched Dani taking care of four gangers at once. "I don't know, brother. We should probably take them back home with us. I think we have some rope and other things there. We might be able to make some interesting contraptions to use on them."

Ferrig smiled. "Have I told you I love the way you think lately? How about we let Orn finish his business, and then we take them back with us. I imagine they'll be fairly busy tonight."

"Then we better not wear them out just yet." Raeila's attention strayed to Nieme as a loud, thick groan escaped Orn's lips. The small girl was practically obscured beneath him, until he finally pushed himself to his feet and stuffed himself into his pants. Raeila thought she saw tears glistening in his eyes, but she laughed wryly and merely attributed it to the joy he felt in finally living out his dream. "Let's go, Ferrig. I'm in the mood for a change of scenery."

"Come on boys," Ferrig called. "Grab the girls. Let's go. We're going home."

Raeila moved towards Dani and pushed away the gangers. "Cover her up, Pack. I don't want that purple flesh burnt to a crisp."

A commotion had started nearby as Orn threw back two gangers who'd attempted to drag Nieme from the ground. She was mumbling incoherently and trembling spasmodically. He managed to scoop her up into his arms and rock her gently before the gangers started towards him again. "Leave her alone! Can't you see you're breaking her!"

Ferrig started forward. "She's none of your concern," he shouted as he rushed at Orn.

"Oh no? And I suppose I should entrust her into your care now?" Orn laughed derisively and embraced Nieme even more protectively. "You're a murderer, Ferrig, and a rapist. There's no way I'm just handing her to you."

"You want to die, don't you Orn?" Ferrig said as he pulled his blaster out again. "Should I just wound you? Or should I put you out of your misery?" He stepped closer, alternating the aim of his blaster between Orn's forehead and knees.

Nieme's eyes fluttered open as her mouth moved to speak unheard words that existed only in her mind. In a blur, she saw a blaster flashing in and out of sight. Her eyes shifted languidly to the man holding her tightly in his arms. She knew it was Orn, the touch familiar as much as his scent. Ferrig's voice pierced through the haze and Nieme's awareness flooded back. "No! Stop!"

"Nieme, it's okay," Orn soothed. "I'm not letting him take you."

"He'll...he'll hurt you. Please..." Nieme sobbed into his chest while muttering pleas. "Don't, Orn...for me. Don't die..."

Orn cursed at Ferrig then kissed Nieme tenderly upon the forehead. "You bastard," he growled at Ferrig as he set Nieme upon the ground. He continued embracing her and shook his head slowly at Ferrig. "I'll hunt you down, Ferrig. Don't you doubt that for a second."

Ferrig laughed. "It is nice to see that you have a sense of humour in all of this, Orn," he said. "Well, I think it's time for us to leave. Don't make us burn your place to the ground to show you that we mean business. And, you really don't want to be targeted in a rape raid, do you? We don't just rape girls anymore, you know." He held his arms out for Nieme. "Give her to me."

Despite knowing she had to go, Nieme clung to Orn even more tightly. He patted her arms gently and told her in his most soothing voice that everything would be okay and that he'd get her help. Nieme looked up at Orn, managing a smile for him to assuage any guilt he might feel for actions he was forced to perform. Assuming as much bravery as she could, she pulled away from Orn and started towards Ferrig with unsteady steps.

Raeila clutched Dani's arms and jerked her into motion. "Move, sunshine. The fun's about to begin for you back at our hangout. So smile..."

"Please," Dani whispered, "I'll do anything you want, just don't hurt us. Please don't hurt us."

"I'm not gonna hurt you..." Raeila dragged her hand along Dani's stomach and let it dip between her legs. "I just wanna hear you scream, that's all, whether it be in pleasure or pain..." Raeila kissed Dani deeply on the lips, then pulled away and laughed. "If you're a good girl, it'll be more pleasure than pain."

"I'll be a very good girl," Dani said. "I'll give you pleasure. I'm Zeltron. We're...we're very good at pleasure. Please let me pleasure you. I'll be very good."

"Oh, you'd better be," Raeila warned playfully. "Or I'll let Pack take out his sexual frustrations on you. He insists that he's quite...massive. If you're naughty, we'll just have to find out whether he's telling the truth or not." She laughed, a cold, mirthless laugh and started Dani moving with a jerk. "Ferrig! Grab the Rat and let's go!"

Ferrig reached out and clamped a hand around Nieme's arm. "Come on, Rat. I want to show you my bed; I imagine you'll become quite familiar with my bed."

Nieme whimpered and looked back towards Orn. He had turned away, unable to confront the sight of handing her over to Ferrig. His body shook, and the wave of despair she felt coming from him confirmed that he was shedding tears, for himself, for her, and Dani. She saw her friend and lover being pulled roughly by Raeila. A cloak had been placed upon her, but beneath it she was as bare as Nieme was.

It was a dream, a bad dream. Nieme refused to believe that this was truly happening, but the pain the suddenly shot up through her foot as she stepped upon a jagged piece of broken glass quickly reminded her that her dreams had ended long ago. She gasped and fell against Ferrig as she removed all her weight from her injured foot. She heard laughter erupt from around her, but from Ferrig, she received only a feral smile and a gaze filled with anticipation and desire.

"What am I gonna do with you, Rat," Ferrig snarled. "At least you're small." With that, he lifted her up and hefted her over his shoulder. "There, now you won't injure those tender little feet of yours. So, do you and your purple friend want to do little shows for us? I think that would be fun, don't you? You and your friend, get going good while we watch, and then it all turns into a free-for-all. That sounds fun, doesn't it?"

Nieme squeaked a reply and shook her head profusely. She wanted to draw back into the world her mind had created for her, but the throbbing pain in her foot and the embarrassment of being led through the desert, naked and slung over Ferrig's shoulder was keeping her firmly grounded...unfortunately.

She lifted her head to try and catch Dani's attention. Raeila was teasing and taunting her; she toyed with her breasts and her hand disappeared between her legs occasionally. The radiating despair and fear coming from Dani brought tears to Nieme's eyes. It didn't have to be like this. If they'd stayed at the Temple, if she hadn't fled and asked Dani to come with her, they'd both be safe. But they weren't now, and when the Feltreys had had their fill of them, Nieme knew they would not be set loose as the same people they were now. Their existence would become one equal to death, and after suffering what she just had, death would be a welcome release.

---

"Uninvited Guests"
By: Dargus Kandran
and Elisia Melouet

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 5, 4ABY

***

Dargus looked down the street to make certain the patrol of Imperial Stormtroopers had gone. Once he was certain they had, he turned to Elisia who waited behind him. "They are gone," he said. "We can approach the apartment building without impediment. Gaining access should be a simple matter. Are you sure you're ready for this? I am quite certain this path we'll lead you away from the pristine goodness of being a Jedi Knight."

"Are you really giving me a choice?" she asked. She knew he probably wasn't. He had not approached her on a personal level. She was not sure what kept him at bay, but she didn't press him either.

"Will you not be more loyal if I give you the choice? If I offer you the choice to return to what you were, or to seek the revenge you crave?" Dargus glanced at her and smiled. "If you wish, I can force you."

"Really, how could you do that?" she asked with a frown. "It seems unlikely that you could make me do what I did not truly wish. In this case, to fool Kace, I will have to want to." She looked at him, truly curious as to how he thought he could force her to such a deception.

"You really don't want to know my methods, Elisia," Dargus said. "Though, if you really must know, there is always Kylas. And, then there are the numerous things I could do to you. Torture is such an ugly thing. And, then quite dangerous with that child you bear." He turned to face her. "Are those enough for you? I don't think you want me to get into the techniques my master has taught me."

Her eyes had widened. His master. She finally had to ask; it had been bugging her since he had kidnapped her. "Who is your master?" she whispered. Though, she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

"Perhaps you will meet him one of these days," Dargus said with a smile. "If you show the potential and interest, then perhaps he can give you some instruction as well. If the path I walk is the one you want, Elisia, then join me. With his teaching, and our skill, we can rule the galaxy." He held out a hand to her. "Join me, Elisia."

Elisia knew she shouldn't take his hand. She should run the other way, but he had already pointed out that she really didn't have a choice. She slowly reached out and put her hand into his. She looked up at him and knew he could see the doubt and fear in her eyes.

Dargus closed his fingers around Elisia's hand and then pulled her closer. "You won't regret this," he whispered. Or maybe you will, he added silently. "I will make you a very powerful woman, and I will help you find that revenge you desire." He gave her a smile as they held each other's gaze. He felt her fear churning within, and knew that in that she would find her strength. If she truly wished to walk the path of darkness, she would need to use that fear. "Now, our next step will be going to Kace and Yelara's apartment. From there we should be able to find out where they are."

Elisia nodded. She forced a small smile to her face. She had to keep her mind focused on getting revenge on Yelara. If she could do that, she could keep this path safely. She felt power emanating from Dargus. It scared her and yet made her feel oddly safe as well. "I am ready."

Dargus smiled. "Good," he said. Then, with a gentle tug, he pulled her along with him as they approached the building in which Kace and Yelara had their apartment.

Once they arrived in the lobby of the building, they entered the lift, and Dargus punched the code for the floor the apartment was on. The lift rose quickly and he turned to Elisia. "How do you want your revenge? Do you wish to make them feel pain? To just steal their child? How do you wish to extract your vengeance for all they have stolen from you?"

"I mostly want Yelara to feel loss. To know what it is like to be betrayed and have stolen from you what you love," Elisia said quietly. "But, I am not sure how to go about that. I have never...never sought revenge really." She had only really acted in true anger once. And truth be told, Dargus had been the one to set that up. "I think taking the child is a good place to begin."

Dargus smiled. "A very good place," he said.

The lift doors opened and they moved down the hallway to the door that led into Kace and Yelara's apartment. Dargus attached a lock scrambler to the door. Lights on its surface flashed for a few moments, and then the lock snapped back. Dargus pushed the door open, and led the way in.

"We're looking for any information to tell us where they are now."

Elisia began searching through things when she came upon a message recorder linked to the comm system. She played through the messages quickly and then stopped at one. She watched it again. "I think I know where they are." She grinned and played the message for him.

Dargus moved over and watched the recording again. "Well, they won't be there now, but it's only two days away. I think we should procure ourselves invitations to this party. I am certain they would enjoy having us crash their little party."

"Can you get invitations? I mean this is one of your competitors, is it not?" She watched the message once more, and knew from the woman's message that the party was being thrown by a Hutt.

Dargus looked down at Elisia and laughed. "I can get anything, my dear," he said. "Or have you forgotten who I am?"

"I wasn't sure with you having to start over and all," she said with an answering grin. She looked around the apartment. She wanted to slash everything of Yelara's but she dared not.

Dargus laughed. "Well, some things never change," he said. "Though, this time it's not from vast wealth that my influence comes. Let's see if we can find anything else out."

Elisia nodded. Dargus was a greater puzzle than he had been before. Before she had sensed glimpses of goodness within him. But now, she was sure that if there was any left, it was deeply buried. The thought made her shiver and her hand went reflexively to her abdomen.

Dargus led the way into one of the other rooms. Inside were the signs of a baby. With a wide grin, he turned to Elisia. "This is where they kept the child," he said. "I can feel it and it's strong." There was something else he could sense, barely at the edge of his awareness. And, then he knew. He turned to Elisia with a wide smile. "And, I sense something else too. The child isn't Liam's, it's mine!"

"How can you know that?" she asked. "It isn't even here." This changed things somewhat. Now he had as much right to the baby as Yelara did.

Dargus smiled and turned to look at Elisia. "The child may not be here," he said, "but I can feel its lingering presence in this room. It is amazing what you can learn when you are attuned to the Force. The child will be strong in the Force, no doubt. Perhaps, with you at my side, we can steal the child from Yelara and then raise it in our image, defying Yelara and Kace. Wouldn't it be suitable justice for them to know that we are raising their child?"

"I think that it would hurt them both immensely," Elisia agreed. She shivered slightly at his reference to them both raising the child; for if that came to pass, what of her own child?

"I want them to feel as much pain as they've caused me," Dargus said. "And, I know you feel the same." He turned to her. "There is much about us that is similar, Elisia."

"I find that hard to believe," she said honestly. She didn't want to think she could be like him. She never wanted to be without feelings of a more tender nature. Since he had kidnapped her, she had sensed nothing in him to show that he was even remotely capable of them anymore.

"You hate me, don't you?" Dargus asked as he turned to her. "You are frightened of me and what I might do to you. You are afraid that I will try to force you to be with me, that I'll steal your baby for my own, or kill it because it's not mine." He moved closer. "I know the only way you would ever share yourself with me, allow us to get any closer than what we are, is if I forced you. I would force Yelara, enslave herself to me as Maeren was, but not you."

"I don't hate you. But I will admit, you do frighten me. You are different now." She paused and looked up at him. She had to ask. "Why not me?" she asked very softly.

"You could potentially be a strong ally," Dargus said. "To take you against your will, it would set you against me and ruin any chances of an alliance. As much as I desire you, I will not force myself upon you and ruin what we could be."

For some reason, his answer pleased her. She thought of Kylas and frowned. She loved Kylas but he would never approve of her getting even with Yelara for what she had destroyed. But Dargus understood this need. "Thank you," she whispered. She suddenly felt uncomfortable and took a step back. "Now what? Does it change things if the child is yours?"

"Well, if the child is mine, then I should have it. We proceed as planned. Now, let us go before the nosey neighbour starts asking questions."

Elisia nodded and led the way out. Something had just changed and she wasn't sure what it was. She also wasn't so sure it was a good thing, but she did feel safer. Perhaps that was more dangerous.

---

"Shades of Joy, Part 1"
By: Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Moril Astren [NPC]
Deez and Aron [NPC's]

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 5, 4 ABY

***

Marriage. As he sat at his desk, watching numbers scroll by on the holographic display, Zale couldn't quite acclimate himself to the changes in his life over the last several days. The biggest, of course, was marriage. He had never expected to marry anyone, but knew that Kaysa would have been the one he would have chosen had the choice been up to him -- and if he'd actually planned on getting married in the first place. Still, what they shared was far distant from the average marriage on this planet or elsewhere. He laughed softly as he corrected himself that nothing on this backwards planet neared the galactic averages. Still, even though it was unplanned, he was happy with the marriage fate had dropped on his head.

He took a sip from his kaffe and sighed. Grudgingly, he returned his attention to the reports scrolling before him. His time in prison hadn't been good for business, but the numbers this morning were encouraging. Things would improve, especially through his new holdings gained through the marriage to Kaysa and her subsequent inheritance from Rennor Karradas' will. He'd ordered double the standard number of guards for the spaceport, just because he didn't trust Dargus Kandran to abide by the legal nuances of the recent financial upheaval in Zenarr Inc.

Earlier that morning, he'd received word that Rennor Karradas' estate was dealt with, and it was now his. It should have been Kaysa's, and on any other planet in the galaxy, would have been. But, as soon as they married, anything that was hers, became his, including the spaceport that Kandran lusted for. And, Kandran would only get the spaceport over Zale's dead, decaying body. Things were definitely changing, and he expected to be on top of all the changes. Zale Tregat didn't like to lose.

***

Kaysa Zenarr didn't like mornings. This one, however, caused more anxiety and more reeling stomach aches than the normal, stressful day did. Today was the day her actions would either start a war, or she would stop dead Dargus' attempted rise to power - dead in a figurative sense, of course, for the bastard appeared to have the ability to cheat death, unfortunately enough for Tae'Karada and the rest of the galaxy. She did feel some confidence that brought on a levity to her fears; she had Zale on her side now, as her business partner and husband. With him, she had a better chance of surviving the onslaught of Dargus' vengeance. With Zale by her side, she knew she wouldn't have to be afraid of anything anymore.

The lift ascended along smoothly to the top floor of the Estri-Casren Tower, and although the trip was short, it allowed for a multitude of thoughts and concerns and regrets to surface. The first among them was Merrick. She loved Zale, more than she knew she should, but Merrick would always be her first true love after Cadwin. If she hadn't been forced to marry Zale in order to keep this damn sexist, oppressive planet from buckling under the weight of Dargus' rise to power, and if Merrick had asked, she would have accepted. She saw no point in dwelling on it, however; it didn't change how they felt for each other, but it was still one regret she knew would remain with her for always.

Her contemplation was interrupted by the gentle lurch of the lift as it came to a stop, and the hiss of the doors sliding open. She smoothed out the jacket of her suit and stepped into the corridor. As usual, Zale's amusing bodyguards looked up from a distance, but neither made any effort to approach and stop her this time. Kaysa neared the doorway to Zale's office, but stopped before she reached it and looked to the two men with an inquisitive smile. "What's wrong?" she asked as she placed her hands on her hips. "Do I no longer deserve the honour of being patted down by you two?"

Deez laughed. "Sorry, Mrs. Tregat, but I don't think that would be appropriate," he said. "Though, if you insist, then we'll have to. But, I don't think Mr. Tregat would exactly appreciate that, especially outside his office." The man grinned. "Would you like for us to pat you down, Mrs. Tregat? For old time's sake?"

Next to him, Aron laughed and winked at Kaysa. "He's waiting for you inside, ma'am."

"Thank you, Aris." Kaysa smiled at the man and gave him a wink of her own. She turned to the door and reached for the handle, but she shifted around to the two men again. "Tell me something," she began slowly. "If it weren't for the fact that I was married to Mr. Tregat, you would still enjoy checking me for weapons, right?"

"If you weren't married to Mr. Tregat," Aron said with a grin, "we'd love to check you for weapons." He felt his cheeks go red with the enthusiasm of his comment. "Of course, you do look like the sneaky type, so we'd have to check you good."

Kaysa laughed silkily at the compliment while she idly twirled her hair around her fingers. "And if I weren't married, I might have made you check twice." She paused for a moment, staring at the two men with a grin. "You know," she said musingly, "I don't think either of you have given the bride a congratulatory kiss yet. It's tradition, you know." She feigned exasperation as she turned her cheek to the men and tapped it impatiently.

Both of them laughed, and then came forward to claim their kisses. First Deez, and then Aron. "Congratulations," Aron said with a smile. "We're happy for both of you. You wouldn't believe what it's been like around here today. You'd think we were all on vacation, except very focused. It's kind of strange. Congratulations, Mrs. Tregat." With that, he kissed her cheek once more and took a step back.

"Kaysa. I think after all the hell I've put you two through in the past, you've earned the privilege of calling me by my first name." She smiled warmly at the men and finally opened one of the large doors leading to Zale's office. "See ya later, boys," she said as she slipped inside, gave them a sultry wink and a wave, then closed the door behind her.

From inside the office, Zale looked up from his desk when the door opened. As Kaysa stepped in, he'd already stepped out from behind the desk and was approaching her. "Hello, my love," he said as he took her into his arms. "You look good today, very good. You keep looking that good, we're going to have to see about putting more butt prints into the top of my desk."

"That wouldn't be very fair to the boys outside. I think they have a little crush on your wife," she said with an innocent smile.

"Oh really," Zale said with a laugh. "And, knowing my wife, she has done nothing to dissuade them. You are a terror, my dear. I'm going to have to keep my eye on you, aren't I? Make sure you're not flirting with anyone you shouldn't be flirting with."

"I'd like to see you try. There hasn't been a man yet who's been able to tame Kaysa Zenarr." She kissed him tenderly upon the lips then whispered, "But I'd really like you to try, my love."

Zale laughed softly, and then kissed her again. "Well, I'll see what I can do," he said. He shuffle-walked with her still in his arms until he was at his desk, and then pulled both of them down into the chair. "I've been going over some numbers," he said. He reached out and touched a button on the desk, and then a holographic display rose up above the desk. "Those are the profits from Karradas this year, and they're all yours. Well, mine technically, but I've never really been a big adherent to the technicalities of things. Look at that number down at the bottom. That's what I transferred into your account this morning."

Kaysa couldn't prevent the involuntary gasp and gaping of her mouth stimulated by the long string of numbers Zale indicated. "What-- All that?" She glanced sideways at Zale with the first signs of a smile on her lips. "A wedding gift?"

"A wedding gift sounds good," he said with a laugh. "That was the money in Rennor's personal account. I've transferred another sizeable amount into the Zenarr accounts as well; that came straight from the overflow assets from his businesses. I could have just pulled all of that in with my own money, but I don't believe in the customs of this planet. They may say that all you have is mine, and I'll keep up that appearance with them. But, between us, you're your own person and what's yours is yours, even though the government may think it's mine."

"And even though Dargus Kandran thinks it's his," she added with a frown. "What are we gonna do when he finds out? He'll want my head first, then yours, then he'll want Shiv back in exchange." Kaysa's eyes burned with ferocity as she said, "He won't touch her again. I won't let him, Zale."

"He will have to go through me to get to you or her," Zale said with a feral grin. "And, I assure you, he won't be getting through me very easily. I've upped security in all my holdings, and yours. The spaceport is well protected. He's going to need an army to take what he wants, and even then, my army's bigger. I've also got people watching the streets around your apartment. If you want, we can keep Shiv with us for added protection."

"With us where, Zale?" Kaysa sighed softly and nodded her head. "You expect me to move in with you," she surmised.

"No, I don't expect you to move in with me," Zale said. "I was just thinking today while we're together. Tonight, I imagine you'll be at the apartment with Merrick and Shiv. I'll have extra guards watching the streets for anyone coming in." He pulled her tighter to him. "I don't expect you to do anything but what you want to do."

She stroked his cheek lightly with her hand and smiled. "Are you just pretending to be the man of my dreams, or are you really this perfect, Zale Tregat?"

Zale laughed softly. "I'm not pretending to be anything," he said. "I'm just...I'm just me, that's all. But, I do love you very much, and it's important for me to keep you safe, and keeping you safe means I also need to keep Shiv and Merrick safe too." He looked up into her eyes and smiled. "I know our marriage wasn't planned or really intended, but I am happy."

Kaysa laughed in disbelief. "You are? I guess... I'm happy too, Zale. Everything's going right, even though we now have a very dangerous enemy." She rested her head upon his shoulder and sighed. "Still...everything seems so much less complicated now. Life used to seem like such a struggle, but now it's almost...pleasurable."

Zale sighed softly. "It is, isn't it? It's nice when things start sort of going the way you'd like them to. At least, when it's not out of control and doing things you don't want it to. So, my love, what would you like to do today to celebrate our wedding, and the large amounts of credits that have worked their way into our possession?"

"Hmm...we could go have breakfast somewhere nice - maybe Roaral's," she said while swinging her dangling legs languidly. "We could maybe go for a walk and pick up Shiv...or if you like, we could just go back to one of your many apartments and have a small honeymoon." She grinned at him leeringly and walked her fingers along his chest. "We haven't had time alone for a couple days. I wanna know what it feels like to make love to my husband."

Zale smiled. "I think that sounds like a very good idea," he said. "I'll tell Moril that I'm going to be--"

Suddenly the door opened and Moril stepped through, and then stopped suddenly when he saw them together. "Sorry for interrupting," he said with an embarrassed grin. "I didn't realize you were here, Kaysa, or I would have just used the comm." He glanced around the office, and then frowned slightly. The frown didn't last long as he continued toward Zale. He handed him a datapad. "It seems that you have been invited to the party of the year."

Zale read over the notice and laughed. "It appears that one of my competitors in the underworld is throwing a masquerade ball for all the influential people in the system, and I've been invited."

Kaysa pulled the invitation from Zale's hand and quickly scanned it. "Ooh! I've never been to one of those." Her gazed shifted to Zale as a smile grew upon her lips. "Look. It says you can bring a guest. I wonder..."

Zale took back the invitation and stared at it for a moment. "I wonder who I should take. I will have to find a date, I'm sure. But, who should I ask? Oh, such a difficult decision."

Kaysa frowned and crossed her arms stubbornly over her chest. "Well, I guess you could dress Moril up in a beautiful evening gown and take him. Not like I'll be going anywhere, ever. I mean, why in the world would Zale Tregat risk letting anyone know he's married by escorting his wife to an evening ball...jerk."

Zale laughed. "Do you really think I would take anyone other than you to this, my love? As long as you want to go with me, then I would love to have you accompany me as my date."

"Well..." Kaysa brightened instantly and smiled excitedly. "Since you're asking, I accept!" She tugged the invitation free of Zale's hand again and glossed it over once more. "Niothe 7... That's in two days, Zale! I need to buy an outfit... You need to buy an outfit!"

"We can do that today, if you'd like," he said. "Maybe me, you, and Shiv can go out looking. After a honeymoon, and some breakfast of course."

"Especially after the honeymoon." Kaysa noticed Moril still standing in the room and grinned at him. "You sure Moril can't come too, Zale? Look at him; he's just aching to go to the ball. I bet if he did come, we could convince Shiv to go too."

Zale glanced at Moril, whose face had gone red at Kaysa's suggestion, and smiled. "I think we might be able to talk to this Hutt's people, and see if we can get another invitation. And, I'm sure that if she finds out that Moril's going, Shiv would agree quite willingly. I'll contact his people, and see what we can work out. That means you're going to have to get yourself a nice outfit."

Moril laughed. "I think I can manage that," he said. He looked at Kaysa. "You don't suppose she'd wear an equadi, do you? I don't know if I could handle a whole night of that."

"I think I might just have to convince her to. Anything to get you blushing, Moril." Kaysa laughed as she slid off Zale's lap. She grabbed his hand and began, with some effort, trying to drag him out of his chair. "Let's get going, Zale. Less work, more shopping."

Zale allowed himself to be dragged out of the chair and after Kaysa. "More honeymooning," he said as they started toward the doors of his office. "You know, he will probably be red the entire night, but it would definitely make him happy to have Shiv as a date. And, if she's in an equadi... That could be dangerous though, especially with Shiv."

"Moril deserves a little fun, Zale. Besides, what harm can a little flirting do?" Kaysa slipped her arm through Zale's and waved to Deez and Aron as they headed down the corridor. "We'll keep her on a leash, okay?"

"Okay," Zale said. "And, you're right, he does deserve some fun. He's got to be one of the hardest working people around here. So, what sort of view would you like for your honeymoon, my dear?"

"The canal," she replied dreamily. "I want to make love, then stand on the balcony and stare out upon the glistening waters of the canal." She closed her eyes and sighed. "That's what I want."

"Then the canal it is," Zale said, and led her into the elevator. "Prepare yourself for one of the best views in the city."

***

It was two hours later, and Zale's warning was definitely valid. The view overlooking the canal that stretched through New Plouton was breathtaking. Kaysa stood on the balcony looking out on the blue waters of the canal wearing only a sheet while Zale stood behind her, his chin resting on her shoulder while they just watched. "They take boat rides down the canal too," he said. "If you'd like to take a little romantic trip through the centre of the city."

"Maybe later this week. We still have a lot to do today." Kaysa leaned back against Zale and nestled her cheek with his. "Things are so good now, Zale," she said quietly. "They can stay this way...can't they?"

"They can," Zale said. "I think things have settled down between us, and we're not pushing anymore. I think we've turned a corner in our relationship, and things are good. We're not fighting against ourselves any longer."

"But what about things outside of our relationship, Zale?" Kaysa tensed. "What about Dargus?"

"Despite the rumours," Zale said, "he's just a man. Somehow he cheated death, but still...only a man. We just need to make sure we keep ourselves protected, and watch our backs. I want to wait to see his response before I decide for certain, but I have been thinking about launching an attack against him before he can do the same to us. He's rebuilding, he has to be. All of his assets on Tae'Karada were frozen and absorbed by the government. His empire has been chopped into pieces and divided up between those of us who filled the vacuum left by his supposed death. We'll make it, Kaysa. And, we'll make sure we live our lives as normally as we can."

"Normal?" Kaysa laughed and looked up at Zale. "I have a husband, a boyfriend, and a girlfriend, along with a son on the way. Our lives could never be normal." She turned her back to the balcony and slipped her arms around Zale's waist. "The attack... Will it be dangerous for you? I mean, I know you won't be there directly, but the backlash..."

"No more dangerous than anything else I do in life," Zale said. "And, with all that, I'm still alive. We'll weather this, but I want to make sure those closest to me are protected from whatever Kandran may try. I've already taken some steps for that. It would be easier if I cared for no one but myself. I could then do as I please, and Kandran couldn't use my feelings against me. But, I love too much to allow myself that. So, I'll do all I can to protect those who he could target. We'll be safe...and before long, we will have gotten rid of Kandran for good."

"And after that, we can tackle the problem of our living arrangement." Kaysa lightly brushed her lips across Zale's chest and neck. "It was easier to be with you when I was doing it behind Merrick's back. I almost feel guilty asking him if I can spend the night with you now."

Zale smiled and kissed her forehead. "Maybe we should all sit down and talk about it," he said. "We need to make sure we're all okay with this. We'll just have to figure out how best to share you. Though, I must say that I won't complain about any time you do spend with me."

"You make this sound like a custody battle." Kaysa pulled away and turned to face the canal again. She leaned over and crossed her arms atop the balcony ledge. "I just feel so...torn. If I stay with Merrick and Shiv, I feel guilty about not being with you. If I stay with you, I fear making Merrick and Shiv resentful. I'm happy, but I'm so confused."

"Maybe we should just get one really big bed," Zale said. "We can put a divider down the middle, and then I'll stay on one side, and Shiv and Merrick would be on the other. Then, in the middle of the night, you could just be with who you felt like. You'd just go under the divider."

"I'm glad you can find humour in my predicament, Zale. Of course you would; you're not the one faced with the concerns I am." She sighed. "All you care about is when I'll next come to your bed," she added quietly.

"That's not true," Zale said, the humour suddenly disappearing. "I think it's a big concern, and there's no easy answer. I think all we can do is talk it out and figure out how to get through it. We're all in a very unorthodox relationship, and it has to require choosing. I'm sorry if you thought I was making fun of you. I know it's a serious concern, and I don't have any answers. There just is no easy solution in this, so we'll just have to figure it out as we go along."

Kaysa's shoulders fell forward as she let out a deep breath. "You're right," she said softly. "I'm sorry. You're right." She straightened up and pulled the sheet tighter around herself. She looked back towards Zale, and smiled gently. "I guess we could always raffle me off, or perhaps an auction. I'm sure Merrick could give you a run for your money. He's rich too, you know."

Zale laughed. "Well, I'm sure he and I will have to probably go out into an alley and beat each other bloody to see who can be with you," he said. "Or we could let Shiv decide...not that she'd be impartial. I imagine she'd have just as difficult a time deciding. Well, let's not worry about it now. We still have a few hours before bedtime."

Kaysa turned back to Zale and immediately sought his embrace. She swayed gently in his arms as her cheek rested upon his chest. "I choose you tonight, Zale. Whenever I think of you here, sleeping all alone, it just saddens me. We're married and despite it being an action performed out of necessity, I'm still your wife and I love you. I don't want you to be lonely anymore, Zale."

"With you in my life and in my heart, I could never be lonely. How about we go shower, then head out and do that shopping?"

"Actually offering to go shopping with me?" Kaysa grinned and began pushing Zale back into the bedroom. "You really are the perfect man."

"Don't let that get out," Zale said. "I do have a reputation to protect, you know."

***

The changing numbers flickered on the panel in the lift as it ascended to the third floor. Kaysa watched them go by as she hummed an out of tune rendition of "Chasing After Eternity." It hardly did justice to Merrick's genius as she continued onto the second verse and gave further proof to her musical impairment. "We should go to the White Noise together one night," she said before jumping back into the verse.

"I think that would be great," Zale said. "And, Merrick would either love the presence of his fanclub, or he'd want to kill us. But, I'd like to do that. Me, you, and Shiv. If we weren't going to go out and do anything after the show, I'd say we could invite Moril along, but that'd be awkward after the show if Merrick were to join us. I think, me, you, Shiv, and Merrick all going out together on the town would be fun."

"And we wouldn't have to worry about getting mugged because we'd have you as a bodyguard." The lift halted and the doors slid open. Kaysa stepped out with Zale by her side as she resumed humming Merrick's song. She gazed up at Zale, studying his face for a long moment before laughing softly and looking away.

Zale looked down at Kaysa, and then laughed. "What? You want me to comment on your humming, don't you? I'm not an expert on Merrick's songs, but that vaguely sounds like one of them. You know...no, no...nevermind. So, have you given any thought to the kind of dress you want for the party?"

"No," she replied quickly. She looked back to him and added, "That's not why I was looking at you. I wasn't humming to receive a compliment, I was just humming. It had nothing to do with why I looked at you. Nothing at all."

Zale chuckled. "I see," he said. "So, if it wasn't the humming compliment, why were you looking at me like that, my love?"

Kaysa shrugged her shoulders and smiled wanly. "I don't know... I guess it just seems so surreal for some reason. If Shiv and I hadn't walked into that bar that night, or if you hadn't approached her, this day would be a very different one. I don't know if it was luck or your compulsive tendency to follow unsuspecting women, but I think it was a good thing you were in that bar that night and that you decided one night with me just wasn't enough for you."

Zale smiled. "You were the only one I ever followed," he said. "And, even then it wasn't really following. But, I noticed Shiv that night, and I was drawn to her. How can anyone not be? But, once I realized she was your friend, I knew it was my chance to get closer to you, to figure out what it was about you that drew me in. And, after that first night together, I knew I needed more. I don't think I could ever get enough of you."

The walk to the apartment door was a slow paced one, giving Kaysa enough time to ask, "Did it disgust you? When you found me in that alley with those men out there ready to have a piece of me... Did the sight of me there, willing to let them have me disgust you?"

"It didn't disgust me," Zale said. "It made me want to help you out of that more, to save you from hurting yourself. I saw some of myself in you, and it hurt to see you like that. I don't know if that makes sense. I've been in a position like that before, almost giving up. I know what it's like, and how hard it is to pull yourself out of it. So, I was just trying to help someone who reminded me of myself. Of course, I never had breasts like yours, but that's beside the point."

Kaysa punched him in the arm, then laughed. "Fine. I can see you aren't interested in a serious conversation. But I will have you know I would have eventually searched for you." They stopped before the door of her apartment, and Kaysa reached into her pocket for her keycard. "I was hooked on you instantly. And I hated you for it. Kaysa Zenarr wasn't supposed to be impressed by a man like I was by you. It was...unnerving."

Zale laughed softly. "Believe me, I know that feeling. I'm supposed to be a cold, heartless crimelord. I'm supposed to be fearsome and imposing. But, look at me with you. You have truly done something to me, Kaysa, and I can't deny that I like it very much."

"Maybe it's a good thing then that you were stalking me," she said as she swiped the card. The door slid open and with a laugh, she pulled Zale inside. "And it was a good thing I was a stubborn bitch who refused to let you leave that evening."

"It was a very good thing," Zale said, and then gave her a kiss. "And, it's led to a few other very good things too, Mrs. Zenarr-Tregat."

"Kaysa," called Shiv's voice from farther back in the apartment. "Kaysa, is that you?"

"It's me, Shiv, and Zale. Where are you?"

"Back in my studio," Shiv said. "Just-- just a moment..."

A moment later, Shiv rushed into the room, wiping her hands on a large cloth filled with paint splotches. "Kaysa," she cried and rushed forward. "Zale! You two are looking very sexy and married. How are you?"

Kaysa laughed and extended her arms towards Shiv, but drew them back once her attention caught the paint stains covering her overalls. "We're fine. Busy?" She found a clean spot of flesh upon Shiv's cheek and kissed her tenderly.

"I was just working on a painting," Shiv said. "It's the one I started last night. When you and Merrick were sitting on the couch. It's looking really good so far. I caught that look that he gives you sometimes. It's perfect! I'm sorry I'm all messy, but I don't think I've ever been able to paint without getting it everywhere. So, what brings the two of you here?"

"Shopping!" Kaysa said emphatically. "Zale got invited to a masquerade ball and we decided it'd be fun if you came along too. Moril does need a date, after all."

"Moril? Oh, I definitely think that's a good idea. I mean, we don't want Moril to have to go to the party all alone. Oh...masquerade? Is that that Hutt guy? Merrick got an invitation earlier today. He's going to be playing music for it. He doesn't know it yet though. The message came here earlier, but he'll see it tonight when he gets home. So, Moril... I guess I'll have to go with you to find a dress to wear. Oh, this will be so fun! I should probably go quickly clean up. Can you wait for...um, five minutes? I can change in that time." Without waiting for an answer, Shiv rushed back through the apartment.

Zale just watched her and laughed. "She is truly unique. I can't believe that there would be anyone else in the universe like her. And, I have a feeling that by the end of the evening, Moril will be head over heels in love with her."

"Poor man...he'll have to listen to her all evening. She has a tendency to ramble when she's excited." Kaysa moved to the nearby sofa with Zale and set herself upon it. "Merrick's going to be there too... That should be...interesting."

Zale followed her down onto the sofa. "It should be very interesting," he said. "Though, I have a feeling it will be fine. And, you have to admit, Shiv's excited rambling is cute. There are people who ramble much worse than she does. Though, the way Moril talks about her, I think he'll be fine with her. I think the two of them together should be...cute."

"And with Merrick around, I'm sure she'll behave." Kaysa sat up straight with her arms crossed stiffly over her chest. "Which means I'll have to as well. I guess that means you and I will have to refrain from expressions of affection while we're there."

"Like hell we will," Zale said with a smile. "You're my wife. Merrick knows that. We can kiss, we can hold hands, we can hug. We can do that in front of him, I think. I have a feeling that we won't be climbing onto one of the banquet tables and having sex, but we can still be affectionate. Probably not as affectionate as Shiv, but still..." He took her hands. "Please tell me you're not seriously considering pretending like you barely even know me while we're at this party."

"Well...who knows? It might be fun. Sort of like foreplay. You flirt and try to pick me up, and I'll play the coy, hard-to-get female who laughs at your jokes and blushes profusely at your compliments." She smiled tightly and shrugged. "I don't know. For some reason, it just wouldn't seem very fair to him."

"We should talk to him, Kaysa," Zale said. "We need to find out what is okay and what isn't. I don't want to have to stand five meters away from you every time he's near. And, I have a feeling, he feels the same way. We can't go on assuming what he feels. If he has trouble with us being affectionate in his presence, then we'll need to be more mindful. But if he doesn't have a problem with it, then we shouldn't put this distance between us. I'm not saying we should go crazy when he's near, just that when we feel the need to, we don't have to look over our shoulder."

"I know..." Kaysa relaxed against Zale and sighed softly. "We'll talk to him before things become too awkward. But I really do think that foreplay thing is an interesting idea. We should try it; it might improve our sex life...not that it needs improving at all."

"I was going to say," Zale said with a laugh. "And, a little foreplay would be fun."

"I'll second that," Shiv said from the other side of the room. She was now wearing a pair of dark green pants with large cargo pockets in the side and a tank top. "As you can see, I'm ready."

Kaysa pushed herself to her feet and once again opened her arms for Shiv. This time, she wrapped them around her and kissed her deeply. Their lips parted, but Kaysa didn't pull away and simply stared into Shiv's eyes. "I love you," she said quietly. "I just thought you'd like to hear that again."

Shiv giggled and clung to Kaysa even tighter. "I always love hearing that," she said. "I'll never get tired of it. I love you too, Kaysa. Sometime today, you and Zale are going to have to pose for a holo-pic, so I can paint your picture. It'll be my wedding gift to you guys."

"I doubt we could keep our hands off each other long enough to pose for a holo-pic." She laughed and kissed Shiv again. "But for you, we'll give it our best shot. Now...come along. We need to get some shopping in before the day's over."

"Shopping," Shiv said with a giggle, "my third favourite thing to do in life. What kind of dress should I get? What does he like? If I'm going to be his date, I really want to look good."

"Shiv, I think he'd like you in just about anything. But," she said as she led her along towards the door, "I have it on good authority that he'd really enjoy seeing you in an equadi."

Behind them, Zale laughed.

Shiv turned around to face him, still walking backwards toward the door with Kaysa. "What's his favourite colour, Zale? I have to know. I'm want to have his favourite dress, and his favourite colour."

"Blue," Zale said. "Though, I have a feeling you could show up wearing every colour or no colour, and he'd still like you."

Shiv squealed with excitement. "A blue equadi," she said. "I'm going to get a blue equadi for Moril. Though, I'll wear it for you guys and Merrick too." She slipped an arm through Kaysa's as they walked along. "I think this party is going to be fun. Oh, Merrick's going to teach me how to sing."

"I do hope you're not as musically disinclined as I am. I know it sounds good in my head, but I just can't seem to make it sound right outside." Kaysa reached back towards Zale and took his hand into hers. "And if you get good enough, maybe he'll let you do a gig with him at the White Noise."

"Oh, wouldn't that be wonderful? He said he thought my voice was pretty good. Last night while you were outside talking to Zale, he and I were doing some singing together. I bet he'd help you sing better if you wanted to. I think he really loves teaching people to sing. All three of us could learn, and perform at the White Noise with Merrick." She caught Kaysa's look and giggled. "A girl can dream."

"I think if Merrick heard me sing, he'd do everything in his power to keep me off that stage." The three stepped onto the lift and Kaysa prompted it to take them to the ground floor. Once it was set into motion, she laughed and said, "And I seriously doubt Zale would ever put himself on display like that. Can you really picture Zale singing in front of a crowd of people? He's far too proud for that."

Shiv giggled and looked up at Zale. "I think he'd look really...impressive up there. People wouldn't want to come up and get his autograph afterwards, but he's really as sweet as a reisacat." She brushed a finger over Zale's chest and giggled. She turned back to Kaysa and grinned. "And, I think Merrick would be nicer than that. I think he'd be very patient and helpful. And, if there's anyone out there who could get you to sing, it'd be him. He's like master song singing person."

"Exactly. And that's why he should stick to the singing and we should stick to the watching him sing." Kaysa stared forward at the numbers again on the display atop the frame of the lift doors and said absently, "And Merrick is a nice person. I don't think I've ever told him that. I should..."

"You should," Shiv said as she slipped her arms around Kaysa. "Maybe we can stop by the White Noise after shopping. I don't think Merrick would mind if we dragged him out for something to eat. I think he'd like it actually. And, you can tell him he's a nice person. And, you can tell him you love him too. And, then I can tell you both I love you."

Kaysa laughed dryly and stroked Shiv's hair. "Now, don't make Zale feel left out. He needs to feel love too." She looked to him with a thin smile and said, "I love you, Zale." She gave a sharp nod of her head and stared straight ahead again, her duty done. "Just like that."

Shiv looked at Zale and then grinned. "I love you, Zale," she said. "And, I'm very happy for you and Kaysa, and all of us." She turned back to Kaysa and giggled. "How was that?"

"Just perfect, my love. I'm sure Zale is feeling more love than he's ever felt before." The lift touched the ground floor and the doors slid open. Kaysa stepped out with Shiv, with Zale trailing behind. "And how would you like to make Moril feel loved as well, Shiv? We can drop by Zale's office after we go shopping and say hello. Would you like that?"

"I think that would be great," Shiv said. "It feels like forever since I saw him last. I think last time he saw me, was when we were wearing our equadis. I bet it'll be a surprise for him to see me wearing clothes." She looked up at Kaysa and grinned big. "I didn't have any dreams last night. Well, not bad ones. I felt very safe with you and Merrick. And, there weren't any bad dreams."

Kaysa smiled warmly and kissed Shiv's forehead. "You're safe now, Shiv. You never have to have another bad dream again. Me, Merrick, and Zale...we'll all protect you, Shiv. So from now on, I want you to only dream about standing on stage with Merrick and singing a most beautiful song with him. Now if it were me singing, on the otherhand, that would be considered a nightmare..."

"I'll be singing a song dedicated to you, and Zale, and Merrick," Shiv said. "And, I think maybe I'll have to do a song for Moril too. We don't want him to feel left out. I never thought I would be this happy in life, having so many people loving me and loving so many people. But...I kinda like it a lot."

"People could learn from your example, Shiv. Some people are just too afraid to love," she said quietly.

Shiv grinned and kissed Kaysa tenderly. "Like you were," she said. "But, I think I rubbed off on you, and now look how much love you have in your life." She gazed up into Kaysa's eyes, and felt tears forming in her own. "You are my dream," she whispered.

Kaysa laughed softly and pulled Shiv into a hug. "You silly girl. I'm hardly a dream. Zale seems to think me a terror and I gather my parents would characterize me as a nightmare... But as long as it makes you happy, then I'll always be your dream, Shiv, my love."

"You are," Shiv said. "And, anyone that thinks you aren't isn't seeing the real you." She kissed Kaysa and giggled. "Oh don't worry, Zale, you're dreamy too, but just in a big, manly, braided-hair, muscular way."

Zale laughed and glanced at Kaysa. "I really think you need to convince her to lay off the kaffe."

"The frightening thing is, I think she has." The three shared in another bout of laughter and teases as they stepped out onto the street. They hailed a hovercab, and once inside, they were whisked away to the Yellvin district to be spoiled, courtesy of Zale.

---

"Shades of Joy, Part 2"
By: Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat
Maeren "Shiv" Shivral
Dargus Kandran
Moril Astren [NPC]
Deez and Aron [NPC's]

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 5, 4 ABY

***

"I still don't know why, after you got all that money from your dead fiancé, I had to pay for everything," Zale said as the trio rode up in the lift at Zale's offices. "And, the way Shiv buys things, it's a wonder I have anything left in any of my bank accounts."

"You were treating, and I really wanted to be treated today," Shiv said with a grin. "Besides, I don't have any of my own money, so I have to use yours."

"And...I just felt like using your money because I so enjoy being spoiled." Kaysa smiled sweetly at Zale, then kissed him gently in an attempt to rid his face of the pout that had consumed it since the shopping began. "We'll make it up to you. We promise."

"I should hope so," Zale said with a grin. "And, you know I can't resist spoiling you, either of you. And, I guess my money is going to a good cause. You two are a good cause, aren't you?"

"You shouldn't even need to ask that!" Kaysa playfully slapped him on the chest, then stepped from the lift as the doors slid open. "I think you'll be convinced of our worth at the party...especially when all the eligible crimelords are hanging off our every word and giving us offerings of marriage."

"You're already married," Zale said. "And, I really don't think you want to have to entertain proposals from Jadda the Hutt. Have you ever stood near one of those things? You can smell the stench through breath masks. And, the eating! Don't ever expect to eat a meal with one of them eating near you. They give new meaning to the word disgusting."

"Gives me creepy-crawlies just thinking about them," Shiv said, adding a shiver for effect. "I think I'll just keep myself near Moril, and let everyone there know that I'm off-limits."

"Except to Moril?" Kaysa raised an eyebrow at Shiv then smiled mischievously. "I think you'd make an exception for him. And perhaps I'd make an exception for some handsome, rich, endowed crimelord." They strode up to Zale's office, Aron and Deez standing aside to allow them passage. "Just because I'm married," Kaysa continued, "doesn't mean I'm unavailable...right, Aris?"

Aron glanced between Kaysa and Zale, and then grinned. "If you say so, Kaysa," he said, "then it must be so."

Zale gave the guard a playful glare, and then laughed. "Well, if my wife wishes to stray, I won't argue. I know she'll always return to me though, so I have nothing to worry about." He glanced at her. "I do have nothing to worry about, right Kaysa?" It was less a question, and more reminder, but delivered playfully. He knew what they shared, and knew that nothing could break the bond they shared now.

"Oh, of course not, Zale...dear. I mean, where else am I going to find a Shac'tae master?" Kaysa smiled at Zale slyly, then swept into the office with her bags in hand.

"Exactly," Zale said with a smirk. He clapped Aron on the shoulder and then followed Kaysa and Shiv into the office. "Go ahead and set your bags down wherever you'd like. And, I'll get us some drinks."

Kaysa looked around the large office for a moment, then with a shrug, she dropped her purchases where she stood. She sighed deeply and moved farther into the office until she was settled into Zale's large, supple leather chair. She kicked off the shoes that had confined her tired feet for the hour-long shopping excursion, then rested her bare feet atop his desk. "I'll have a large glass of wine, Zale." She glanced back at him with a smile. "Of course I meant juice."

Shiv dropped her purchases near the door and moved to one of the chairs opposite Kaysa. She grinned at both Kaysa and Zale, then pulled her boots off and dropped them to the floor. "Don't worry," she said, even though neither of them looked concerned, "that's as far as I'm going."

Zale laughed, and handed both of them a large glass of fruit juice. He looked at Kaysa in his chair and laughed, but only moved to the corner of the desk and sat there.

Kaysa sipped her juice slowly and gazed up beneath her lashes at him. She grinned and lightly placed each of her feet into his lap and encouraged him with a nod. "Zale has wonderful hands. Did I ever mention that to you, Shiv?"

Zale chuckled softly and started giving Kaysa the massage she was indicating. Shiv giggled and leaned closer. "I wonder if he's better than Zargie Wargie. Looking at your face, it looks like he'd give Zarg a run for his credits." She propped her feet up on the desk. "I'm next Zaley Waley."

Kaysa stared quizzically at Shiv for a moment, then shook her head and laughed. "Shiv, you are a foolish little thing, do you know that?"

Shiv giggled. "I am, aren't I? Let's go to dinner tonight. I want to go somewhere with all of us, and be...well, I don't know what we'll be like because there aren't any other relationships like ours. But, that's what I want us to be like. Or something." She giggled again. "Well, I want us all to go to dinner together tonight."

"I don't have anything planned." Kaysa smiled contentedly and sank back in the chair as Zale's fingers kneaded the knots from her feet and sent waves of gratification through her. She sighed and closed her eyes. "Are you busy, Zale? Too busy for your wife and her lovers?"

"Tonight?" Zale thought about it for a moment, mumbling quietly to himself as he went over his schedule, then finally shook his head. "I don't believe I'm too busy for you and your lovers, my dear. I think I will be able to accompany you to whichever establishment you would like tonight."

"That is so considerate of you, my love. Isn't he so gracious, Shiv? Now I never wanted to marry the brute to begin with, but I think the idea of being his wife is growing on me...slowly."

"He is," Shiv said as she leaned closer to Kaysa and Zale. "I think I would have wanted to marry him too, but I still have too many of my previous lesbian tendencies to really do that. Besides, I don't think I want to be married yet."

"Neither did I... No offence, Zale." Kaysa opened an eye and peered at Zale through it. "What? I haven't quite gotten over my lesbian tendencies either."

Shiv squealed with delight, and quickly climbed over the desk toward Kaysa. She giggled as she leaned out to kiss Kaysa. "Yay for lesbians and their tendencies," she said, then glanced back at Zale. "No offence."

Kaysa laughed and slid her legs from Zale's lap. She rose from her seat and offered the chair to Shiv. "You're next." She held out her hands to Shiv and helped her from the desktop.

Shiv giggled and slid off the desk with Kaysa's assistance and then slipped into the chair. With a victorious grin, she thrust her feet into Zale's lap.

Zale looked at Kaysa and laughed. "You know, you're teaching her bad habits doing that. She's going to be just like you."

"I seem to recall you saying that I was becoming more like Shiv." Kaysa grinned at Zale as she moved lightly about the carpeted floor and wandered around the office. "If you didn't like my habits, you never should have married me."

As he worked at Shiv's feet, he watched Kaysa. "Well, it wasn't like you gave me much choice," he said. "And, who said I don't like your habits? I'm just beginning to realize that now, when either of you are in my office, that I will not be able to sit in my own chair."

Kaysa stopped abruptly and turned to Zale with her hands resting firmly on her hips. "What are you talking about? You are free to sit in your chair whenever you like. I do not steal your chair. It's just that it's so much nicer than the guest chairs. But if you don't like me sitting in your chair, I won't do it anymore. I mean...just because I'm your wife and Shiv's your wife's best friend doesn't mean you have to make even the tiniest sacrifices for us."

Zale shook his head and sighed. "Kaysa," he said, "it doesn't bother me. If it bothered me, I wouldn't let you do it. I don't mind."

"Well...then I guess I'll have to just keep doing it since you aren't bothered by it at all...or so you say." She slipped her arms around herself and began pacing again. "You need a better view, Zale," she mentioned as she gazed out the large windows. "All I see from here is more office buildings."

Without pausing the massage, Zale glanced over at Kaysa. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," she replied softly. She stopped before one of the windows and continued peering out at the cityscape below. "I just don't like being up this high. It makes me jittery and restless. We should probably get going soon, Shiv."

Zale removed his hands from Shiv's feet, and she pulled them away as he slipped from the desk and approached Kaysa. He slipped his arms around her and pulled her to him. "Something is bothering you, my love," he said softly. "You've never had a problem being in here before. Something's bothering you, and we want to help you."

Kaysa blocked off the view of the city below as she closed her eyes. She turned her head and rested her cheek upon his broad chest, where she'd always found so much comfort. "I just... I'm beginning to feel it," she began quietly. "Just being in here, laughing and talking and just relaxing... It gives me time to think about everything that's to come, everything I have to deal with. Dargus, Keeve, allotting time to you, Shiv, and Merrick so none of you feels left out... I have to get Zenarr Inc. going again; I have to keep myself from going insane..." She shuddered gently and turned to Zale, burying herself in his arms and clutching him desperately. "There's so much to be done. How am I gonna do it all, Zale? I c-can't. I'm not strong enough yet..."

"I'll help you however I can," Zale said softly. "I'll even lend you Moril if you need someone to keep things organized for you." He held her tight, and kissed the side of her head. "I'll help you through this, Kaysa."

"Me too," Shiv said as she brushed a hand along Kaysa's back. "You know I'll always do anything for you."

"I know," she said in a quivering whisper. "I'm sorry. I'm just...I'm not handling things well. Everything's going so fast and I can't keep up. I love you both, and I know you're there to help me, but...I'm still stubborn old Kaysa who insists upon taking care of everything on her own." She looked up at Zale, then glanced at Shiv and smiled reassuringly. "I'm alright. I'll...I'll be fine. I just...I need... Well, I can't exactly have what I think I need because I'd only end up getting drunk and making things worse."

"Well," Shiv said, "how about the four of us go out tonight? And, then all four of us can give you attention so you don't need to worry about which of us to pay attention to. And, maybe we can have a little Tiesta to settle our nerves."

Kaysa smiled slowly at Shiv, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Spice isn't alcohol...which means it's not off limits." She laughed and pulled Shiv into the embrace she and Zale had been sharing. She kissed her tenderly upon the cheek then sighed. "Tonight, spice, and my three favourite people. I think that should do the trick."

Shiv sighed happily and clung to Kaysa as Zale held them both.

There was a light tapping at the door, and Zale called out that it was alright to enter. A moment later, Moril stepped through. When he saw Shiv, his face turned red and he smiled shyly. "Zale, there's a comm call waiting for you. Hi Kaysa, Maeren."

"Hello again, Moril." She looked down at Shiv and could barely stifle a laugh. "Say hello, Shiv."

Shiv peeked around Zale and Kaysa at Moril, and a big grin seemed to consume her face. She slipped out of the embrace and approached him slowly, almost shyly. "Hello, Moril," she said. He said nothing, too absorbed in just watching her. Then, she slipped her arms around him, giving him a big hug. As he started to pull out of the hug after a long moment, she pulled him back and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was long, slow, and sensuous.

Kaysa's mouth gaped and her eyes grew wide with shock, even though she'd seen Shiv kiss men before. It was more the surprise on Moril's face at Shiv's bold, aggressive kiss that inspired Kaysa's own surprised reaction. The kiss seemed to last for ages and finally Kaysa managed to gaze up at Zale and laugh. "I think Moril's found his new favourite person."

Zale's eyes were transfixed on the kiss happening only a few meters from him. He laughed and nodded at Kaysa's comment, and then frowned. "She never kisses me like that."

"Well, you're not Moril." Kaysa looked back upon the scene and sighed playfully. "Oh, you two..." She marched towards the two beings threatening to engulf each other and placed a hand on each of their shoulders to pull them apart. "There'll be time for that sort of thing later...you lechers."

Shiv ended the kiss and smiled at Moril, who looked like he needed to sit down. She glanced at Kaysa and grinned. "I know you said that I should give him a kiss, but I didn't want it to be any ol' kiss, so I gave it a little Maeren Shivral flourish. I hope it was okay." She turned to Moril and grinned. "It was okay, wasn't it?"

"It was perfect," Moril said breathlessly. "And, I think I need to sit down."

Shiv giggled, and gave Kaysa a quick kiss before leading Moril over to the chairs to sit.

Zale stepped over to Kaysa and shook his head. "She really is something."

"She is," Kaysa replied with a soft smile. She watched Moril and Shiv, and by the look on the man's face, she'd definitely left a lasting impression. No one who met Maeren Shivral was ever the same again, and she herself was prime testament to that. "I'm sure you'll get your kiss once she helps Moril recover," she said to Zale.

"How about I get my kiss right now?" Zale said with a grin as he took Kaysa into his arms. With that, he kissed her.

Her sour mood sweetened quickly and she giggled gently while her lips remained pressed to Zale's. Laughter continued to bubble in her throat until she was forced to push Zale away and let it spill forth. "What are you up to, Mr. Tregat?" she asked coyly. "I bet you were picturing a cute, young blonde while you were kissing me. Weren't you?"

"No," he said with a grin. "Well, not unless you were planning on lightening your hair. I believe that was the image going through Moril's mind. Mine was on a beautiful, sultry brunette who sets my heart pounding, among other physiological reactions, whenever I'm near her."

"Yeah?" Kaysa bit her lower lip as she began simpering at Zale's comment. Coming from any other man, the compliment would have sounded contrived and insincere, but from Zale, it reduced her to a giggling, brunette version of Shiv. "If you keep talking like that, I'm gonna have to marry you all over again."

"Either that or we will have to take that honeymoon together," Zale said. "And, then we can go out and behave like young lovers without a care in the galaxy. I've heard there's a nearby planet with some great waterfalls."

Kaysa glanced momentarily at Shiv sitting in Moril's lap as she continued trying to soothe him, and apparently doing a good job of it judging from the large grin on his face. "If those two keep that up, I think we'll have to bring them along for the honeymoon. And knowing Shiv, she wouldn't want to leave Merrick behind... It could become one very busy vacation."

Zale laughed. "Well, I guess we'll have to sneak away together. I think Shiv can handle Merrick and Moril while we're gone. Or, we can leave Shiv and Moril here, and we can bring Merrick along, and the two of us can spoil you rotten."

"You and Merrick?" Kaysa took a deep breath as a look of disbelief crossed her face. "Are you trying to wear me out? I mean...having to satisfy both of you... I didn't realize this was a working vacation."

"Oh, you wouldn't have to worry about satisfying us," Zale said. "This is purely for your enjoyment. It will be our job to thoroughly satisfy you. I hope you won't feel too smothered having the two men in your life smothering you with attention."

Kaysa slinked closer to Zale and settled her arms loosely around his neck. "You know...I really don't think I'd mind that. It doesn't mean I'm not interested in finding out." She brushed her lips lightly over his and sighed. "I do love you, Zale Tregat. I don't think I'll ever know how it happened, but it's turning out to be a good thing."

"It's a very good thing," Zale said. "And, I like very good things, especially you." He grinned. "So, should we see what this comm is about? I'm sure whoever it is is tired of waiting for me by now."

"Oh...now wasn't that rude of us." Kaysa produced a playful tsk and shook her head slowly. "Now that is no way to run a business...keeping perspective associates on hold."

"Well, I was too taken with your...well, all of you," Zale said. "You distract me too easily. How can I run a business when I'd rather be over here with you? Oh well. Should I go play proper businessman now?"

"Hmm...that sounds like some fun roleplaying we can use in bed." Kaysa turned Zale around towards his desk, and slapped him gently on the rear to get him moving. "Comm first, then plotting our sexual escapades."

"Then I will have to be quick to get rid of whoever has decided to interrupt our afternoon," Zale said. He sat down into his chair and composed himself briefly before activating the holographic comm unit. The face that suddenly resolved itself before him froze his blood. "Good afternoon, Dargus."

The image before him was barely contained rage. "I will get straight to the point, Tregat," Dargus Kandran snapped. "I don't like being cheated. That lying, thieving bitch of yours did this on purpose. Half of the spaceport is mine, and I suggest you honour the deal I made with her."

Zale rolled his eyes and looked at Kaysa. "I think he found out we pulled a fast one on him."

Kaysa sighed wearily in the background, and she began muttering profanities under her breath that grew louder the closer she approached the desk. She finally stopped behind Zale and leaned forward over his shoulder as she regarded the fury ravaged visage of Dargus Kandran. "Look, Kandran. Zale and I are in love, and we merely wished to formalize the bond we share with each by entering into marriage. I know it couldn't have happened at a worse time, Kandran, and forgive me if it interfered with your plans at all, but we simply could not wait."

Dargus leaned forward. "Then, you won't mind turning over half the spaceport per our deal," Dargus said. "If you fail to uphold this part of your deal, then I'm afraid the other part of the deal will have to be rescinded as well. I'm sure Maeren would love to return to me, wouldn't she?"

Kaysa's smile hardened and her eyes grew dark. "I'm afraid that's not an option, Kandran. You even think about coming near her, and you'll be dead before your body hits the ground." She sighed sharply and paused for a moment to calm her raging nerves before she resumed. "The spaceport is now under ownership of Zale Tregat, my husband. If you want half of it, I'm certain you'd be willing to pay the hefty price it's worth. Though, I don't think I can guarantee my husband will sell. He can be rather stubborn at times."

"Very stubborn," Zale said. "However, it is now been subsumed within Antorial Industries. Any changes to the ownership now would have to go through the Antorial board of directors and an approval process. If you go to our Grid database, there is a form there for this sort of acquisition. Fill it out, submit it, and we'll see what we can do. It's been nice talking to you, Kandran. Please have a nice day." Zale killed the comm just as Dargus' rant began. "He really must want that spaceport bad. He was two hours earlier than I expected him."

Kaysa bristled and straightened up while her gaze remained on the blank vid screen. She shuddered involuntarily at even the thought of Dargus requesting Shiv's return. She heard gentle whimpers coming towards her and looked up to see Shiv clinging desperately to Moril with her body visibly trembling. Kaysa felt a sob rising in her throat as she rushed to Shiv's side and knelt before her. "My love...it's alright. He can't touch you now. Not ever again."

"Oh gods, Kaysa," Shiv whispered as she still clung to Moril who was doing his best to console her. "Just the sound of his voice... I could practically feel him here... He's...oh gods... I'm so glad to be back with you, Kaysa. I'm so glad to have you again, and Zale, and Merrick, and now Moril." She reached out and grasped Kaysa's hands, hoping the touch would calm her, would cease her trembling. It helped. Being with Kaysa always helped. "I'm never going away from you again. Ever. I don't care what happens or who does what...I'm never going to be away from you. I want to be with all of you always."

"You will be, Shiv. With all these people protecting you, there's no way he can touch you again." Kaysa rose and eased her arms around Shiv and Moril, who Shiv was clinging to so tightly, Kaysa had no choice but to incorporate him into the embrace as well. "My love... He's nothing. Practically begging for the spaceport... He's weak. He can't touch you ever."

Shiv unwrapped her arms from Moril and entwined them around Kaysa. "Not ever with you protecting me, keeping me safe. I love you, Kaysa. You saved me from him, and I know you and Zale and Moril and even Merrick, though I'd hate to see him actually have to fight someone, you'll all keep me safe and happy."

Kaysa laughed softly, then kissed Shiv lovingly upon the cheek. "My silly love... Let's get you home," she whispered soothingly as she stroked her hair. "And when we get there, I'm going to fill the tub with warm water and some drops of that fragrant oil you like, and we're going to just sit in there all day and hold each other. How does that sound, my love?"

Shiv made a noise that was something close to a reisacat's purr as she brushed her lips against Kaysa's. "I love the sound of that," she said. "Make me forget all about all the bad things, and only remember the good things." She slipped off Moril's lap, and then gave him another kiss. "Don't forget to get that new outfit. We have to be the second best dressed couple there. After Kaysa and Zale, of course. I'll see you later, Moril. It was good to see you again."

"It was very good to see you too," Moril said with a smile.

Shiv settled herself in Kaysa's arms. "Take me home, my love."

Kaysa lowered her head and lightly kissed the scar upon Shiv's neck. She looked up at her with a smile, then slipped her hand into Shiv's and began leading her slowly away. "I'll comm you later, Zale," she said with a glance in his direction. "I have a rather pressing engagement I must attend to and Shiv's gonna help me."

Zale looked up and nodded. "I'll stop by later," he said. "Maybe we can go out later on, me, you, Shiv, and Merrick." He moved out from behind the desk and followed them to the door. "We'll beat him," he whispered to Kaysa.

She nodded wanly and embraced Zale needfully. "We have to...for Shiv's sake if not for all of Tae'Karada." Kaysa kissed him tenderly, then whispered fervently, "I love you, Zale."

"I love you too, Kaysa," Zale said, and kissed her. "I'll see you two soon. We'll spend time together, all of us. I think we need it. How about a trip to the Tower? I imagine they've been missing us."

"Oh, I'm sure they'll be ecstatic to see us back there. I think, however, we should refrain from using the lifts or they might get a bit nervous." She kissed Zale one last time, then moved back towards Shiv. She slipped her arm around Shiv's waist and held her close for warmth and comfort. She was vaguely aware of her bare feet upon the carpet, then glanced at Shiv's and laughed softly to herself. "Let's go home, my sweet girl."

Shiv sighed and clung to Kaysa. "I love you, Kaysa," Shiv whispered. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Well no need to think about it. You'll always have me." Together, they strolled down the corridor with Shiv's head upon Kaysa's shoulder and Kaysa's lips brushing against Shiv's forehead. Despite promising she'd never subject a living being to her musical deficiencies, she began softly reciting one of Merrick's songs and used it as a lullaby to ease Shiv's haunted soul.

Shiv smiled as they stepped into the lift. "You have a pretty voice, Kaysa," she said. "I like your voice."

"You're biased, my love," she replied softly. "But thank you at any rate." She resumed the song as the lift doors closed and it started its descent. She switched from singing to humming and back again, all the while, keeping her arms securely around Shiv.

With Kaysa, Shiv's anxieties faded, replaced by the love that they shared. There may be darkness ahead because of Dargus Kandran, but Shiv knew that she would feel safe and secure with Kaysa, Merrick, Zale, and Moril around. Nothing could ever diminish that love, or take away her happiness. As the lift descended, Shiv sighed softly and gave herself over to Kaysa's embrace. Together, they would find happiness. Together, they would overcome the obstacles that lay in their path. Together.

---

"Repossession"
By: Raxis L'ygr

Location: New Plouton, Tae'Karada
Date: Niothe 5, 4ABY

****

In a darkened room, beyond the reach of light's embrace, he sat and contemplated his existence. Tracing a dirty nail over the tattoo of the Imperial insignia on his left bicep, he fumbled on the table beside him for a flare-lighter and a cigarra. Times like these were common for Raxis L'ygr, and he usually slept in this fashion with his feet propped up onto the bed.

A blinding flash filled the room for a moment, as Raxis lit his cigarra, and took a long pull off of the sweet smoke. Arching his back into the chair, he shook the sleep from his eyes and yawned audibly, and rolled onto the chair sideways to stretch his muscles. It was time to get up, and access his datapad. Today was going to be a good day for Raxis L'ygr.

"Lights..." Raxis said aloud, piercing the deathly silence that gripped the room.

Instantly, the hotel room illuminated and notified him the current time on the planet. Scowling, Raxis peeled himself up from the chair and glided across the floor to the refresher, taking a moment to drag off of the spice cigarra. He stopped in front of the mirror and tilted his head to the left until he felt it pop, and glared at his own reflection. His eyes were bloodshot from all of the ale he'd consumed last night, and his head ached as if small Walkers were marching across his brain. Closing his eyes for a moment, he felt his body weaken and attempt to seduce him back to sleep, but he immediately shook his thoughts clear and prepared to bathe.

Standing in the shower, Raxis leaned heavily against the tile walls and closed his eyes to drift off beneath the warm cascade of water. He wasn't used to such pleasantries, having been raised on a poor desert planet. He rubbed his sore muscles and dipped his face under the flow of water to wash himself clean, and to scrub the sleep out of his sore body. Within minutes, he was cleaned and coming back to reality as the world began to stabilize to his senses. He always hated the lack of equilibrium his body felt while waking up, because he was quite the night owl. He crawled into his clothes, threw on his cloak, and secured his blaster. Grabbing his flare-stick and his non-contraband cigarras, he flipped the door to open and stepped outside. He locked the door and made his way down the lift to the main floor of the hotel, and out into the marketplace.

He weaved his way through the crowds that were flooding the markets, passing Rodians, Humans, and even a few Ithorians. Marketplaces were always a melting pot of cultures that either had or had not yet been enslaved by the Empire, and the quality of personalities in the market had declined since it was late at night. Ignoring the people around him as he went, Raxis made a bee line for the Intrepid Housing development up the street, taking a moment to glance over the name on his datapad. He didn't like that Mr. Bale was located so close to the marketplace, but he would have to deal with it. Today, after all, was supposed to be a good day. He felt something in the air that told him luck was on his side.

Entering the lobby, he glanced over the tenant registry and found Mr. Bale's name on the list. Bale was on the 15th floor of the 16 story complex, which meant that Raxis was going to take the lift to the rooftop access. Raxis particularly enjoyed entries in this fashion, for they made him feel like more of a cat burglar than the muscle-based work he was ordered to do as a Stormtrooper. He stepped onto the lift and it rushed to the roof in mere moments, and he stepped onto the adobe-like surface of the building.

Stunning was a word to describe the skyline here on New Plouton. There were no dust storms to be worried about, and his skin wasn't slowly being moulded into leather by extreme heat. The humidity, however, was killing him. For a few minutes he sat on the roof and watched ships cruise by, as he pulled the grappling hook from his utility belt.

"Ok, Rax..." Raxis pep-talked himself. "He isn't going to run and cause a disturbance. In and out, simple as Jawa life."

Raxis swept across the rooftop amongst the shadows to the eastern side of the complex, looking over the edge. Fifteen floors down from this side of the apartment complex was a dark alleyway filled with empty crates and bottles. The situation, as they say, couldn't be more perfect. He attached the grappling hook to the steel railing of the complex and climbed over the edge of the wall. He lowered himself down onto the patio of Mr. Bale and detached the grappling hook silently. While watching the patio access door, he attached the hook to Mr. Bale's patio railing, and slid a code cylinder out of his belt. Sliding the code cylinder over the door, it unlocked and slid open quietly to reveal an empty kitchen, littered with dirty pots and pans.

Raxis couldn't help but grin, and he stepped onto the tile of the apartment with feline grace. He snaked across the apartment, happy to find that no one was occupying any of the rooms. This left one room remaining, and that was the master bedroom.

All of a sudden, a rustling sound could be heard from the bedroom, and Raxis immediately slipped into one of the shadows in the hallway. He slid his blaster from its holster and grinned, as the rustling slowly began a rhythmic banging against the hallway's walls.

Seems Mr. Bale has company... Raxis smiled to himself as he continued to think: I always love it when I have to interrupt private time.

He grinned and moved to the kitchen and grabbed a hunk of cheese, leaning against the counter as he idly read over a magazine on the counter. He figured Mr. Bale would be more cooperative if he was given a moment to near climax.

Nah, better hurry up, Rax, he thought to himself. These middle aged swindler types normally can't keep it up for too long.

Rolling his eyes, Raxis finished the cheese and moved to the front of the door. Setting his blaster to stun, and flipping the suppressor modification to "on", he pulled the scarf over his mouth to hide his visage...and silently opened the door.

Thankfully, the door opened without a noise, and Raxis swept himself into a shadow in the corner of the room. Mr. Greyden Bale was mid coitus with a quite attractive human female, and she appeared to be enjoying her company quite well. She, however, must have been a whore because Mr. Bale was a grotesquely overweight middle-aged male. Again, Raxis grinned like a Twi'Lek, confirming that he wouldn't have to worry about the target running from him. He hated having to chase someone down.

Tired of the wait, he moved forward and fired a stun bolt into the prostitute that was silenced by his suppressor modification and was beside the bed immediately. Giving a swift kick to the girl's ribs that send her sprawling to the floor unconscious, he switched the blaster from stun to lethal and jammed the barrel into Mr. Bale's mouth.

"No talk, no negotiations, Mister Bale. You nod or shake your head, and you keep still," Raxis said with a silent whisper. His words slithered like a snake, and were tipped with poison. "You know what I am, and what I'm here to do. Yes or no?"

Sweating, Mr. Bale began to shiver out of fear and nodded hesitantly.

"Good, then it seems we both understand the healthy debt you owe. Twenty thousand to our respective business partner, not including a small five thousand fee for me having to come here and repossess the funds. Twenty Five thousand or your life, yes or no?"

Bale closed his eyes and let out a sigh, polluting the barrel of the blaster with his rancid breath as he nodded.

"Perfect, now with your left hand I want you to retrieve your credstick from the nightstand. Touch anything other than it and I'll make your wife an equally fat widow." Raxis grinned as he threatened. He loved threatening the ones that could do nothing other than do as told, and would occasionally over dramatize his collections for mere kicks.

Greyden Bale reached across the bed and picked up the credstick with his stubby fingers, and handed it to Raxis.

Raxis grinned to himself and continued. "Now, I want you to close your eyes," he added as he slipped the credstick into the card scanning device on his wrist. He decided to have some fun while it verified funds. "We have an alley outside your window 15 floors down isn't it? Would you like to play a game?"

Bale's eyes went wide as he frantically shook his head no.

"I thought I said no negotiations..." Raxis spat.

Bale stopped shaking his head, and closed his eyes with a deep sigh. He was scared, but wanted to hold on to his dignity.

Taking a moment to look at his wrist unit, Raxis saw that the card itself contained Twenty Six thousand, and tapped it to start downloading funds. It was a nifty little device, which could erase records of money transfers on small currency transactions like credsticks. It was given to him by a Twi'Lek who was of the employ of Bib Fortuna himself. If not for guild membership and technology, he'd have to have the fat man pay his debt in gems or spice...which would make everything much more complicated.

He flipped his blaster to stun again, and chuckled. "Only 10 thousand....for shame, Mr. Bale!"

Greyden Bale whimpered and struggled as he saw Raxis flipping his blaster rifle's fire mode, assuming it to be now a lethal weapon. The barrel slid out of his mouth, and Raxis pulled the trigger. A flash of blue light soared a mere foot into his forehead, knocking him out instantly.

Taking his gear and evidence, Raxis slipped out the patio and locked the door. He slid down into the alleyway to disappear. Tonight he would transfer the twenty thousand across the secure guild network to add to his record, and drink like a spacer.

"Now to find this Jadda..." Raxis grinned, and swept back into the sea of pedestrians.

---