"Indomitable Spirit, Part 1"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren Shivral
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston

Location: Kaysa and the gang's apartment - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Eos 8, 4ABY

***

Maeren Shivral sat on the balcony of the apartment she shared with Kaysa Zenarr and Merrick Braston. Zale Tregat still hadn't moved in with them, but he'd said he would be soon. They'd need to get a new apartment, though Zale suggested one of the houses at the edge of the city. Shiv had looked at some of the houses on the holonet, and a more accurate name for them would be mansions. Of course both Merrick and Zale were filthy rich. It would have been a terrible thing if she wasn't in love with Merrick, and Zale didn't spoil her almost as rotten as he spoiled Kaysa. So, given those relationships, she was commonly a beneficiary of both Zale's and Merrick's generousity.

Shiv set down the sketch she'd been working on, and smiled as she looked at it for several moments. She wouldn't let any of the others see it--not wouldn't, couldn't. It was only for Keeve. In the sketch, she wore an equadi and Keeve was barechested with her in his arms. Just looking at it brought memories surging to the front of her mind and a warm rush swept through her body, concentrating itself in her nether regions.

She'd sent one message off to him this morning. Zale had told her about Tiala, Oot Kovan's contact aboard Dargus' cruiser. She'd contacted the woman through a secure frequency, and transmitted her message and the drawings she'd done for Keeve. She just hoped he'd accept them. The fear that twisted her stomach was that he'd look and see they were from her, and then he'd erase them.

She picked up the pad again and gazed at the sketch. She took a long drag off her cigarra and then let out a stream of the scented smoke. Nothing artistic today, just a billowing cloud that drifted off into the distance. She flicked the butt over the balcony and sighed. A smile almost twisted her lips when she heard the cry from below. When the door scraped open, she quickly set the pad down so that the drawing wasn't visible. She turned to see Kaysa stepping out, blanket wrapped tightly around herself. "Needed fresh air?"

Kaysa nodded stiffly, then moved to the far side of the balcony. "I didn't want to be in the apartment when Merrick got home. Just in case."

Shiv looked up at Kaysa and smiled. "He's not mad at you, you know," she said. "When he came out from being operated on, he even said that the boys would respect him down at the White Noise now. Well, except for the guy who taught him how to fight. But, he says stab wounds make a singer seem more tough and edgy." She grinned and drew her knees up to her chin. "That fat guy that Merrick knows, he wants me to dance for him at this new club."

"Oh yeah?" Kaysa leaned over the balcony ledge and stared down at the pedestrians passing below. "Are you gonna do it?"

"I don't really know much about dancing, but it sounds like it could be fun," she said. "According to Merrick, it'd be like shows. I'd just have to get up on this stage-like area, and do these dances. And, then all the people there could dance too. It sounds really artistic and amazing. Do you think I should?"

Kaysa shrugged and watched a hovercab as it drove to the end of the street then disappeared around a corner. "If it's something you want to do, you should. It might be fun for you. You could use some."

Shiv smiled. "Then I'll tell Merrick to give him a call and I'll do it. You'll come watch me, right? You and Merrick and Zale? You guys will come to see me, right?"

Kaysa closed her eyes and sighed. "Not for a while, Shiv. But I know Merrick and Zale will wanna see you. I'm sure you'll do fine."

Shiv nodded slowly. "Okay," she said. "It'll be fine. I'm sure I won't get the hang of it right away, so coming later on will be best. You won't see all my screw-ups. If you wait a week or so, I'll be a much better dancer. Good thinking, Kaysa." She grabbed her pack of cigarras and pulled one out. She lit it from the flare strip on the pack and tossed it back onto the little table. "I wonder what kind of costume I'll get."

The smoke travelling from Shiv's cigarra wafted towards Kaysa and caught in her throat. She coughed heavily and fanned the air quickly to clear it of the noxious substance. "Gods, Shiv!" she rasped. "I came out here for some fresh air and you go and...poison me with that shit. Can you please put it out?"

Shiv sighed and flicked the barely-touched cigarra over the balcony. "I'm sorry," Shiv said. "I didn't realize it bothered you this much. I mean, it used to be okay."

"Fine," Kaysa muttered. "I'll go inside. You stay out here and kill yourself." She pushed off of the ledge and started for the door with her blanket dragging behind her along the ground.

"Kaysa," Shiv said, turning to face the very testy woman she loved. "I put it out. If I wanted you to go away, I wouldn't have."

"Not without complaining first." Kaysa gripped the doorframe tightly and paused before she could enter the apartment. She sighed deeply, and after a moment to collect herself, she looked over her shoulder at Shiv. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I haven't really slept at all since...you know. It's making me edgy. Then with the Merrick thing, and just...everything.... I'm sorry."

Shiv nodded. "I understand," she said. "If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. I'll do anything, Kaysa. And, of course I would have complained, but I'm the cutest complainer ever. And, I'm so very hard to resist when I do." She grinned and motioned for Kaysa to come back out on the deck.

Kaysa chuckled softly and grudgingly moved towards Shiv's end of the balcony. She once again leaned over the edge, but instead of watching the occurrences below, she gazed curiously at Shiv's drawing pad. "Are you done?"

Shiv felt herself blush. "No," she said. "I'm not done yet, but it's really embarrassing. It's a silly picture I was doing. It's...it's me and Keeve."

Kaysa's gaze faltered, but she dared not close her eyes; she'd only see Keeve there and pine for his return if she did. But to have one last look at her son.... "Can I see?" she asked quietly. "Can I see my boy?"

Shiv looked down at the pad and then up to Kaysa. "N-not that one, Kaysa. But, I can do one for you, to show you what Keeve looks like now. You can see him again. I'll do that for you right now. Please? Can I? But, not this one. It's not good...and...and it's wrong...but I'll do one for you that's your boy."

"Just show me, Shiv," Kaysa pleaded. "How can it not be good? You drew it, of course it's good. Just a peek."

"It's...I just don't...it's really embarrassing..."

For what happened next, Shiv would have to thank Merrick dearly and repeatedly later that night. As she was about to give in and turn the pad so that Kaysa could see the drawing of Keeve standing tall and proud with Shiv clinging to him, desiring him, Merrick stepped out onto the balcony. "Oh here you two are. How are my girls?"

Kaysa's attention was diverted to Merrick, then hastily back to the streets below. She still couldn't look him directly in the eyes after what she'd done, especially not when he assured her she was forgiven, yet she had trouble believing he truly had. She didn't blame him, though, if he didn't; she couldn't even forgive herself.

"Hey," Merrick said, stepping closer to Kaysa, "there'll be none of that, my love. I don't care what you think you did or how much you think I hate you, I still love you as much as I always have and nothing will ever change that, especially getting stabbed. You didn't know it was me and you're still fighting off what that bastard did to you. Bacta is a very wonderful thing, my love. I'm as good as new except for a little soreness."

"But I hurt you," she whispered dejectedly. "I said I never would again, and I did. I'm just...so ashamed."

"Kaysa, do I seem mad to you? Do I appear to be blaming you for what happened? Kaysa, it's going to be fine. I'm healing and you didn't do it on purpose." He moved closer. "Don't be ashamed or remorseful. It's going to be alright. I promise."

"I stayed up all night thinking about it," she continued as if Merrick's words had gotten lost on the breeze. "I kept going over in my mind what I did. I'm going insane, I know it, and that was the first step there. Hurting the people I love just proves how screwed up I am."

"We're here to help you," Shiv said softly, moving closer to Kaysa. "We love you, Kaysa. More than anything at all."

"She's right, Kaysa," Merrick said as he stepped forward. "We love you, and even if you are going crazy, we'll help you get better. That bastard hurt you, both physically and mentally. It'll take some time to get through that, but you will. We'll help you through, Kaysa. We'll be your strength through this, my love. We'll help you however we can."

"You can help me by staying far, far away," she replied. "Can't you see I'm unstable?" Kaysa turned around to face them, but still couldn't look at Merrick. "I'm not going to get through this. He fucked me up permanently and I'm not going to get better! If you love me, you'll stay away. For your own safety, please."

Merrick crossed his arms over his chest. "So you want us to give up on you? You want us to abandon you and let him win. You want us to take everything we've worked for over the past year and just toss it into the breeze. And, you're abandoning us."

Kaysa sobbed quietly and closed her eyes. "I just don't want to see you hurt anymore because of me. I love you too much to see that happen. How can you live with a person who won't even let you touch her or come near her? That isn't normal. That isn't fair to any of you."

"We'll make it work, dammit," Merrick snapped. "Stop trying to push us away, Kaysa. It's not going to work. Deep inside you don't want it to work. We need you, Kaysa. We need you and you need us. We belong together. Please don't push us away."

"Then stop trying to get so close so soon!" Kaysa fled to the other side of the balcony, far from Shiv and Merrick. "You're pushing me and it's too soon! Gods, can't you just give me time? I need time or I'll just self-destruct."

Merrick shook his head and fought back his anger. "Fine," he snapped. "You want me to go, I'll go. I'm moving into the fucking White Noise until you get this sorted out, if you ever even try to get this sorted out. You want your distance, you want to push me away. Success, Kaysa. Congratulations." He pulled the ring from his finger and threw it down on the tiled floor of the balcony. "If you're ever interested again, you know where I'll be." With that, he stormed through the open door to the apartment.

Shiv let out a strangled cry, but was far too stunned to form any words. "Merrick," she finally managed, but too late.

"It's okay," Kaysa murmured, suffering from shock of her own. "It's better this way." Her eyes fell slowly to the gold ring lying abandoned on the ground. Kaysa slid to her knees and numbly reached out her hand to the ring. She caressed the smooth metal and sighed. "He'll be happier. Don't worry, Shiv. He's better this way."

Shiv turned to Kaysa and frowned. "And, this is what you want? You want all of us to just abandon you? To stop loving you?" Shiv cried out with all of her anger and frustration. "You selfish, deluded, self-absorbed bitch! We love you, dammit! We love you more than anything, and all you fucking know how to do is push us away! You got hurt, and now all you know how to do is abandon us and feel fucking sorry for yourself! You would have done far better to have plunged that knife into his heart because it would have hurt far less than what you're doing to him now. You know what happened last time you pushed him away, Kaysa. How the fuck can you say that's better? You arrogant, spiteful bitch! Vrax hurt you, and now you give up on the rest of us. He raped me too, Kaysa. He and all his fucking army raped me for over a week straight. And, when they were done with me, they sent me back to Dargus fucking Kandran for more! How dare you abandon us because Vrax Draydge raped you and told you some lies! How dare you push us all away because you're hurting! How dare you try to take our love for you and turn it into something meaningless and unwanted!" Tears were running down her cheeks at this point, and her entire body trembled. "I don't know if even Zale could knock any sense into you this time. I really hope he can because I want Kaysa Zenarr back, not this pathetic shell of a snivelling nerf that you are! How dare you!"

"Shut up!" Kaysa hollered at her. For the first time in days, Kaysa's eyes flared with emotion, but it was anger and fury rather than the tenderness she used to look upon Shiv with. "You stupid little whore! You think this is just about Vrax, just about getting raped by him and those drunken assholes he picked up from the streets? I've lost Keeve, I've lost any stability and happiness I struggled so hard to find, I've lost any chance at a normal, content life and I have a right to fucking wallow in despair if I want to! It's my right, dammit. I've earned it! How dare you tell me I'm not allowed to feel this way?" Kaysa threw the blanket off her shoulders - the blanket that she'd needed for the past few days to give her even the scantest sense of security - and staggered to her feet. "This is the real Kaysa Zenarr, Shiv, a Kaysa Zenarr that's hurting inside. And if you don't fucking like it," she rasped, "then you can join Merrick at the White Noise."

"So there is still some fire left in you," Shiv said. "So, I'm a whore? We've been trying to help you through this. We've been trying to give you the strength to go on, but you're not interested in going on. You're more interested in giving up. Give up Merrick, give up me. When Zale comes home tonight, I'm sure you'll kick him out too." She shook her head and wiped her tears away. "So this is the real Kaysa Zenarr, and the real Kaysa Zenarr wants me gone." Shiv grabbed her pack of cigarras and started toward the door. "Fine."

"When your girlfriend comes back," Kaysa called out to Shiv, "I'll tell her where you are. I'm sure you two will enjoy making up for lost time, now that I'm out of the way. You're glad to go! Don't tell me you're not, because you are! Now you can screw my husband and your girlfriend without me getting in the way." Kaysa laughed wryly. She noted Shiv's pad lying on the balcony and marched over to grab it. Kaysa held it up and waved it at Shiv. "Don't forget this! You obviously thought I wasn't worthy enough to see it before, so no point in leaving it here so I can sneak a peek while you're gone, now is there?"

Shiv's eyes darkened. "No," she said, "you keep it. It's the last of your son you'll ever see, so I'd feel wrong keeping it from you. I'll be on the Stiletto; send Lerrah there, if you could. And the only thing I'm glad for is that I won't have to sit and watch you destroy yourself anymore."

Kaysa shrugged and tossed the pad to the ground in a show of contempt. The pages furled as the wind swept in, but Kaysa still managed to steal a glance at what was drawn on the page. Her eyes narrowed at the image that was not yet completely visible, but as she stepped closer and the shapes on the page began to take form, the fire once again sparked within her. "You little slut," she whispered. Her eyes slowly, menacingly shifted up to Shiv. "You fucking slut. This is why you didn't show me? You didn't want me to see that my girlfriend was aching for my son?" Kaysa kicked the pad aside as she stormed towards Shiv. "You slut! You whore! How dare you? I'm pining for him, and you're dreaming of screwing him!"

"He's already screwed me, Kaysa," Shiv snapped. "He loves me, Kaysa. He wants me to be with him, but I came back here to you. I love you and Merrick, and I came back to you." She pointed at the discarded pad. "He's beautiful, Kaysa. But I'm yours...or at least I was until you decided you didn't want me anymore...."

"Then why this?" she said between clenched teeth. "You love me so much, then why that fucking drawing! You'd obviously rather be with him, so why not go to him? Why did you bother coming back!"

"Because I thought you loved me," Shiv said. "And, you'd be surprised at some of the things I've drawn. I miss him, Kaysa. I care for him very much. But, I chose you. This is just part of my imagination that I had to draw, I had to get it out of my mind. Don't tell me you've never fantasized, that your mind has never conjured up images you didn't want it to. I'm an artist, Kaysa. Just because I draw myself with someone, doesn't mean I want to leave you and Merrick. I came back because you're always first for me."

Kaysa trembled with repressed tears and shook her head slowly. "This is no fantasy," she whispered. "You fucked him and you want more. You fucked a ten year old boy. You're disgusting and Merrick would think the same thing if he knew. Now get out. I love you and will always love you, but you've gone too far, Shiv. Now leave."

"A ten year old boy with the body of a twenty-three year old fucked me," Shiv snapped as she started through the door. She stopped and turned back to Kaysa. "You don't know about any of it, Kaysa. You don't know what happened. But, you're still judging me. Bye, Kaysa." She opened her mouth to say something else, but it wouldn't come. She shook her head, wiped away the tears, and then rushed inside toward the door. A moment later, it opened and closed, and Kaysa was left in the apartment all alone.

Only then did she crumple to the ground and let loose a tortured cry. Those on the street below heard it echo and gazed up to discover its origin, then simply carried on as if there wasn't a broken woman somewhere grieving for her amassing losses. She choked on the tears that she now allowed to fall and crawled pathetically along the floor to collect all she had left of her lovers. First she retrieved the ring Merrick had left behind and with trembling hands, slipped it onto her thumb. It was too large to fit on any other finger, and she had to make sure it was securely in place; she had to make sure she didn't lose it for when Merrick came for it again. She kissed the softly gleaming metal then rubbed her cheek against it as if it was Merrick's hand caressing her. But the cold metal was no replacement.

The flapping of the pages on Shiv's pad caught Kaysa's attention next. She'd lost her too now, but at least Shiv had left behind a part of herself. Kaysa stretched her arm out and pulled the pad towards her. She held the page down and gazed at the drawing of Shiv and what was undeniably her son. His eyes were hers, and his strong jaw, Cadwin's. The lips looked to be hers as well, and after studying her boy's features for a time, she found herself laughing softly. He was beautiful, as Shiv had said; she was right to desire him the way she did.

Her laughter turned to sobs again as Kaysa curled up upon the cold, tiled floor and rested her cheek upon the drawing. The tears travelled slowly down her cheek and spattered upon the pencilled image. Everything was lost to her, and it was no one's fault but her own. Not even Vrax was to blame for this, although he was the one who triggered the events. If she'd only been stronger, if she'd only let the love offered her help her heal, she'd have Shiv and Merrick...and maybe even Keeve back. But that seemed almost impossible now. At least she still had Zale, if he even wanted to remain with her after hearing what she'd done. If not, maybe she could scour the city for Vrax; the trail of blood might still be fresh, so she'd have no trouble finding him. When she did, he'd finish what he'd started and free her of her burdensome existence. If he loved her, he'd do that for her, and if not, she'd do it herself.

---

"Indomitable Spirit, Part 2"
By: Merrick Braston
Maeren Shivral
Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr-Tregat-Braston
Moril Astren [NPC+]

Location: Kaysa and the gang's apartment - Yesdol, New Plouton
Date: Eos 8, 4ABY

***

The door to the apartment opened and Zale's shadowed form stepped through. When he found her, she was still on the balcony, curled up around a pad of paper and nearly sucking on her thumb. It was only when he drew closer that he saw she wasn't sucking, but kissing the ring circling her knuckle.

He'd already heard what'd happened. First from Merrick, and then from Shiv. Merrick he left at the White Noise, that's where the singer needed to be now. He'd sent Shiv to Moril's apartment to spend time with Moril. He needed to be around people now, and so did she. And, they were good together. Kaysa might not like it, but that was life. She'd already damaged too much today to worry about Shiv spending time with Moril.

He stepped out onto the balcony and crouched down next to Kaysa. "I heard you had a rough day," he said softly.

Kaysa curled in on herself tighter and listlessly nodded. "Very bad," she mumbled.

Zale reached out and brushed a hand over Kaysa's shoulder. "Would you like to talk about any of it?" he asked softly. "We can stay here if you'd like, or we can go in to sit down on one of the couches."

"I like it out here," she whispered. "The wind blocks out all the other sounds, but makes it so it's not completely quiet. When it's too quiet, I hear him." She sighed and closed her eyes. "That's why I like it out here."

"We can stay here," Zale said. "You mind if I sit down?" He moved himself to a position where he could see her face. "I heard that some pretty harsh things were said. Both Merrick and Shiv contacted me. Talk to me, Kaysa. Tell me what happened."

Kaysa looked up at him, then down again at the ring upon her finger. "I snapped. I was just so tired, and upset, and my mind was so consumed by what happened.... I guess I was just feeling sorry for myself. I didn't mean it."

"I didn't figure you did," Zale said with a smile. "And, I know Merrick didn't believe it. He actually told me he was planning on coming back tonight. Shiv was a little more...agitated. She's over with Moril right now. He needed some company, and I don't think she needed to be alone."

"I was harder on her," Kaysa admitted. "Only because she said some things I didn't appreciate." She smiled wanly. "Like the truth. And this didn't help either." Cold and stiff from lying in one position for hours, Kaysa laboriously sat up. She handed Zale the pad with Shiv's drawing and looked away. "I think she loves him."

"Can you blame her? He's your son, Kaysa. Could you imagine Shiv not loving your son, a part of you, as much as she loves you? Though, I doubt she could ever love anyone as much as she loves you, not even your son. But, look at the look in his eyes. I think if that's any indication, he's in love with her too." He brushed his hand along her arm. "You did make a really good looking son. Looking like that, I think you'll have to watch out for your other husband."

"I won't have to worry," Kaysa said somberly. "Keeve's never coming back. It just hurt that I was here, yet she's drawing pictures, and daydreaming of him. I know that sounds selfish of me, but...." She sighed. "I've made a big mess of things. You should've been here to stop me, Zale. Why weren't you here?"

"You should have waited a couple hours, and I would have been," Zale said softly. "Until things calm down more, I'll do my work from here. I know it's a little too late, but hopefully it'll stop things like this from happening in the future. I would have been here, but I was at the office. I'll be here from now on though." He brushed his hand over hers. "But, when she was daydreaming of him, were you really here for her? You've been withdrawn, Kaysa. Just getting close to you anymore isn't easy. But, I understand, and I'm sure she does too. If you want her to, I'm sure she'll come right back here and love you as much as she always has."

"I don't know if I can show that same love I feel for her yet, though." Kaysa brushed her thumb along Zale's, then turned her hand over and slid her fingers through his. "I can't shake what Vrax did to me, Zale. I mean, I look at Shiv and I see how quickly she recovered from what he did to her, and it makes me feel so weak and hopeless. She's so resilient and so strong, and knowing I'm not just...it's killing me."

"And, you can know that her love for you is the same way, my love," Zale said. "She'll never stop loving you, no matter how much she loves Merrick, Moril, or Keeve. You'll get through this, and we'll help you. You'll get through this, and we won't be pushed away, no matter how much you want to push. And, through that all, her love for you, Merrick's love, and mine, none of it will fade. We're here with you, for you, and by your side, Kaysa. You're my wife, you're Merrick's wife, and you're the sun in Shiv's life. You'll never be able to push us away."

"But look at all the pain I cause." She searched Zale's eyes and whimpered softly. "Shiv's always crying and I almost killed Merrick. They deserve to be happy and I can't give them that, not while I'm like this. It's right that they left. I'm only bringing them heartache."

"You're fighting against their love," Zale said, "and that's where the heartache is. But, Shiv's always crying because she cares so much. She loves you more than anything, Kaysa. I don't think you even realize just how much that is. And, Merrick, it'll make those good looks a little more rugged. That and it was an accident. You didn't do it on purpose, and you thought he was Vrax. He's healing. And, they still want to be with you. They just need to give you some more time."

"Will they want to?" she asked. "I think I've screwed things up for good this time." She sobbed. "I didn't mean it. I'm so sorry, but they'll never know. I miss them, Zale. I miss them so much."

Zale pulled out a comlink and handed it to her. "Only one way to find out," he said softly. "I'm sure they want to come back here as much as you want them to. Let them both know that, Kaysa, and they'll come back here as fast as they can."

Kaysa gazed down uncertainly at the comlink, then an almost coy smile touched her lips. "I can't," she said. "I'm all cold and shivering. They wouldn't understand a word I was saying with my teeth chattering like they are." She looked up at Zale longingly. "Know of any ways to get me warmed up enough?"

Zale smiled. "Oh, I think I know a really good way," he said as he slid closer to her. His arms slipped around her and he slowly lowered his lips to her throat. He kissed gently up to her jawline. Once there, he gave her a smile. "Is this working?"

Kaysa swallowed back whatever anxieties she may have been feeling and relaxed into Zale's embrace. She lay her head against his chest and sighed. "I think that's working nicely," she said. "Just...not too quickly. This is good for now."

Zale pulled Kaysa into his arms, and slowly let his kisses explore her neck and face. "If I start to go too fast," he said, "just let me know." He kissed her again and slowly let his hands caress down along her thighs, careful not to move too fast.

Kaysa's body involuntarily tensed, but she didn't shrink away; she couldn't, not from the man she loved. She didn't want to pull away from any of them in fear, not anymore. Kaysa looped her arms around Zale's neck and returned his kiss. It was gentle and filled only with the love he held for her, and it was the safest she'd felt in what seemed an eternity. "I love you, Zale," she whispered. Her throat tightened and silent tears fell down her cheeks. "I was so stupid. I never should have gone out on my own that day. I should have stayed, and we could have worked everything out together. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for all of this."

"I was so scared," Zale whispered as he held her close. "I was so scared that I'd lose you forever. That Kandran got you and would make me give him everything to get you back. I would have. But, then I figured out it was Vrax. Oh gods, Kaysa. I'm so glad you're back, that we have you now. I don't ever want to come close to losing you again. I couldn't bear it...."

Kaysa spread kisses lightly over his cheeks and lips, while still weeping quietly. "I'm not fully back yet, but I will be. I'm getting there. Gods, help me get there, Zale. I can't go on like this. I don't want to lose everything."

"I'll help you, Kaysa," Zale whispered. "We all will. We'll get you back, my love. We'll get you back and everything will be better than it ever has been. Everything will be good again; I promise."

"But how can I stop missing him?" She ceased her kisses for a moment and gazed up into Zale's eyes. "My boy, Zale. How can I ever forget my boy?"

"You'll never forget him, Kaysa," Zale said. "And, you'll never stop missing him. And, maybe, with Shiv's help, we can bring him back. Maybe our girl can bring our boy back."

"Maybe," Kaysa said wistfully. "Maybe not. I can't think about that now." She paused for a moment, then smiled up at Zale. "Our boy?"

Zale grinned and brushed his lips against hers. "Of course our boy," he said. "I'm your husband, you're my wife, and he can be our boy. He's a little on the big side now, but I've always heard that no matter how big they get, they're still your boy."

"I hope you're right. But even if you're not, we're still gonna have our own, Zale. If you don't mind conceiving a child with a mentally unstable woman, that is."

"As long as you don't mind conceiving one with a despicable crimelord," he said with a laugh. "I would love to have a baby with you, Kaysa. It would be one of the most amazing moments in my life, in our life."

Kaysa smiled as she cradled Zale's cheek. "Just not today, okay? Give your wife some time to get comfortable again. Though, I must say that you still have a pair of the best hands around."

Zale smiled and kissed her gently. "We've still got time," he said. "And, I won't ever force you to go too fast through this. Whatever pace you want us to take, that's what we'll do."

Kaysa nodded slowly. "Alright. At my own pace." She climbed onto Zale's lap and curled up against him, feeling again as if she were a child, though she never could remember either of her parents holding her as tenderly as Zale was. "Should I comm them?" she asked as she weighed the device in her hand. "Or should I give them time too?"

"I think if they have any more time, they'll probably explode. Go ahead and comm them. You don't want them out there any longer than they need to be."

Kaysa sighed and deliberated on whether to contact Merrick or Shiv first. Considering Shiv was with Moril, and if she called at this time of night she'd no doubt be interrupting something she didn't want to know about, Kaysa punched in the frequency for the White Noise. Before Merrick could reply, Kaysa looked up nervously at Zale. "I don't know.... He threw away the ring I gave him. He basically dissolved our marriage... I don't think he wants to talk to me, Zale."

"He may have thrown the ring away, Kaysa, but he's still got you in his heart. I talked to him. He loves you. He wants to come back."

Kaysa chuckled, but the tension she felt was clearly heard in her voice. "He only wants to come back so he can hop into bed with you."

"And, I keep telling him I'm not ready for that. He's going to have to come up with a much nicer ring than the one he's been trying to give me. I think he wants to come back here to take you into his arms, kiss you tenderly but deeply, and then ask you if he could have his ring back because he doesn't feel complete without it."

"Well, he doesn't seem to be answering. Maybe he's decided he really does want to be alone."

"No," Merrick's voice said. "I'm here. I was just enjoying listening to your conversation." He chuckled softly. "Hi, Kaysa."

"Hi," she answered quietly. "I didn't wake you or anything, did I?"

"No," Merrick said. "I was just listening to some music, going over some songs. How are you doing?"

Kaysa shrugged, though Merrick would never know. "Better I think." She sighed and looked at Zale for encouragement. He nodded at her and Kaysa shifted her gaze back to the comlink. "Merrick?" she asked softly. "Come home. Please?"

"Is five minutes fast enough?" Merrick asked. Before she could answer, he began softly singing Whispers of You, a song he'd written for Kaysa on their honeymoon.

Kaysa chuckled fondly and nestled her head on Zale's chest. "I love it when he does that," she mused.

Zale laughed softly and shook his head. "I just want to know when he's going to write one of those for me."

The singing stopped. "Oh, you have to earn Merrick Braston songs."

"I'm afraid to find out what I'd have to do."

There was a laugh, and then, "Oh, you should be." And, then the singing started up again before the channel was closed.

"I guess he wants his ring back," Kaysa said after a moment. "And maybe if Shiv sees that Merrick's back, she'd be willing to join him."

Zale kissed her cheek and laughed softly. "Call her. It's the only way you'll know for sure. And, don't worry about Moril. He doesn't have much stamina right now. He could barely make it up the stairs at his apartment."

"No...it's okay," Kaysa said. "She can be with him tonight. He deserves it after what he's been through. A little Shiv loving should get him back to perfect health quickly enough."

Zale chuckled. "If that's what you want to do," he said. "But, I don't think you should let her go to sleep tonight thinking you hate her, even if she's in Moril's arms."

"I'm more worried that she hates me." The guilt on her face was plainly visible, but she kept her head down, afraid to see the disappointment she knew would be in Zale's eyes. "I called her a whore, and a slut, and.... I was horrible. I couldn't stop myself."

"Then you need to make sure she knows you didn't mean that," Zale said. He kissed her gently. "I love you, Kaysa. Both Shiv and Merrick love you. You don't have to be afraid that you'll lose us, not if you want us near. Just call her and make sure she knows you still love her. She needs that now."

"I do love her," she said softly. "But what if I don't get better? What if I just snap again?"

"Then you'll have to apologize to her again. Maybe it won't be long and you'll be able to make up with her properly." He tilted her head up so she could look into his eyes. "She loves you. You love her. You can't be afraid that you'll drive her away or break her. You can't live your life in fear."

"Of anything or anyone? Vrax is still out there, you know. There are times when I just want to wander the streets and let him find me so he can finish it. He ruined me, Zale. He filled my head with doubts and I can't shake them." She searched his eyes and asked inquisitively, "You don't have any illegitimate children out there, do you?"

Zale laughed. "No children," he said. "The child we have together will be my first." He pulled her head back against his chest, and just let his arms comfort her. "He'll die, Kaysa. But you still shouldn't live in fear. You should be cautious, but not afraid. Fear cripples, dehumanizes, and destroys. We'll get through this, Kaysa. You just need to not take chances with him out there."

"So I can't leave the house yet?"

"Do you think it's a good idea for you to leave the house alone? I don't have a problem with you going out with Shiv or Merrick or me. I don't have a problem as long as you stay where my people can see you. If you go into a store, restaurant or anywhere else, they should come in with you. Going out isn't a problem as long as you take precautions to keep yourself safe."

Kaysa sighed and sat up straight. "I won't live like this forever, Zale. I need my space, you know?"

Zale sighed and shook his head. "I understand that, Kaysa," he said. "It's just that while he's still out there, if you go out alone... I don't want to lose you again. None of us do. Letting you go out alone right now is an invitation... I can't lose you again."

Kaysa was disconcerted and didn't shy away from showing it, but she still nodded her concession. "Okay.... For now, I'll always have an escort. And...I don't think I should go near Zenarr Inc. alone until you...uh...seal up my secret escape route." She smiled guiltily at Zale. "I'm sorry. I just...I hated that your men always knew where I was, so I didn't tell you about it. I could escape during the day and no one would know and...that's how Vrax got in without being seen. It was my fault, I know. And I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It's in my back room, and leads into an alley. In case you wanted to post guards there..."

"I'll get some guards in there," Zale said. "And, hopefully this will all just be temporary. We just need to stop Vrax, and get Kandran to find someone else to pick on."

"So...you're not mad that I didn't tell you about it?"

Zale laughed. "No," he said, "I'm not mad. I'm just surprised I didn't know about it before. And, we've all got little secrets. Merrick with his martial arts. Shiv with her sneaking out here to have a smoke when she can't sleep. We've all got them."

Kaysa tilted her head up towards Zale and looked sideways at him. "And how about you? What have you been hiding from us, Zale?"

"Me? Oh, just that I've secretly placed transmitters on all of you," he said. "Yours was damaged somehow, so we couldn't track you down. And, I'm also too soft for a crimelord. Crimelord's aren't supposed to get all sappy with the woman they love."

"You what?" She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at him. "How the hell did you manage that?"

Zale laughed. "It wasn't easy, and I can't give away all my secrets. But, yours is broken now anyway."

"Good," she said with a satisfied grin. "That'll teach you." She wriggled around in Zale's lap until she was facing forward and resting her back against his chest. She felt so secure in his embrace she actually believed she could fall asleep tonight, but only if he was holding her. "I'll comm her," she said quietly while gazing down at the comm device. "And if she never wants to see me again, you'll be here to comfort me."

"Good," Zale whispered and kissed the back of her neck through her hair. "I'm sure she'll want to come rushing back just like Merrick. Call her, my love, and let her know everything is alright."

"Oh, you're so pushy," she teased affectionately. With Zale feeding her Moril's comm frequency, Kaysa tapped it in the comm and waited for what was a tense, interminable length of time. She hated that she'd hurt Shiv, but she'd make everything right again if she could.

"This is Moril," the voice on the other end of the comm said.

"Moril?" Kaysa smiled at the sound of his voice. "It's Kaysa. How are you doing? I've been asking about you and Zale says you're better."

"Doing much better," he said, and it was obvious he was smiling. "Still a little sore in places and the doctors say that it'll take a little longer for my leg to be back to normal. But they expect I'll make a full recovery."

"I'm glad," Kaysa said warmly. "I'm sorry Dargus put you through all that, but I'm sure a certain little blonde trollop is making you forget all about that."

Moril chuckled. "She's helping a lot," he said. "I was telling her she should have become a nurse. She's good at making an injured man comfortable. You've got someone very special in her, Kaysa."

She chewed her lip to maintain her composure. "I know," she whispered. "That's why I need to speak with her. Is she still there?"

"It's a good thing you asked," Moril said, "because she's about ready to pounce on me and grab the comlink away. Here she is, Kaysa."

A moment later, a tentative voice came through the comm. "Kaysa?"

Kaysa was almost overcome with emotion as she heard her precious star's voice. "Shiv...." She sighed and gently caressed the comm device as if it were Shiv's cheek. "Are you treating Moril good?"

"I am," Shiv said softly. "We were listening to some music and talking...and...and just snuggling. He says he feels much better now. I'm going to have to buy him a housekeeping droid though. He's such a bachelor."

Kaysa laughed gently. "You should stay the night with him. There isn't anything a little time with you can't heal."

"I think he'd like me to stay here," Shiv said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "He says that tomorrow he's going to be able to do the New Plouton marathon to the coast run they do every year. He can be really silly sometimes."

Hearing Shiv near tears didn't help Kaysa's attempt to suppress her own and soon she felt their warmth touching her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Shiv," she whispered. "Oh gods, forgive me. I didn't mean what I said. I was stupid. Please, forgive me."

"Of course," Shiv whispered. "Oh gods, of course, Kaysa. I-- I know you didn't mean it. You were upset and...oh gods, Kaysa. It's alright. I love you, Kaysa. I love you so much."

"I know, and that's why I feel so bad for saying what I did. You're not a slut, Shiv, and you're not a whore. You're beautiful and compassionate, and I love you for all of that." Kaysa nestled her cheek against Zale's and found the comfort she needed to go on. "I want you to come home tomorrow, and we're going to have a long talk. I want to know everything there is to know about my son."

"I'll tell you all I know," Shiv said. "And, I'll draw you a perfect picture of him. Maybe if Zale's feeling less tyrannical tomorrow we can go and get a really nice lunch together."

Kaysa laughed and looked up at Zale. "What do you say, my big man?"

"As long as the two of you stay together and don't do anything too crazy...I guess it'll be alright. But, I'll have a couple of my men shadowing you on the street, just in case. I'll have them warned to avert their eyes at the appropriate times."

"You hear that, Shiv? It's a date. So have fun with Moril tonight and tomorrow, you and I have a few arrangements to work out."

Shiv giggled. "Okay," she said. "I'll see you first thing in the morning, Kaysa. I love you. Have a good night. I love you, Kaysa!"

"I love you too, my little nymph!" Kaysa laughed and blew Shiv a kiss for the hell of it. "And make sure you put a big smile on Moril's face, my love."

"Oh, it's already there," Shiv said. "And, I gotta go because he's starting to tickle! I love you, Kaysa! Bye!" There was a giggle-filled shriek and the comm went dead.

Zale chuckled softly and brushed his lips against Kaysa's neck. "That went very well, I thought."

"Oh, you knew it would. You seem to know everything, my insightful husband." Kaysa twisted her head around to look Zale straight-on and gave him her softest smile. "Thanks. I'm glad you came tonight. I really needed you."

"I figure after the hell that was your day, you'd need someone. I know as much as you're hurting that you don't want us all to abandon you."

"Hey," Merrick said as he appeared in the doorway, "that's my wife you've got yourself wrapped around."

Kaysa gasped softly at the sound of his voice and turned her head around so fast, she heard her neck crack. Once she saw his face, but especially his sparkling gray eyes, Kaysa covered her mouth and sobbed from the overwhelming joy she felt.

Merrick couldn't help smiling at the look that came over Kaysa. He looked down to where she and Zale were entwined, and he held open his arms for her. "I'm home, my love."

The wound on her thigh was barely a memory now and hindered her movement not in the least as she sprang to her feet and ran into Merrick's arms. She wept loudly into his chest and clutched the back of his shirt desperately as she held him. She incoherently spoke her apologies again and professed her love for him, but none of it made it past the choking sobs.

Merrick held Kaysa tight and assured her that everything was alright. "It's good to feel you in my arms again," he whispered. "I was starting to feel sort of lonely without you there."

"I know." She took in a staggering breath and gazed up at Merrick. She blinked away the tears until his face was in focus. "Merrick Braston? Would you like your ring back?"

Merrick smiled and then slowly nodded. "I haven't felt like a whole person without it," he said. He held his hand out to her as he had on the day they were married.

Since Kaysa knew singing wasn't her forté, and although she was so happy, she felt like she could, instead of belting out a tune like Merrick did during his proposal, Kaysa simply slid the ring off of her thumb and slipped it onto Merrick's finger. She smiled at him tenderly as she brought his hand to her lips and kissed the golden band. "It's a little scratched up from earlier but...."

"It's still perfect," he said. "And, I can take it out tomorrow and have the scratches removed." He slowly leaned in toward her, and brushed his lips against hers. It was a tentative kiss, searching to make sure everything was alright. "I love you, Kaysa."

Kaysa whimpered softly and closed her eyes to savour the heat coming from Merrick's lips so near to hers. "I-I love you too, Merrick," she whispered.

"How are you feeling now?" he asked. "Are things feeling better? I know they won't be normal yet, but are they getting better?" He laughed softly and then nodded. "Well, I do have you here in my arms, so they must be getting there."

"They're better," she said softly. "I know I still can't bring myself to spend the night with you...in that way...but they are better. And they'll only get more so as the days go by." She rested her head against his chest and sighed. "They're much better, now that you're back."

"Do you think you could handle sleeping in the bed with both of us there? We promise to behave." He cast a meaningful look at Zale. "Right?"

"You promise. I'm not saying anything."

"Promise or next time you're wearing the leather thong."

Zale snorted. "Fine. I promise."

"Somehow," Kaysa said as she passed her gaze between the two of them, "I don't think I have to worry about getting any unwanted attention from the two of you, especially since you're obviously lusting for each other."

"Oh Kaysa," Merrick said, "you know you're the only one for me...well, you and Shiv. Zale's just...a fling. Your overly sexy other husband. Don't tell me you don't understand. I know you do. You look at him and you get all excited. How can you not expect the same of me?"

Kaysa ignored the reference Vrax had made to Merrick's sexual orientation and kept her smile firmly in place. The doubts were still creeping into her mind, but she wouldn't let them spoil this moment. "Well, when you put it that way, of course I understand." She laughed and waved Zale over. "Let's go inside. It's getting cold out here."

Merrick kissed her gently. "You've got that paranoid look again," he whispered. "Only you and Shiv, Kaysa. That's all. I'm just playing with Zale. You've been with both of us already, and you know we didn't do anything to each other, just to you."

"I know," she assured him quickly. She forced a laugh and pressed her hand to Merrick's cheek. "I trust you both. It's just.... It's nothing. Now, come on. Let's go to bed."

"I thought you'd never ask," Merrick said.

"I think it was pretty shaky there for a bit, but we managed to make things work out alright. I just hope Shiv doesn't wear out Moril. He's supposed to be coming into the office tomorrow."

Kaysa chuckled. "Don't keep your hopes up." She slipped her arm around Merrick's waist and extended her other hand toward Zale. "Now, my husbands dear, let's go and make your wife feel absolutely safe."

Zale took her hand. And, then all three disappeared into the main bedroom where Zale and Merrick did just as Kaysa requested. For all the fears and anxieties she'd felt since her abduction and subsequent release, she was able to finally feel a night of peace and security like she thought she'd never experience again.

---

"Run For The Money"
Jukwon Thallos - Freelancer Pilot/Podracer pilot
Vrattos [NPC] - Jadda's Employee
Vorgoth - Assassin

Location: Mon Gazza System
Date: Eos 8, 4 ABY

***

The starship vessel descended slowly into the starport as its thrusters assured a soft landing. Around the starport there were several other ships, an unnatural scenery for the Mon Gazza system to have such a large number of visitors in their every ordinary day. Only this was not an ordinary day, for a Podrace was due in that same afternoon.

Vrattos walked into a room where Jukwon stood, prepping his stuff and rechecking his personal gear, namely his helmet and glasses for perfect conditions. He had read about the podrace circuit he was about to run but had never seen it. And no matter what, even with all the information, it just wasn't the same as knowing it in person. But that didn't seem to disturb Jukwon much... His whole life he had learned to control himself and keep calm in thought situations.

"You ready?" Vrattos asked.

"As ready as I can be..." Jukwon sighed. "How do we get the podracer out to the Arena?"

"That's already been taken care of. They'll do that for us... Vorgoth went along to make sure no tampering was done," Vrattos answered.

It bothered the Kiffar that Jadda the Hutt had sent a minion of his along, but the fact that it was Vorgoth made it all that much worse. He knew Jadda trusted no one except the Zabrak, but the assassin's presence was somewhat threatening... It gave Jukwon shivers every time he looked into those crazed blazing eyes and that tattooed face. Alas, he had to endure it, so he kept it away from his mind.

"Let's go then. I still want to check out the local parts shop before the race. I hear they're really good in scavenging the leftovers from the previous races and reselling them at reasonable prices," Jukwon explained.

"Very well then..." Vrattos nodded in consent as he gestured for the door.

Outside, people were all around. Several races could be distinguished, which could only mean that podracing was famous no matter where, and people would travel to see it, no matter the distance. But Mon Gazza was well known amongst all the tracks, even though the scenery provided for nothing else, since it was all sand and dunes.

Jukwon stepped out into the hot dry air. It was all in a reddish colour. The sands as well as the sky... But it was quite beautiful in a certain way. It made him think of Tae'Karada or Tatooine's deserts but in red. They were in a colony. Nearby, the Arena could be seen as it was probably the largest building around. Jukwon slipped a cloak over his head and made his way through the people whom were walking around, Vrattos following him closely. He spotted the shop he was looking for and so they made their way there.

Once inside Jukwon pulled the hood of his cloak down and looked around. It didn't take long for the owner to come around. He was a short man with hard looking skin darkened by the hot sun. He had a scruffy beard and short gray hair. Jukwon turned to face the shorter man.

"I am Butor, the proud owner of this establishment. How may I be of service?" the man asked.

"Greetings Butor..." Jukwon nodded. "I am looking for spare parts. I hear you scavenge the locations after the races and get many parts you sell afterwards. Is this true?"

"You are a podracer! You have come to the right place! We have everything you need and more! Come, come, look around! I am sure you'll find what you need and maybe even more... Now what exactly were you looking for?" he asked with a much more brighter face now.

"I am not certain yet. I just wanted to look at your stuff. The very top ones... Perhaps I could look at your yard and see?" the Kiffar asked.

"But of course! And I have many parts in here as well as you can see! Please, anything you like I make you a good deal... Come, come see. Right through here." He motioned, as he led them through a door into an open yard with high walls.

The yard was filled with many different things. Parts from obvious wrecks and some which were in perfect conditions, even in spite of the crashes they had suffered before. Jukwon saw a few parts that looked interesting but it was one in particular that looked very good. He walked towards it, Butor walking along, eager to sell.

"This is a control stabilizer... This could be of use to me," Jukwon said, knowing that this way he would get extra turning and stability.

"You know your parts! Yes, I just got that one from the last race. Very hard to find!" Butor stated. "A prized part. But for you only twelve thousand credits, a friendly price for a friendly customer!"

By this time Vrattos stepped up. "I wouldn't imagine what it would cost to someone whom you wouldn't like, although I believe you must like all your customers! Hard to come by, yes... But not that hard! We'll take it off your hands for six thousand."

"Six thousand!" Butor retorted. "No, no, no... It is worth a lot more! Ten thousand because you drive hard bargain!"

"Seven thousand and five hundred," Jukwon intervened as he stepped up. "And I'll take that Cluster 3 Power Plug as well," he said, pointing to what seemed a pile of junk.

"That thing?! I warn you that one is burned and of no use anymore! I was going to scrap it, but you may have it... Both parts for eight thousand!"

"Very well..." Jukwon agreed. "Eight thousand for both parts then. Have them delivered to us within the hour."

"Location?" Butor asked.

"Bay 12 at the Arena. And don't be late in delivering or the deal is off!" Vrattos said then pulling Jukwon aside and walking out of the shop. Once outside the Verpine pulled the Kiffar aside. "What do we need that Cluster Power Plug for? That thing is burned!"

"Only on the outside. The main part is almost intact and I'm sure I can fix it. Besides, the repairing system is not very good and this will upgrade it!" Jukwon explained. "Trust me!"

"Very well," Vrattos sighed. "Come, let us go see the podrace and check for everything," he said as they made their way to the Arena.

***

Barely half an hour later there was a small speeder that came by the Arena carrying the parts. It stopped right near the podracer, where Vorgoth stood still, just like a statue, his arms holding the lightsaber behind his back.

"Is this the podracer for the parts?" asked the man who was driving the speeder, only to get a grunt from Vorgoth. Judging by the Zabrak's face the driver knew better than to ask again, and since the sign said bay 12, which matched his indications, he started to unload the cargo.

A few minutes later Jukwon arrived at the scene along with Vrattos. Seeing the parts, Vrattos walked towards the man and handed him a tip for the parts, sending him off. He then turned to face Jukwon who was already giving instructions to the pit droids to set the new control stabilizer.

Jukwon then had the Cluster 3 Power Plug set for him on a table. He sat at it and looked straight into it, studying it. "I need the gearbox, the toolbox, a pair of new electrical cables, two energy binders and some cleansing oil. And prepare some anti-rust liquid and get me some metal scraping sponge with a power tool to use it properly," he said, which became an order for the pit droids.

It took the Kiffar almost four hours to get it all done but with the aid of one of the pit droids the cluster power plug was as good as new. Jukwon smiled and told the droids to set it up in the podracer. He got up and walked over to Vrattos who seemed tired of the hot dry air.

"You okay?" Jukwon asked, giving the verpine a tap on the shoulder and sitting next to him. But before he could get an answer Buto showed up once more with two large grunts by his side. "Word has it that you could fix the cluster plug... The way I see it, the part was still good, meaning either you give it back or pay up more credits for it."

Jukwon got up immediately, placing himself before Vrattos, with a frown. "The deal was fair! It's my part now!"

"You knew the part was still good! You tricked me!" Buto shouted. "Now pay up or give it back!"

"I saw its potential, but the fact that you did not is not my fault!" Jukwon answered. "And what of the time and effort I put in to it? I believe you have no business here..."

"Perhaps you'd like to convince my friends here?" Buto grinned. "They aren't as understanding as I am!" he warned as the two grunts moved forward with blasters pointing at Jukwon.

But before anyone could do anything, Vorgoth, who had stayed still all along, barely noticeable, jumped in between Jukwon and the two thugs and ignited both the ends of his sith lightsaber. With a twist of the blades both blasters were cut. After that, Vorgoth didn't even blink as he cut one of the man's arms and the legs of the other one, making a mess of it all. Buto knew better then to flee the scene, and as Vorgoth sneered and was about to kill the coward, Vrattos intervened and told Vorgoth to stop.

Around them was a true mess and Vrattos ordered for medics and for the two men to be taken away, as some police officers came running as they saw what had happened. Of course Vrattos, with his cunning mind, had the tides turned by pressing charges against the short corrupt parts dealer.

Jukwon walked up towards Vorgoth as soon as both the officers were gone. He extended his hand. "I thank you for your aid..." he said, never having imagined that he would do so one day, let alone that day.

But the Vorgoth grunted and grabbed Jukwon by the neck and raising him above the ground. "Incompetent fool! You are pathetic!" he said bluntly, tossing him a few feet back and then turning away.

Vrattos immediately went to check on the Kiffar, who got up and rubbed his neck, making a gesture that he was okay. He concluded then that his life was saved merely because Jadda wouldn't have his investment damaged. But he had a race to think of...and it was due soon.

***

As the podracers entered the arena it seemed that a total frenzy installed itself with cheers and screams as well as clapping coming from the audience. It was impressive that such a large number of fans would go to such distances and efforts to bet their money on their favourite racers. And the racers also seemed eager to speed down the arena and into the tracks.

Pugwis was next to Dud Bolt, talking and saying that he would surely win. Of course that when he saw Jukwon he wasn't as pleased. He cut off Jukwon's passage and frowned. "If you ever try to do such a stunt again, like in that last race, I'll finish you for good and destroy your podracer!" he warned.

The Kiffar raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps you can tell Jadda the Hutt of your intentions. After all, it's his podracer. I'm just the pilot!" he answered with a grin as he knew that no one would dare cross a Hutt unless he was a maniac. With Pugwis out of the way he jumped into his cockpit and placed on his helmet, as the race was about to begin.

It took just a couple of minutes more until the patron of the race, a large bear-like creature showed up in a hover chair and touched a button that gave way to the beginning of the race. Jukwon didn't even hesitate and pressed both his command forward as he thrust fast down the runway, right after Dud Bolt who ran first and with Pugwis just behind him.

The first curve went fine for the first racers, but one of them was pushed into a post that blew up one of his engines. It seemed it was all fast until they hit the limits of the arena and went into the desert's red sands in three separate runways going more or less in the same direction. Ahead were three really monstrous sandcrawlers and Jukwon passed underneath the first of them, dodging the two others. By now, Pugwis had been able to take second place, leaving Jukwon in third.

After yet another curve there was another sandcrawler and Jukwon had to hit the brakes in mid air after a jump, and turn hard right to avoid it. Luckily, the stunt made him lose less speed than the two first ones and so he was able to take the lead of the race. Ahead was a speedway with a metal floor, which led back into the arena.

People cheered as they passed by, the first five in the race all close to each other, which meant a small error was sufficient to lose the place or even the whole thing! But Jukwon remained calm and accelerated as he entered the twin tunnels, with their metallic gradings that gave away a clear vision to a lava pit. It was perhaps the hottest place Jukwon had ever been in, but the fast speed made the experience short.

What he didn't know was that just afterwards there were tight tunnels, and his hard braking cost him to go all the way back to fourth place. After another jump and a tight curve just after it, they were back at the arena for a brief few seconds before entering the desert again. As they did so, a gigantic crawler with some sort of an arm with a device at the top came their way, and having to avoid it, they all split up, one of the racers being too slow and having his right engine crushed by the large machine's caterpillars. After that they were back into the arena and finished the first lap.

After that, Jukwon had to run fast but it didn't seem he could use his top speed anywhere safely or he'd probably crash into a sandcrawler. But he had hopes that Pugwis would try or that maybe Dud Bolt would be able to crash Pugwis. But the second lap came almost clean. It was by the third lap that Jukwon tried his luck, but as he was passing Pugwis, the Dug cheated and fired into Jukwon's engine. Jukwon lost speed but his new Cluster 3 Power Plug made all the necessary repairs to get him going once more. He didn't get the first place but was still able to get a respectable third place, which didn't get Pugwis much advantage in the championship.

Jukwon was acclaimed and so were the others. And he still won a prize. He was sure Jadda would be content even though it was not a total victory. But there were still more races before the championship was over... And that meant money and glory.

---

"Long and Winding Road"
By: Jack Black
Robin Black [NPC+]

Location: The Desert
Date: Eos 8, 4ABY

***

The night had descended smoothly and the cool icy air of the dessert whipped against the cliff side. Robin stirred from his position; he had been laying in the small crack along the side of the cliff for so long, his legs had gone numb. He scanned for the millionth time for Imperial troops. They had moved on probably towards Thanatos. By now they would be attacking the place. He turned to Jack. His brother was reading some file on his viewer. His brother was always reading.

"My brother, make sure the path is clear and then we will begin to moved down the cliff."

"Sure thing, Jack," muttered Robin. He rose from his position like a huge giant breaking out of a shell. They had no transport and about fifty miles to cross of desert; with Jack it would be slow work.

Robin eased himself out of the hole in the cliff and looked around. His muscles flexed as he slowly made his way down the cliffside. He wouldn't put it past the Impies to have placed all sorts of nasty mousetraps. The wreckage of their speeder had finished smoldering and lay a black and charred mess. He landed to the base of the cliff next to it. His brother, a good hundred feet up. Robin moved quickly like a cat through the rocks. It wouldn't take much of an Imperial trap to kill his brother.

Then he found them. They were simple gadgets, anti-personal mines - twelve of them, possibly more; their little green lights gave their position away. Small sensors scanned the surrounding area. He lifted up his energy gage to check his personal shield. Two red bars blinked. Not much power, he thought to himself. Probably best to avoid the traps.

After a few hours, he managed to get his brother down the cliff face. He had to carry the thin and frail man, who told his brother to stop complaining.

It took them longer still to navigate around the mines. The explosives were primed and ready to explode at a hair trigger's notice. However at about midnight they were on the move across the desert, the liquid-like sand tumbling away underfoot.

Jack leaned heavily on his staff and his breathing was ragged. He would need to go into the oxygen chamber on the ship when they got back. Robin only vaguely knew he was going in the right direction; his small tracking device would locate the ship, then he could take his brother away to a friendlier system.

"Brother," Jack muttered, coughing a small amount of blood up, "I'll need you to take me to the capital. I intend to set up a small business for us."

"Sure thing, bro," Robin said with a smile, cradling his brother as he helped him walk.

They walked for hours in the freezing cold night of the desert. It wasn't until the sun rose that they realised the joy of the night. The heat came slowly but it rose and rose until the air was thick with sweat and dust. Jack's cough grew lighter, his breaths stronger and deeper. Jack always seemed to be better in the warmth, thought Robin.

After half a day's walk, Robin was carrying his brother completely. The limp-thin man was out cold, their water supply low. And still over fifteen miles to go. Robin cursed. He could make it. He had been counting the distance and it was slow but sure going.

Under the blazing sun the brothers walked.

---

"Dear Death, How Well I Know You"
By: Jack Black
Robin Black [NPC+]

Location: The desert
Date: Eos 8, 4ABY

***

The evening wind picked up to a violent gust. The sand burned at Jack and Robin's skin like a thousand needles. The storm was coming in fast and hard. Robin sheltered Jack in his arms as much as he could. His frail brother coughed up another lung full of blood. Robin carefully wiped it away. His brother's thin body wasn't used to this sort of punishment.

Robin couldn't see more than a few meters through the sand and was led only by the small transceiver box. The location beeped ahead, always ahead. It seemed like days, although it was only a few hours; they walked through the hard sand. He almost fell over their transport when they finally found it. Robin stumbled into the old transport and closed the hatch behind him. It landed with a clank. He rushed his brother through to the medical chamber. Jack's respirator was still out from its last use. With practiced ease despite his exhaustion, Robin changed the cylinder. Jack coughed again.

Good. Still alive, thought Robin and he set up the breathing apparatus. Jack coughed again. This time no blood came out. His eyes fluttered open.

"Tryanalizin," he croaked, his throat sore. "Inject me with the Tryanalizin."

Robin looked at his brother blankly for the moment. He walked to the cupboard. He tapped the release control and waited for the draw to slide down. The injection was a large red needle that had to be injected straight into the lungs. It wasn't pleasant. He reached forward and gabbed the cylinder in his hand. It felt heavy. He looked over at his frail brother spiralled out. He was breathing but they came in short closed gasps. Robin re-adjusted his grip. He knew his orders.

He moved back over to his brother with the injection in hand, like a dagger, the needle out. He looked down at his brother, his face was pale as a ghost, his lips were blue, almost white.

He felt for the first lung, and closed his eyes as he prepared to push it in.

"My brother you need to do this with your eyes open," Jack ordered from the bed. He reached up and pulled the syringe out of his brother's hand. He then bit his lower lip and injected the serum into his lung.

The reaction was immediate. Jack's face changed rapidly from pale to bright red. He struggled against his brother's grip. His head thrashed back and forth until after a few minutes, both he and his brother were exhausted. He collapsed, breathing normally.

Robin released him eventually with a concerned look on his face. He backed up and quickly saw to his own wounds. Once he had stemmed several small cuts and abrasions, he perched himself on the stool and looked after his brother.

Jack moved through his dreams like some form of ghost. A long way off a baby was crying. His mind flooded by fluids and exhaustion, he stepped forward into the room. He recognised it. It was the small transport vessel where he had been born. He moved through the corridors with no weight. He could see a man up ahead, it was his father. He recognised his brother's features in the man, strong build, powerful arms, his rifle slung over a shoulder. He moved around and there he could see a woman lying on the bed. She was giving birth. Her face filled with pain and covered in sweat. She forced to drive the babies out. Another man, a doctor, stood by. Jack watched as his brother was born. He knew immediately that it was his brother, strong, powerful little legs, healthy body. But still the woman was in agony. Jack's own eyes winced for her as he saw her trying to give birth to him. He had heard often enough to know what the doctor would say.

"I can save the woman or the baby, not both."

"My baby!" screamed the woman. "Save my baby."

"No!" yelled Jack's father. "You will have more! Let this one go." And he nodded to the doctor for the baby to die.

Jack held his breath. The woman screamed in pain, forcing the little baby of Jack out. The doctor tried to stop her and failed.

"It's coming. I can't save her," the doctor yelled. Angrily he wrenched the tiny baby Jack from the womb. The baby was weak, almost not breathing. Half the size of his bigger brother.

Jack awoke with a scream. His brother was with him in a second, his large arm's gathering up Jack, to hold him secure.

"We're safe now, Jack," his brother said. "You're here with me, just the two of us."

"Just the two of us," repeated Jack, not understanding what he had seen.

---