"Pricing Heads"
by Daemor'rah - Jedi/Bounty Huntress
and Jadda the Hutt - Crimelord
Justin Darkaar - Petty Criminal (NPC written by Daemor'rah)
Location: Jadda the Hutt's Palace, Thanatos
Date: Praeda 8 - 4ABY

She kept him tied up with dense molecular bands so as to prevent him from escaping. She carried him in a leech and she dragged him along forcefully. This man had a bounty on his head set by Jadda the Hutt himself. Apparently it was something to do with a treason. Fact was she did not care what he had done or even why he had done it. As long as she got the bounty.

She had tracked this one down as soon as she learned he was in Chimaeria. After all, 250 000 credits was a considerable amount of money that she would be glad to receive. She had come across this man in a small bar in the Yallder District the night before. She had been asked to let her weapons at the entrance. Alas, she was not about to leave her weapons just like that. She decided to wait for this man patiently.

After a few hours, Darkaar came out of the bar and it was obvious the man was drunk. He had been a too easy target to catch and she simply knocked him out cold and tied him up. The next morning, as soon as Justin woke up, there was the Huntress, Daemor'rah, ready to take him to Jadda's Palace.

To his surprise, the woman was stronger than him and was able to drag him, even in spite of his attempts to escape from what seemed his doom. He tried to convince Daemor'rah to let him go and even begged for mercy and offered money, but the woman did not seem interested as she ignored him utterly. In the end he was in front of Jadda's Palace's large double blast doors. The Perimeter Droid came about and spoke a much strange language.

"I have come for the bounty on this man and seek an audience with Jadda..." Daemor'rah said plainly as she pointed to Justin. "This is Justin Darkaar. I believe your master will be pleased to have him brought over."

The droid let them both in and she this time pushed the man in front of her, threatening him with her blasters. He had no choice but to walk and decided that perhaps he would be able to have his freedom discussed later on with Jadda. After all, anything was a business for the Hutts. As they got to the main room, there was Jadda with two beautiful Twi'lek slaves carressing him.

"Ouhgh boony deepaa. Saalem doah tchingaa. Justin Darkaar, bichunga latchegaar daarpe bounty hunter." Jadda laughed as his translator droid spoke. "What have we here. This day was yet to come. Justin Darkaar, taken prisioner and over to me by a bounty hunter."

Justin was about to speak when Daemor'rah cut him off. "I want the prize set. 250, 000 credits for him plus 10, 000 for the good shape I deliver him in and the costs of the dense molecular bands I used," she said coldly.

"Darkaar boo jaadaa uchk tchinga weahtaa joubelae tumul... Tchingaa fough taare lytchoo dengaa 10 000 credits!" Jadda said angrily. His protocol droid translated. "Jadda wants you to know he believes Darkaar is not worth that kind of money and he wishes to know what are your intentions should he not pay you the extra 10, 000 credits you request."

"Because Jadda, you are known to be just in paying those who serve you well and because if you do not I will not deliver the goods in such good condition, starting now!" she warned him.

Jadda laughed. "Very well, you are fearless... I will pay your fees. Guards, take him to the dungeons. Please, bounty hunter, stay for the party I am hosting. You will be paid afterwards..." Jadda said by himself, not using his own language to the Huntress' surprise.

---

"Retribution, Part 1"
by Yelara Zaneth
and Liam Zaneth
Location: Approaching Tae'Karada in hyperspace
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Four long months... They'd been drifting through space uneventfully for four consecutive months, but Yelara wasn't complaining. She didn't miss all the tension and anxiety of that pivotal day four months prior and was grateful for the quiet time alone she and Liam could finally bask in; what happened those two days, months ago, was something she never wanted to go through again, but even so, she found herself reliving the events every moment of solitude she had. Even when she tried to keep too busy to concentrate on anything but the task at hand, something managed to trigger the memories and they replayed in her mind with vivid clarity. Resisting that time of darkness, though, was necessary if she was to truly value how far she and Liam had come. The struggles they faced to get to this point had proven to them how strong their bond was and how pure was their love for each other. The memories would only help to reinforce that.

Yelara groaned as the soreness in her lower back returned, and she placed her hands on the spot the pain always seemed to originate from. She rubbed her back to try and ease the knots loose, but as the pain grew worse, she knew she needed expert help this time. "Liam!" she called out from the bedroom. "Your dear wife needs a massage!"

Liam poked his head through the doorway, a grin appearing as he saw the look on her face. He set the hollow lightsaber casing aside as he entered the room. He gave her a gentle kiss and then a warm smile as he brought a hand to her cheek. "I always have massages for my dear wife," he said. "Roll onto your side and we'll see what sort of magic I can work for you."

Yelara obeyed without hesitation and shifted onto her right side. "You know the spot, Liam, so get to work," she commanded playfully. "What have you been doing all morning, my love? I haven't seen you since breakfast," she asked as she closed her eyes and prepared to surrender to Liam's therapeutic touch.

Liam grinned as his hands started working at the knots in Yelara's back. "I've been working on a new pair of lightsabers," he said. "I figured it was time to give up the reds. They're the last holdover from my time serving the Emperor, and it's time to move on."

Yelara moaned as the healing warmth emanated from Liam's hands, and combined with his expert technique, all the pain began to melt away. "I kinda liked the reds," Yelara muttered as her entire body relaxed. "Maybe one day I'll get my own lightsaber, or are they reserved only for you Jedi?"

Liam laughed softly. "Typically they're just for Jedi Knights," he said, "but I'm sure being the wife of a Jedi comes with special privileges. Would you like your own lightsaber? I think I have enough materials available to make one for you too." He worked another groan out of Yelara as he felt one of the knots in her back release. He could feel the tension in her body drift away under his touch. He could feel the strain Yelara felt through their bond, and knew that she needed what he was giving her more than anything. "I'm going to have to find reasons to keep you off your feet to keep the tension from building up again."

"You could try strapping me to the bed, but I fear you may take that as an invitation to ravish me." Yelara laughed gently and sighed as the final knot came undone. She slowly moved onto her back again and opened her eyes to look up at Liam. "As for the lightsaber, my love, I think we're all much safer if you never ever place one in my hands. Remember that time you tried to train me to use the force pike? I don't think I ever managed to get the hang of that thing."

Liam laughed as he gently brushed his hands over Yelara's stomach. "You almost had it," he said. "For a brief moment there, I thought you were going to be an expert with it. But, then that whole actually trying to fight with the thing happened. I mean when you were standing ready, you were intimidating. Based on that alone, you could probably get most people wanting to pick a fight to back off."

Yelara laughed and pushed herself up into a sitting position, with some effort, of course. "I'm not sure how intimidating I'll look now," she said, looking down at her swollen belly. "Besides, I don't think I have much use for all that anymore. All that's done with."

Liam nodded and moved to put his arms around Yelara. "It's all behind us," he said. "It's hard to believe it's been four months already. I mean, it practically seems like yesterday when we met Oot and started the end of Kandran. That was back when your belly was still small and you were quite limber." He gave her a suggestive wink. "I remember that day in the cargo hold and then with meeting Oot."

Yelara laughed and slapped Liam playfully on the cheek to try and wipe the smug grin off his face. "How could I forget that day? It was the most important day of our lives...next to our wedding, of course." Yelara sighed and let her head rest upon Liam's shoulder as, once again, right on cue, the memories came back. "Those two days were probably the best and worst of my life."

***

Liam circled around Yelara in the Kestrel's cargo hold. His eyes watched her every movement as she adjusted to counter him. He held the force pike in one hand, the grip loose so he could easily slide into a number of other defensive or offensive forms.

"Make sure to keep your side to me," he cautioned. "It'll make you a smaller target. Your form is good though. When we go up against Dargus' men, they'll most likely be carrying blasters. But it's good to have the melee training for the times when it'll be needed. And we will need it at some point." Liam continued around Yelara as she watched him. He smiled and then launched his attack, driving forward as Yelara shifted to defend.

Yelara's heartbeat quickened as Liam's pike swung towards her. All the positions and moves Liam had taught her flashed through her mind as she tried to calculate the best defense with which to counter. Each fraction of a second brought Liam's pike screaming closer. Finally, she chose, letting her instincts move her own pike to defend.

She tightened the grip on her pike and planted the tip firmly into the floor to block Liam's as it came around, aimed at her midsection. Metal hitting metal rang through the room; the impact of his pike reverberated through hers, bringing with it a wave of nagging discomfort that travelled up to her hands and extended through her arms. "Hey, you're supposed to go easy on me!" she protested, but she quickly recovered and pushed away Liam's pike, which remained fixed to hers.

Liam laughed. "I am going easy," he said as he pulled his pike closer and brought Yelara with it. He quickly wrapped an arm around her waist and held her fast. "Gotcha."

"Liam Zaneth, you have no self-discipline," she chided playfully. "We're supposed to be training, remember?" She laughed gently and quickly planted a kiss on Liam's mouth. The salty taste of sweat lingered on her lips, and as she licked them slowly, feasting on Liam's familiar taste, a streak of wickedness possessed her. "So, you were going easy on me, were you?" she asked as she released her pike, which was still attached to Liam's. She then reached back and placed her hands atop Liam's. "Well, I won't be so kind." Yelara flashed Liam a smile as she pulled his hands free of her waist and hooked her leg around his. She pushed her hands against his chest and with some effort, swept his legs from under him. With wild laughter, Yelara watched as Liam's eyes grew wide and, with arms flailing, he desperately tried to maintain his balance, but to no avail.

As Liam toppled backwards, his hand fell away from the switch that charged the magnetic field in his pike. As the field dissipated, Yelara's pike clattered free. He dropped his own pike to the side and twisted as he fell.

His arm shot down to the deckplates, and he used the gentle tap against metal grating to propel himself back up. In mid-air, he flipped easily and came down easily on his feet. He laughed as he looked back at Yelara. "You fight dirty," he said. "I think it's one of the reasons I love you so much." He edged forward and grinned. "Did I mention I know how to fight dirty too?"

At her feet, the grating covering the deck of the Kestrel's cargo hold lifted, shifting Yelara's balance and leaving her no choice but to go forward where Liam waited. He slid his arms around her waist, and shifted his weight to put her more off-balance. As she fought to regain her footing, he brought her down to the ground with him on top looking down into her eyes. "Would you like me to stop going easy on you?" he asked with a wicked grin.

Yelara huffed in annoyance and frowned at Liam as she tried to wriggle out from under him. "You're just showing off now," she said irritably. "I don't know about Elisia but I don't appreciate--" As the grin on Liam's face quickly disappeared, Yelara held her tongue and looked away in shame. Somehow, she always seemed the one to put a damper on their happy moments. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring her up," she said quietly.

---

"Retribution, Part 2"
by Yelara Zaneth
and Liam Zaneth
Location: Approaching Tae'Karada in hyperspace
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

"No," he said, his jaw set as he stood in one fluid motion, "you're right. Our training should be that. I apologize for losing my focus." He held out his hand and the force pike jumped into it. He moved away, testing the weight of the training weapon. So he was showing off, and Yelara didn't appreciate it. Liam cursed himself for letting his emotions cloud his actions, and his carelessness for interfering in Yelara's training. "Do you wish to continue training? Or would you like to stop for the day?"

Yelara sat up and watched as Liam swiftly moved away from her. She looked up at him with an imploring gaze and spoke in a quiet, hesitant whisper. "I...I didn't mean to get mad, Liam. And I didn't mean to mention Elisia either." She slowly got to her feet and walked over to her own pike, picking it up from the ground. "I'm feeling a little tired," she said as she placed the pike back onto its holding rack. "Maybe I should get some rest and let you train without having to worry about me." She choked down a sudden knot that was growing in her throat, and wasn't certain if it was the pregnancy throwing her hormones into a loop, or if she was truly that upset about hurting Liam...as usual.

Liam nodded. "I think I'm done training for now," he said softly. "I've got another project to work on for a bit. I'll come in and check on you in a little while." He watched her, feeling the anxiety within her as if it were his own. "Is there anything I can get you before you go to sleep?"

"No, but you can do something for me," Yelara said as she turned around to face him. "You can tell me something, something I've been thinking about for a while now."

Liam took a step closer. "What is it," he asked gently, feeling some of the warring emotions finally begin to slip away.

Yelara gazed at Liam, who was expectantly awaiting her question. She didn't think he would be prepared for what she was to ask him. It had to be done, though. She needed to know, she deserved to know. "Do you miss her, Liam?" she asked. She fixed her eyes to his face and tried to detect any change in his facial expression. If he tried to lie to her, she hoped his features would betray what his true feelings were. "You took her in, trained her, befriended her...and more. Do you miss her?"

Liam laughed softly and shook his head. "Sometimes I miss her company," he said. "But I don't miss her jealousy, or the moods she'd get into, or the way she'd defy me to get herself in trouble. I miss training her though. When she wanted to be, when she wasn't fighting her jealousy, she was a good student. But I don't miss her as much as I thought I would. I still care for her and hope she's doing okay, but I know that my place in life right now is the right one. I think I hurt her deeply, and for that I am sorry. But, I don't think there was any way for me to not hurt her. At least, not without defying my own heart."

"I wish I could be so certain if that time ever comes for me," she said softly, so softly that the hum of the engines easily drowned out her voice. "I love you, Liam and I love Kallia. I try and think what it would have been like if I'd had to choose between the two of you and...I find myself unable to do so. I would have torn my hair out trying to decide, but I do know that now, I am content being with you."

She hazarded a step towards Liam and smiled gently at him. "I regret losing Kallia, but her loss opened the door for you and I to be together, Liam. It saved me from having to make a choice I don't think I could have made. I suppose all events in a person's life, even those that bring pain, serve some ultimate purpose." Yelara hesitantly pressed her hand to Liam's cheek. She was afraid his skin would be cold to her touch, a coldness she'd seen in his eyes only moments ago, but as her palm met his face, she found only a warmth there. "No more training for today, my love."

Liam covered Yelara's hand with his own, as he slipped his other arm around her waist. "No more training," he repeated. "I think we've been getting a lot in since leaving Turren. Maybe a little time together, just enjoying each other's company, will be good for us. And, later on, after we've checked in with the high princess on how things stand with the tracking device, we can leave this area for a good long time."

Yelara felt the weight lift from her chest and sighed quietly as Liam's smile returned. "The high princess, then we finally leave Tae'Karada behind." An excitement grew within Yelara as she thought about her and Liam already heading down the path leading to the new life they would live together. They would leave Dargus, and the past behind but despite that, they had still bound themselves to Dargus. The hit on his facility would strengthen that tie, but it would also solidify the fact that they refused to allow his past transgressions against them to dampen their future happiness. Destroying something of Dargus' was just as fulfilling as destroying the man himself; at least in doing this, she would not have to lay her eyes upon him. The morning sickness was bad enough, and the sight of Dargus would only further turn her stomach.

Yelara felt a streak of mischief accompany the thrill of starting their new life, and a grin spread across her face. "I'm not in the mood to train," she said sweetly as she slipped from Liam's grasp and sauntered towards the door, "but I'm in the mood for something else." She shot a suggestive look at Liam and the smile he gave her acknowledged that he knew precisely what she was implying.

As Liam took a step forward, Yelara giggled wildly and charged towards him. She squealed with excitement as she leapt into his arms and tackled him to the floor of the hold. She sat on his stomach as she laughed breathlessly, then quickly kissed him on the lips. "Now I've got you."

Liam laughed as Yelara held him pinned to the ground. Her lips were centimeters from his own and her eyes gazed into his. He slipped his arms up and around her. He could feel what she was feeling, and her feelings definitely matched his own. And, he had a feeling they wouldn't be making it to their bed. But, that was perfectly fine by him. The floor of the hold wasn't as comfortable as the bed, but it was as good a place as any. "So," he said, "what do you plan on doing with me now that you've got me?"

"Hmm..." Yelara looked playfully pensive and tapped her finger upon her chin. "Well, I can think of two things, one of which I'm sure you'll find very pleasurable, and the other perhaps not so pleasurable." Yelara smiled down at Liam and began slowly sliding the straps of her top off her shoulders. "Can you guess what one of the two involves, my love?"

"I think I've got a pretty good idea," he said with a slow smile. He reached a hand up and drew the fabric of her top down over her breasts and to her waist. He ran his hands up over her breasts and then down to her hips. "You know, I don't think we've made love in here yet."

"I guess that makes this the last place on the ship we haven't christened." Yelara laughed as she untied the drawstring on her pants and stretched the material away from her waist. "Well would you look at that," she said, looking down into her pants. "It would appear I completely neglected to put on underwear today. I could be wrong though..." She smiled mischievously at Liam. "Care to take a look?"

Liam raised an eyebrow and craned his neck so he could get a look. He brought a hand up to the material and pulled it down toward his body. He let out a low whistle when his eyes found the dark patch of hair uncovered before him. "Well, look at that," he said. "You did forget them, didn't you." He looked up at her and grinned. "What do you suppose we should do about that?"

"Well, I can't exactly wear pants without any underwear. That just isn't proper." Yelara let out an exaggerated sigh and rose with her legs still on either side of Liam's waist. "And since I can't wear pants without underwear," she said as she gripped her pants and pushed them down over her hips, "I shouldn't be wearing pants at all." She giggled as her pants fell and bunched around her ankles. Her top soon followed suit and ended up being flung across the hold. "My love, did you remember to put on your underwear today? If not, you know what you have to do."

Liam laughed. "Well," he said, "I am sorry to disappoint you, but I did remember my underwear today." He took the waistband of his workout pants and pulled it down enough to give Yelara a glimpse at the deep blue fabric underneath. "My underwear, my love."

Yelara's brows arched and she shook her head almost sympathetically. "Oh dear, that's rather unfortunate," she said almost regretfully. "That's very unfortunate. I guess I forgot to inform you of a minor technicality. I mean, there are certain rules that apply to underwear...wearing, and I'm afraid you've broken one of them."

Liam glanced from his underwear to Yelara and back. He tried to get the smile from his face, but it just wouldn't go. "I have? Oh my. I did think I knew all the rules for underwear. So, which of these rules have I broken?"

"The most sacred rule of them all, my love," Yelara said melodramatically as she stood towering over Liam. "My dear, the colour of your underwear doesn't match your shoes. They must always be coordinated. Failing to do so is the most serious fashion blunder there is! Now..." Yelara crouched down and smiled as she began tugging on the elastic of Liam's underwear. "Come on, off with them!"

Liam looked down at his underwear and gave an exaggerated sigh. "Well, we can't have me wandering around the ship uncoordinated." He reached down and pulled his boots free, and then rid himself of his pants and underwear. He looked up at Yelara and smiled. "I am no longer a fashion blunder. This is better, right?"

Yelara looked down at Liam's naked groin and smiled approvingly. "Oh, much better." She giggled and quickly dropped to her knees, straddling Liam. Her hands gripped the bottom of his shirt and she began pushing it up. Once his chest was exposed, she kissed it ravenously and sucked on his nipples gently. "Definitely much better."

"I am glad you approve, my love," he said as his hands moved to her breasts again. He moaned as her kisses sent shivers of excitement through his body.

He could feel her excitement through their bond, and it sent his own building arousal higher. Since they discovered their bond, lovemaking had been a transcendent act. No matter where they were, they could feel each other, know the other's mood; and when they made love it was beyond anything he'd ever experienced in his life. "You look ravishing naked atop me like that," he murmured.

"I like being on top," Yelara replied, only tearing her lips away from Liam's chest for a moment before returning them. Her hands moved to his waist, then slowly slipped between his legs where his cock stood very alert and became extremely responsive to her touch. "He's missed me, hasn't he?" she asked as she began massaging his cock gingerly.

Liam moaned at her touch. "He's missed you very much," he said. He kept one hand on her breasts, and slid the other down between her legs. "I think we should reacquaint old friends. I think they've missed each other too." Her body against his filled him with a fire he never felt any other time. He knew he was a cold person by nature, and it showed in his use of the Force. But, Yelara could melt all of that away.

Yelara closed her eyes and sighed heavily as Liam's fingers slipped inside of her. It seemed she and Liam hadn't gone a day without sex for weeks, and although she was pregnant and should have been easily fatigued, her sexual appetite had only grown more voracious. "Is the floor too hard?" she asked, a moan quickly following. "We can move to the bedroom if there's time...but I don't think I can wait."

"The floor is fine," he groaned. "I can't make it to the bed. Let's just-- We're doing good-- Oh I love you, Yelara. I need you, my love. I need you now."

"No need to beg, my love. I'm more than ready and willing to give you everything you need." Yelara sat up and smiled at Liam tenderly. "I love you Liam Zaneth. You can't realize how much being with you has changed me," she whispered. She positioned herself above Liam's waist and, holding his cock firmly in her grasp, she guided it into her. She moaned quite vocally and opened her eyes to look upon Liam. She began slowly rocking her hips against his and placed her hands atop his as he continued caressing her breasts. "We must have these little training sessions more often."

Liam moaned as the pleasure of Yelara sliding up and down on his shaft filled him. He sighed as his hips found her rhythm and his hands brought a low moan from her lips. "I could just do this all day," he said. His thoughts went back to all the sex they had shared on Turren. It seemed they'd done it everywhere they possibly could, including in the central square of the town where they were staying very early in the morning when no one else was out. He could feel everything building up, reaching toward the climax that seemed to get more powerful every time he and Yelara shared it. "We have to have more of these sess--"

A violent shudder rolled through the ship, tossing anything not bolted down.

Liam felt everything give way beneath him, a moment of weightlessness, and then it all crashed back into place. The motion brought Yelara back down on top of him. Liam pulled her to him protectively as another shudder shook the ship. He rolled aside covering her as a pike sailed past them, glancing off his shoulder as it did.

"Damn," he spat. He looked at her to make certain she was okay. He could feel her fear, but knew she was unhurt. As his eyes found hers, the klaxons started blaring. "We've dropped out of hyperspace." He sent his senses outward, and found the answer. "Something pulled us out. We need to get up to the cockpit. Are you alright?"

"Fine," she replied. She clung to Liam tightly as she tried to recover from the disorientation caused by the sudden jolt. "Who could it be, Liam?" she asked fearfully as the first thought that came to her mind was Dargus Kandran.

Liam shook his head. "I don't know," he said. "But, now is not a good time." He glanced around and found his pants. He quickly pulled himself into them, and grabbed the force pike that had gone flying. "Do you want to stay back here, or come up with me? Though, I think it'd be a good idea if we stay together. If whoever's out there enters the ship, we have a better chance if we're together."

Liam's last statement sent a pang of anxiety through Yelara and she moved to him, clinging to his arm firmly. "No, I'm coming with you. I'm not leaving your side, Liam." Yelara embraced Liam and kissed him tenderly on the lips. She didn't want to let go and no matter what happened, she wouldn't. "Just in case... I love you, Liam."

Liam returned the kiss, wrapping one arm tightly around her. "I love you too," he said. "And, we're going to get through this fine. I feel sorry for the other guys." He gave her a reassuring smile and took her hand. He started toward the exit of the cargo bay with her hand in one of his, and the force pike in the other.

"Uh, Liam, dear," Yelara said as she pulled him back. "I don't know if you plan on appeasing whoever that is by displaying your dazzling, naked wife to them, but I really do think I should dress first." Yelara laughed gently, allowing the tension to partially spill away, and pulled her hand free of Liam's while she collected her clothing. "I think, though, until I become more adept at the pike, I should let you handle things," she said while pulling on her pants and looking around for her misplaced top.

"I think so too," he said. "And, it was just here. It was...right there. Wasn't it? We haven't had problems losing clothing before now. Why do we have to start having problems now of all times?" He glanced around and then back at Yel who was still searching.

A low rumbling shook the ship, staggering both of them. "I think someone's getting impatient," Liam added. "Just grab my shirt."

"Good idea," Yelara said. She quickly took the shirt Liam handed to her and pulled it on as they made their way towards the cockpit. She remained close to Liam during the entire trek and hoped her trembling wouldn't unsettle him too much. "Why can't we just have a peaceful life together? Why must everyone try and interfere?"

Hand in hand, Liam and Yelara worked their way to the cockpit. Once there, the instruments were flashing a myriad of colours. Automated damage reports poured in from every system. In front of the Kestrel loomed a ship easily as large as some of the largest Star Destroyers. It was broadcasting no transponder codes, leaving Liam in the dark as to who they belonged to. The comms indicated they were being signalled, but Liam wasn't ready to answer just yet.

Information scrolled across one of the displays, and Liam just shook his head. "Looks like they pulled us out of hyperspace with a gravity generator. Whether they're looking specifically for us, or just stopping anyone passing this way, I don't know. But, I think we're about to find out." He looked at the reports coming in and shook his head. "Tarabassic? Where do I know that name from? It sounds familiar."

"I don't know, but at least it's not one of Dargus'." Yelara looked at Liam and squeezed his hand tighter as she said, "Should we comm them? I mean, they obviously want something if they went to all the trouble to knock us out of hyperspace. Besides, it's not like we can fight our way out of this. The Kestrel, no matter how many modifications I make, doesn't stand a chance against a ship like that."

Liam nodded and brought up the message the Tarabassic ship was sending. "...Scarlet Kestrel, this is the Tarabassic cruiser Nighada'Sto, Dame Oot Kovan extends her greetings and wishes to speak with you. Will you agree to this meeting? Respond."

Liam looked up at Yelara and raised a questioning eyebrow. "What do you think? Go meet this Oot Kovan and see what she wants?"

Yelara shot Liam an expression of uncertainty, then glanced back at the large ship. "We're just going to walk onto her ship without even asking what she wants? That's a little risky, don't you think, Liam? I mean, do you sense any malevolent intentions on their part?" Yelara sighed and looked back at Liam calmly. "We need some sort of reassurance we won't be harmed. Something...anything."

Liam glanced out the Kestrel's canopy at the other ship and shook his head. "Well, they could blast us into space dust if they wanted, but I'll get what assurances I can from them. And, I feel no malevolence, but there is a darkness."

He opened the channel again as the end of the message was repeating again. He tapped the switch that would send his message to the Nighada'Sto. The sooner they got this over with, the sooner they could get back to unfinished business. He put an arm around Yelara's waist for comfort.

"This is the Kestrel," he said. "We will agree to meet Oot Kovan, but we need assurances that no harm will come to us."

The comm crackled as the communications officer of the other ship opened the channel again. "We give you the assurance that you still breathe, Kestrel. Had we wished you dead, this conversation would not be happening. Prepare to receive a skiff at your docking portal. It will ferry you to our docking bay. Nighada'Sto out."

Liam turned to Yelara. "Friendly bunch," he said. "I guess they're giving us no choice. But, I still feel no malevolence, at least not directed toward us."

Yelara glanced at the imposing ship before them, then turned her eyes back to Liam. "I guess if they did want us dead, we would be. Although, once they do get what they want from us, our lives may become worthless to them." Yelara's hands moved to her stomach; her maternal instincts were in full force now, and she feared more for her unborn child's life than her own, but she trusted Liam. No matter what, she knew he would do everything to protect her and that was all the comfort she needed.

"Alright, we'll meet with this Oot Kovan. I want to know what was so urgent that she had disturb our little training session." She moved her hand to Liam's face and gave him a gentle smile. "And we will resume that little training session, my love, the moment we return...alive."

Liam smiled and kissed Yelara before they left the cockpit. "We will return alive," he said, "even if we have to leave their ship a drifting hulk. We should probably change into something more appropriate to going out in public. And, make sure you're wearing underwear, my love." He glanced at her and smiled. "Or, don't and I'll have to take care of your little fashion faux pas later."

"You're just giving me more incentive to accidentally forget my underwear, my love." Yelara laughed softly. "And if you're really daring, make certain your underwear is not matching your shoes. I'll just have to reprimand you for your blunder when we return to the ship." Yelara smiled up at Liam, but salacious thoughts soon possessed her mind and she slid her hand to Liam's stomach and began undoing his pants. "I'll help you undress," she said silkily. "How long do you think we can keep Dame Kovan waiting before she fires upon our ship?" she asked as her hand dipped into Liam's pants.

Liam gasped as the feelings rekindled inside of him. As Yelara deftly began working his cock, bringing it immediately to erection, he slipped his hand beneath his shirt that she wore and found her breasts. He moaned softly and slid one hand down into her pants. "If she really needs to talk to us, she can wait while we finish what she interrupted."

Yelara gasped as Liam's fingers slid easily inside of her, then she emitted a gentle giggle. "We're being held hostage by a large Tarabassic ship, and although we should be scared, we can't keep our hands off each other." Yelara laughed and wrapped her arms around Liam, kissing him deeply. "We haven't done it in the bedroom for a whole four hours. Why don't we try it in there this time?"

Liam laughed. He scooped Yelara into his arms, keeping his eyes on hers. "One bedroom coming up." He carried her through the ship toward the bedroom they shared. They tumbled to the bed together, Liam's arms immediately went around Yelara's waist. The shirt she wore disappeared as he pulled it away, and then pulled her to him, kissing her passionately. "I like our bed."

"It's a comfortable bed," Yelara said. "A big bed." She pushed Liam's pants down over his waist and scrambled to do the same with hers. "If this is going to be our last time together, I want it to be good. Screw Oot Kovan..." Yelara laughed. "But I'd much rather screw you." Yelara's laughter ceased as she slid into place atop Liam and moaned softly. "One day, we will live free of all these distractions. One day, all we'll have to worry about is what to name our child."

"Yes," he said softly, gazing into her eyes as they made love. There would be no interruptions this time. "I love you, Yelara. When our baby is born, we'll be free of all this. It'll just be us, and no more fighting and running. We'll make our own lives, not let them be dictated to us."

"That's how it should always be, that's how it should have been from the beginning." Yelara ran her fingers through Liam's soft, brown hair and kissed him gently on the lips. "And once we're through with fighting, Liam, we can find some planet far away from all this where the three of us can just settle and let our love for each other grow, unhindered by this oppressive universe. That's all I want."

Their combined movements were slow and deliberate, and once again, Yelara could feel Liam's soul merging with hers. The world around her dissolved away into an imperceptible cloud of nothingness, and all that existed for her now, was Liam and her love for him. "This is all that matters, Liam. Everything that matters is right here, right now."

"Everything," he said as he gazed into her eyes and into her soul, and brushed a hand across her belly, and the child growing inside. "We'll get through everything together, Yelara. You, me, and our baby. We'll make it." He could feel her heart beating in time with his, her breathing, coming in gasps that mirrored his own. They were nearly one being. He had a feeling anyone scanning their ship would only find one being aboard at that moment. "The fighting will end, and then there will be no more, not for us. After that is just happiness."

"That's all I ever wanted, Liam. I've searched for it all my life, and I've finally found it with you. You've saved me, Liam," she whispered. She pressed her cheek to his and allowed his warmth to envelop her, a warmth in which the love he felt for her was almost tangible. She smiled and hoped that the child within her could perceive that warmth, and the love they already felt for it. It was a love that would only grow, never diminishing.

It was born out of struggle and Yelara knew that was the purest and strongest form of love there was. If it could survive the obstacles they were about to thrust themselves into, she knew their love would be able to survive anything.

---

"Retribution, Part 3"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Kambra Gant
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada in hyperspace
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Yelara and Liam were met at the hatch by a gangly humanoid. Liam searched his memory and finally placed the man's species: Gungan. This one was quite grizzled and one of the stalks that were supposed to hold the creature's eyes was just a cauterized stub. He could sense the danger from the man, and knew that caution was warranted.

"Mesa Kambra Gant," he said in a raspy voice. "You follow to Dame Oot Kovan, and all be well. Okie dey? Fine. Please, get in da skiff so we can go."

Liam glanced at Yelara and them back at the Gungan. "Let's go then," he said.

"Dis way," Kambra said.

Liam put a hand on Yelara's waist as they moved into the skiff. "He's one to watch," he said. "He's dangerous. But, as long as we stay on his side, we should be okay."

"Him?" Yelara asked skeptically. "He looks harmless, Liam. He has one eye. How much damage could he possibly do? I think you can take him if the need arises, my love," Yelara said in a hushed voice.

Liam nodded. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he said.

They entered the skiff and were pointed to seats by the Gungan. At the controls of the skiff, he could see a droid waiting for the command to go. It didn't take long to cross the distance to the larger ship, and soon they were stepping off into a large corridor. Kambra motioned for Liam and Yelara to follow, and he headed off down the corridor.

Around them, droids moved about the corridor. As they walked through the ship, Liam noticed that there wasn't a single other living being other than Kambra. He stretched out his senses, and realized there were only a very small handful of living beings on the ship. He turned to glance at Yelara as she watched yet another droid pass them in the corridor. "The ship is mostly droids," he whispered.

"Yeah, I've been noticing," Yelara replied quietly. "Why is that? I mean, no matter how helpful technology is, it still can't exceed the advantages of having sentient beings around with which to interact. Oot Kovan must be a very lonely woman."

"I would gather so as well," Liam said. "Why droids? The costs aren't going to be much different either way. Does she not like other people? Or is there another reason for the isolation? I do detect other beings aboard the ship, but very few. A handful at most. Only thing I could think is that you've only got a handful of people, so spies are going to have a more difficult time getting in here."

"Or she decreases the odds of being betrayed. Eliminate the threat by eliminating the problem, isn't that right? By keeping only those she knows are loyal around, the chances of being betrayed are greatly reduced." Yelara laughed dryly and glanced sideways at Liam. "If that's the case, I'd say she's a smart woman. She may have sacrificed companionship by having all these droids around, but being lonely is better than being dead."

Liam nodded slowly. "Yes," he said. He raised his estimation of the entire operation, and pulled himself into a higher state of readiness. He still sensed no danger to himself or Yelara, but it was better to be cautious. His eyes actively scanned the surrounding area as they walked, not wanting to miss a thing. "She is very smart. Depending on her resources, she could be a useful ally. If she has a ship this large, she must have the finances to support it. Perhaps she would be willing to fund some of what we're doing. If we play this right, that is."

"Maybe first we should figure out what she wants with us before we start pledging our allegiance to her, Liam." Yelara drew nearer to Liam as they rounded yet another corridor. The ship seemed to be larger than it had appeared from the exterior; this only worried Yelara more, for it meant they had a much longer way to go if the need to escape arose. "Is it much further?" Yelara called out to Kambra, hoping they were actually allowed to speak.

Kambra glanced back and nodded. "Only a little further here now," he said. "Hundred meters."

Liam sighed, but kept walking. "Well, I'm not pledging my allegiance to her yet. Just being hopeful. This could be a big break against Dargus."

"Well, let's hope a friendly alliance is all this Oot woman has in mind for us." Yelara looked up at Liam and laughed quietly. "Who knows? If she's as lonely as it would seem, she may just want us as sex slaves."

Liam laughed. "Well as long as she locked us away in a room together, I'd be okay with that." He slipped his hand into Yelara's. "We'll be fine. I still sense no malice toward us."

"Wesa be here," Kambra announced. He tapped a button next to the door, and the door slid away. The room beyond appeared to be a banquet room of some sort, or perhaps it was a meeting room. A large table dominated the center of the room with chairs lining either side. Before each chair was a computer screen. At the end of the table sat a woman. As they were led inside, they could see that she was a Twi'lek.

Oot Kovan stood as Kambra led her guests along the table toward the chairs waiting for them. She gave them a welcoming smile, and motioned for them to sit. "Please," she said, "make yourselves comfortable. If you would care for food of any kind, I can have it prepared for you."

Liam shook his head, and glanced at Yelara to see if she wanted anything.

The baby inside of her, although barely the size of a Tafta nut, must have heard mention of food and it immediately began demanding to be fed. She was about to request a large bowl of Endwa meat stew, but even though the woman seemed harmless enough, Yelara wasn't ready to trust her not to poison the food. "Uh, I'm fine," Yelara said finally. Her eyes locked momentarily with the Twi'lek woman, but Yelara quickly shifted them away and focused on the subtly, yet elegantly decorated room. Judging by the decor in this room alone, Yelara was certain the woman had a sufficient amount of creds at hand.

Oot smiled graciously. "I am certain you both are curious as to why you are here," she said. "I will not keep you in suspense. Tae'Karada is currently blockaded by Imperial forces. The Imperial bounty for Kace Mordin is considerable. I am quite certain with a heightened Imperial presence in the area, showing up there would be a hazardous action. Additionally, there is a price on the head of Liam Zaneth, formerly Kace Mordin by Lord Dargus Kandran of the Kandran Syndicate." Oot had tried hard to keep the sarcasm from her voice, but failed. More's the pity, she thought. "Additionally, there has been talk among some circles that he has also put out feelers for Yelara Neerou, now Zaneth. One report indicated he wished to add her to his stable of concubines." She raised an eyebrow and met their gazes. "I would prefer that the two of you fell into neither Imperial nor Kandran hands.

"I do not know if you have heard of me, but I am the head of the Tarabassic Syndicate, a criminal organization looking to unseat Kandran as the overlord of the criminal underworld in this sector. I have heard stories of your encounters with him, and wish to discuss the future with you."

Yelara gripped Liam's hand firmly. Any mention of Dargus always made her tense, and finding out he was searching for them only unsettled her more. Her gaze finally returned to Oot, who had a soft, mildly arrogant smile on her face, but she seemed amicable enough or so she hoped. If what she said was true, she and Liam would definitely be needing allies. "You knocked us out of hyperspace so we could feed you information about Dargus Kandran? I was only with him a short time and I'm afraid he didn't keep me informed about his business affairs, so I can't help you much with that. What sort of future did you have in mind, Dame Kovan?"

"I knocked you out of hyperspace to keep you from walking into a deathtrap," Oot said. "And, I know of Liam's training, and have come across some information that indicates that you might be taking an active role in seeking to remove Dargus Kandran from the realm of the living, or at least to make his life and operations extremely difficult." She smiled. "I have similar goals, and would wish to seek an arrangement that will mutually benefit the two of you, and my organization. I know you do not know me, and fear that I could be just trying to trap you, destroy you." She glanced at Liam, and then shifted her gaze to Yelara where she kept it. "What can I do to prove myself to you?"

Yelara ignored Oot's question and held the woman's gaze without faltering. "If we ally ourselves with you, we'd just be getting involved with another ruthless crimelord. I spent months suffering at Dargus' hands, and the things he did to me still follow me to this day. You're probably just like him, except you mask your darkness with a friendly smile and sweet words." Yelara could feel Liam's hand tightening around her own, cautioning her to choose her words carefully. Yelara sighed and heeded Liam's warning. "We just want to get on with our lives. We want to hurt Dargus, and then move on."

Oot nodded, an acceptance of Yelara's point. "And, I wish to see Dargus Kandran hurt," she said. "I'm only interested in an alliance to go after Kandran. You are going to do this already. I offer my assistance, increasing your chance of success against him. I want no more than that, and will not bother you with anything outside of going after Kandran. You have suffered at Dargus' hands. I have suffered by men like him. While I have not suffered by him, I wish to put a stop to him before anyone else is made to go through what you have."

"And you expect me to believe you care about what I've been through. You've no idea what that man has done to me, the happiness he's stolen from me." Yelara clenched her eyes shut as everything Dargus cost her flooded back. The tortured expression on Kallia's face was the first thing to come to mind. Yelara tried to swallow back the tears that were involuntarily forming and hung her head towards the ground as she attempted to hide the emotions Oot may think a weakness. "We will succeed against Dargus, no matter what. I'll leave the decision about your offer to my husband. I will support him in whatever he wishes to do."

"I left my homeplanet when I was a young girl," Oot said. "I had the stars in my eyes and wanted to see the grand galaxy beyond my own yard. I came to a world similar to this one. There were many traders and merchants. I walked through the markets, wide-eyed and filled with fascination. I came upon a trader's wagon, and seated outside was a man, a powerful man, who watched me. He promised me things, and he gave them. But the price was greater than I ever expected. I was free to leave, he told me, but he would not let me go. I could do as I pleased, but only as long as it pleased him.

"If I looked at another man with interest, he would be killed. Soon, I would not raise my eyes above the ground out of fear for who would die because I happened to look upon them. I wanted to leave, but he had all his agents watching my every move." She rose from her chair and approached Yelara. She took a deep breath, appearing as if she were caught in a mental battle with herself. Finally it appeared as if the decision had been made. She took a breath and grabbed the hem of her skirt. She lifted it high enough for Yelara to see her inner thigh, but no more. The thigh bore a mark, a crescent with a wavy slash through it. "He marked me his, and left it permanently for any who see me to see. I care what you've gone through because I have gone through it as well. I am not here as the head of the Tarabassic Syndicate, but as a woman who has suffered at the hands of a man who sought to possess and consume her, as Dargus Kandran did to you."

Yelara's eyes froze on the mark branded upon Oot's thigh, a sign of ownership placed there by a man who sounded no different from Dargus Kandran. Yelara bore a similar mark, one in the form of an undetectable scar placed onto her arm by a blaster acting as an extension of Dargus' evil and rage. The tears slid easily down Yelara's cheeks as details of Oot's story sounded eerily enough like her own. Oot's captor bore Dargus' jealousy and possessiveness, both of which, in Yelara's case, caused the death of an innocent man, a death Yelara still blamed herself for. She had gone to Tae'Karada carrying an innocence within her, but it had been tainted by Dargus, much as Oot's had been by her captor.

Yelara looked up into Oot's eyes and saw a pain in them that matched her own. She hadn't seen it before when she was absorbed in antagonizing Oot, but she was certain now that it had always been there and now felt foolish and insensitive for judging the woman too prematurely.

"I'm sorry," Yelara whispered finally. "I didn't realize your stake in this was just as personal as mine is...as both of ours is," she said as she glanced sideways at Liam. "If you want to help us destroy Dargus, we will gladly accept your help. I suppose for you, lashing out at him is your one way to get back at that man who hurt you. I have no right to deny you that satisfaction." Yelara swallowed back the rest of her tears and found herself smiling gently at Oot. "Maybe someday, if you're up to it, we can help you carry out revenge upon the man who did that to you," she said, motioning her head to Oot's tattoo. "I'd be glad to do it."

Oot closed her eyes, but not before a few of the tears that appeared there spilled down over her cheeks. She let the skirt fall from her grasp, and it swished back into place. She took a moment to steady her breathing and compose herself. Normally she would have cursed herself for the emotional display, but she did not want to hide those emotions from Yelara. She did truly want her to know just how deeply she'd been hurt. And, in the presence of one who had suffered as she had, Oot did not know if her normal methods would have worked to keep her emotions in check.

"I can have whatever resources you require at your disposal for assaults against Dargus, " she said. "I can have Kambra assist with any tactical planning if you'd like. And, I can also have a legion of droids made available. Other personnel requirements for assaults would need to come through other recruitment methods. But if you require them that is definitely available as well. You are welcome if you like to use my ship as a base of operations, or as a supply station. Whatever you are most comfortable with." She looked again at Yelara. "I would like to go after him, after Azikael someday, and would welcome your help." She smiled, and placed her hand over Yelara's. "Thank you."

Yelara slowly rose and pulled her hand free of Liam's, placing it tenderly upon Oot's tear-stained cheek. "I will be the one thanking you once Dargus has been punished for his wrong-doings," she said softly as she began wiping away the traces of tears from Oot's face. "If you would like, Liam and I can remain docked with your ship for another day or so. We can further discuss any plans you have, and maybe I can make the modifications on the Kestrel I've been meaning to. We can even have dinner if you like. It would appear that you don't have much company on this ship, besides your droids."

Oot looked around as if she were seeing the entirety of her ship. "No," she said, "I don't have much company here. The price of having power in treacherous times. It keeps my operation safe, and betrayal almost impossible. Those who do stay here with me are completely loyal and cannot be bought, Kambra first among them. I would like your company for the next couple days. While I do have a few here who I can spend time with, I am afraid to say that many are not very good company a lot of the time." She smiled. "Perhaps you two would like to join me for dinner this evening?" She glanced between Yelara and Liam.

Liam glanced at Yelara and nodded. "I think that would be good. It'll be nice to have a decent meal for a change. We've been living off ration packs for a week." He grinned and glanced at Yelara. "Unfortunately, where we took our honeymoon didn't have the best shopping facilities. Eventually, we'll need to put in at a supply station and refill our stores."

Oot grinned. "Well, I am certain I should be able to supply a lot of your needs from here. Would you care to sleep here on my ship, or do you wish to quarter on your own in the docking bay?"

Yelara looked at Liam and shrugged her shoulders before returning her gaze to Oot. "Although sleeping in a docking bay sounds so tempting, I think I'd much rather prefer a cozy bed to sleep on." Yelara smiled at Oot and placed her hand in Liam's once again. As she did, the hunger from before returned and she grimaced while leaning in towards Oot. "Would you mind if we had an early dinner? Someone's a little hungry," she said, pointing to her stomach.

"I can have food brought in now," Oot said. "If you are hungry, it's no trouble to have something made this very moment."

She pressed a button on the table and a side door slid open. A droid shambled out to stand at Oot's side. "How may I be of service to you, Dame Kovan."

Oot smiled. "I believe Yelara would like something from the galley." She glanced at Yelara as the droid shuffled around to face her.

Yelara looked at the droid, then back at Oot and smiled. "Oh...well...I'll try and save room for dinner, so maybe just a little snack." Yelara turned her attentions back to the droid and looked at it inquisitively. "Now, I know this may be an odd request, but would it be possible to have a bowl of Endwa meat stew with some thick carbosyrup on top? I've just had the oddest craving for that..."

The droid gave Yelara a stiff bow. "It will be prepared at once," he said, and then turned to amble back out of the room.

Oot's eyes never left Yelara. Finally, once the droid was gone, she found her voice. "Endwa meat and carbosyrup? This may sound an odd question and possibly too personal, but...are you expecting a child?"

Yelara first looked at Oot, but quickly shifted her gaze to Liam. Her eyes searched Liam's face for any sign of apprehension or tension. If he didn't want Oot to know, Yelara wouldn't tell, but she saw no harm in it. In fact, in the short time they'd spoken, Yelara trusted Oot, even though she was a crimelord and Yelara had grown to despise crimelords. Oot, however was a woman first, one who had been hurt like she had been, and because of her experiences, Yelara felt akin to Oot and empathized deeply with the woman. Above all else, Yelara hadn't had any female friends besides Kallia and perhaps by confiding in her, she could find one in Oot.

Her eyes moved back to Oot's and a warm smile enveloped her face. She ran her hands over her stomach and nodded her head. "Almost two months. We found out on our honeymoon. I guess that explains my strange palate."

Oot smiled. "Then my sincerest congratulations to you both," she said. "May your child never know the terrors of men like Dargus Kandran, or those I have been forced to commit in this profession. Though, most of my business is now legitimate and legal. Would you care to see your rooms now? I can have your food brought there if you'd like. And, then we can meet in an hour or two for dinner. Does this sound acceptable to you?"

Liam nodded and glanced at Yelara. "It might be nice to get ourselves settled and relax for a bit. Or would you rather stay here, my love?"

"Um, I think I could use a rest. Liam and I have been training all morning and doing...other things," she said, shooting Liam a glance and a conspiratorial smile. "And don't worry," Yelara added as her expression became serious and firm, "this child will have nothing to do with Kandran. By the time it is born, I hope the universe has become rid of him and others like him."

Yelara's eyes fell to the ground as the grim reminder came that she may, in fact, never be free of Dargus, especially if she was carrying his child. Even if they destroyed Dargus, looking into the eyes of her child and knowing they were Dargus' would ultimately end up destroying her. "We should go to our room," she said softly as a churning in her stomach arose. "I think I'm feeling slightly space sick."

Liam put a protective arm around Yelara as Oot stood from the chair she'd just taken a seat in. "I can show you to your rooms now," she said. "It isn't far."

Liam looked into Yelara's eyes and gave her a reassuring smile. He knew the source of her distress. He saw it reflected in her eyes, and he could feel it through their bond. He stood and helped Yelara to her feet. He leaned close and kissed her ear gently, then whispered: "I think I know a good cure for space sickness."

Yelara forced a wan smile and shook her head gently. "Not now, Liam," she said quietly as they proceeded to follow Oot. She looked into Liam's eyes and saw the worry in them, as well as a hint of the growing coldness she'd seen in them many times, one that always came when the subject of Dargus was brought up. He knew her well and he must have known that it was Dargus who was on her mind. "I'm afraid, Liam," she whispered to him. "I'm so afraid."

"I know," he whispered back. "I am too. But, with Oot's help, we're stronger. We have a better chance at succeeding against him. We have a well-protected base of operations, a very wealthy backer, and someone who wants to see Dargus fall just as much as we do. We have the strength here, love. And, we'll stay here for a few days." He pulled her close and kissed her temple. "Just think, we are completely secluded from Dargus here. He has no eyes on us, no spies watching our every move. We are completely isolated from him right now."

"That's not what I'm afraid of, Liam," Yelara said. She slowly moved her eyes to her stomach - the place harbouring the unborn child that would be Liam's no matter what, but whose blood might belong to the man they despised. She had told him at one time that even if it was Dargus', it would be his and they would grow to love it together as their own, but Yelara feared that she might not be able to do that. She was afraid that if the child was Dargus', it would become just like its father and that she would grow to loathe it as much as she did Dargus. She didn't know if she could bear looking upon something she had nourished within her for nine months only to feel disgust towards it. It was something she feared more than death itself.

"I know," he said, understanding her full meaning. "I know. We will do everything we can, if the seed was Dargus', to raise our child to be everything Dargus isn't. We'll be okay, Yelara. We've gotten through this much, we can get through everything." He put his hand over her stomach, brushing it gently with his fingertips. "It has to be okay."

Yelara nodded her head and tried to ignore the confidence that had been absent from Liam's voice. If the child was Dargus', she didn't think she and Liam would make it together. She wasn't certain if he could bear knowing she'd conceived a child with Dargus, and she knew Liam hated Dargus far too much to be able to take something of his and love it as his own. If it was Dargus', Yelara was certain she would go mad. She'd lost Kallia to him, and she'd almost lost Liam to him, but to lose her own child to Dargus would be far too agonizing for her. If the child was Dargus', no matter what Liam said, nothing would ever be okay again.

---

"Retribution, Part 4"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Kambra Gant
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

"Endwa meat stew with carbosyrup plus three helpings of roast nerf meat with heaps of gumes on the side...what were you thinking?" Yelara muttered to herself as she slipped quietly out of the room she'd been sharing with Liam.

The churning in her stomach had neither gotten worse nor better, and sleeping had become impossible. She groaned and rubbed her stomach to soothe the aches rising from it, but the pain just wouldn't pass. The lights in the corridors were still on, but had been dimmed for the night. She dragged her hand along the walls to make her trek through the slightly darkened corridors a little less precarious, and she looked down as she walked to make certain she didn't step on a droid or whatever else might be scuttling about.

The corridors were barren and the only sound in the entire ship was the hum of the engines. She kept her hand on the wall as she rounded a corner, taking her down another section of the ship. "Well, since I'm up, I might as well get myself better acquainted with the ship," she said to herself as she ventured further down the corridor.

As Yelara moved through the dimmed corridor, a shadow winked at her as it detached from the wall. It stepped from the shadows and resolved itself into the lanky form of a gungan. Kambra Gant gave Yelara a lopsided grin, hoping to stop any fear that might be caused by his sudden appearance. "Yousa take a late night stroll?"

Yelara tried to mask her surprise with a smile, but kept her hand firmly pressed against the wall for support as she looked up at the gungan. "Yeah, I couldn't sleep," Yelara answered warily. She slowly edged backwards as Kambra blocked the way and despite his grin, she wanted desperately to get out of that corridor. "If I'm not supposed to be out here, I'll just go back to my room."

Kambra shook his head, his single eye seeming to keep itself fixed on her as he did. "Yousa can be here," he said, his voice seeming even more gruff than earlier. "Dame Kovan make you guest. You can be anywhere you get. Jus' don't go through locked door. Okie-dey?"

Yelara ceased her subtle attempt to put distance between herself and Kambra, and smiled as she looked up at him. "So you're not gonna drag me back to my room?" Yelara laughed and folded her arms over her chest. "You know, my husband said you looked harmless enough, but that you were probably more dangerous than you seemed. Frankly, I think he was exaggerating slightly. You're far friendlier than I first thought you were."

Kambra laughed softly. "You seem okay, so mesa friendly," he said. "Mesa dangerous to those who want to hurt Dame Kovan or da Tarabassic. But, if you okie-fine, den you have no problem. You can't sleep? We have gardens. Maybe they can help? Dame Kovan always enjoys da walk through gardens for calm and sleep."

"Gardens?" Yelara asked in surprise. "On a ship? With real flowers?" Yelara's face lit up instantly and a smile encompassed the entirety of her visage. She took a step closer to Kambra and said, "I'd love to see the gardens if Dame Kovan wouldn't mind."

Kambra smiled even brighter. "Mesa think she like you to see," he said. "Yousa follow."

He led Yelara through the ship, twisting through and down corridors until finally they passed through a short foyer. As they neared the far door, the change in atmosphere was apparent. There was a coolness to it, and the feeling of life. As the door slid aside, the interior was filled with greenery and blooms from many worlds. Kambra stepped through the door and motioned her inside. "Here da garden. You like?"

Yelara took a step forward and was instantly transported to a different land, it seemed. Her jaw went agape as her breath quickly left her, and the myriad of colours and sweet fragrances bombarded her senses. She carefully walked forward silently, afraid that even the most subtle noise would shatter the tranquility of the garden and this magical place would disappear as if it were all a dream.

She managed to catch her breath finally and whispered, "This place is...the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." She turned back to Kambra with a radiant smile on her face and, possessed with excitement, she grabbed Kambra by the hand without thinking and tugged on it gently. "Come on. Show me around!"

Kambra gulped noisily as he was tugged into the garden. He laughed softly as he regained his balance and swaggered out toward one of the paths.

"Dese, dey from all around da galaxy. Dis plant, is from mesa homeworld. Is edvar'a. Good for medicines. Good for burns." He gave her a grin and rubbed at the cauterized stub of his eyestalk. "Come dis way. More to see."

Yelara continued along the path with Kambra and let her hands brush over the tall flowers as they walked. She glanced up at Kambra and looked at him inquisitively as his hand drew her attention to his eyestalk. "So, what happened to your eye...if you don't mind my asking," Yelara said.

"Mesa not mind," the gungan said. "It happen a long time ago when I first meet Oot Kovan. Yousa hear of Dargus Kandran, I know. Well, wookiee bodyguard, do this with bowcaster. Mesa waiting for chance to make dat one pay. Mesa think time is close."

Yelara looked away from Kambra and shifted her gaze to an oddly shaped, orange flower. It seemed everyone had been hurt by Dargus in one way or another, and it also appeared she and Liam weren't the only ones who wanted to do away with him and his associates. "I'm sure with Dame Kovan's help, we can make them all pay," Yelara said quietly as they entered a large courtyard. At the centre, a large pool of water was embedded in a circular patch of vibrant green grass. A fountain spouting arcs of crystal clear water rested in the middle of the reservoir, partially obstructing her view of what could only have been Oot sitting on a bench on the opposite side. "Oh, maybe we should find somewhere else to walk," Yelara whispered as she turned back to Kambra. "She might wanna be alone."

Kambra bobbed his head in an unidentifiable gesture. "Maybe no," he said. "It lonely here. Mesa think she like the company. If yousa want, we can go. But, mesa think Dame Kovan would like to talk some more to you." He gave her a sidelong look and a smile.

"You're just trying to get rid of me," Yelara said playfully. "I think I will pay Dame Kovan a visit after all." She smiled at Kambra and bowed her head in an expression of gratitude. "Thanks for showing me this place. And thank you for not hauling me to a detention cell when you found me wandering in the corridors."

Kambra gave Yelara a slight bow and took a step back. "Yousa good person," he said. "And, detention cell no good for the baby." He winked and turned slightly. "Mesa gonna be out in the corridors. If yousa need escort back to your room..." He tapped the commlink he wore.

"Don't worry, I'll come to you first if I need help making my way back." Yelara laughed quietly to herself as she turned from Kambra and strolled down the path towards Oot. Liam may have been a jedi, but he certainly wasn't a good judge of character. She couldn't wait to get back to their quarters and tell him how amiable Kambra really was.

Oot finally came into view as Yelara made her way to the opposite side of the reservoir. She'd never met many Twi'leks before, but Oot certainly was the most beautiful she'd ever seen. Her expression was pensive, yet her features were soft and relaxed. Yelara felt almost guilty disturbing Oot, so she stopped a short distance from the bench and simply stared at the Twi'lek.

Oot sat wearing a long pale violet gown as she gazed into the glittering water. In one hand she held a long, thin drinking glass that was half-filled with a deep blue liquid. She raised it to her lips and then stopped, turning her eyes to Yelara. In silence she watched the human as she herself was watched. Her expression was both quizzical and appraising. Finally, she smiled. "I take it you were unable to sleep," she said and motioned Yelara forward. "I often have that problem as well. So many things in my head keep me awake nights. And, then the terrible sound of non-life. Every once in awhile, I like to go to a planet and just be around people." She patted the bench next to her. "Please, sit."

Yelara smiled and moved a few paces forward before sitting down beside Oot. She gazed around the garden again before returning her eyes to Oot. "This is a beautiful place, that's for certain, but I can see how it would be more enjoyable sharing it with someone." Her smile waned as she looked upon Oot's almost delicate body caressed by the light, thin fabric of the dress. She looked so fragile, so vulnerable, and in her eyes, Yelara saw no happiness there. The sight was a piteous one and she found her hand closing over Oot's before she knew it. "Do you get lonely often? I mean, don't you wish you had someone...like I have Liam?"

Oot nodded slowly. "Almost every moment," she said, "I'm lonely, but it's the price I've paid for the power. Though, there are a few here on the ship. And, I have Kambra. But, I have no one to share my bed and my deepest thoughts. That's why yours and Liam's presence here is so nice. I do miss the company of others, but I can't allow myself too many distractions, especially in a galaxy as volatile as this one. One moment of inattention could be the end of me and Tarabassic." Oot smiled and glanced down at Yelara's hand over hers. The warm contact with another being was nice. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt such a simple touch, but it made her feel warm and welcome all over. She hoped that Yelara and Liam would be frequent visitors, especially if they could mutually help each other reach their goals. "I come here often," she said, looking around. "It's one of the few touches of luxury I allow myself. It is nice to share it with someone, though Kambra does seem to enjoy it as much as I. It is an expensive diversion, but a necessary one. Almost as good as watching fish."

"I've always thought fish were rather...dull." Yelara laughed and eased closer to Oot as she stared at the water cascading from the fountain into the water below. Her laughter died quickly as the thoughts that had been plaguing her returned, the thoughts that she couldn't stop thinking about since she opened her eyes that night. "I'm afraid, Oot," Yelara said quietly. Her eyes fell away from the fountain and she stared at the lush, green grass under her feet. "This...hit Liam and I have planned...it's dangerous. I don't wanna lose him, Oot. That's part of the reason I couldn't sleep tonight. The other part had to do with me stuffing my face at dinner."

Yelara let out a short laugh and gazed up at Oot again. "I couldn't sleep because I kept going over in my mind what I would do if I lost Liam and I realized...I realized I had no idea what I would do. I'm lost without him. I can't picture my life without him. I'm beginning to wonder if going after Dargus is worth losing him. I don't know what to do, Oot."

Oot sighed and looked up into Yelara's eyes. "It is a very difficult position to be in," she said. "I find myself there whenever I must send Kambra on some mission. While my relationship to him is vastly different to yours and Liam's, he is my closest friend and advisor. I am closer to him than any other being I've ever met. I do know a little of what you feel." She turned to look back into the water as if it might have an answer. "You have to trust that he will do as you know he can, and he will. And, don't keep your fears from him. Your goals are worthy, but you have to decide on the prices you are willing to pay to achieve them. He is a strong man, and a powerful one. He loves you and will do everything he can to come back to you." She smiled and glanced down to Yelara's belly. "And, I think you have another incentive for him to return to you. There are no answers to solve this, but I will do everything I can to ensure yours and his continued survival."

Yelara wrapped her arms protectively around her stomach, and looked away from Oot. She'd been up all night thinking about something else as well, deliberating on the matter and until that moment, she'd been unable to reach a decision. If she and Liam went ahead with the raid on Dargus' facility, one or both of them would most likely lose their lives.

As well, Yelara had a duty to protect the unborn child within her and any decision she made in this matter, had to be made only after taking her child's life had to be taken into account. That, more than anything, had helped her reach the conclusion she'd finally come to. "I won't do it," Yelara said firmly as she faced Oot again. "The raid, as far as I'm concerned, is a last resort. Liam and I have...other means of hurting Dargus, but we haven't had the resources or the appropriate allies to carry out our plan."

Yelara paused a moment to make certain what she felt towards Oot was really trust, or merely compassion for a woman who had suffered more than she ever had. If she and Liam were going to live a long, happy life together, she had to trust, for once, what her heart was telling her. "I know a way to destroy Dargus in one fell swoop. I can provide you with that information if you promise to use it immediately."

Oot allowed a slight smile and then nodded. "Of course," she said. "I can have people ready to move on whatever information you have within four hours. It's hard to believe the end of that man is so close. I never thought to get here, but it sounds like we're standing at the brink. I promise to move swiftly, Yelara."

Yelara tried to contain her excitement and keep herself from rambling as she went through a quick run through of how she and Liam had deftly placed a cloaked tracking device on Dargus' ship. "I can give you the codes that would enable you to track the ship as it moves through Tae'Karada. Liam and I originally handed over the codes to the high princess, but because of her position, she would not be able to act against Dargus unless provoked, and only then after she's gotten approval from her husband. You, however, don't have such constraints placed upon you."

Yelara gripped Oot's hand firmly and looked imploringly at her. "With the firepower of your ships, you'd be able to destroy Dargus' floating pleasure ship in moments. Now, I'm not sure how Liam will react to me telling you this, but I don't care. I'll do anything to protect what we have, and if telling you will save us from having to go through with the raid, then any amount of disapproval he will feel towards me will be worth it in the long run. Will you do it?"

Oot allowed herself more of a smile. "The ships will need to be prepared for an atmospheric assault, but I think it can be done with no casualties on our side. When do you want this to happen, Yelara? How soon should we wait before ridding the galaxy of Dargus Kandran?"

"We don't wait, Oot," Yelara responded plainly. "As soon as you can prepare the assault, I want it done. I know I may have to deal with Liam's anger when he finds out I went behind his back, but the moment I knew I could trust you was the moment I decided for certain to tell you this. I know Liam wanted a chance to make Dargus pay slowly, to make him suffer and by his own hands, but it's better this way." Yelara laughed quietly to herself and leaned forward quickly to plant a kiss on Oot's cheek. "He'll finally be dead...and it's all thanks to you. I owe you everything."

"I will have the preparations begun immediately," Oot said. "Would you like to witness the event? Watch his ship as it's destroyed as he's destroyed so many others? I can provide a seat close enough to see all, but far enough to be safe." Oot placed her hand over Yelara's. "The celebration we'll throw will surpass any seen in the Outer Rim for generations. We will enjoy our breakfast as the Kandran Syndicate is brought to its knees and then obliterated forever."

"Yes," Yelara said almost breathlessly as the anticipation built up within her. She knew it was an evil thing to wish the death of another, but she wanted to savour watching Dargus die, especially knowing she had a hand in it. "Tomorrow then. I will provide you with the codes when the time comes, and then," Yelara said as she rose from the bench, "we can make him pay for everything he's ever done. I believe now, I can sleep."

Oot stood, keeping Yelara's gaze as she did. "The biggest crime he ever committed was being born, and that mistake will be taken care of tomorrow. Many will thank us for this. Many will celebrate what we do. Despite all the darkness around these days, there will at least be a bright moment in all of it."

"Literally," Yelara added. "It may be morbid, but I want to see Dargus' burning ship light up the skies, but for now," Yelara said, taking a deep breath, "I have to decide whether or not to tell my husband what I've done yet. Perhaps I'll wait until morning..." Yelara gave Oot's hand a final squeeze before pulling it away. "I should go. We have a long day tomorrow and I need some rest. Will you be staying here?"

Oot glanced around the garden and then back to Yelara. "For probably another minute or two, and then I'll get the preparations moving on the assault. Then I think I'm going to go back to my room, and sleep sounder than I've slept for a long time." As she stood there with Yelara, she knew their talk this night had formed a bond between them, a trust and possible friendship. She smiled at Yelara and without warning, embraced her. "Today is a turning point in both our lives."

Yelara was somewhat taken aback by Oot's sudden - and unexpected - display of affection, but she did not hesitate to return the embrace. Having her arms wrapped around Oot's lithe, delicate body, she seemed so fragile to Yelara; Oot had ceased to be a crimelord and was now only a woman who desperately needed a friend. Yelara rubbed Oot's back soothingly and laughed softly. "I think in the end, you'll have gained more in all this than Liam and I ever will." Yelara pulled away gently and smiled at Oot as she ran her hand tenderly along the Twi'lek's cheek. "Sleep well, Oot. You've earned a good night's rest." Yelara let her hand linger upon Oot's face a moment longer before turning away and heading back down the path.

Oot watched Yelara go. Once the human woman was gone, she turned down the path to the exit on the opposite end of the garden. As she walked, she pulled a comlink from a hidden pocket. "Kambra, it's Oot. Get the fighters prepped for atmospheric assault. Five wings. And, have our course diverted toward Tae'Karada. We'll need to run the blockade. I want all batteries primed and ready, it's going to get hot."

Kambra's voice crackled over the small communicator. "I shall begin the preparations at once, Dame Kovan. They shall be ready in six hours."

Oot smiled as she turned down the corridor that led to her own room. "Good," she said. "Thank you, Kambra. Now, get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."

---

"Retribution, Part 5"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
Kambra Gant
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

The ship shook slightly as it blasted past the blockade. Fortunately, the diversion they'd set up worked beautifully and most of the Imperial forces were pulled away to stop the approaching fleet. The single Star Destroyer sent a wave of fighters after them, but against a ship the size of Oot's they had little chance. The weaponry mounts belched green fire that turned each approaching TIE Fighter into a cloud of debris.

With some Imperial fighters still in pursuit, the ship swung around toward the planet and awaited the opening of the shield. The money she'd paid was good, and on cue part of the shimmering force dome disappeared, and five wings of fighters streaked from the fighter bays and into the atmosphere.

Yelara sat on the edge of her seat in the transport ship Oot had provided for her and Liam to watch from as Dargus' reign was finally put to an end. She tore her eyes away from the chaotic scene before her only to glance back at Liam from time to time. He had been quiet since he found out what she'd done and his face was expressionless as he looked on at the raging battle in space. She took in a breath to say something to him, to break the silence, but she saw the physical display of his anger in the sudden tightening of his jaw, so she decided to hold her tongue for now. She looked back out through the canopy as they piggybacked behind Oot's fleet entering the planet's atmosphere. "So close...we're almost there."

There was a brief flash as the transport passed through the opening in the shield. The pilot banked the ship after the fleet as he raced after the signal Dargus' ship was broadcasting. Liam frowned and turned away. He knew he should be in the middle of that, fighting to bring Dargus Kandran down. Meting out the revenge he'd sought for so long. But instead he was out of the fight, pulled back out of harm's way. From the screen in front of them, he could see they were only three hundred kilometers from Dargus' position. He was trying to not let the anger he felt bleed through, but it was difficult. They'd planned together, and now this? He knew why Yelara made the decision she had, and, with a resigned sigh, it made him love her even more. But he still should have been in the thick of the fight.

"Yes," he said, "they're almost there."

The phrasing of Liam's words conveyed only anger and resentment to Yelara. She knew he'd be upset, but wasn't certain if it was because she'd gone behind his back and told Oot, or if it was the obvious helplessness he felt, sitting back while Oot dealt the final blow upon Dargus. "Don't be angry with me," she whispered with her eyes still held fast to the scene before her. "I did it for us, Liam."

"I know," he said. "And, I love you even more for that. But for what that bastard has done to us, we should be out there. Ours should be the killing blow. Us and Oot's forces together. At least he'll be gone forever. And, our life can be our own again."

"But that's not enough for you, is it?" Yelara finally turned around to face Liam. "If you had your way, you'd be on that ship of his, stabbing him through the heart with the blade of your lightsaber." She hesitantly shifted closer to Liam and dared to reach out her hand to touch his cheek. "I was afraid, Liam. I didn't want to lose you. You can be angry with me all you want, but if I had the decision to make again, I would have still done what I did."

Liam nodded. "I know," he said. "And, it's probably the safest choice for our child. I would have preferred to take a part in it. But, if this way makes you feel safer, happier, then this is the best way." He reached out and took her hand in his. "Now, let us watch and revel in the fall of our enemy, and start living our life free of his influence."

Yelara was overcome with relief and threw herself into Liam's arms. "I'll never do anything like this again, Liam. But you'll see, in the end, that it was worth it." She turned her head to the side and kept her gaze on the scene outside. It would be only a matter of minutes then it would all be over. A matter of minutes and the source of their pain and struggle would be nothing but ashes. "This shall be your punishment for everything, Dargus. I hope you enjoy suffering as much as you've made others suffer."

Outside, Oot's fighters dropped into multiple attack formations as they neared the location of Dargus' ship. The cockpit where Liam and Yelara were seated was filled with only the sounds of the ship. It was eerie, especially since in most assaults the comm would be full of the pilots' chatter. Liam put the thought out of his mind. The droids probably didn't need to communicate verbally, so there would be nothing for them to listen to.

The first wing of fighters opened fire at empty air. Though, the empty air blossomed into gouts of fire and, around it, the form of a spaceship shimmered into view. Dargus' ship lurched violently against the attack as more and more ships opened their gun ports at it. Across its hull, plating buckled and burst into red and yellow fire. A few lone fighters managed to get free of its launch bay, but they were quickly blasted into oblivion.

The assault was deadly accurate, and soon the entire ship was consumed in flame. It slid downward through the atmosphere, only burning hotter as it fell. Below, the Tarkayze Sea waited for the falling, burning ship. The water curled up around the blazing titanium plates as the nose of the ship plunged into the water. Down and down it went until the sea had swallowed it all like a giant slavering beast.

Liam and Yelara stood watching where it had been, still just a burning after image in the air. It was gone. He was gone. Dargus Kandran was dead.

Yelara clung to Liam and was motionless for a moment, not breathing, not blinking even though her eyes still burned from the intense light that had lit up the sky only moments ago. A smoke trail leading to where Dargus' ship now rested could still be seen against the vibrant blue of the sky behind it. It would soon disappear like Dargus had, forever gone from sight, but Yelara knew he would never be far from her mind.

There had been a time when she thought herself capable of loving Dargus, or even caring for him at least, but she still didn't regret doing what they had just done. He had fallen too far into the darkness to find his way out again, and because of that, his life had become meaningless, which gave Yelara some comfort. She felt guilty taking such pleasure in another's demise, but he was already dead to begin with; this was just a physical end for him, for his heart had died long ago, if he'd had one to begin with.

Yelara finally took a deep breath and looked up at Liam. He seemed to be watching with indifference, but the glow in his blue eyes told her he was celebrating inside. "I love you, Liam," she said gently. She hoped her voice could break the spell he was under and perhaps gain a smile from him.

Liam glanced down at Yelara. Her eyes looking up into his, and the feeling behind her words filled him with the love she had for him. He smiled and pulled her to him. Still looking into her eyes, he kissed her. "I love you," he said. "It's over. Now we can pick up the pieces and move on. We can make a new life for ourselves. We're free."

"Then let's not stay a moment longer, Liam. Once we've thanked Oot personally, we can pick up and leave." Yelara brushed her lips against Liam's and whispered, "I want to go back to the Kestrel and make love to you, Liam. Then we have to figure out what we're going to do with the rest of our free lives."

The fleet was already heading back to get out of the atmosphere as Liam kissed Yelara again harder. "As soon as we're back, we'll get out of here. Maybe we can take another week on Turren to celebrate. After we do a little private celebrating beforehand. Until then, why don't we head back into the main area and get comfortable on one of the couches instead of standing here."

"I think I like that idea very much." Yelara's smile became mischievous as she took Liam's hand and began leading him away. The excitement of watching Dargus' ship burnt asunder and enveloped by the Tarkayze Sea was having quite the stimulating effect on her. More than anything though, she just wanted to be with Liam and remind herself that finally, they could freely be together. It was what she'd wanted since she'd first met him, and now it was a reality, one she wanted to delve into. "It can only get better from here, Liam," she said as she glanced at him. "Nothing can taint our happiness now."

Liam pulled her down onto the couch next to him, a smile on his face. "Nothing at all," he said. "We're free of all that plagued us. Now it's just you and me, and our child. We can go anywhere we want and do anything we wish without looking over our shoulders. It feels like a great weight's been lifted." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck playfully. "I hope I can wait 'til we get back to the Kestrel."

"I think we'll have to. I don't think Dame Kovan would appreciate us making a mess on her couch." Yelara resisted the urge to push Liam onto his back and straddle him, but the urge was very strong and persistent. "Can you believe it's over, Liam? It happened so quickly... We owe Dame Kovan everything, but hopefully she won't ask too much in return."

Liam nodded as he nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. "I can't believe it happened that quickly. There's a part of me that almost feels sorry for Dargus. He got caught with his leather pants around his ankles. For an honourable man, it would have been a bad way to go. For a man like Kandran though, he deserved no honour in his death since he had none in life. The galaxy was made a better place today, and we had a strong hand in it." He sighed, a contented sigh he hadn't been able to make much lately. "So, what do you want to do first?"

"Oh, I don't know," Yelara replied almost lazily. She pulled her legs up onto the couch and laid them across Liam's lap. "We could just sit here and get used to not having to look over our shoulders every second. It really does save us time for other things, don't you think?" Yelara said with a suggestive smile.

Liam gave her a salacious grin and slipped his hands up her sides, just brushing the sides of her breasts. "I think I'll like trying out those other things without looking over our shoulders. I think a tour of the Outer Rim, just you and me, sounds like a nice idea. I think we've found a definite ally for the future in Oot. For the head of a crime family, she doesn't seem the type."

"She's not your typical crimelord. I've spoken with her and I think I've gotten to know her well enough. I hate to say this, but I can see myself considering her a friend." Yelara looked into Liam's eyes and the expression they conveyed told her he wasn't interested in talking anymore. In fact, neither was she. She laughed gently and slowly lay back on the couch, pulling Liam down with her. "Since she is so friendly, I doubt she'd mind a tiny mess on her couch." Yelara covered Liam's mouth with her own before he could respond. She unclasped the fastening holding together his cloak and pulled it away.

Seeing Dargus finally finished invigourated her and instilled her with a new sense of hope for the future. She and Liam were no longer hunted by him and could start enjoying their lives without his interference. Yelara wanted to make the most of every moment they had together and laying on that couch, making love to each other was as good a start as any.

***

"I've never been to an actual banquet before," Yelara said with half contained excitement. Oot had invited them to join her in a celebration of their victory against Dargus, and they hardly felt right refusing even if they'd wanted to. Yelara almost squealed with delight when Kambra came to their door to pass on Oot's invitation, and she was even more excited when Kambra handed her the dress Oot had kindly loaned her for the evening.

As she walked arm in arm with Liam along the corridor, she gazed down at the flowing, pink dress and marveled at how something so plain could be so beautiful. The airy fabric of the dress felt almost weightless upon her and if the material didn't rustle as it brushed along the ground with every step, she would have had to look down from time to time to remind herself she wasn't naked.

She tugged gently at the ends of her hair as they made their way towards the large banquet hall. Her hair wasn't long enough to touch her shoulders yet, but there was still enough there to twirl around her fingers. She was anxious to see what kind of celebration Oot had planned and playing with her hair did help to calm her a little. "Do you think Oot will let me keep the dress?" she asked. "It is a little tight, but I'm sure once the baby's born, it'll fit perfectly."

Liam laughed. "Well, you look beautiful in it," he said. "I think when she sees you in it, she'll know that dress belongs with you."

Yelara smiled and kissed Liam on the cheek. "And in case I haven't mentioned it, you look very handsome this evening, my love. Black really is your colour...well, at least I think it is. I haven't exactly seen you in any other colour."

"Perhaps I should wear another colour for you," he said. At the end of the corridor, the large banquet hall had come into view. Liam slowed his pace a little to give them a little more time before they were in the midst of a lot of people. "Hopefully the party won't run too terribly late. I want to get some time alone with you, and soon. But, I think I can hold off for now. Possibly."

"Again? Liam, we did it not more than an hour ago. I think you can wait a few more hours until the next time." Yelara laughed and patted Liam playfully on the rear. "Now move it along. I'm hungry and if you're lucky, I may fill up on too much food and burst out of my dress."

Liam chuckled as he started moving faster. "Well, hopefully you can stay in your dress while we're here," he said. "I don't know how Oot would take that. Or the others at the party."

They stepped into the large room. Though it could have held hundreds, there were only about thirty people total in the room. Oot was engaged in a conversation with three humans across the room, and Kambra was leaning against a wall to their left talking to a large human dressed like he could be royalty. Liam could tell from the way he moved that he was definitely a soldier of some sort. Around the room, there were others caught up in conversation. Most appeared to be technicians or computer operators. A few glanced at himself and Yelara, but on the whole most of the room was caught up in their own conversations.

As he and Yelara stepped over to a table piled high with food, Oot noticed them and started over. Liam grinned as he started filling a plate while Yelara did the same. "Our hostess and saviour is approaching," he said. "And, she definitely looks happy."

"She better be. We just gave her the means to eliminate one of her competitors," Yelara said between clenched teeth as she smiled at Oot. She put down her plate as the Twi'lek quickly made her way over and greeted her with kiss on the cheek and a friendly embrace. She let the embrace linger for a moment before pulling away. She looked down at Oot's dazzling dress, then back up at her face, which was absolutely gleaming with happiness. "You look radiant tonight, Oot. Maybe we can mingle with some of those handsome looking men out there and find one for you to get better acquainted with tonight. A little private celebration?"

Oot glanced back at the men around the room and then back to Yelara. "If only I could, " she said with a laughing sigh. "They all work for me, and I make it a point not to get close in that way with my employees. It leads to problems down the line. I should have had a few men brought in from the planet who might enjoy a good party." She took Yelara's hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Thank you for the offer though. You look wonderful in that dress. Much better than I ever looked in it."

Yelara looked down at her dress, then back at Oot with a grimace. "It's a bit tight...but I suppose that's my fault. I can't stop eating! And to make things worse, you bring out this bounty of food that's just calling my name out." Yelara giggled and leaned in towards Oot, whispering in her ear so Liam couldn't hear. "And if you want, I'd be glad to lend my husband out to you for the evening."

Oot couldn't hide the sudden surprise as she glanced at Yelara. Then in an equally quiet voice, she said: "If you were any other woman, I might just take you up on that. Especially for him. But from that look in his eyes, I think he's going to want to spend his night in bed with you." She laughed softly, and then gave Yelara a quick embrace. "Perhaps when the party is over, or winding down, I'll take a skiff down to Tae'Karada and find myself someone to hook up with for the night."

Liam watched the exchange between Yelara and Oot with an amused smile and laughed softly when they both looked at him. "I don't even want to know what you two are planning."

"Oh, I think you deserve to know, Liam," Yelara said with a suppressed laugh. "I've just offerred you up to Oot as a token of gratitude for her help. I think you'd make the perfect sex slave, don't you, Dame Kovan?"

Oot took a couple steps around Liam, appraising him as one would produce in a market. "I definitely think so. Good physique. Attitude would need some work, but other than that a fine specimen. I have a pleasure ship that runs between the core worlds and the rim. I think he would fit perfectly." She turned back to Yelara. "He doesn't chafe under wrist cuffs does he?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Yelara said. She looked at Liam with a mischievous smile and added, "But he does have a nasty tendency to mismatch the colour of his underwear and his shoes. I've tried to correct him on it, but he just doesn't seem to listen to me. Perhaps you can free him of that awful habit."

Oot made a tsking noise as she glanced back to Liam. "I'll do what I can, but that's a pretty severe affliction. It may take some time to cure him of that. Perhaps wearing nothing but a slave's collar will help him. It may be possible to program it to give him a shock whenever he even thinks about mismatching his clothing." She stood in front of Liam, sizing him up. "You're going to take a lot of work."

Liam laughed and shook his head. "I've been told I can't be trained, so you're going to have your work cut out for you."

Oot glanced down at the front of Liam's pants and then his shoes. "You're not mismatched now, are you?" She turned back to Yelara. "Were you able to get him matched for this celebration?"

"Matched?" Yelara repeated with a short laugh. "I don't even think he's wearing any!" Yelara swore she saw a slight flush run through Liam's cheeks and couldn't help but laugh at him. "Oh, my love," she said with a playful pout as she moved towards him and caressed his cheek. "You don't actually think I'd give away, do you? I have so many more fashion tips to teach you."

Liam laughed. "Oh," he said, "well thank the Force for my lack of fashion." He slipped his arms around Yelara and held her to him as he turned to Oot. "Thank you for moving so quickly with the information we had. We were counting on it taking months or years to get to this point. And, now we're free."

Oot smiled. "It was fortunate you had that tracking device in place. As much as you are indebted to me for what I was able to provide, I still extend all my gratitude to you for providing the means to achieve our victory. We worked well together today, and struck down a man who had caused more pain and suffering than any person has a right to. We are all heroes today."

Yelara looked up at Liam, knowing he would have felt more the hero if he'd been able to do away with Dargus himself. He didn't know it, but he was a hero to her; he risked being with her knowing Dargus would have the death squad after him. Even moreso, he opened himself up to possible heartbreak by marrying a woman whose heart belonged to another as well. For that, he was probably braver than anyone she'd ever met. She kissed Liam gently on the cheek and before he could react she turned her attention back to Oot. "We do still owe you for everything. You may call upon us if you ever need anything."

Oot gave Yelara a smile and touched her arm. "I shall remember that," she said. "Now, if you will excuse me, I must go mingle with my crew. They earned this celebration this day, as have you."

---

"Retribution, Part 6"
by Yelara Zaneth
Liam Zaneth
and Oot Kovan

Location: Approaching Tae'Karada
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Yelara gave Oot a nod and lightly brushed her hand against the Twi'lek's before she took her leave to entertain the crew. The moment Oot submerged herself in conversation with the guests, Yelara immediately turned back to the table and resumed filling her plate. "There's alot of food here and it certainly would be a shame to waste it all," Yelara explained. Her plate was filled to overflowing and small morsels of food managed to escape and dribble onto the table, but Yelara quickly retrieved them and stuffed them into her mouth. "You think I'm a completely disgusting, don't you?" Yelara asked in a muffled voice as she chewed the bits of food.

Liam laughed. "I think that you are extremely hungry, and probably more pregnant than you look." He began filling his own plate with food, marvelling at how much Yelara was managing to get onto hers. "And, you are as far from disgusting as a person can possibly get. Just don't try to shovel all of that in at once." He gave her a grin and a quick kiss on the cheek as they made their way toward where some tables had been set up along the side of the room.

Yelara reluctantly put her plate and fork down onto the table only to quickly pull out her chair and sit down before taking the fork up again. She jammed the utensil urgently into the heaping pile of food and brought it to her lips. The fork hovered before her lips as she glanced sideways at Liam and smiled. "Don't you just wish my sexual appetite was just as big?"

"You mean it's not?" Liam asked with a laugh. "And, I am quite happy with your sexual appetite. And," -- he crossed his fork over hers and leaned close -- "as with our victory over Dargus, savour that food. You eat like you did your dinner last night, and I don't see how you can even taste it." He pulled his fork away, and gave her a quick kiss before turning his attention back to his own plate of food.

Yelara turned the food around slowly in her mouth and stared at her meal, which no longer looked very appetizing. "He's gone, I know, but why is it that I can still see his face in my mind." She put down her fork and gripped Liam's free hand with her own. "I'm glad he's gone, but I guess it's gonna take a little time before I get used to the idea of our lives being uneventful. I think a part of me is gonna miss the excitement of plotting Dargus' demise."

Liam squeezed her hand gently and met her gaze steadily. "We'll find something to keep our life exciting. There's always the empire. And, maybe we can start something of our own. Like a ship repair service. Or investigative work. Or something like that."

Yelara laughed cynically. "Picture that for a moment, Liam: your very pregnant wife following you while we covertly travel around the galaxy investigating petty crimes like, who stole the apple from the old fruit vendor's cart." Yelara couldn't resist the urge to kiss Liam passionately on the mouth, but when the kiss broke, she continued laughing. "I think we're gonna end up living on that ship spending our days having lots of food, accompanied with even more sex."

Liam leaned back in his chair, letting his thoughts turn the images generated from Yelara's works over and smiled. "I think I could get used to that. We can make the ship more comfortable, and put pads on everything so we can have sex anywhere without worrying about uncomfortable floors. It'll be a life everyone will envy."

Yelara's appetite hadn't yet returned, so she pushed her plate away and shifted her chair closer to Liam's. "I'm beginning to think we don't have much more in common than our insatiable need for sex." She wrapped her arms around Liam's waist when she was close enough to him, then rested her head upon his shoulder. "You do know that once I'm farther along, sex will become quite difficult - if impossible - for us. That means we better get as much in as we can while there's still time."

"I think there are a few positions we can try that will still be okay when you're farther along," he said. "And, we have... Well, we have more than sex. We have each other, and now we do actually have the chance to find out what else we have in common."

"Then why not start now?" Yelara sat up straight and looked at Liam with an anxious smile on her face. "Why don't you and I excuse ourselves, thank Oot for everything and get back to the Kestrel for a long talk. I miss talking to you Liam, and I mean talking about something other than killing Dargus."

Liam leaned his face close to Yelara's, kissed her quickly, and then stood. He held his hand out to her and gave her a smile that he could feel filling her with warmth. "Let's go talk to Oot, and then go get reacquainted."

Yelara pushed her chair back and stood up with her hand in Liam's. "I don't usually go home with strangers, but for you, I'm willing to make an exception." Yelara smiled and stepped around her chair, but before she was too far out of reach, she stole a morsel of food from her plate and quickly popped it into her mouth. "It would be a shame to waste," she commented to Liam as she caught his quizzical expression.

"Well," he said, his expression changing to a grin, "I don't think Oot would mind if we snuck some of the food out with us. Those things on the end of the table over there were quite tasty. And, those crunchy things you had, they looked good. We can ask her."

"Good. I'll need something to keep me occupied while I force myself to listen to you talk." Yelara laughed and playfully jabbed Liam in the stomach. "And you're right, those crunchy things are good. Come on, let's go ask Oot." Yelara tugged on Liam's hand and pulled him through the sparsely spaced groups of men. She'd have to mention to Oot to consider enlisting some women; it would certainly make the men alot happier and probably add a little excitement to those long journeys through space - she knew Liam was always entertained when she was around, and not to mention quite satisfied.

They worked their way through the crowd until they were standing in front of Oot again. She gave them both warm smiles, but focused her attention on Yelara. "I see you've brought my new slave to me," she said playfully.

"Well, I just wanted to give you more time to appraise your new pet. I want you to be completely certain about him before you take him in. He can be quite troublesome at times." Yelara smiled and held out her hands to Oot. "I'm afraid it's time for Liam and I to take our leave."

Oot nodded. "I understand," she said. "If you ever feel the need or desire, please feel free to stop by. I will be in the area of Tae'Karada, though as far from the Imperial patrols as I can safely be." Oot embraced Yelara warmly. "It was nice to have you here, though it was only for a short time. Perhaps sometime we can spend more time together on less stressful terms. And, I would like to meet your child at some point. I can see already he or she will have a remarkable future with the two of you guiding the way."

Yelara was still embracing Oot. She was somewhat disheartened about leaving Oot and embraced her as if they were old friends. She wasn't feeling too emotional until the subject of her child came up again. Tears came far too freely to Yelara nowadays and thinking about the uncertainty she felt about her child only made the tears burn more fiercely. "The minute the child is born, we will send you a message," Yelara replied in a choked voice. "Our child will have a better chance at happiness, especially now that there is one less Dargus Kandran in the universe. You're a good woman, Oot Kovan and I've enjoyed every moment I've spent with you."

"And I you," she said. "Both of you. Perhaps we can help rid the universe of more Dargus Kandrans someday, once things have settled for you. And, I await your message. I shall make sure to keep you apprised as to my location. If you ever need me for anything, just call. This was a fortuitous meeting, and one that will breed friendships that will last. I thank you for the gift of your friendship, and offer you lodging and solace whenever you may require."

"Thank you," Yelara said quietly as the embrace ended. She smiled at Oot so her tears wouldn't make her look so somber and she raised a hand to Oot's cheek. "You're a beautiful woman, Oot, and that's in more ways than one. You deserve to be happy and if you haven't found happiness yet, I hope someday you do." Yelara looked over her shoulder at Liam and laughed when she returned her gaze to Oot. "And if you ever want to take me up on the offer I made, just ask and I'll have Liam bundled up and shipped to you immediately."

Oot turned her gaze to Liam, letting it devour him as she did. With a demure smile she turned back to Yelara. "I may have to take you up on that. He does a good job at keeping the bed warm? That's an absolute requirement." She grinned, and then turned to embrace Liam. "You take care of her. And, stay safe. There are a lot of people out there searching for people like you. Especially on Tae'Karada."

Liam returned Oot's hug. "Thank you," he said. "I think we're going to get away from this area for awhile, at least until the heat dies down some. If we see anyone we think might be able to keep your bed warm, we'll send them your direction. At least, until Yelara bundles me up."

"Don't worry. I think I plan on keeping you around for a little while longer. But don't worry, I'll keep my eye out for you, Oot." Yelara moved to Liam's side and slipped an arm around his waist. "Shall we go then?" she asked Liam. "Oh, you will tell Kambra we said goodbye, won't you?" she added suddenly to Oot. "He was quite helpful and surprisingly pleasant. I told you he was harmless, Liam."

Liam laughed as Oot said she would. Goodbyes were said again, and then Liam and Yelara made their way out of the banquet room, both carrying loads of food that Oot forced into their hands. They were still laughing as they headed down the corridor to the hanger bay where the Kestrel was docked. As they climbed the ramp into the ship, Liam let out a long sigh. "It's only a starship, but it certainly does feel like home."

"That's because it is home - our home, and one filled with love." Yelara and Liam finally mounted the ramp and headed down the corridor as it retracted behind them. "So, Liam," Yelara began as they leisurely made their way along, "tell me...tell me about...anything, Liam, anything at all."

***

Liam shook his head, thinking back to the event that changed their lives four months ago. Neither had gotten used to not looking over their shoulder yet. The fear that Dargus Kandran would rise from his watery grave and stalk them again still plagued them. But he was gone, and it was by their hand that it was so. Though, they owed most of the credit to Oot and her fleet.

"I keep getting the urge to return to Tae'Karada, and to make sure he's gone. But, I know he is. I feel he is. There's a part of my mind not ready to fully accept it though." He shook his head and gave a wry laugh.

"Well, I don't think we can ever forget him, but at least he won't rule our lives anymore." Yelara looked up at Liam and kissed him tenderly upon the cheek. "So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day? Going to stay in bed with your wife and massage all those knots building up throughout her body?"

"Ooh," he said. "A very tempting offer. The only thing I have planned today is replacing one of the repulsor-drive's mounts. It's only about thirty minutes of work, but it needs to be done before we land anywhere again. I'd just feel safer with a new one in there. And, after that I will glady spend the rest of the day in bed with my pregnant wife, massaging her until she's little more than a pool of contentment."

"Well, don't worry about me. I'll be fine all alone for half an hour. I bet I could have the job done in twenty..." Yelara gave Liam a sidelong glance and laughed as she grabbed his face with her hands and pulled him into a kiss. "I guess until I'm no longer incapacitated, I'll have to trust you with ship maintenance. Under my tutelage, you've become quite competent, my love," she teased.

Liam laughed softly and gave Yelara a gentle kiss. "And, you are quite the teacher. I won't be gone long, and then we can spend the rest of the day here together working out all the knots and soreness from your body."

"Alright," Yelara said with a weary sigh. "I'll stay here, all alone with nothing to do but stare at the ceiling. You could at least help your poor wife over to the viewport so she can look out at the stars."

Liam held out a hand to help Yel up. She took it and he pulled her to her feet, embracing her gently. He helped her to the side of the room where she could look out at the stars as they drifted past. It was a beautiful sight, especially drifting on sublight engines. "It's a nice day for stargazing," he said, and then turned back to her. "I won't be gone long. I promise."

"Fine. I'll see you in thirty minutes exactly, my love." Yelara smiled at Liam, then turned her attention to the stars outside. The easygoing manner with which she and Liam now interacted, and the perceptible absence of tension that used to surround them was definitely a welcome change from how things used to be. She hadn't consciously been aware of it before, but she noticed it now and she knew Liam noticed it too. "No matter what, Liam, we'll be happy from now on. I can just feel it."

Liam had been backing away toward the door when Yelara spoke again. He was pulled from the reverie of just watching her and smiled. "I can feel it too," he said. "With every part of my being, I can feel it too. I won't be long. I'll try to finish early to get back to you quicker." He slipped from the room, and headed back toward the engine compartment.

Yelara watched Liam's reflection disappear from the glass, then carefully seated herself upon the ledge created by the recessed viewport. Things were almost normal now. No more planning Dargus' demise, no more arguing when mention of his name came up - everything was as it should have been from the beginning. She and Liam had already begun their journey to leave behind that chapter of their life, but as of yet, Yelara couldn't keep from revisiting it. Perhaps it was the life growing within her now that reminded her of that past life she was sought to leave behind. She cradled her now visibly distended stomach protectively and rocked gently as she hummed a melody to soothe the restless child within her. Her child was the main source of any anxiety nowadays, but it was more anticipation of finally being able to see her baby's face rather than fear of not knowing who its father was, even though that still plagued her somewhat. Yet, why she still woke up at night, thinking back to her tortured days on the shipyards was unknown to her. She still clung to the past whether she wanted to or not, and it seemed so foolish of her to do so, yet she knew not why she did it.

As she sat on the recess created by the large viewport, she stared among the stars alighting the darkness of space. For a moment, it was as if their luminescence coalesced into a projection of her unconscious mind - a visual display of the real source of her distress. Her fingertips pressed against the viewport and traced the curves of the face she saw illuminated against the backdrop of space. The victory they'd achieved four months ago was supposed to have been a symbol of the beginning of the new life she and Liam would have together, but Yelara knew the purpose of doing what she did were more selfish. She wanted revenge for losing Kallia, and sweet revenge is what she got, but she still didn't have Kallia. That was what ate at her most.

She braced against the lower ledge of the recess as she pushed herself labourously to her feet. Her hands went to her lower back for support as she trudged over to the column of drawers embedded in the wall. She stopped before them and ran her hand along the top one, one she always kept locked. Liam had never asked why, and she wasn't too enthusiastic to tell him the reason if he did inquire. Slowly, she punched in a code on the keypad at the far end of the drawer and watched as it slid open before her. Resting alone, and extending the full length of the drawer was piece of black cloth wrapped around a long, slender cylinder. She carefully picked up the bundle in her hands and began unwinding the cloth. Yelara wasn't certain if she was ready for this yet; she'd hidden it in that locked drawer since she and Liam were married, and although she'd always been tempted to open it, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

As the cloth finally fell away and dropped to the ground below, the cold metal of the hilt of Kallia's lightsaber drained the warmth from her open palms. The pang of guilt and regret stabbed her heart, reminding her of why she'd hidden the lightsaber away from view for so long. The pain was too much to bear. Her body heaved and trembled as the sobs grew; her tears rolled from her cheeks and splattered onto the lightsaber still held in her shaking hands. "Oh, Kallia," she whispered in a choked voice as she brought the lightsaber close to her chest and embraced it firmly.

Her quiet sobs grew to bitter laments as she held onto the only piece of Kallia she had left. It wasn't good enough, though. The cold metal would never be a suitable replacement for the warmth of Kallia's skin. She remembered it vividly and it only made her yearn to touch Kallia's face again, to kiss her lips... "My love...my dear, sweet Kallia," she groaned.

The victory over Dargus seemed an empty one now. She and Liam had gained their freedom, but Yelara wanted something more. She wanted Kallia back as well and despite the happiness she felt in knowing she and Liam could finally start their life together, it was nothing compared to the happiness she would have felt if Kallia were in her arms right now. "Come back to me, Kallia," she pleaded desperately. She hoped her voice would carry through the vacuum of space and somehow reach Kallia's ears, and if by some blessed chance it did, she wanted her to know, to know for certain... "I love you, Kallia."

---

"Back to the surface"
by Ellemiek Vermollen - "Black Hawks" Rebel Squadron Leader
Jubey Khanor - Tae'Morad Guard (NPC by Ellemiek)
Sillas Blaine - Docking Port attendant (NPC by Ellemiek)
Location: Offworld, CRS Concordia, and Thanatos
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

She left her room in the Concordia after having dealt with several problems. They had lost the planet's freedom to the Galactic Empire and she could not help but feel disgust at seeing her home planet being taken by the hands of the foul Imperials. Her friends were foes to the Empire and would be sought out in order to be terminated... Places she knew would be taken to be used by the Imperial Ranks... It all seemed like one bad dream.

But she was not about to quit. Even if the Squadron she was responsible for took its losses, as had so many other Rebels in the failed attempt to attack Admiral Tarkin and the Imperial Blockade, she would not stop now. If there was one thing she had learned it had been that one must fight to achieve what one wants. And she was not about to see her home planet fall into the hands of the vicious Empire forever.

She made her way onto her X-Wing and cleared for leaving the docking bay of the Concordia. She would go back to the planet's surface as there were some things she wanted to check for herself, things she had to do. The Alliance had nothing to do with this. She had to do this for her own self, and so she had asked for a temporary leave from the Concordia. The blockade, she saw, was quite diminished, which made it easy to surpass it. As there was no more a planetary shield it was easy to get to the surface fast.

She made her way onto Thanatos. If there was one place she could walk without fear for the Empire as well as dock her ship with no questions asked, it was there. She got out and talked to one Sillas Blaine, the docking port attendant who received her payment and nodded thankfully. Just as she was about to leave the Docking Port, a familiar voice called her name.

"Ellemiek... Ellemiek Vermolen!?!" the man said.

She turned around and saw a face she had not seen for years and years. She ran to him and tossed herself in his arms cheerfully. "Jubey... I cannot believe I have found you so easily! I thought about when I would see you again!"

"Well, actually I found you..." he mocked. "But what are you doing here? It's dangerous with all the Imperials about the planet..."

"I had to come and see the situation by myself. No other way would suffice. But let me buy you a drink," she offered him. The next few hours were spent talking and putting things up to date. She learned about all that Jubey had to tell her. "I could use the remaining Tae'Morad. The whole Alliance could use you... We lack men. And you are wanted by the Empire anyway. Everyone knows the Tae'Morad are some of the best fighter pilots in the Galaxy!"

"We are runaways and wanted but many locals aid us as most do not like the Empire... Alisson, I cannot promise for the others, but I will be honoured to serve the Alliance with one condition: that I am put under your Squadron and thus under your command," Jubey Khanor told Ellemiek.

"Well then, speak to the others and meet me in the local spaceport where you found me earlier by tomorrow about this time," she told him. "Right now I have other matters I have to pursue. And be careful, ok?!" She smiled before leaving.

After that there was only one place she decided to go to. One place she had not been sure she wanted to go to earlier but alas one that could make the difference. Zale Tregat's Syndicate Headquarters...

---

"A New Home..."
by Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Alisson Blair - Jedi in training
Location: Yesdol District, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Arriving at New Plouton, Alisson set her vessel in the spaceport where her Master had also put his Corellian Transport YT-2400 sometime ago and where it remained still... As it were, she was able to set her own ship in the spaceport and had only to pay what she considered quite a reasonable price. Her place was not too far off, and she remembered when she first bought it. It had been not too long after Kal'Aran had left. She had purchased this place secretly in order to get far from the palace and train by herself with no outer factors intruding.

Alas, it had been quite a long time since she had last come here as Kal'Aran returned and they continued her training in the region on Arcadia or other systems. Only now that it was no longer safe to stay in Arcadia had they come here. Fact was Kal'Aran was right once more, with the Crimelords and all, they would be too distressed to notice the smaller ones such as herself, which would only make it easier to stay in a low profile.

Patience... She needed patience for now. In time things would reveal themselves better. The place was not all too bad, just dirty from dust. But with a little clean up it would turn out fine. There were two bedrooms, a living room with an adjacent bar/kitchen and a bathroom. The house was fully equipped with all the basics, which meant all she had to worry about now was the cleaning. She tossed her things into one of the rooms and decided to start the work.

Kal'Aran decided to aid Alisson of course. After all, if he was going to live here too, at least for the time being, then he would have his chores to do also. Besides, it was only rational that two people work faster than one. And all in all, Alisson was raised in Royalty and was not too accustomed to doing house work, since from her birth on she had maidens and servants. But she was also different. Even as a child she had never discounted others. Perhaps a quality gained through her training since youth, perhaps a quality she had in her blood to begin with.

"It looks quite a nice place to stay in, Alisson. I never knew you owned a house in this district..." Kal'Aran said.

"Well, I bought it long ago and never used it too much. But my house is also yours, Master Kal'Aran. After all you need a place to stay in also..." Alisson replied while taking some sheets that covered some leather sofas.

Kal'Aran smirked. "I thank you... You are most generous and I believe this means I owe you a debt of gratitude. However I do not wish to perpetrate your space, so if I am please say so. I would rather frontality rather than sympathy."

"I know you would..." she replied. "But I want you to stay here too. After all, two work better than one and it seems we have no other choice as of the moment."

"It seems you have become the master..." Kal'Aran laughed slightly. "Well Alisson, at least let me go get us some supplies. My treat," he offered, to which she nodded in return, before he left the house.

---

"Business and Pleasure"
by Jadda the Hutt - Crimelord
and Daemor'rah - Jedi / Bounty Huntress
Location: Jadda's Palace, Thanatos
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

The party that Jadda was throwing seemed to have but one goal: to amuse himself. Which in turn was no surprise to Daemor'rah who found this only to be as any other Hutt would have it. His palace, his rules, his parties. Incredibly disgusting these Hutts but wealthy and with great power and definitively good allies, if one could ally to a Hutt that was...

Jadda was no exception. Perhaps he had a more refined and exquisite taste than Jabba and his palace located in Tatooine, but overall they were alike. She knew this Hutt from his operations back in her home planet of Nar Shaddaa, as he was one of the major crimelords there, but that seemed to be ages ago, and certainly not a part of her life anymore.

The jizz band played on and the Twi'lek slaves were now dancing for Jadda in a sexy dance. The Hutt in return was enjoying the scenery and licked himself as he ate some specialties. Surprisingly enough, the Twi'lek slaves were not chained as it would be expected, but then again Jadda's Guards were numerous and the girls had some kind of a necklace in them. Perhaps a control or security device Jadda used on his slave girls.

By his side was his translator droid and Daemor'rah also. The latter did not seem to be enjoying the party all too much, and refused any drinks or food served in the party. Overall she wanted her money so she could leave, but she knew better than to demand things from a Hutt, so she waited patiently.

Finally, Jadda turned to her and addressed her, speaking in his natural language. "Bounty Hunters ish toor bantshaa... Tuo saa younaa credits. Bontcha mee! Yadaa bantume!" Jadda spoke.

There was no need for translation as it was obvious to Daemor'rah that he meant her money. Under his order, a servant to Jadda came over carrying her credits. And it was the money she had requested. She took it and bowed to him respectully before leaving.

Jadda laughed. "Bounty hunters never mix business and pleasure... Perhaps your services can be bought from time to time," he told her.

She turned to face Jadda once more. "My services are yours to be bought... For the right price of course." To this she got a laugh from Jadda, who then ordered the Jizz band to keep on playing and the slave girls to keep on dancing. Without further time to lose, she left the Hutt's palace.

---

"Memories of the past"
by Kal'Aran - Jedi Master
and Daemor'rah - Jedi / Bounty Huntress
Location: Yallder District, New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

Kal'Aran had gone to the local market, which he learned was not too far away from Alisson's place, where they were currently staying in. In the market did he find several goods. Surprisingly enough, it seemed there was more variety here than in Arcadia where they were just the day before and where he used to go before the Empire's victory over the planet.

He bought a couple of things so that they would be well off for at least a couple of days for quite a reasonable price, after some bargaining of course, and was about to return with the things he got when he suddently felt a presence. It was a disturbance in the force he had felt only once and that had been too long ago.

It made him flashback to the Clone Wars when the Jedis were hunted by the then newly formed Galactic Empire and Emperor Palpatine. Sith and Jedi fought and many were wanted dead with prices on their heads large enough to have any bounty hunter after them. Alas, there was one particular one who had been Jedi before turned killer. She was neither Sith nor Jedi nor even Rogue or Grey.

She was much before his time, but stories were told about the child who had been brought in and who turned against the very Council who had trained her and killed her own Master and still hunted Jedis for sport and to collect their lightsabers as grim trophies. Even Adi Gallia's pupil who had left the Jedi order had not turned their enemy and wished them all dead...

Only once had he crossed paths with this huntress... He was still young and not yet Jedi, when he and some others were ambushed. It had been this very huntress who had done it at a distance and even tossed herself amidst them all fiercely battling them all at once. She had gotten another Jedi killed before she was forced to retreat. Kal'Aran himself had felt lucky enough not to perish at her hands then.

As he was told later on, this woman was Daemor'rah a sworn Jedi Huntress who vowed revenge against the order who had begun her training in the ways of the Force. She had been trained by the vampiric Anzati later on only to become a deadly assassin and a dangerous one since she knew their ways but used them for her profit only, not being Sith nor Jedi.

He felt her again now, and it was a presence he would never forget. Only in the next block did he go aside to get out of the way of innocents. In a nearby alley was her, waiting for him. She was grinning and he wondered whether she knew him and remembered him from the past. She had her blasters in her hands and seemed glad about him going there.

"You have come where I wanted you to come..." she told him.

"You... I knew it was you..." he replied. "I had not felt your presence for a very long time. Now I wish that I had not felt you at all."

"Are we supposed to know eachother?!" she asked. "I do not recall you from before, but you are right to feel so, as it has come your time!" she told him. And just like that she pointed her weapons to him and opened fire.

In a flash did he get his lightsaber ignited and countered by deflecting the shots she fired. Suddenly she stopped and smiled at him. "So it shall be..." she said as she safeguarded her blasters. "We shall then battle through the true weapons of the old days."

"I have no wish to fight you..." Kal'Aran told her. "I ask of you to forget this so that both of us may leave this place unblemished."

"That would be no fun... I have no desire of letting you go and I am sick of talking! You die now!" she yelled as she jumped forward to get him and strike him down. But she had not counted on Kal'Aran being quite the precise and skilled fighter he was and he was calculated and calm even under pressure.

After a fierce battle for a couple of minutes, he was able to disarm her and force pushed her to the wall behind her. She got up and jumped high with a somersault and force pushed her weapon back to her. But as she turned back he was gone and she could no longer feel him near. Perhaps he was cloaking himself. She remained there waiting for a sudden attack but after a while she decided he had left.

She took her things and left too. She knew she would see him again, even if she had to search for him.

---

"Tortured Soul, Part 1"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Various Locations around New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

***

A single shaft of light had managed to pierce the window coverings and give sign that the morning had finally arrived. Zale opened an eye and scanned the room quickly, and then finally let his gaze settle on Kaysa lying next to him. He opened his other eye and watched her as she slept. He smiled at the look of peace she held, an amazing thing after seeing the stress that had consumed her body like fire the previous night.

He reached out and ran a hand over her stomach and breasts. Beneath the closed lids, he saw her eyes flutter with the beginning of wakefulness. Perhaps some of the pain he'd helped alleviate last night would stay away today. It had wracked her body, and he hoped some of the control he took from her pushed it away. He only hoped the torment she demanded from him, begged from him, would help.

Before she could come fully awake, he pressed his body to hers, and then kissed her with a tenderness and an added touch of forceful control to let her know she was still his.

Kaysa groaned quietly and for a moment, was completely disoriented. She had no idea where she was or who was kissing her now, but the firmness of the kiss and the way with which she found herself instantly surrendering to the touch made everything fall into place. She wrapped her arms loosely around Zale's neck and entwined her leg around his as she returned the kiss willingly. The warmth of sunlight falling upon her face told Kaysa it must have been day, and despite sleeping soundly the entire night, she still felt exhausted.

A mild soreness began to grow between her legs as awareness began to return to her drowsy mind, and she remembered the gift Zale had given her last night: temporary freedom from her troubles. Her kiss became more needful, using it as an expression of her gratitude to Zale, and to remind him that she knew precisely where her place was in this arrangement, and that was beneath him.

"Good morning," Zale said when the kiss ended. "How are you feeling this morning, Kaysa?"

"Better...much better," Kaysa answered quietly. "A little sore and still a bit tired, but I'm much better than I've been for months." Kaysa kissed Zale again and broke it only when a smile forced her lips taut. "You certainly impressed me last night. No man's ever done those things to me before. I'd never have allowed it if it were anyone other than you doing it to me. Consider yourself lucky, I guess."

Zale laughed softly. "And, I guess you should consider yourself lucky as well," he said. "If I hadn't crossed your path months ago, you probably still would have been out in that alley with your legs spread and the scum of Commerce City lining up for a taste." He kissed her again. "I hope to be able to impress you a whole lot more in the future; but today, I will be impressing your financier, and we can begin getting Zenarr Inc. back on its feet again. It's late in the morning yet, so we have some time to kill before our meeting. Did you want to spend it together or do you need to make preparations for business?"

"And what did you have in mind, Zale? Breakfast in bed and a stroll in the park like some ordinary couple?" Kaysa gave a dry laugh and shifted away from Zale so she could stretch out her arms. "We can drop by my apartment and find me some clothes then we can have some breakfast." Kaysa glanced back at Zale and smiled. "Your treat."

Zale laughed. "You don't have to worry about a walk in the park or breakfast in bed," he said. "We won't do anything that has the vaguest semblance of normalcy or the ordinary. We'll stop by your apartment for a change of clothes. I know a decent restaurant in the Yesdol district. They serve a good breakfast. And, then we can go to your office for a little bit of business talk."

"Good," Kaysa said cheerfully as she slid out of bed. "I hate ordinary and I think you do too. If you didn't, we wouldn't have had such an interesting evening last night." Kaysa winced slightly as she became aware of just how sore she really was. "Oh, I really think I need a warm, soothing shower. Do you mind?"

Zale smiled as he shifted to watch her. "Not at all," he said. "We still have the time, so if you wanted a bath instead... I've got some crystals that would help alleviate a lot of the soreness. And, while you do that, I can...well, I can watch or help. Or I can give you a little privacy if you want it." He ran a hand over her hip and looked into her eyes. "Whatever you need this morning."

Kaysa tried to suppress a smile at Zale's generousity. More likely, though, he was just giving her an opportunity to recuperate before he started in on her again. The smile finally broke out and Kaysa laughed softly. "There's no need for privacy between us now. It would appear neither of us have anything more to hide." She pulled his hand away from her and tried to drag him out of bed. "Come on. I think we could both use a bath."

Zale laughed and allowed Kaysa to pull him from the bed. Once he was standing, he led the way into the bathroom, just past the shower to the large bathtub. Though, to call it a bathtub seemed a slight misnomer, while small pool may have been closer in description. He started the water running and glanced back at Kaysa as she stared at the gilded tub. "You wouldn't believe how difficult it was for me to get the management firm of this place to allow this thing in here."

"A little...extravagant, don't you think?" Kaysa couldn't tear her eyes from the gleaming tub, a prime example of Zale's immense wealth. She coveted all that Zale had, and she was powerless to sober the greedy smile that curled her lips. "How rich are you really, Zale?" she asked as she drew nearer to the tub. "And how can I share in that wealth." She smiled seductively at Zale as she took a seat at the edge of the tub and gazed up at him.

Zale grinned and took a seat next to her. "You are already going to share a little in that wealth through our business partnership," he said. "More than that and I think you would have to leave your fiancé. And, I am very very rich. Without giving exact numbers, I could buy Zenarr and Karradas several times over, and still have plenty left. Many of my assets are tied up in business ventures, but I still have substantial funds available to me at a moment's notice."

Kaysa shot Zale a speculative glance and asked, "What do you mean I'd have to leave Rennor?" Kaysa laughed and playfully nudged Zale with her hand. "Not getting jealous, are you? You're jealous just thinking about me being with another man. Oh Zale, I didn't know you cared," Kaysa teased.

Zale chuckled. "Not jealous," he said. "I'm just not in the habit of giving money to another man's wife. Especially a man with as much money as Karradas has. Just if you want more of my money than you'll be getting through our partnership, I think you should marry me instead of him. Where he wouldn't be understanding of your needs, I would."

"Proposing marriage to me, are you?" she asked with a grin. She scanned Zale's face for any sign of insincerity, but she always did have trouble reading his implacable expression. "Zale," Kaysa said as she took a moment to swallow back her anxiety, "you don't seriously think I'd marry you, do you? And just because I'd be married to Rennor doesn't mean I'd be his wife. The marriage, at least in my eyes, is merely a financial arrangement."

Zale nodded and slid down into the water. "Very well," he said. "The water is nice. I think it will definitely help eliminate some of your aches." He touched a button on the tub's control interface and a small cloud of crystals dropped into the water. "What would you like for dinner tonight? In celebration of our partnership. I can make reservations while you are changing at your apartment."

"Wait," Kaysa said in a panicked whisper as she stood up near the edge of the tub. "You were serious about the marriage proposal? Are you fucking insane, Zale? I suppose now you're going to be asking me to move in with you, share your bed with you every night just like any good couple should." Kaysa tried to calm herself, for she didn't want to bear the brunt of Zale's wrath again. She'd brought it out of him last night and she knew how fearful it made her; she didn't want to face that again. "Look, if my marriage to Rennor is going to create conflict between us, I want to know now."

Zale took a breath and let it out. "I'm not asking for us to become an ideal couple," he said. "I'm not asking you to love me. What I'm offering you is a marriage in which you can live the life you want without the need to hide it. If you still wish to marry Rennor and keep what happens outside of the home a closely guarded secret, that is your choice. I'm just offering another possibility. A marriage to me would most likely carry the same emotional weight as your marriage to Rennor, except the stress of hiding your secrets or wringing money from the tightest purse in Commerce City."

"Look, I don't wanna marry Rennor, but when I proposed it to him I was desperate." Kaysa placed her face into her hands and sighed deeply. "I can't turn back now, Zale. The contract I signed with him forbids me to." She let her hands fall away and gazed down at him. "If I don't marry Rennor, I lose everything. And I need the money more than you can imagine. Yes, marrying him will be one of the worst mistakes I've ever made, and yes I'll probably go insane having to live with such an arrogant, pretentious man, but I'm stuck with him for a little while at least."

Kaysa chuckled softly and knelt down at the side of the tub, running her fingers through the water. "Thanks for the offer, Zale, but I fear you wouldn't be able to live with me anyway. As you probably know, I'm a stubborn, difficult woman."

Zale nodded once. "I've noticed," he said. "And, I won't pursue the matter of marriage with you anymore. Though, something to keep in mind: I will be giving you ten million credits in just a few hours; how much has your fiancé given you?"

Kaysa's gasp resounded loudly throughout the large bathroom and she quickly placed her hand over her mouth. "T-ten..." she stammered through her fingers. She just couldn't seem to catch her breath fast enough and felt a chill running through her. She'd never in a lifetime dreamed she'd even come close to holding that much money in her hands, and now it was being offerred to her by a man she barely knew.

A surge of excitement sparked within her and she shot to her feet with a loud squeal. "Zale!" She cried out again in elation and jumped into the tub, splashing down into Zale's lap. "You don't mean it... Tell me you're lying to me! Ten million creds?! Zale!"

Zale laughed. "Ten," he said. "Unless that's too much." He slipped his arms around her and looked up into her eyes. "I'm making you a partner, Kaysa. We'll be working together, and I will need someone I can trust to help me run my operations here in Commerce City. I need to know I can trust you, and I think offering you this money is a good way to test your trustworthiness. You have a ruthlessness in business that I admire, and we work well together. Of course, we've only tested that in bed; so, we'll have to see just how well we do together in an office environment."

"Wait a minute... You're giving me ten million creds to test whether or not I'm trustworthy? Sorry to say this Zale, but that's idiotic. I could just take the money and run!" Kaysa laughed and kissed Zale gently. "Come on...tell me why you're really giving me the money. It can't be for sex, after all, you did all the work last night. Are you trying to lure me away from Rennor? Or... I really have no idea why you're doing this, Zale."

"I'm giving you the money to give you the money," he said. "And, you could take the money and run, but I've got another ten million stowed away for bounty hunter fees if I need them." He gave her a smile and a kiss. "I like you, Kaysa. I like how we work off each other. And, I know you need the money. I'm helping you out and hoping my generousity will lure you in to work with me. You're an intelligent, resourceful woman. And, you're far too suspicious."

"No, I'm only suspicious of men," she retorted. "So, you're basically buying me off so I'll do business with you, is that it?" Kaysa laughed and scooped some water into her hand before letting it run down Zale's chest. "If that's the case, you could have had me for one million."

Zale smiled. "Then I'm buying you ten times over," he said. "And, I'm giving you an incentive to want to work with me. A very profitable incentive at that." He opened a recessed panel at the end of the tub and pulled out a large cloth. He filled it with some bathing gel, and then started working it into Kaysa's chest.

"The sex and the money are all the incentive I need. We can discuss the rest of the terms of my employment after breakfast, or over it, if you like," Kaysa said. She leisurely began taking water up in her hand and let it cascade over Zale's shoulders and chest. "In case I haven't mentioned it," Kaysa began as she smiled at Zale, "you were amazing last night. You're very good at what you do."

Zale smiled and continued with running the cloth and soap over Kaysa's body. "Thank you," he said. "You inspired me. And, you definitely seemed like that's what you needed last night. How are you feeling today? Are the crystals helping?"

"Actually, they're doing wonders for me." Kaysa sighed and rested her head upon Zale's shoulder. "You're one big enigma, Mr. Tregat. I mean, you scare me one moment, then the next you make me happier than I've ever been. There's still so much I don't know about you and I wanna know, but you look like the type of man who doesn't talk about his personal life much."

"I don't usually volunteer information," Zale said as he moved behind Kaysa. He felt her sit up straighter as he dribbled water down her back from the cloth he still held. He put one hand around her waist, enjoying the touch of her body against his far more than he knew he should. "If you want to know something, you can always ask. I think I'll generally be able to answer any question you might have for me."

"Oh really?" Kaysa said playfully, but with a note of skepticism in her voice. "Anything, you say?" Kaysa looked up at Zale without displaying the mischievous smile that was creeping up on her lips. "Fine then. Tell me...tell me about your first love. Who was she? Was she prettier than me? Was she better in bed than I am?" Kaysa laughed, then kissed Zale lightly on the mouth. "Have you ever loved anyone, Zale? Are you even capable of it?"

Zale laughed. "I'll let you know when I find out," he said. "And, if I had a first or any love to tell you about, I would. But, I've never found someone that I was drawn to. And, while I don't want you to get above yourself in this, you are the best I've been with. By far the most skilled and experienced in the art of giving and receiving pleasure."

"Thanks," Kaysa said with a laugh. "I'll remind you of that when I ask for a pay raise." Kaysa kissed Zale again, but a more tender kiss, one different from the needful, desperate ones she offerred him last night. Even being in his arms was enough to give her some sense of stability, and even some comfort in knowing that at least he wanted her and he wouldn't be leaving for a good long time, not after practically handing over ten million credits to her. "So, no one's been able to hold your interest long enough for you to fall completely in love with them? I just think you're far too demanding, that's your problem."

"You think so?" he asked. "Well, perhaps I'll have to re-assess my criteria at some point." He pulled her into another kiss. He wasn't sure if she was asking for something more from him or not, but after Kaysa's reactions to other comments that morning, pursuing it now would probably only invoke trouble. For now, he was content with how his life was shaped. For now.

Kaysa groaned a protest as she gently pushed Zale away and smiled at him. "I would love to stay in this tub all day and kiss and talk about why you are incapable of loving anyone, but I'm a little hungry. Shall we eat? The day's quickly wasting away and we still have business to discuss." Kaysa laughed with delight and hugged Zale tightly. "When do I get to see my ten million?"

Zale held Kaysa for a moment longer before letting her go. "You will get your money after we've stopped by your apartment for clothes and had some food. If that sounds alright." He gave her a smile as they both moved toward the edge of the tub. "Do you think you can wait that long?"

"Why Zale, you make me sound like I'm only after your money." Kaysa slipped out of the tub and stood before Zale, dripping wet. "If you want my services, you're gonna have to pay, Zale. That's how things work. This is, after all, Commerce City and creds are the one thing that holds this whole place together. I've lived here for almost five years, Zale; it's only natural that I'd grow a bit greedy...or alot."

"No one that lives in this place is untouched by greed, especially now that the Hutts have moved in." Zale followed Kaysa out of the tub and grabbed large towels for both of them. He moved to her and wrapped one around her body. "A good breakfast at a nice Yesdol restaurant, and then I'll make you rich. How does that sound?"

Kaysa smiled sweetly at Zale. "If I weren't so hungry, I'd suggest we skip breakfast altogether and get straight to dealing out the creds." Kaysa held the towel close to her and watched as Zale began drying himself. "Besides, I wouldn't want you to think I was only with you for your money. I was interested in you long before I knew you were rich, but knowing you have money is only making you more appealing."

Zale dropped his towel to the floor and started out toward the bedroom. "I think I saw a little of what else you were after me for last night. Did the bath help with the aches? We can do another tonight if you'd like." He moved to a closet and started pulling clothes to wear for the day. "Did you just want to wear that dress back over to your apartment, or would you rather live dangerously and just wear one of my long coats?"

"The dress is a wreck," Kaysa said plainly as she let her own towel fall to the ground. "I'd rather have you wrapped around me, but the coat will do." Kaysa laughed softly and moved behind Zale at the closet. She slid her arms around his waist and kissed his back lightly. "So, you noticed I was in desperate need of some rough sex last night, so you indulged me? Oh, I'm sure you didn't at all enjoy it. Men get a kick out of aggressively taking a woman during sex, and I'm sure you do just as much."

"The sex was good because that's what you wanted," he said. "If you didn't want it rough, and I took you like that anyway, I'm quite sure it wouldn't be enjoyable for either of us. At that point, it's not about sex, but control. And, I don't get my control that way. And, you did want it, so I helped give you what you craved." He turned to face her, wrapping his arms around her as he did. "Do you find the thought of me handling you so roughly, or that I might enjoy it, distasteful?"

"No," Kaysa replied with some uncertainty in her voice. She ran her hands along his chest and said, "I liked how you handled me. It wasn't violent, but it was just enough to make it go away...the pain." She lowered her eyes and rested her forehead against Zale's chest. He may have numbed the pain last night, but no amount of dominance or force he exerted upon her would eliminate the pain completely. Only death, she thought, would bring an end to that. "We should eat," she said quietly. She moved past Zale and into the closet where she pulled out a long coat for herself. "I think this should fit fine."

Zale started pulling on clothes as Kaysa slipped into the coat. "Well, maybe we can work on keeping that pain away some more tonight," he said. "And, hopefully large amounts of money will help keep it at bay as well." Before pulling on his shirt, he brushed a hand along Kaysa's cheek. "I'll help you as much as I can."

Kaysa nodded solemnly and turned away. She didn't want his help; no one could help her and she knew it. All she wanted from him was to give her what she asked for without asking questions or judging her, but no matter how much he indulged her wishes, it would do nothing to remedy her present dire situation.

Kaysa buttoned up the coat and did a quick scan of the room for her shoes. Once she found them near the doorway, she moved to them and slipped them on. "We should go. It's getting pretty late," she said. She turned back to Zale and gave him a wan smile. "And after you transfer your creds to my account, you can have anything you want from me tonight." She turned to the door and walked out of the bedroom slowly. She got money and he got someone to dominate. The business arrangement was looking more prosperous the longer she considered it, but as long as she got her money, he could have anything he wanted. "You coming?" she called back from inside the living area.

Zale finished pulling on his boots and stood from the bed. "All set," he said, following Kaysa out into the living area. "I know a great place in the centre of town, and it's only a quick detour over to your apartment. Are you ready to have your last meal before becoming a very wealthy woman?"

"Last meal? You make it sound so grim." Kaysa laughed and made her way through the living area and towards the doorway. "I don't think it should take me too long to adjust to a life of immense luxury and if I do, I know I can call on you to help me along. You are the richest man I've ever met, even next to my prudish fiancé."

Kaysa stopped at the doorway and turned to face Zale. "It's a shame I can't get rid of him. I mean, if he were out of the picture, I'd have a lot more time to spend with you. And I know you'd enjoy that," she said sarcastically.

Zale laughed as they headed toward the door. "Well, you're not bad to be around," he said. "So, spending more time with you would be somewhat welcome." He gave her a smile as they exited the apartment. "You know your fiancé could be eliminated. Though, his sudden disappearance might raise questions. I don't think we want too many questions just yet. Though, if someone could be convinced to want to kill him outside of our apparent influence, that would be good."

"Oh, and you'd do that all for me?" Kaysa gave a short laugh and headed for the large staircase with Zale behind. "Tregat, you don't look like the kind of person who would do anything unless there was something in it for yourself." She stopped suddenly and turned around with a skeptical gaze. "Not bad to be around? Time with me somewhat welcome? Now I know why you don't have a woman living in that large apartment with you. You're good in bed, Zale, but you've gotta work on your social skills."

Zale laughed. "The stick you appear to believe I have shoved up my ass isn't there, Kaysa," he said. "Believe it or not, I was joking." They left the building and headed out across the courtyard with Zale still chuckling.

---

"Tortured Soul, Part 2"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Various Locations around New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

***

Kaysa strolled through the busy streets of the Yallder district with Zale by her side. Being out there surrounded by all the passing residents of the district, she realized how truly imposing a man Zale was. He was much larger than everyone else about, and his dark features and attire were stark in contrast to the natural hues of the worn and ragged clothing the district citizens wore; they noticed he was certainly out of place and their suspicious glares did nothing to hide their true sentiments.

"They don't seem to like you around here," Kaysa said quietly as they passed yet another man on the street who seemed to size up Zale. "Normally, they don't like anyone, but for some reason, they hate you even more."

Zale glanced around the street and then back to Kaysa. "I'm an outsider, and one who carries himself with an air of power. I think most people find that intimidating, especially here in the Yallder district. I doubt many of them know about my underworld influences." He looked down at himself and then over to Kaysa again. "Do I look too far out of place?"

"Of course you do," Kaysa said almost cheerfully. She slipped her arm through Zale's and smiled up at him. "But don't worry, I'll take care of you. With me as your escort, you don't have to worry about ending up dead in some alleyway." Kaysa glanced at Zale's rear and let out a whistle as she looked back at him. "And as far as I can tell, you look just fine to me."

Zale laughed and leaned in to kiss her neck. "Thank you," he said. "I must say that you do as well. My coat has never looked so good. And, do you realize how difficult it is for me to not slip my hands beneath that coat and make you scream in ecstasy."

"Well not out here. These people already hate you and feeling me up out here would give them the reason they needed to have you hauled out of here by the Morality Guard." Kaysa smiled wickedly at Zale and moved her hand to his rear. "Besides, we're almost at my apartment. Can't wait until then?"

Zale gave Kaysa a playful expression. "I don't know if I can. You are very enticing in that coat." He let out a heavy sigh, and then laughed. "I think I'll be able to hold on a little longer." He looked around the neighbourhood. "So how long have you lived in Yallder?"

Kaysa shrugged her shoulders and eased into Zale's embrace. "I've been living in this dump since I arrived on Tae'Karada about five years ago. Some days I think that I was a fool to leave Bespin for this, but I had to leave all that behind... Why?" Kaysa sighed and shook her head. "I like running away from trouble I guess. It's better than having to deal with it."

"Running away from trouble helps to avoid it," he said. "Though, sometimes it's unavoidable. However, I think some extra money will help you avoid whatever's troubling you." He slipped an arm around her and pulled her close to him. Despite the control games, he did like having her around. "Do you think you'll move out now that you'll have money? There are some nice apartments in the Yesdol district."

"Oh, I see," Kaysa said with a smile. "I think you like having me around, Zale Tregat. So, the ten million was just bait to lure me into finding residence closer to you." Kaysa playfully poked Zale in the ribs. "You really are ruthless and calculating, aren't you?"

Zale laughed. "Well, I won't deny that I do like having you around," he said. "And, I don't know about the rest. It's a nice place to live, and if you lived there, it would be convenient for work and play." He looked around and noticed they were nearing Kaysa's apartment. "It's up to you though. I won't try to force you into anything, regardless of what our business or personal relationships may be."

"Well, I could do that," Kaysa mused as they stepped onto the stairwell leading to the outer doors of her apartment. "Or, I could just sleep at your place a lot. I mean, that would require me moving a few things into your apartment for convenience sake. That would save me a lot of money. I mean, I wouldn't even have to pay rent." Kaysa smiled at Zale and held the door open for him. She followed in after him and they made their way to her apartment. She punched in her passcode and stood aside as the door slid open. "I think you know the way to my room, or has it been so long ago that you've forgotten?"

"I think I remember," he said with an amused smile. "And, you're welcome at my apartment anytime. And there should be plenty of room for whatever you want to have on hand when you're there." Zale stepped inside and started back toward the bedroom. He glanced around and realized that it looked pretty much exactly as he remembered it. He did notice a pile of clothing in the corner, and from what he could see, they didn't appear to be Kaysa's clothes. Shiv most likely, he thought to himself. As Kaysa entered the bedroom, he caught her in his arms and kissed her.

Kaysa graciously returned Zale's kiss, but pulled away as she felt him attempting to relieve her of her coat. "We have business to discuss first. You can have me when the transaction's complete and when you've saved Zenarr Inc." Kaysa gave Zale a fleeting kiss and quickly stepped away from his grasp and headed for her closet. "Don't mind the mess around here. I haven't bothered cleaning for...well, I can't remember the last time I had a cleaner droid in here."

Zale looked around the room while Kaysa changed out of his sight. He took a seat on the edge of the bed and chuckled softly to himself as he looked around. She was an intriguing woman, and the more time he spent with Kaysa, the more he wanted to know about her. "Well, while we're gone, we can turn a cleaner droid loose in here. Maybe later this afternoon, we can come back by to grab some things to drop by my place."

"We can do more than that if you want." Kaysa smiled at Zale as she returned to view, leaning half dressed against the doorframe. "You deserve all the gratitude I can give you, and that means all you have to do is ask, and I shall deliver." Kaysa laughed softly and strode towards the bed with her shirt dangling from her hand. "So what shall it be, Zale? Sex? I think I've already figured that one out for myself. It's such a predictable, uncomplicated relationship we have, Zale, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's much easier to be with a man if the only expectation you have to meet is being a satisfying sex partner."

Zale stood to meet her, keeping his eyes on hers. "I think we both are pretty good as satisfying sex partners," he said. He knew any suggestion of something a normal couple would engage in would only be met by derision. He'd been around, and talked to, Kaysa enough to know her view of such things. "I don't know the extent of our relationship other than as business partners and bedmates. Does it really matter?" He shrugged. "As long as we can give each other what we want, then that's all that matters. And, I have ten million credits that you want. Shall we?"

"Oh my. Is that self restraint I see?" Kaysa let her shirt fall to the floor and pressed her bare breasts against Zale. She would rather be discussing business, but she was also in the mood to play, and testing Zale's limits was as fun a game as any. "So, shall we get going then?" she said with a sly grin, which only added to the allusiveness of her question.

Zale let a smile creep across his face as he brought his hands to Kaysa's breasts. "Yes," he said, lifting his eyes to meet hers. "Let's get going." He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. He shifted her toward the bed and gently eased her back to it.

"I knew you couldn't hold out for long, Zale," she said with a satisfied grin. "Do you always conduct business in the bedroom? If so, I'm sure if I tried, I could get another ten million out of you." Kaysa ran her hand down Zale's chest, then allowed it to slip down into his pants. "You're addicted to me, aren't you, Zale? Aren't you afraid you'll get soft if you let yourself fall for a woman?"

Zale laughed softly. "We're not conducting business, Kaysa," he said softly. "And, I'm sure you'll help keep me from falling for you, since that's what you don't want. If you want another ten million, we can negotiate for it. And, I keep personal and business affairs separate. Any woman I fall for will be present in that way in my personal life. I make few exceptions in business, and none of those come from the heart."

"If you wanted to fall for me, Zale, I think you could manage that despite my protests. I'm such an easy woman to love, after all." Kaysa rolled her eyes sarcastically and pulled her hand from Zale's pants. "Come on," she said soberly. She attempted to push him off of her while wriggling beneath him to slip away. "I want my money, Zale and this conversation is boring me. Let's go."

Zale shook his head and stepped away from Kaysa. "Very well then. Your fortune awaits you. Get dressed," he said and started toward the main living area. He kept his back to the door as he waited for her to finish dressing. And, that's exactly what I was talking about, he thought to himself.

Kaysa strolled into the living area, pulling the red shirt she'd chosen the rest of the way down as she did. She walked over to a pile of clothing in the corner of the room and rifled through it before weeding out her favourite leather jacket. "Now we can go," she said. She tossed the jacket over her shoulder and slipped her arm through Zale's as they exited the apartment. "So, taking me somewhere nice for breakfast?"

"That is the plan," he said as they took the stairs down to the first level and then exited the apartment building. He led the way toward the Yesdol district and the location of the restaurant he'd been to more times than he could count and never grew tired of their more than amazing cuisine. He guided them toward the nearest monorail station. They could walk, but it would take them over an hour to cross the Yesdol district. "I think you're gonna love this place. They have the best Respari omelettes."

"You presume to know me that well already? Well, lucky for you, I love Respari omelettes." Kaysa slid her hand along Zale's arm and slipped it into his. She laced her fingers through his and glanced up at him to gauge his reaction. Of course, there was none, at least nothing in his expression, as usual. "So, where are you from again, Zale? I don't think you've ever told me."

"I'm from Coruscant, though I've travelled quite a bit. I left home when I was sixteen, and have moved around the rim and the core quite a bit. I moved to Chimaeria a little over three years ago. Do you want to know all the places I've been?"

"No, that's alright. I'm not in the mood to hear you boast about how cultured you are because you've been to all these wonderful places," Kaysa said in a mocking sing-song voice. She caught Zale's disapproving expression and cleared her throat uncomfortably. "Ok, fine. So, Zale, what fascinating, interesting places have you been to? I would so love to hear about them." Kaysa smiled sardonically at Zale.

Zale laughed. "No," he said. "I can see that you're not interested." They entered the monorail terminal just as a train was pulling in. He led the way inside and they found seats near the front of the car. "It's a good way to travel through the city, but you really have to watch yourself."

"Really? I've never actually ridden on this thing before. At any rate, I've got you so I don't have to worry about anything." Kaysa stared at Zale with a hint of a smile on her face and nudged him as he gazed fixedly out the window. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I can tell you didn't appreciate my sarcasm back there. I'd love to hear about all the places you've been. Really."

"It's really not that interesting," he said. "I spent time running a Kessel mining company, and a gas mining company on Bespin. And there were various other business ventures on most of the more well-known business planets around. And, then I realized with the Empire taking so much control that I had to get someplace safe. That used to be here. Fortunately, they don't appear to be cracking down too hard on illicit businesses. They're more concerned about people disparaging the emperor's name."

"So you've been to Bespin then? I thought you looked familiar." Kaysa nuzzled her mouth against Zale's ear and her hand made its way onto his thigh. "How long is this ride? Do we have time for...well for becoming more familiar with each other?" She suckled his ear gently and let her hand massage his firm thigh. "You mentioned business and you know how excited that makes me. I think you did it on purpose, you lecher."

Zale smiled and slipped an arm around Kaysa. "I believe the ride's about twenty minutes," he said, "so I believe we've got some time." He let his hand move down to brush across her stomach. "We're going to be working together pretty closely, I think. I might even consider letting you in as a partner on some of my interests around town. Including the spaceport once I convince Rennor to let it go. You'll have the opportunity to make much more than that ten million."

Kaysa moaned with delight and looked quickly around at the empty seats surrounding them. "More business talk is only going to get me more worked up, Zale," Kaysa chided playfully. She stood up from her seat and moved in front of Zale, gazing down at him with a smile. "Rennor will never let his spaceport go, just like he won't let me go." Kaysa climbed onto Zale's lap and straddled him. She took his face into her hands and placed a kiss onto each of his eyelids before placing one gently onto his lips. "If I become your partner, you'll have to spend a lot more time with me. I think after a while, you'll come to loathe being around me."

Zale slid his arms around Kaysa and pulled her into him slightly. "You never know," he said. "I'm a fairly tolerant person, and I really have only ever loathed a Hutt, but that was just because I had to dine with it. And, Rennor has a price, I just need to find it. Everyone has a price, some are just more expensive than others. There's only one way to find out if I'll loathe you."

"And how's that? Are you going to lock yourself into a room with me for a week? If you do, I'm sure you'll come to the same conclusion many others before you have: that Kaysa Zenarr is a cold, rude, completely obnoxious witch. And they're right." Kaysa laughed and let Zale's hands slide entirely under her shirt. "Getting daring, aren't we? Someone could come in."

Zale smiled. "We'd either give them a show or scare them away," he said. "I'm betting they'll be scared away. While the people of this planet are used to wandering around half-naked, when the nakedness is acted upon they usually get a little on the appalled side. You won't find a more hypocritical planet in the entire galaxy, but still the doors are wide open to make credits hand over fist. I think if the business prospects here weren't so good, I would have left a long time ago. Hopefully the planet's new masters won't change that too much."

"I'd say they've changed enough around here already. Take that dress code you're so fond of. Oh don't deny it! I know you enjoyed looking at those scantily clad women running around. Although I'm glad the Imps quashed that tradition, it's just another example of how they're trying to force their strict regime upon us." Kaysa sighed angrily and sat stiffly in Zale's lap. "If someone doesn't do something about them soon, Tae'Karada will end up becoming some Imperial stronghold. I'm sure in time, they'll have all of us shipped off of the planet and repopulate it with legions of Imperial soldiers. I for one am not so content to see that happen, but I'm not exactly in any position to do anything about it either, which is very frustrating!"

Zale nodded, sobering at the change in conversation. "There is a rebel movement starting in the underground," Zale said quietly. "I think that the people are strong, and won't lie down easily. For the time being they're only cracking down on treason and other acts of defiance against the Empire. I've got money earmarked for the rebellion. Don't worry about them for now. I protect my investments and my business partners."

Kaysa gave an amused laugh and looked at Zale with a queer gaze. "Zale Tregat, a rebel sympathizer? If word gets out about that, it's not your business partners that'll need protection. They will kill you if they find out about your connections to the alliance." Kaysa's amusement waned and she found herself tenderly caressing Zale's cheek. "Don't get yourself caught, ok? And I'm not telling you this only because I don't want my source of creds to dry up, but...well...I kinda like having you around."

Zale looked up into Kaysa's eyes and opened his mouth to speak, but there was no sound. After a moment of just looking at her, seeing the true concern in her eyes, he nodded. "I'll be careful," he said softly. He brushed his hands up along her sides, enjoying the heat of her body through her shirt. "Would you like to go out tonight? I know a place with great food and even better dancing. A little celebration."

"Breakfast and dinner in one day, plus a little after celebration celebration I'm assuming." Kaysa laughed gently and pressed her lips to Zale's neck. "A little dinner and dancing sounds wonderful, but if I hear the word 'date' once, I'm out of there."

Zale held her close, enjoying the feelings her body pressed to his caused. "Don't worry," he said. "We will be business partners and intimate friends out enjoying a meal and each other's company. No dates. And, then after, we'll see what happens." He closed his eyes as she continued to trail kisses along his throat. "If your demons are more quiet tonight, perhaps we can have a more intimate night. A little slower, and much more pleasurable."

"I thought last night was pleasurable, although somewhat painful. Didn't you enjoy yourself?" Kaysa looked up at Zale with a playfully mischievous smile and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I know you enjoyed tormenting me, hurting me, forcing me. It turned you on, just like observing women from the shadows does. Do you still do that, by the way? Is that how you found me in that alleyway yesterday?"

"I was thinking about you yesterday, and I decided to try to find you," he said. "And, I did. And, I wasn't just watching from the shadows. And, I didn't enjoy hurting you. You seemed to want it, so I gave you want you wanted. The pleasure was in helping you, and taking you from the other pain." He slid his hands beneath her shirt again and let his fingers trace patterns against her skin. "Do you enjoy the pain? Do you want more of that? I won't truly hurt you, only to the extent that you want. But, if you want it, I'll give."

"And what about you, Zale?" Kaysa sat up straight again and gazed inquisitively at Zale. "What do you want? You're so willing to fulfill my needs, but I don't understand what you get out of all of this. Don't you dare tell me it's because I'm a future business partner and you're just trying to help me. You said you were thinking about me. Why?"

"I hadn't seen you since that first time we met," he said. "And, I was thinking about you. And, I wanted to see how you were, and what you were doing, and see about getting to know you a little better. You intrigue me, and we still had some unfinished business." He glanced away, partly to see where they were, and partly to remove himself from Kaysa's gaze. "I wanted to see you again. To see if what we shared was real."

"It certainly felt real...both times," Kaysa joked. "And as for unfinished business, I believe I paid you in full." Kaysa laughed but noticed Zale's face, and apparently his attention, was drawn away from her. She stared at him silently and impatiently for a few moments before pushing herself off his lap and looking down upon him. "What? What do you want me to say, Zale? How do you expect me to respond when you tell me you needed to see me again because, for a moment, you confused some act of physical pleasure for a display of affection? You're not becoming weak, are you Zale?"

Zale's body stiffened for a moment, and then relaxed slightly. When he turned to look at her again, his eyes were cold. "No," he said, his voice too lacked warmth. "Not getting weak, and I'll remember to keep my thoughts and feelings to myself, since apparently feeling anything is a sign of weakness." He stood from his seat and moved toward one of the train exits to wait for their arrival at the station. The lighted display indicated they were approaching it now. Zale couldn't wait to get free of the confines of the suddenly cramped car.

---

"Tortured Soul, Part 3"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Various Locations around New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

***

"Now you're telling me you have feelings for me, Zale?" Kaysa laughed derisively as she sauntered over to Zale and stood behind him. She placed her hand on his shoulder, which was just about cold to the touch, and let her fingers trail down along his arm. "You're confused, Zale. That's all this is. Just focus your thoughts for a moment and think: Could a man like you do something as stupid as fall for a woman who's only after his money and power?" Kaysa made a series of condescending tsks as she wrapped her arms around Zale's waist. "One more night with me, and we'll have that foolishness remedied. I have a knack for putting stupid ideas out of people's minds."

Zale looked down at Kaysa and narrowed his eyes. "Get your hands off of me," he said, his voice harsh and venomous. "Perhaps it is stupid of me as well to give my money to a woman who lusts after it as you do." He reached down and pulled her arms away. A muscle in his jaw flexed and unflexed as his hard eyes bored into hers. "It's over. As soon as you perceive an opportunity, something you perceive as weakness, you pounce. You dig in your claws, and try to rend flesh and bone." He gave her a smile that held no mirth, only a coldness. "You've tried it with me more than once, and you didn't learn from the experience. It's over."

"Over?" Kaysa became suddenly breathless and the chill in Zale's voice and eyes enveloped her flesh. He was about to walk away from her and take his ten million with him, creds she desperately needed. She'd done nothing wrong, in her eyes, except remind him of the agreement they made to each other, one that stated their relationship would be a superficial one, and which only involved sex and creds. The look in his eyes and the stiffness in his jaw indicated to her she had hit a nerve. "It can't be over, Zale. Please!" Kaysa flew to Zale and clutched his shirt with her trembling hands. "What have I done!? Zale, what have I done?" she pleaded frantically.

Zale looked down at Kaysa. "You saw what you perceived as weakness in me, and you pounced on it. You've done it before, last night. And, before at your apartment. I can't trust to do business with you. You've already shown that you have no qualms about screwing with me when you think you can. You're too great a risk, and you just proved that to me."

"I was only trying to keep you from doing something insane like confuse my tenderness for love or genuine affection. Just because I refuse to let you fall for me doesn't mean you can't trust me, Zale!" Kaysa's trembling became more violent the longer Zale's stern, emotionless gaze penetrated her. He probably wasn't even listening to a word she was saying. "Please...I need this. There are things...things you don't understand Zale. This money isn't just for me or Zenarr Inc." Thinking of who the money was really destined for snapped the final thread of resolve within her, and she found herself unable to do anything but cling to Zale's waist firmly and stammer wildly. "Don't leave me, Zale. I--I'll do anything. I'll make you see you can trust me...you can trust me, Zale! What can I do? Please!"

"First off," he said, keeping her in his gaze, "if you ever pull something like that again, you're gone. You are opportunistic and manipulative, but if you turn those traits against me again, you will regret it. Second, if you just want sex and creds, then that's all there will be. No more tenderness or soft moments since it only leads us into this bullshit. If you can't deal with that, I'll give you one million credits and I want you gone out of my life."

"It's more than just the money though, Zale. You know that. You saw me last night in that alleyway...I needed what you gave me, what you did to me." Kaysa was breathing heavily as she let her hands wander along Zale's stomach and chest. "I want the money, I do, Zale but I need your fortitude, your strength even more. I'm the weak one, not you, Zale," Kaysa whispered. She buried her face into Zale's chest to cover the tears that were quickly welling up in her eyes. Her son had survived 3 months longer than the doctors said he would; he tenaciously held onto life and refused to give up. If only she were as strong... For him, she had to hang onto Zale and get the money that would save his life. "75,000 creds," she said in a grim, quiet whisper as she looked up at him. "If you throw me out onto the streets without speaking another word to me for the rest of my life, at least give me 75,000 creds, and I'll be out of your way...if that's what you want."

"If you can't control yourself, then I don't see any other options, Kaysa. If you're going to ridicule and berate me whenever you think you can, and then expect me to give you money and sex... If you don't think you can control yourself, I'll give you one million credits, and call it done. But, if you think you have the strength to restrain yourself from going for my throat when it's bared to you, then we might be able to make this work."

"You see, Zale," Kaysa began with a rueful smile, "that's exactly what I need you for. I'm completely out of control, and you're the only one so far who's been able subdue that part of me that thinks she can manipulate everyone and get away with it. You'd never let me get away with it. Everyone else who's ever tried that...well, they're not around anymore, are they?"

She looked up at Zale with an imploring gaze; the tears had glazed over her eyes so that all she could make out now were distorted shapes, but one thing that appeared in perfect clarity still were Zale's black eyes, staring at her with an unrelenting, icy intensity. "You have to be my strength, Zale. I want this to work. You won't leave me, will you?"

Zale sighed. "If you try any of this again," he said. "I will. You are a vicious and vindictive woman, and when you lash out, you do it with the intention of destroying whoever you're dealing with. You try to do it to me again, and I will destroy you. I don't want to hurt you, Kaysa, but know that I won't hesitate if you push me any more than you already have. I'm tired of your games, and if you play them with me again, I'll be certain you lose everything."

Kaysa composed herself as best she could and pulled away from Zale. She cleared her throat and wiped the tears that managed to escape. Despite her tears, Zale showed no sympathy; he was as harsh and implacable as his gaze. "Fine, Zale. You don't have to threaten me. No more games. No more displays of affection because obviously I can't handle it, and you're unable to control me enough to keep me from freaking out when you show me even a glimmer of tenderness. No more games, if I can help it."

Zale shook his head and sighed. "Okay," he finally said. He turned to see the train had stopped, and was just about to start again. He thrust out an arm to keep the doors from closing and motioned Kaysa out onto the platform. He led them away from the station and toward a large cluster of buildings. It took twenty minutes, but soon they were inside of a very tall office building and rocketing upwards in one of the lifts. It stopped midway up the building and they stepped out into what was obviously one of his offices. "This way," he said, and started down a hallway leading to a single door.

"I thought we were having breakfast?" Kaysa asked quietly. Despite the softness of her tone, her voice cut through the silence of the large, deserted hallway and amplified it to an almost uncomfortably loud volume. She made certain to keep quite a distance behind Zale; she couldn't see how irritated he was with her if she couldn't see his face.

She wringed her hands almost nervously as they neared the large door and for a moment, she was almost reluctant to find out what was on the other side. This was Zale's realm, one she'd never encountered before and as usual, she feared what she didn't know, just as she'd grown to fear Zale somewhat. "We don't have to do this now if you don't want to, Zale."

Zale opened the door and stepped inside the large office. He moved to the desk that sat against the far wall and opened a slot in it to make the transaction. "We do have to do this now," he said. "You've been waiting for this moment all morning. That's all we are. Sex and creds. So, we're taking care of the creds now since we took care of the sex last night."

Kaysa looked away and let out a short laugh. "Bitter aren't we?" she muttered to herself. He said himself if sex was all she wanted, that's all he would be offerring, but he'd broken his promise quickly enough. The warmth of his embraces, the tenderness of his kisses, and the softness of his gaze frightened her; he was drifting precariously close to the line she'd warned him about crossing and he almost had her placing a foot over it along with him, but she took care of that urge quickly enough. She didn't need to feel anything for him in order to be with him and he seemed to accept that - he was still giving her the ten million creds, after all.

Creds and sex...that's what their relationship was based on, but Zale didn't seem content with that now. Come to think of it, neither was she; she'd never before felt like such a prostitute.

Kaysa watched Zale begin feeding the ten million into her account, and as he did, she felt the last lingering traces of her self respect being drained from her. In all she did, she promised herself she would never sacrifice her integrity for creds, but that's precisely what was on the verge of happening now. "Stop," she whispered. She rushed forward and slammed her hands against the surface of Zale's desk. "I said stop!"

Zale stopped the transaction and turned to look at Kaysa with a look of confusion on his face. "What now?"

"I--I don't want the money," she said in surprise. "I mean...it just feels empty somehow." Like I'm beginning to feel myself... Kaysa's eyes locked with Zale's, and the confoundment in them was somewhat disconcerting to her. If she could put a man like Zale Tregat into a state of disarray like she just had, then she truly was a dangerous woman. "Ten million is a lot to waste on a woman like me. You obviously aren't eager to give it to me, and frankly, I've completely lost my enthusiasm in accepting. I won't take it, nor will I throw myself into a shallow relationship such as this."

Kaysa moved briskly to Zale's side. "I don't want you to toss credit chips at me the minute you pull your dick out of me." Kaysa quickly raised her hand to stay Zale's obvious urge to respond, then continued. "I know you've said the money is business and what goes on in the bedroom is separate from that, but if that were true, you wouldn't be so bitter about having to give it to me right now, especially after what just happened in that monorail." Kaysa gave Zale a gentle smile and reiterated, "I don't want the money."

Zale dropped the credit chip onto the desk and then nodded. "Okay," he said. "No money. No shallow relationship." He knew she wasn't trying to manipulate or trick him. He could see that her denial of the money was genuine. Not quite sure how to proceed at this point, he leaned back against the desk and regarded her carefully. "So this is goodbye?"

Kaysa shrugged her shoulders. "Do you want it to be?" Kaysa remained at a safe distance from Zale. She wasn't going to be presumptuous and make a move, for she wasn't certain what his reaction would be if she tried.

"You don't want my money and you don't want a shallow relationship," he said. "I don't see what other options we have since ours is a relationship that deals only in credits and sex. If you're no longer interested in those, we would have to change the rules."

Kaysa had no idea what other options there were either. She wanted Zale to give her sweet abandon from her self destructive pursuit for control, then she wanted his creds, and now, she had no idea what she wanted. She knew she felt nothing more than affection for him, but she wasn't willing to let it all end either. "What rules, Zale? Must I only speak to you when spoken to?" she teased, yet without a note of sarcasm in her voice.

He shook his head. "The rules now are just sex and credits, nothing else. If we get rid of the credits and the shallow sex, that leaves us with nothing. We can't feel, we can't be friends or lovers, we are just two people who happen to stand near each other."

"We're still business partners, I hope, Zale. I mean, at least this way, I have to work for my money. Other than that, I have no idea." Kaysa hazarded a step forward and gripped her hand gently around Zale's forearm. "Why can't we be friends, Zale? Friends aren't the same thing as lovers. Don't be difficult about this. Please?"

He shook his head. "Sure," he said. "Friends. And, we can work out the arrangement of our partnership." He didn't know what she wanted, and had a strong suspicion she didn't either. And, he could only imagine how difficult things would become now. Friends who didn't care for each other at all. At least, he was certain she didn't care for him.

Kaysa finally allowed herself a moment of relief and sighed deeply to dispel all the tension within her. "That's better," she said with a smile as she closed the distance between her and Zale.

She'd just given up ten million creds to be friends with a man she hardly knew, which momentarily shook Kaysa. Moreso, though, she gave up a chance to save the son she had abandoned. He'd survived four months already, and she hoped he would survive a little longer. But instead of the instant payoff Zale was offerring, she'd have to wait for him to help revive Zenarr Inc. before she made a single cred. It would probably take more time than Keeve had left, and because of her insecurities about getting close to men, she'd basically sentenced him to death.

Kaysa gripped Zale's shoulders for support as her flimsy legs threatened to give way beneath her. She refused to let the distress seep out onto her face, but her trembling body was betraying her. "A drink," she said almost breathlessly. "A drink...to celebrate our new friendship."

Zale nodded. "I have a stash behind my desk," he said. "What would you like?"

"Something strong, preferably. I really should eat first, but I need the drink more." Kaysa made her way carefully past Zale and slumped down into his chair. "Has anyone ever turned down money from you? I'm certain most people would be afraid to. Wouldn't want to offend a powerful crimelord, after all."

Zale laughed as he moved to pull out one of the bottles. "I have never offered anyone money like that before," he said as he poured their drinks. "I have had some business opportunities go sour over money, but never offering money like that." He moved to sit opposite her, at the chair usually reserved for his guests. "Do you need the money? We can make it a loan that you could pay back over time with the profits made by Zenarr Inc."

Kaysa shook her head vigourously, then swallowed down her drink entirely. "No. I mean, yes I need the money...well not me exactly, but..." Kaysa laughed dryly and shook her head. "Do you know that I got into this mess with Rennor all because I needed some creds? Not like he'd ever give me any, which I only just realized. The bastard even saw that Zenarr Inc. was floundering, yet he did nothing to help. I think he'll be glad to see it go so that I can devote more time to sucking his dick."

Zale shrugged. "He's a selfish man," he said. "If he saw a beggar on the street, he would only help the man if it increased his bottom line and portfolio. He probably saw that your company couldn't help what he had already, so he was willing to sacrifice it. He thinks of no one but himself. You already know that all you were to him was a way to increase his own status." He shrugged again and downed his drink. "If you need the money, I can lend it to you. As a friend and a business partner."

"I--I don't know, Zale," Kaysa said quietly. Her eyes fluttered up to his, then looked away again. "I can't take your money because I still want you, Zale. I want to make... I want to sleep with you Zale." She suppressed her smile with some effort and placed her empty glass upon his desk. "Don't you want that too?" she asked as her eyes finally fixed themselves on his.

He nodded. "I do," he said. "But what about shallow relationships? Just tell me what you want, and we'll see what we can do. How does that sound?"

"The problem is, I don't know what the hell I want, Zale." Kaysa let a smile soften her tense features and added, "And I hardly think the sex was shallow. Especially not with you. You're a very giving partner; if you weren't, you wouldn't have been so concerned with what I wanted last night, but you were." Kaysa leaned forward and reached her hand across the desk towards Zale. "You wouldn't have come for me in that alleyway either if all you wanted was sex. You rescued me, which doesn't make for a very fitting start to a shallow relationship, Zale."

"I like you, Kaysa," he said. "At least I keep trying to. I do care what happens to you. You've had a lot of shit dumped on you in life, and for some reason I want to help." He took her hand and looked up into her eyes. "I don't know what I feel other than I do like you. I don't know where this leaves us."

Kaysa sighed and looked away. The warmth in his eyes, and the twinge of frustration, was too painful to look at. Simply because her life was difficult didn't mean she had to do the same to Zale's. "I'm sorry, Zale. I had no intention of doing this to you, of making things hard for you. You just picked the wrong woman to pursue." Kaysa shifted her eyes back to Zale's for a moment, but wasn't resolved enough to keep them there. "Do you still want me to be with you tonight? If you need some time away from me, you don't have to see me for the rest of the day. I'll understand."

"That depends on you, Kaysa," he said. "If you want to be around me. If you won't ridicule me for having any sort of feelings for you other than indifference. If you want to be around me in this nebulous state we're now in, then I wouldn't mind your company."

"Dammit, Zale! Stop asking me what I want." Kaysa's eyes flashed back to Zale's face and her own features took on a look of desperation. "You know I have no idea what I want. Take control, Zale. That's what I need you for. If you want me, take me. Don't ask what I want because you'll never get a straight answer from me. Just tell me what you want, and I'll do it."

"I know what you don't want," he said. "And, that doesn't leave us much else." He shrugged and got up from his chair. He stepped around the desk and squatted at her side. "You said you want a shallow relationship, but you said ours isn't very shallow anymore. You don't know what you want now, but I'm still assuming you don't want the things you've said you don't want. Or has that changed too? If I were to manage to fall in love with you, how quickly would you ridicule me and push me away? If I were to show you tenderness, how quickly would you accuse me of going soft and try to wrest control from me? What sort of relationship can we have if we're not allowed to have any kind of relationship?"

Kaysa flew from her chair with a shriek of frustration. She clutched Zale's shirt and pulled him to his feet. Before he could react, she pressed her lips roughly against his, moaning as she desperately tried to devour him. He knew how to get under her skin, just as much as she knew how to rile him up. She pulled her lips away and caressed his cheek somewhat tenderly. "You're taking me to dinner tonight, Zale. Then you're taking me home, screwing me all night long, then...then we start figuring out what we're going to do with each other. Does that help?"

Zale nodded. "It helps," he said, out of breath. "Are you hungry? I think that place was still serving breakfast, if you're interested." He put his arms around her and chuckled softly. "They have a great breakfast drink they make with fruit juices and a special blend of wines."

Kaysa stared at Zale with astonishment and an extreme perplexity. "You jerk," she said calmly. "You've been hassling me all this time, agitating me with your questions and your stubborn evasiveness, then one kiss solves everything?" Kaysa's mouth contorted as she forced back a smile, then she lightly jabbed Zale in the stomach. "You owe me a big breakfast for this."

Zale cupped her face in his hands and kissed her gently. "I think it was partly you making a choice about us, partly that kiss, and partly because I'm very hungry." He hugged her close and hoped that things would look up for them from here on out. He did like having her around, and she'd been doing everything she could to put distance between them. "One big breakfast coming up. Let's go."

"Gladly," Kaysa said with a deep sigh. "You wear me out, Zale. I'm not sure how long I can keep up with you."

He laughed as he led them out of the office. "I'll try to be less exhausting in the future, but you haven't exactly been making things entirely smooth yourself you know. We'll see what we can do though. Maybe this is our big breakthrough to less hassles."

"Possibly... But you already know how temperamental I am. This could just be a phase, you know." Kaysa smiled to herself and leaned against Zale like a crutch. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be harsh and cruel on the monorail. I was afraid, that's why I said those things. You're not stupid, or weak, or any of those things I called you. If I hurt you... I'm sorry."

"Not hurt," he said. "Just trying to figure things out. One moment things are one way, and then it's all flipped over. Maybe it is a phase, maybe it's not. We'll just have to wait and see what happens next."

"Well, brace yourself, Zale because I might just end up surprising you. Even I don't know what I'm going to do before I do it. I hope you like spontaneity, Zale; you'll be getting alot of that from me." Kaysa pulled away suddenly and stood in front of Zale, blocking his path. "Before anything, Zale, I wanna know what's going to happen to Zenarr Inc. I need money and I need it fast, but not just to save my business. If you help me, how long do you think it would take for Zenarr Inc. to produce a profit of 75,000 credits? I have to know."

"Profit? From what I've read in the public information, with my help, we can probably get that in three months, increasing steadily after that." He looked at her, and didn't bother offering the money to her again. She most likely wouldn't accept it again.

"Three months?" Kaysa's throat constricted on her and she turned away from Zale to hide her distress from him. In three months, Keeve would be dead. His struggle would be meaningless if she did nothing to help him, but she was powerless to defy her stubborn ideals and couldn't take money from Zale now. "Is there...are there any side jobs I can do?" she asked as she turned back to Zale. "I mean, do you know of anything I can do to make that much money, short of selling Spice, of course."

"What kinds of jobs are you interested in doing? I've got some work that requires someone to fly some cargo. Pays twenty-five a trip. Three of those, and you'd have your money."

"I can't fly through the Imperial patrols, Zale. I need a job where there isn't a chance I could end up dead." Kaysa sighed and shook her head. "Just forget it. I'll...I'll think of something. I could always pressure Rennor to give me some creds. That's what fiancés are for, after all," she said sarcastically.

Zale moved and took her into his arms. "What about a loan," he said. "Not free money, but money you can pay me back with using ten percent of Zenarr Inc.'s profits. How does that sound?"

"I don't know, Zale." Kaysa closed her eyes and deliberated mentally. A loan was different from payment for sex, wasn't it? All she owed him if she took it was repayment in the form of creds, not sex. She didn't know where her reluctance came from; was she too proud to have creds handed to her or was she too afraid Zale's act of kindness would cause her to feel things for him she didn't want to feel.

"Oh, Keeve," she said barely audibly. His fate rested in her hands, unfortunately for him, and just because she was an incompetent mother, he didn't deserve to bear punishment for that. "A loan? And I can pay you back, with interest?" she asked quietly.

"With interest if that makes you feel more comfortable," he said. "And, only a loan. You will pay me back in credits or another form of legal tender. Any sex we share is given free and clear of any monetary exchange. This is a loan to be repaid out of the profits of Zenarr Inc., and as the company thrives, the loan can be paid off more quickly."

Kaysa conceded and nodded her head slowly. "Thank you, Zale," she whispered. You've just saved my son's life... Kaysa sank into Zale's arms and kissed him gently on the lips. "You don't have any idea what you've done for me. Truly, you don't."

"The look on your face says it's something very good," he said. "Is it something you want to talk about? Or would you prefer to keep that private?" He held her to him, not moving. They could wait a little longer on food. This was more important.

"Not yet, Zale. I'm sorry. Just know that you've done something that will have an effect on more than one life. Some would consider you a saint." Kaysa smiled and almost winced as she asked her next question. "So...when can I have it? I don't mean to sound pushy, but I really do need it as soon as possible."

"I can make the transaction from the restaurant if you want," he said. "Or we can go back to the office and do it from there. So, right away if you'd like."

"No, you're hungry and so am I. Twenty minutes won't make much of a difference." Kaysa clung tightly to Zale and tried not to tremble with joy and relief. For once, she'd done something selfless, and compromised with Zale to save her son. He couldn't choose the mother the gods gave him, and there was no way she was going to let him suffer because of that. He would never know what she'd done for him, but it was better that way; she was dead to him - as she had ordered her mother to convince him of - and there was no point in raising his hopes that she would ever return by revealing to him that she was still alive.

Kaysa slowly pulled away and took Zale's hand into her own. "Come on. Let's get going. We have some Respari omelettes waiting for us."

---

"Tortured Soul, Part 4"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Various Locations around New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

***

Most of the meal had been cleared away, and Kaysa and Zale sat alone at the table. They'd been silent for the last couple minutes. Partly because of all the food they'd just consumed and partly because the restaurant's waitstaff had been hovering around the table clearing the dishes. But, they were finally alone again. Zale wasn't quite sure if that was a good thing or not. He wanted to hope that it was a good thing. He wanted to think that they had made a turn in their relationship. But, he knew at any moment, they could be right back to where they had been before. He knew now that it was Kaysa getting scared and not some vindictiveness that was forcing her to lash out at him. At least he hoped it was fear.

"I think they have some of the best food in the district, if not all of New Plouton. Though, Riel's over in Yallder has some great bantha steaks."

"Is that so? I'm not too familiar with all the eateries around New Plouton. I don't go to restaurants much." Kaysa rested her elbow upon the table and propped her head up with her hand as she looked out upon the street. She didn't visit Yesdol a lot, but in the short time she'd been sitting there gazing at the landscape, she was certain it was more hospitable than Yallder. All the districts were more hospitable than Yallder.

Kaysa sighed quietly and let her mind drift as she stared dreamily out the window. Moments of tranquility like this were a rarity for her these days and she would have been content merely sitting there for the rest of the day, observing people passing hurriedly by. "Why is everyone always in a rush?" she mused quietly. "It's as if they're desperately searching for something. They'll pass it by if they move too fast."

Zale turned and looked at Kaysa, a fleeting puzzled look crossed his features. He hadn't expected to ever hear that question from her. It wasn't the kind of thing, knowing what he knew about her, he expected her to even consider or be aware of. "I think most people are so focused on getting ahead, avoiding the Empire, making a credit, whatever, that they never look up from what they're doing." He looked out the window and watched a number of the people as they hurried past. "You see it here more than elsewhere on this planet. Credits bend people into some twisted parody of humanity. It's like an addiction. Once you start making them, you can't stop and you need more and more. And, pretty soon it's your whole focus in life to just make more. Not for any purpose, just because you need more. I bet most of them don't even have anything special for the money they're killing themselves to make. They just want to horde it."

"And are you addicted, Zale?" Kaysa turned her gaze back to Zale and gave a gentle, allusive smile. "To the money, I mean."

He looked up and smiled. "I don't know," he said with a shake of his head. "I don't think so. I think I have my eyes more open. And, my money does have some purpose." He laughed. "Maybe a little addicted. I don't just give it away. Well, not usually. My businesses do provide a lot of needed services to the planet. And, I try to take time outside of my work to unwind." He shrugged and laughed. "Maybe I am."

"Well, I definitely know I am. I wouldn't have trapped myself into marrying Rennor if I wasn't. Money seems to be my vice and I don't know why I continue to pursue it as I do. Why would anyone intentionally bring such heartache upon themselves?" Kaysa slowly looked away from Zale and focused on the scene outside again. "Am I self destructive, Zale? I feel everything slipping away faster than I can regain my hold on it. Why do things have to be so difficult? Why can't it just...all end?" she asked in a dejected whisper.

"Maybe this money and our partnership will help it start ending," he said. He reached out and took her hand. "What do you think of yourself, Kaysa? Honestly."

Kaysa opened her mouth to answer him with a sarcastic comment, but she merely exhaled slowly and looked back at him with a steady gaze. "I hate myself, Zale." That one statement summed up why she'd been torturing herself for four months, why she'd driven everyone who ever got close out of her life, and why Vrax, a sadistic psychopath, was the only man who could ever love the cold, heartless bitch she was. Kaysa pulled her trembling hand away from Zale's and wrapped her arms tightly around herself. She wasn't searching for love because she was afraid she wouldn't find it; that in itself would be proof enough that what she thought about herself was true. She'd found out long ago, that the truth often hurt far too much to bear.

Zale nodded slowly. "Yes you are self-destructive," he said. "And, that is why." He leaned close, still watching her. "And, I have a suspicion that because you hate yourself, and think yourself such a wretched person, that you will always be like this. If you don't like who you are, you can change. If you want to. It may not be easy, but if you try. You're a strong woman below all your hate, and I know you can be a beautiful woman if you put your mind to it. You just need a reason to like who you are."

"I've been searching for ten years, Zale, and I've yet to find that reason," Kaysa replied coldly. "I've lost everything that ever mattered to me, and now all I've got left to comfort me..." Kaysa laughed bitterly and shook her head slowly. "I'd forgotten that now I don't even have creds to keep me warm at night. I guess I've got nothing left, Zale. I'm a pathetic creature and there's no point in trying to save myself now."

Kaysa looked somberly at Zale, but her mouth quickly twisted into an acerbic smile. "You do know that tomorrow night, I'll probably end up in another alleyway, with another stranger sticking his dick into me. I hope you don't have a problem with that."

"Is that what you want? Is that what you think you need?" He watched her for a moment, and then shook his head. "Why just one? There's a bar down the street from me. The guys in there wouldn't mind waiting in line for a few minutes to get a shot at you. You could really punish yourself that way. I think on average, they have between twenty and thirty there. I don't think many would turn down the chance to fuck a hot number like you. You may even get to take a few at a time if you're up for it." He set his jaw, turning the words he wanted to ask over in his head. "Does it help? The stranger's dick? Does it take anything away? Or is it just punishment you think you need? While you're out in the alleys, there's a bar down the monorail line that all the hot, young women go to party. I'll probably pick one up there. I hope you don't have a problem with that."

Kaysa's seeping rage sent her body trembling and her face burning red. He was mocking her, taunting her because of her weakness. She wanted to scream at him and claw his eyes out with her nails, but hearing his words made her realize how truly pathetic she was. "You son of a bitch," she said, her voice thick as the tears blinded her eyes. "How can you be that cruel?" Kaysa's body convulsed as the tears engulfed her and she pushed her chair back quickly, desperately searching for somewhere to run. The patrons all turned their heads to look upon the source of the loud sobs ringing through the restaurant, and their eyes followed Kaysa as she ran across the room leaving a trail of piteous cries behind her.

"Damn," Zale rasped. He rushed away from the table, telling the startled waitress to put it on his tab.

Kaysa's cries were deafening as they wracked her body. She scrambled through the restaurant aimlessly, but somehow managed to find her way outside onto the streets. She looked around helplessly and in complete disarray. She didn't know these streets and had no idea where to go, so she chose a direction and started running.

Shouts and angry curses filled the air as she stumbled into person after person in the streets, but all she heard was Zale's cruel remarks resounding in her mind. She was reaching out to him, whether he knew it or not, and he simply tore her heart into two. He just validated the reason she refused to open herself up to people; she was afraid of having her weaknesses preyed upon, and Zale did just that.

Zale rushed out onto the street and looked around. He could see Kaysa in the distance, and ran after her. He didn't care about the people cursing him as he ran past. He only cared about catching Kaysa. He set his jaw and mentally berated himself for what he did. He was gaining on her, but the crowd was thicker here. He wanted to call out to her, but his voice might only drive her further away. He pushed ahead, and saw that he was gaining much quicker.

He didn't want to just tackle her. "Kaysa," he called, coming up behind her. "Wait. I didn't mean that. Please. I was wrong."

Zale's voice pierced through the jeers and shouts emitted by the street dwellers as she ricocheted off them in her desperate flight. She could hear his voice growing louder as he neared her, but she couldn't stop running. However, a kind, upstanding citizen took care of that for her.

As Kaysa continued through the crowd, a man, who had witnessed the chaos her stampede had left in its wake, tried to grab her arm to stop her. His hand made contact with her arm for a moment, but he was unable to hold on and released his grip. Unfortunately for Kaysa, he had already knocked her off balance and sent her crashing to the ground, ending her mad rush. Pain shot through her as the wounds on her knees from the previous night reopened, as well as new ones created by the hard pavement resting below her. She tried to force herself to her feet again, but she'd lost the will to run.

As Kaysa went down, Zale started slowing himself. He could see she was in pain, and her tumble had left smears of blood on the pavement. He dropped and slid to a stop at her side, heedless of the pain caused by the action. His arms immediately engulfed Kaysa and he pulled her to him. "I didn't mean it like that," he whispered. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Kaysa. Not like that. I was trying to wake you up. To get you to not do that, to not want to. I want to help you. I want to help you through this. But, you have to want it. You have to want to get out of this rut. I can try to help you if you want to, but I can't do it if you don't have the strength or the will to even want it."

Kaysa tried to push away from Zale, but with little effort and even less success. Zale's words drifted into her ears and wrapped themselves around the voice in her head urging her to run again, quickly quashing it. Her arms flew around Zale and she buried her face into his chest to drown out her cries. "I don't wanna be like this, Zale," she said in a hoarse whisper. "I just don't know how to be any other way."

He held her to him, not quite sure how he could help her either, but certain he wanted to. "We'll figure it out," he said softly. "Let's go get you cleaned up. And, maybe we can move some essentials over to my place if you're still interested in that."

Kaysa let Zale help her off the cold, hard ground below, and onto her feet again. She wasn't certain any longer if going home with him again was the right decision, but she had nowhere else to go and no one else to turn to. She didn't want to go back to those dirty alleyways, and if Zale could keep her from that, she would graciously let him take her anywhere. "I want to be in your bed tonight, Zale, and tomorrow night if you'll have me. Don't force me to be with those men, Zale. Please," she pleaded desperately.

"I won't let you go to them unless that's what you truly want," he said. "But until then, you can stay in my bed with me. As many nights as you want." He started back toward the monorail station, his arms around Kaysa as they walked. "There's got to be a reason for you to like yourself again, Kaysa. And, we'll find it."

Kaysa let out a short, unamused laugh. "You make me sound truly pathetic. I probably am, so I won't dispute that. And in that restaurant, what you said made me realize that. It hurt, but thanks, nonetheless."

Zale smiled. "It was supposed to hurt," he said. "But that's the kind of hurt that's supposed to pull people out of destructive behaviour, to wake them up. And, that's all I was trying to do. And, I don't want to see you out there doing that. Not like that. Going with men is fine, but going with men to punish yourself isn't."

"Are you so sure that's not the reason I'm with you?" Kaysa laughed softly and bitterly as she looked up at Zale with the last remaining trace of tears spilling from her eyes. "You're good at being cruel, Zale. I bet that helps you out a lot in your profession." Kaysa stared ahead of her now with her face cold and expressionless. "You still haven't given me my money, Zale."

"We can do that now if you want," he said. "To get that done. And, usually I'm fairly good at directing my cruelty at those who deserve it. And, you didn't deserve it. Do you want the money now? Or would you rather get cleaned up first?"

Kaysa sighed and tightened her arms' grip on his waist. "Just take me home now, Zale. I think I could use another one of those soothing baths of yours." She laughed quietly to herself and glanced up at Zale. He sounded truly sorry for what he'd done in the restaurant, but his eyes still held the impassivity she'd come to recognize in them. She may have played a more active role in pushing people away from her, but Zale's implacability and his refusal to let the tiniest emotions slip through the black veneer of his eyes achieved the same effect. How could anyone get close to a man who appeared as cold as he did?

Kaysa reached her hand up to touch his cheek and gave him a reassuring smile. "And you're wrong. I did deserve it, Zale."

"Not like that," he said. "You didn't deserve it like that, then. But, if it helped at all, then that's good." Zale gave her a smile that held true warmth, and he kissed her gently. He knew that under different circumstances and if they could avoid encounters like the one they'd just had, he could love her. But, it was probably good that everything kept stopping that from happening. She didn't need a man like him loving her, and he didn't know if he could afford the feelings for another despite how much he wanted to.

Kaysa's eyes lingered on Zale's face, the hint of a smile still on it. She knew she could so easily wipe that smile from his face with one snappy comment, to pounce on that crack in his facade and prey on the weakness his tenderness towards her was displaying. It pained her to know that the urge to hurt another could so easily rise within her, and that she felt powerless to stop herself from acting on it.

She hated herself for it and knew anyone who ever encountered her harboured the same sentiments in the end. Zale, however, seemed better equipped emotionally to handle her sudden evil streaks, but she didn't think even he would tolerate her for very long. "Do you know what you're getting yourself into, Zale? Do you have any idea?"

Zale shook his head. "No I don't," he said. "I have no idea where this is going. I just know that I want to help you get back on your feet, and I'm willing to do what it takes to help you there."

Kaysa nodded her head slowly. He really had no idea how precarious the path he'd chosen was. She knew it was a hopeless cause, for she'd lived with the person she was for so long that she no longer knew how to be any other way. He'd regret taking her in, making her his cause, but she wouldn't consciously do anything to hurt him if she could help it.

Her main problem, however, was that she couldn't help herself. She was a slave to her impulses and acted only on those; she'd stopped listening to her conscience long ago and most likely, it was as dead as her heart.

"Let's stop by my office really quick," he said, "and I can get that money transfer done. And, then we can get you back to my place and into that tub. I've got a bottle of some very nice Rodian wine that's great with spices. We can just relax with that and some music and just forget all the stuff that went wrong today."

"In other words, the entire day?" Kaysa said with a grin. "Remember though, only the 75,000. I know how tempted you are to give me the entire ten million, but that'll do." Kaysa sighed deeply as the thoughts of sitting in a warm bath, numbing her senses with copious amounts of wine, possessed her mind. She knew that could make her forget her troubles for a while; if so, she'd be spending a lot of her time in bathtubs with wine on hand.

"Not a credit more," he said.

---

"Tortured Soul, Part 5"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Various Locations around New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

***

It was a short trip over to his office, but soon they were back at Zale's desk. He prepared the transaction as before, but with a substantially reduced amount to put into Kaysa's account. He looked up at her once the console told him everything transferred fine. "You are now much more wealthy than you were before."

"For a little while, at least," she mumbled. Kaysa tore her eyes from the console and smiled at Zale. All that was left was for her to send the creds to her mother, and her son's pain would finally end. For a little boy to have to suffer as Keeve had was unfair and cruel of the gods. Leaving a boy without a mother was even worse.

Kaysa walked briskly towards Zale and sought shelter in his arms. "I owe you everything, Zale," she said. "I'll show you how grateful I am, if want me to." Kaysa looked up at him with desire burning in her eyes and she stepped away as her hands gripped the waist of her skirt. "Would you like me to thank you now?" she asked, ready to slip off her skirt with one word from Zale.

One look at Kaysa standing there sent Zale's heart beating faster. "Yes," he said softly. "If you want to thank me, now is good." He kissed her, the passions that had been boiling within him since their first fight raging to come out in a torrent. One thing they definitely had going was passion. And, the fights and quarrels only sent it higher. That look in Kaysa's eyes said she was feeling the same.

"Any way you want it, it's yours, Zale." Kaysa pushed her skirt over her hips and let it fall to her feet on the ground. She took Zale's hands and moved them to her breasts as she kissed him again. Her hips pressed against the leather of Zale's pants and she used her weight to push him back towards the desk. She didn't care about the pain in her knees or her elbows; Zale deserved this and she didn't mind giving.

Zale's hands fondled Kaysa's breasts as she pushed him back against the desk. He slipped an arm around her as the other swept the contents of his desk to the floor. "It's not soft, but it's a surface," he said. "If it's okay."

"Fine. You're on the bottom so what do I care?" she said quickly as her mouth covered his again. She pushed him onto his back and began undoing his pants before she climbed atop him. "Every horrible thing I've done and said to you today will be made up for. I promise," she whispered into his ear. She kissed his neck, then ran her tongue across his cheek and finally licked his lips slowly. "Is this how you like me, Zale? Do you like it when I show you initiative?"

"I like you like this," he said with a smile. "You're a passionate woman, and I like it when you're letting your passions lead." She pushed him back on the desk, and he shifted into a position that wouldn't be too precarious. "Make it all go away," he whispered.

Kaysa paused for a moment with her mouth hovering above his and her eyes locked with his. "I'll make it go away," she said as she reached down and pulled Zale's underpants clear of his waist. She slipped into place and began moving roughly and hastily against Zale. "I'll make it all go away, then you'll never be able to let me go," she whispered between clenched teeth as she moved against him harder.

Zale moved his hands to Kaysa's hips to help guide her as she slid up and down his shaft. He let her lead though. She needed that now. She needed to exert control, to come back from where she was. And, he would give her that. He moaned as her rough movements sent shivers of pleasure through his body. They were definitely good together.

Kaysa clenched her eyes shut and grunted as she struggled to keep up her intense pace. The soreness in her cunt from the previous night was beginning to return, but the pleasure she was feeling overpowered any of it. She sat up erect as she tried to position her body to give Zale deeper penetration, then cried out as his dick slid farther inside of her.

She gripped the bottom of her shirt and furiously tried to pull it quickly off over her head. The shirt cleared her head easily, but the sleeves confined her arms and she couldn't pull free. She shrieked as she desperately attempted to remove the shirt, which was now hopelessly tangled around her arms. She laughed breathlessly and looked down at Zale. "I bet you're finding this amusing. I'm all tied up and helpless. I'm completely at your mercy," she whispered seductively.

Zale laughed and reached up to Kaysa's now exposed breasts and pinched the nipples. "It looks like you are," he said with a sly wink. He leaned up and kissed her breasts, sucking one nipple and then the next. "Should I keep going here? Or do you want a little help there?"

Kaysa replied with long moans and an increase in the pace of her movements. Her hands were practically tied up behind her back, jutting her breasts forward in offerring to Zale. If he wanted to use her unfortunate situation to his advantage, she wouldn't deny him that, especially when it caused her just as much pleasure. "Keep going, Zale," she said before her voice cut out and a loud cry replaced it.

As he continued to suckle at her breasts, he thrust himself deeper inside her. The sounds of their passion filled the room as they became more frantic. Climax was nearing for both, and they were going to make sure it was a good one. Zale reached up with one hand while he kept the other one around Kaysa to steady her. He grabbed her shirt and tugged it. It took a couple times, but it finally came away. He looked up into her eyes and smiled.

Kaysa let out a throaty, breathless laugh as the shackles around her arms were released and her hands were free to explore Zale's body. She slid them beneath his shirt and pushed the fabric away from his chest. She returned the favour he had paid her and began nibbling and suckling his nipples as she continued moving atop him. Her eyes never left his just as the smile on his face never waned. No matter how much they fought or how fragile their relationship was, she knew they would never encounter troubles when it came to sex.

Kaysa's fingers closed around the flesh on Zale's back as the throbbing between her legs increased in intensity and moans rose from within Zale's throat. She groaned and straightened up to free her movements; her hips swayed frantically against Zale's and she could feel the blinding explosion of ecstasy nearing. "Zale, finish this," she groaned desperately, fearing that satisfaction would never come.

Zale bucked his hips against Kaysa, driving himself as far inside of her as he could go. It was only another moment before he threw his head back and cried out as he filled Kaysa's cunt with his seed. He looked up into her eyes and smiled as her own cries died down. "You're welcome," he said.

Kaysa took a deep breath and collapsed onto Zale's stomach. She craned her head up and began covering his neck with kisses. "You owe me dinner for that," she muttered as she slid up far enough to be able to press her lips to his. "Is your back ok? I can get off if you're uncomfortable," she said absently before sealing her mouth around his again.

Once the kiss ended, Zale laughed softly. "I'm fine here," he said. "And, that was thank you. I don't owe you dinner for that. But, you are definitely getting that dinner. If for no other reason than to get back some of the energy we just expended here." He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "I think I am leaving a butt print on my desk though."

Kaysa looked incredulously at Zale for moment before letting out a shrill laugh that shook her entire body. Zale had always appeared so hard and cold to her, and he was definitely the last person she expected to have a sense of humour. She took in short, quick breaths as the laughter continued, and she slipped off of Zale and onto the floor. She settled into the soft carpet below and smiled up at him. "Come on," she said as she held out a hand to him. "No one lays eyes on that ass of yours but me...and not even in the form of indentations on your desk."

Zale dropped down off the desk and onto the floor next to Kaysa. "Well, I may have to have that thing replaced in the morning." He slipped into her embrace again, and gazed into her eyes. When things were good between them, they were very good. He liked it that way. "I never realized the floor in this office was this comfortable. I think I need to get this carpet installed in the apartment too."

"Why? Planning on leaving butt prints on the carpet too?" Kaysa laughed and pressed her naked body to Zale's. She enjoyed how his strong arms encompassed her completely and supported her when she felt weak and unresolved. It was comforting to feel secure for once and not have a nagging fear that the ground could anytime be pulled out from under her. Zale quelled her fears, even though, at times, he was also a source of them. "We should go to my place," she said quietly. "I can pick up a few things to drop off at your place...if you don't mind that. I mean, it wouldn't mean I'm moving in or anything, just that things would be more convenient for me when I stayed over...which I plan to do alot."

Zale kissed Kaysa. "You are welcome to stay whenever you want," he said. He reached up and brushed the hair away from her face. "I like having you around, and I have a feeling with our business arrangement we'll be spending a considerable amount of time together." They sat up together, and Zale wondered which direction things were heading in now. As they lay there together, he could see things going in so many directions and most of them pleasant yet frightening ones.

He picked up Kaysa's skirt and handed it to her as she passed him his pants. "There's a restaurant at the top of the Segrelat Tower -- it overlooks the entire city, a great view -- I think we should go there for dinner tonight, if you're up for it."

Kaysa sat up to slip on her skirt but winced as the pain shot through her bent knees again. As she looked upon the dried blood and scabs, she made a vow to herself never to run through the streets with a skirt on again. She brought her knees to her chest and blew gently on the wounds. "Dinner sounds like a good idea, as long as there's not a strict dress code. I doubt they'd approve of my attire in some of the fancier restaurants around here."

Zale pulled his pants on and grabbed Kaysa's shirt for her. "I think they have a tighter dress code, but we won't have to worry about it. And, I think you look nice." He looked at her knees. "Well, mostly. We'll get those fixed up and you'll be as good as new."

"Yeah...good as new." Kaysa got to her feet and took her tangled shirt from Zale. She pushed the inverted sleeves back inside and slipped it on. She looked up at Zale and laughed at him as she pulled on her skirt. "So, when you walk into a fancy restaurant, not conforming to dress code, do the staff know not to hassle you?"

Zale smiled. "The places where I'm known, they don't bother me. Though, there is occasionally the new employee who hasn't heard that I probably own the place already. But, I'm usually able to get them to realize who I am, and then they fall over themselves to please me. It's actually quite amusing. Though, I usually dress within the required code of dress."

"Well, since I'll be dining with you, I don't want them to acquire a bad impression of you, so I'll wear something respectable, alright?" Kaysa stepped forward and let her arms hang loosely around Zale's neck. "I won't embarrass you if you're worried about that. No tantrums, no spectacles...I'll be the perfect lady for you."

"And who says I won't throw a tantrum," Zale said with a smile. "I'm not worried, Kaysa. Not at all." He slipped his arms around her waist. "Now, how about we get out of here and enjoy the rest of the day together?"

"What's left of it." Kaysa smoothed her hand over Zale's cheek and remained silent for a long moment before laughing to herself and slipping from his embrace. "You treat me like royalty now, Zale, but I wonder how long it'll take before you drop me for the next intriguing woman. Just warn me ahead of time so I can bleed as much creds from you as I can."

"I'll give you a warning," he said. "Though, I could only drop you if we had some sort of exclusive arrangement in our relationship. But even if that's not the case, I don't want to stop seeing you, no matter who else I may or may not meet. Life is exciting around you, and I like spending time with you."

"So you keep saying..." Kaysa muttered. She turned her back to Zale and headed for the door leading out into the corridor. "You're a very charming man," she called back as she reached for the door handle. "I still don't understand how someone like you can be alone. I think you're more like me than you'd care to admit," she said with a sly grin. "I think you like being alone, Tregat. It prevents people from getting too close to your secrets, of which I'm certain you have many."

Zale laughed. "I have my share of secrets," he said, following after her. "And, so do you. I don't let many people get close enough to want to be with me." As she stepped into the lift, he added softly: "You've gotten closer than anyone else ever has." He stepped in, and the doors closed. They plummeted through the interior of the building and soon were in the lobby again. "So, should we hire a hovercab to get your things to my place, or are you not going to bring much?"

"Well, I've never really done this before. I don't know how much to bring... I haven't lived with a man in over ten years." Kaysa cleared her throat and decided to veer off the path that would lead to thoughts of Cadwin. There was no room for him in her life now, but no matter how many times she told herself that, she always ended up thinking about him at the most inconvenient times; every time she thought of him was inconvenient. "I'll just bring one bag over. Nothing that will take up too much space," she said quietly, the light in her eyes going out. Thoughts of Cadwin always had a tendency to do that to her.

"I have a big apartment, Kaysa," Zale said, taking her hand. "You can bring over as much as you feel comfortable with. If you're going to be staying there, I don't want you feeling like a guest or out of place. I want you to feel like it's okay for you to be there. Bring whatever you want."

Kaysa shrugged her shoulders and mumbled a 'thank you' as they exited through the front doors of the complex. The sun had already begun to set and cast an orange glow upon the streets of Yesdol. There were far less people roaming about now, most likely because the business day had ended and the only place left to go was home. She knew she had an apartment, and now living space with Zale, but neither would ever be home to her. No matter where she went, an emptiness followed her and it was hard to feel comfortable anywhere when you were shrouded in darkness.

Kaysa clung to Zale's hand more firmly as she felt her resolve slipping away again. She was caught between extremes of emotions lately, and it seemed they had more control over her than she had over them. Zale would take care of that, though...he had to. "What will you be doing tomorrow?" she asked, trying to break the silence that allowed her too much time to think. "I mean, you have to work, right? Can I...I mean, can I see where you work?"

"Of course," Zale said with a smile. "If you want, I can take you on the tour. I have a number of properties here in New Plouton, but most of my illicit operations are in Thanatos. I can show you whichever you'd like, or all of them. Unfortunately, I don't have any interests similar to your company, so you wouldn't be able to compare notes on that. But I can show you the rest."

"Thanatos? Not the most hospitable place to work. I mean, it wasn't terraformed, so its climate isn't exactly stable. How hot does it get there during the day?" Kaysa laughed and ran her hand along Zale's arm. "I bet you'd like seeing me walking around with hardly anything on."

Zale looked at Kaysa and raised an eyebrow. "I must admit it would be a nice sight to see," he said. "And, typically it can get up around fifty degrees on a bad day. Most days are between forty and forty-five though. Then at night it will drop as low as ten below before you figure in the wind. But, it's good at keeping prying eyes away. Most people, the former monarchy and now the Empire, just leave it be. Which is why it's always been the haven for crime. I don't know how long the Empire will turn an eye to it. Hopefully they'll continue to think it's not worth it."

"Well, I'd love to go to work with you tomorrow...as long as you don't think my being there could cause a breach in security." Kaysa kissed Zale's bare shoulder, then rested her head upon it. "Don't worry. I won't sell out your business just yet. I'm having far too much fun with you."

Zale glanced down and was thankful he'd worn a sleeveless shirt. "It's okay," he said with a grin. "If you sold out my business, I'd just take yours." He put an arm around her. "There's part of me that believes you won't do anything to hurt me like that, but another part that still cautions me. But, I still don't think you'd deliberately hurt me like that."

"Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't have the resources or the brains to do it. Besides, it's probably best that you remain wary of me. Even I don't know I'm going to do something until I do it. It's a little unsettling not to be able to trust even yourself, especially when you're incapable of trusting anyone else. It gets tiring being so suspicious of everyone all the time. But I've learned the hard way that trusting another only ever gets you hurt."

Zale laughed softly. "Perhaps we can work on that...somehow. I don't know how, but maybe. And, I'll just show you around the offices, but nothing that you shouldn't see. And, I think you have more brains than you give yourself credit for."

"Stop trying to contradict me every time I put myself down," Kaysa said almost irritably. "I know I'm a slut, I know I'm a fool, and I know I'm a cold, heartless bitch. You don't have to try and make me feel better by trying to prove me wrong. I know what I am and I accept that. I think you should start doing so too."

"Very well," Zale said with a nod. "If you want to wallow in self-pity, I won't stop you. I'll just walk quietly along with you and not say a word." He glanced down at her and then shifted his gaze back to where they were walking. Ahead of them he could see the border of the Yallder district. He figured they still had a ways of walking before they got to Kaysa's apartment. He figured she might be able to do some real damage to herself before they got there.

"Fine," Kaysa answered stubbornly as she pulled away from Zale and folded her arms over her chest. She pretended to be interested in a tiny rodent up ahead feeding on a piece of discarded food, but she kept looking back at Zale from the corner of her eye. She sighed deeply for effect and began whistling the first tune that popped into her head. She wasn't going to give into his petty little games because she was stronger than that.

Before she barely finished her thought, Kaysa stopped dead in the street and hollered at Zale. "I do not wallow!" She clenched her fist and punched him in the arm, then cocked her head high into the air with stubborn defiance and walked quickly off ahead of him. "Jerk," she muttered under her breath.

Zale laughed. "Just make sure you don't stick that lip out so far you trip over it," he called after her, and then hurried his pace before she could get too far away.

Kaysa grumbled and yelled back at Zale. "Leave me alone! I don't appreciate your tasteless sense of humour." It seemed the only time he laughed was when he was laughing at her, and frankly, she didn't find her situation that amusing. "This isn't funny, Zale. If I were to ever mock you like that, you'd have a fit and either slap me, pull my hair or throw me out onto the streets. If I only had a blaster right now..."

Zale shook his head and threw up his hands. "Kaysa," he said, "you have done far worse than mock me, and I have done nothing. And, you are wallowing. All of this is wallowing. You get this look in your eye whenever you think about where you are in life. And, I've seen that look a lot lately. And, I am a jerk. I'm neck deep in criminal activities, I have to be. I think it's in the job description." He continued walking after her. "Do you want to hit me again? Come on. Give me your best shot. Wherever you want to hit me. Come on."

Kaysa stopped again, but her eyes were still staring forward. Oh how she wanted to hit him right then. All the anger and frustration that had been welling up within her for months culminated in that moment and urged her to accept Zale's offerring. And she did. With one swift, fluid motion of her body, she spun around and sent her fist impacting with Zale's face. The instant her fist made contact with Zale, she let out a surprised gasp and covered her mouth with her hands. She had no idea where it had come from, but it certainly felt good. "Oh, Zale! I swear...I..."

Zale looked at Kaysa with surprise. He raised a hand to his lip and pulled it away stained with blood. He looked between it and Kaysa's fist and then laughed. He looked up at her and could see she was as surprised as he. "Feel better now?" he asked with a grin.

Kaysa's mouth hung agape for a few moments, with only tiny squeaks escaping instead of fully formed words. His reaction surprised her as much as seeing her fist hurtling through the air did. "Oh...I'm sorry, Zale," she breathed. She hesitantly reached out a hand to touch his lip, but she quickly drew it away and continued to stare at him with wide-eyed shock. "I didn't mean it...but you...I'm so sorry."

Kaysa continued to ramble until finally she flew into Zale's arms and held him tightly. "You told me to, Zale. It's your fault..." She breathed a sigh of relief and whispered into his ear, "Thank you."

Zale held Kaysa as she clung to him. "Well," he said softly, "if you needed it, it was worth it. And, I'll heal." He touched his lip and laughed. "I have had worse, but never from a woman. You pack quite a punch there. I should hire you as one of my bodyguards." At her look, he grinned. "Yes, I'm teasing, but you do have a strong punch. I won't have to worry about you being able to protect yourself."

Kaysa looked up at Zale with a timid, uncertain expression. He wasn't angry, surprisingly, which made her feel even worse for hitting him. She gently ran a finger along his bloodied lip, then kissed it softly. "Zale...you really know how to get on my nerves, you know that?" She allowed a laugh to escape and relieve the tension building within her. She could get used to beating up on him; it made her feel exceptionally good. "I'll buy dinner, ok? To make up for hitting you...even though you deserved it."

"Deal," he said before kissing her again. As they started off toward her apartment again, he chuckled. "I would really hate to see what you'd do if I really got you upset."

Kaysa thought back to all the men she'd ever screwed over in her life and gave Zale a knowing smile. "Believe me, you don't wanna find out."

---

"Tortured Soul, Part 6"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Various Locations around New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

***

Kaysa glanced around the room quickly, making a survey of what she wanted to bring, and what she possibly couldn't. She'd decided to leave behind most of her more inappropriate clothing and packed instead only attire suitable for more conservative occasions, visiting bars and nightclubs not included. She gripped the handle of the case and lifted it off the bed, testing its weight with her hand. "I hardly packed anything and it already seems like too much," she said to Zale over her shoulder. "Should I bring anything in particular? I mean, I doubt I'll be needing sleep attire..." Kaysa shot Zale a suggestive smile and lifted the case clear of the bed, before dropping it back down with a grunt. "Do you think I should unpack something?"

Zale laughed. "I think you should do whatever you want," he said. "If you want to get rid of things, do so. If not, it's fine. We could move your whole apartment into mine, and there would still be more room for additional belongings. Whatever you feel comfortable with. Whatever you want to have over there, you can bring."

"Sure, you say that now. Just wait until I clutter your bathroom up with my supplies." Kaysa stepped back with her hands on her hips and took one final look around. "Well, if you think you can carry my bag, I won't have to leave anything behind. Oh, I almost forgot!" Kaysa scurried across the room and rifled through her closet before pulling out a long, blue gown. She lay it against her body as she turned to face Zale and smiled expectantly at him. "Do you like it? I mean, is it appropriate do you think? I don't exactly have anything else to wear - everything else is far too revealing. But, this is good, right?"

"A little revealing is okay if you want," he said. "But, I do like that one. I think it will be perfect for tonight if you'd like to wear it." He smiled as she modelled the dress, draped over her body, for him. He picked up her bag and laughed. Life definitely was more interesting with her around. "You're a beautiful woman, Kaysa."

She let out a short laugh and folded the dress over her arm. "Beautiful...yeah." Kaysa moved to Zale's side and stuffed the dress into her bag. "We won't run into any of your ex girlfriends while we're at the restaurant, will we? I mean, if we are, I'll definitely have to wear something showing a little more skin." She placed her lips next to Zale's ear and whispered, "I hate exes."

Zale laughed. "Define ex," he said. "If you're asking about women I've had sex with, there might be one or two there. If you're talking about someone I've had a relationship with, I don't think there's much chance of that." He looked at her with a grin on his face. "Are you the jealous type, Kaysa?"

Kaysa smiled slowly and glanced up at Zale. She shrugged her shoulders as she turned away and started for the door. "I might be. Might not be. I guess you'll find out soon enough, won't you?"

"I guess so," he said with a grin. He followed her out of the apartment with her bag and they started down the stairs. "Well, if you want to wear something to show more skin in case we run into an ex, it's fine with me."

"Of course it is. If you had your way, I bet you'd have me strapped to your bed naked all day and night so you could have your way with me whenever you desired." Kaysa and Zale reached the door at the bottom of the stairs, and Kaysa stepped outside, holding it open for him. "I bet at your headquarters, you have women ready and waiting for you in the wings to satisfy your needs when you get a little feisty."

"Well, not the wings exactly," he said. "Just sort of dispersed throughout the building. I had a guy out last year who actually did a fairly extensive analysis and now we've got the women distributed more efficiently. It's really a remarkable set up."

Kaysa gave an unamused, exaggerated laugh before releasing the door prematurely and watching as it hit Zale in the ass. She looked up at him with feigned innocence and smiled sweetly. "Maybe when I come to visit, you can hire me a couple men to keep me entertained. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to show me around the place. Do you have sleeping quarters they can show me while I'm there? I'd really love to see those."

"We don't really bother with rooms," Zale said. "Though, we've got a few available for the more modest members of the organization. I think you'd be quite popular there. I think some of the guys like a woman with an air of command about her. I'm sure I could arrange the special tour for you." He gave her a grin as they started off toward the Yesdol district.

Kaysa grumbled under her breath and glared at Zale as they walked. No matter how clever she thought her remarks were, he always seemed to top her. Kaysa hated being bested by a man. "I wonder what your employees would think about their boss sharing his women with them. They might start losing sight of where exactly their place was, and who in fact holds all the authority. I mean, if they can have the same woman who's slept in the bosses bed, maybe they're not so subordinate to him after all. You better watch yourself, Zale. You might just have an upheaval in your midst."

Zale glanced at Kaysa and laughed. "Well, if I hear about you sleeping with any of my men now, I'll know what you're doing," he said. "And, I think my employees know their place and why they work for me, and not the other way around. And, if they get uppity, I'll have to remind them."

Kaysa laughed at Zale cynically. "Oh, and how do you go about doing that? If you need someone to rough them up a bit, I'm your girl. Just tell them to take a look at what I did to your lip, and they'll cower in fear." Kaysa looked over at Zale and asked carefully, "Does it still hurt? I didn't mean to hit you that hard."

Zale slipped an arm around Kaysa and pulled her to him. "Only when I smile. I've had worse. I got in this barfight a year ago. Some guy split my skull with the arm he'd ripped off of some droid. It was pretty intense. Well, with your knees and my lip, we can take care of each other when we get to my place."

Kaysa smoothed a hand over Zale's hair and looked at his head with astonishment as she pictured the old wound caused in that fight. "A droid arm? Remind me never to visit that particular bar." Kaysa's features softened and she moved her fingers to Zale's lips, letting them dance across the delicate flesh lightly. "And don't worry, I'll take care of that lip, and the rest of you when we get home. You'll forget all about the pain when I'm--" Kaysa cut herself off intentionally and gave Zale a suggestive smile. "Well, you'll see."

***

Zale dropped Kaysa's bag near the bed once they'd gotten back to his apartment and into the bedroom. It was starting to get dark outside and he realized they'd been out for quite awhile that day. He looked around and wondered if things would change much with Kaysa spending time with him now. After looking at her apartment, he figured there would hardly be a noticeable change in the apartment itself, other than the presence of her belongings. And, it would be nice to spend time with her. She was fun to be with, even with her jealousy and stormy temper. She did a fine job at keeping him on his toes.

"So, did you want to get yourself unpacked now or later?"

"I guess I could unpack as I go along." Kaysa paced slowly around the room, acquainting herself with all the furniture and numerous doors leading from it to hidden closets and small rooms. "I must warn you though, I'm quite messy," she said as she poked her head into one of the rooms. "Is this your study?"

"It is," he said. "That's where I do most of my reading, and also when I work from home. I can actually control all of my operations from this room if I wanted. The computer setup isn't as powerful as my offices either in Yesdol or down in Thanatos, but it allows me to get work done here. If you want, we can set you up to be able to control some of the functions of Zenarr Inc. from here."

Kaysa laughed and turned her attention back to Zale. "Already trying to make me a prisoner, I see. After all, you can't control where I go or what I do if I'm wandering the streets alone." Kaysa gazed at Zale standing across the room and started towards him as if suddenly drawn in by his eyes. "I assume we'll be sleeping in the same bed? You've never done that before on a long term basis have you?"

He shook his head. "No, I've never done this sort of thing on a long term basis. If you'd rather have your own bed, I've got another room where we can have a bed brought in when you stay here. And, I'm not trying to make you a prisoner. I figured you might want to be able to access important information from your business from here if you'll be here often. If you don't want that sort of convenience, we don't have to do anything with it." He smiled. "You are far too paranoid about my motives, Kaysa. I have thought so little of where this is going, that I really have no motive that I'm aware of other than helping someone I'd like to perceive as a friend."

"Granted," Kaysa said slowly as she continued to approach Zale. "But if we're friends, we can't share a bed, and if we can't share a bed, we can't share our bodies." She chuckled and was finally within reach, at which time she let her hands rest gently upon his chest. "Remember, Zale. I said I don't need help and I don't want a friend. If we were friends, I think it would be better that we have separate beds; sex always interferes with friendship. But since this is only about sex, I'd be happy to sleep by your side."

Kaysa's lips floated to Zale's and hovered there for a brief moment. "Besides, it's always nice to have a warm body next to you at night." Her lips finally touched his, but the smile she had worn was still curling her lips.

When the kiss broke, Zale chuckled softly. Just a couple hours ago, she'd been begging him to be her friend. "So we're back to just shallow sex again? Well, my bed is available to you. And, as much space for the things you'll be keeping here. Beyond that, I will offer you no more courtesies. If you want to check on Zenarr Inc., I'm afraid you'll need to go into the office for that."

Kaysa sighed and shrugged her shoulders as she slipped away from Zale. "I should probably go into work anyway. I've had my associate practically running the place for months. I know he doesn't mind, but he doesn't have the business sense I do. I'd be surprised if he hasn't accidentally sold the place off."

Zale laughed. "Well, I haven't seen it come across any of the boards with a sale notice, so I think it's safe for now. Though, money may be tight if someone hasn't been working at it. Especially after the blockade and the recent Imperial presence. If you need any advice on getting things picked up, let me know. I can help you myself, or I can lend you a number of my own financial advisors."

Kaysa moved to the bed dropped onto it with a loud sigh. "I'll let you know once I've assessed the damage for myself. Vrax - the associate I've been telling you about - has been keeping me apprised of what's been happening...which hasn't been much." Kaysa moved to the centre of the bed and clasped her hands behind her head. "You know, he's the only man I've had a consistent relationship with in over 10 years. Jealous?"

"Should I be," Zale said with a laugh as he joined her on the bed. "I'm not jealous, and I won't be as long as our relationship is as it is. So, what does Vrax do for you? And, is he your only employee or do you have others?"

Kaysa turned onto her side and propped her head up on her elbow. "What do you mean what does he do for me? He's my employee, nothing more," Kaysa said defensively. "I'm not sleeping with him if that's what you mean. And yes, he's my only employee aside from my pilots. I don't trust anyone else, although even my trust in him is slowly dwindling."

"Trust is hard to come by these days," Zale said. "But, I was asking what he did for you. Run cargo, do the books, make sure no one muscles in on Zenarr Inc. territory; things like that. How many pilots you have flying for you?"

"Oh," Kaysa said simply. "Well, right now I have about 10 good pilots, none of whom will fly through the Imp patrols. I own them all...legally of course, but even so, I still can't get them to listen to a bloody thing I say." Kaysa rolled onto her back with a frustrated grunt. "Vrax is supposed to be my muscle, but I don't see him going around threatening my pilots to do their job. He's too fucking busy following me around New Plouton to even think about doing his job."

Kaysa laughed dryly and turned her head to face Zale. "Do you know that the fool thinks he's in love with me? He's told me himself and he threatens to hurt every man who ever lays a finger on me, but they're empty threats, I know it. He doesn't have the balls."

Zale laughed. "So he's the one," he said. "Yeah, he does send threats, but he hasn't acted yet. I got one yesterday. No signature, but I imagine there's only one guy out there sending threats to your lovers." He shook his head. "He's in over his head, that's for sure. I had to throw a guy out yesterday who wanted to be my bodyguard. I don't know who he was working for. My guess is Jadda the Hutt. It's been insane around this planet."

Kaysa sat up in bed quickly and furrowed her brow angrily. "What? He did what?" She gritted her teeth and began breathing heavily as the rage within her grew. He'd crossed the line now. If the following wasn't bad enough, threatening the men she chose to spend her time with was even more unacceptable. "That bastard. I'll speak to him and tell him to leave you alone. I'm sure he won't listen to me because apparently he doesn't, but I'll tell him if he values his life, he should stop threatening you. And he'd better or I'll kill him myself."

"Well, if he actually tries to confront me, he'll get a pretty big surprise. When you talk to him, make sure that he knows I have more resources available to make his life miserable than his life is even worth. Perhaps you can have a meeting with him tomorrow after the tour of the Thanatos facility."

"I could probably have a meeting with him now if I wanted. I bet he's standing outside your building right now. In fact, he's probably been following us for the past two days." Kaysa almost visibly shuddered and sighed heavily. The situation with Vrax was becoming far too disturbing and it had to be put to a stop. If he'd threatened Zale, she only wondered how many others he'd threatened before. "Why do I always attract unstable people?"

Zale laughed. "Am I really that unstable?" he asked. "I'm not that bad. As far as crimelords go, I think I'm pretty stable. I am stable, right?"

"Hmm...you don't sound too convinced of that. Well, I'll tell you when I figure it out. I warn you though," she said as she rolled onto her stomach and looked up at him. "A little while longer with me, and you'll definitely have to be committed."

Zale leaned close and kissed her, then whispered: "You don't have to tell me." He shifted nearer to Kaysa and looked down at her knees. "We should probably get you cleaned up. And, a longer skirt is definitely required tonight."

Kaysa couldn't help but laugh at the thought of her and Zale showing up in a fancy restaurant with his swollen lip and her bloody knees. They would certainly turn heads, and more than likely raise eyebrows. "Are you really in the mood to eat?" Kaysa asked as she gazed up at him lustfully. "I mean, we've just finished breakfast...and I'm not really hungry for bantha steaks. I kinda have a craving for...something else."

She let a mischievous smile curl her lips and she gracefully slipped her hand into Zale's pants. "I'm sure there's something in this room you'd prefer to eat besides bantha steaks, Zale. Once you've had a taste though, you'll definitely want more."

"Now that you mention it," Zale said, letting his words trail off as he slid Kaysa's skirt higher. "I have actually been craving something that screams with delight while I eat." He raised his eyebrows, and shifted to give her better access to the inside of his pants.

Kaysa giggled and lay fully onto her back. She tugged on the waist of Zale's pants and pulled him closer. "If you're hungry, why wait for dinner?" Kaysa kept her eyes focused on Zale as she spread her legs open. Her hands moved to her inner thighs and she caressed them sensuously as if inviting Zale in. "Care to sample the delights, Zale?"

"That looks very tasty," he said and slid down her body. At first he only teased her, playing around her mound with his lips and tongue. Before long, the quivering of her body and the strong scent of her arousal pushed him over the edge, and he buried his face between her thighs which brought a squeal of delight from Kaysa.

She alternated between laughs and moans, then back again several times before the only sounds she could manage were shrill cries. He wasn't as good as Shiv had been, but he definitely made up for it with enthusiasm. "That's it. Eat up." Kaysa cried out and wove her fingers through his long, pleated strands of hair. If being with Zale was going to be this pleasurable, she would definitely have no trouble sharing a bed with him.

She resisted the urge to snap her legs shut and trap his head between her thighs forever, but his strong hands were keeping them forced apart. The familiar throbbing in her cunt began again, as it had often during her two days spent with Zale. She knew she would quickly grow accustomed to that delicious sensation and only demand more.

As Zale continued driving Kaysa into a pleasurable oblivion, he realized just how passionate they were together. He'd had plenty of lovers in his life, but he couldn't think of another who had Kaysa's drive and desire during sex. Zale decided to put all thoughts out of his mind and to concentrate on taking Kaysa to climax. Her moans indicated that it wouldn't be long...and it wasn't.

With a sudden gasp and a violent bucking of her hips, Kaysa reached that transcendent moment of bliss. The physical world around her ceased to exist and all she could focus on was the seemingly perpetual battery of ecstasy that was ravaging her senses. Her cries filled the room, but she had no idea how loud she truly was screaming. Kaysa tried not to tug on Zale's hair, but her fingers impulsively tightened their grip on his braids and pulled as her body continued to convulse violently.

Her screams deadened and became groans as the pleasure quickly turned to pain, but she'd learned to enjoy the pain just as much. She wouldn't ask Zale to stop, but her body ceased to become her own and jerked uncontrollably against her will. If Zale recognized her physical signs of discomfort and pain, he might stop. She shuddered and thrashed about on the bed as Zale continued his assault, and her fingers refused to release their tight grip on his hair.

It was another moment before Zale slowed his pace. He sensed the change in Kaysa the moment her climax ended, but had delighted in keeping her squirming on the bed. Then there was the small matter of her still pulling his face inside her. Finally, he had stopped, and he felt Kaysa's grip relax slightly. He raised himself so he could look into her eyes. "Marvelous," he said with a grin. "I may have to have seconds later."

---

"Tortured Soul, Part 7"
by Zale Tregat
Kaysa Zenarr
Location: Various Locations around New Plouton
Date: Praeda 8, 4ABY

***

Kaysa was still moaning quietly as the sensations induced by Zale continued to linger within her. Her head lolled languidly against the pillows before she slowly opened her eyes and smiled wearily at Zale. "You can have as much as you want, when you want," she said almost breathlessly. She entwined her fingers through Zale's hair again and brought his face quickly to hers where she feasted roughly on his lips and tongue, not paying any heed to how much pain she was inflicting upon him as she aggravated the cut on his lip.

Zale groaned as a sharp pain pierced his lip, but he ignored it. As Kaysa continued to kiss him, he freed his cock from the confines of his pants and then entered her. She moaned against him and he pulled away to look into her eyes. "I hope you don't mind," he said. "But, someone else wanted to sample your delights."

Kaysa responded only by pressing her hips firmly against Zale's and tossing her head back as she emitted a loud moan. She matched Zale's movements and felt the throbbing in her cunt quickly rising up again. "You're bad for me, Zale," Kaysa said breathlessly. "Very bad..." Kaysa cried out, then kissed Zale desperately on the lips.

Her words were said in a moment of delirium, but a part of her knew they were true. He was all too willing to give her what she wanted, what she needed. It was the best way to gain her trust and intoxicate her. Once she was addicted, he would have no trouble controlling and manipulating her if he saw fit, and she had no qualms with that. It was precisely what she needed.

Kaysa pulled her lips away and screamed again, spurring her to drive her hips more forcefully against Zale's. Once they climaxed, she knew she'd be ready to go again, to surrender graciously to him. She definitely didn't think they'd be going to dinner tonight.

Zale rode Kaysa hard, each thrust bringing another cry from her lips as they rushed on toward another climax. He did not know what it was about her, but when they were together there was an electricity between them. He couldn't describe it but it held a passion like he'd never encountered before. They belonged together if for no other reason than to raise their carnal passions to an entirely new level. He threw his head back and cried out as he filled her with his seed. With a slow smile he looked down into her eyes. "How many times do you think we can go in a night?"

Kaysa moaned gently and managed to bring her eyes to face Zale. "I don't know..." she muttered almost dreamily. "I don't know...but I wanna find out."

"I need a little time to recharge," Zale said, "and then we can see what kind of stamina we have."

Kaysa nodded her head almost disappointedly and wiped the sweat from Zale's brow. "I think this is the first time we've done it without shedding a piece of clothing." Kaysa laughed and pushed Zale onto his back. She slipped herself into his arms and nestled her head into his neck. "I meant what I said, you know. You're a very bad influence on me."

Zale smiled. "I'm a bad influence on everyone," he said as he started to slowly kiss her. Between kisses, he added: "I think you like bad influences though. I think they keep you going, keep you somewhat sane, and they're fun."

"You think I'm sane, Zale?" Kaysa laughed and slipped a hand underneath his shirt. She caressed his bare chest softly and gently kissed the sore on his lip. "I for one think I'm quite the lunatic at times. Others would agree with me, of course. And I think you are quite mad yourself. You've invited me into your home, haven't you?"

"Very true," he said, "though you did invite me into yours first. I still find that night hard to believe. As soon as I saw you, I knew I wanted you. And, I thought I could see that you wanted me too. The real trick was getting you to let go of that silly idea that it was Shiv's night. No point in you not having a little fun too."

"Well, you were very effective in your persuasions. After a time, I was getting a little irritated having to watch Shiv having all that fun with you without my being able to join in." Kaysa smiled and slowly slipped atop Zale. "I really have to be careful when I make silly little rules like that. If you hadn't been so persistent, imagine how much we would have missed out on."

"I'm glad you decided to break that rule," he said. "I can't imagine where either of us would be right now if you hadn't. I think it's very good that you did. Do you ever wonder where she is?"

Kaysa's enthusiasm quickly vanished with a bleak expression flashing across her features. Her voice was cold and distant as she spoke. "Of course I do. I wonder how far she's managed to get away from me. Hopefully she's long gone by now. You should have seen what I did to her Zale..." Kaysa shuddered as she thought back to the day she'd almost destroyed Shiv. The shattered look in her eyes still haunted Kaysa's dreams - another form of punishment for the heartless actions she'd committed against far too many people. Shiv was the most innocent of her victims, which only made the remembrance of the cruelty she directed towards her even more painful to endure.

Kaysa shook her head to push away the thoughts assailing her mind and slipped off of Zale. She rested her back against the headboard and drew her knees up into her chest. "Anyway, she'll never come back. I think she's afraid of me."

Zale slid up toward the top of the bed. It was clear that what had happened between Shiv and Kaysa haunted her. He'd thought he'd seen Shiv the other day, but she was dressed in rags and begging on a street corner. That wasn't Shiv, he told himself again. The girl was far too strong for that. "What happened," he asked softly.

"I don't know," Kaysa mumbled. "I practically threw her out onto the streets." Memories of the night of the engagement party drifted through her mind and she clenched her eyes shut against the flood of emotions. "It was stupid Rennor's engagement party. I invited Shiv, it was rather a dull evening until she decided to get herself involved with Dargus Kandran. Somehow, she lost her dress..." Kaysa laughed flatly and shook her head. "She was naked from head to toe. I don't know why I was so enraged, but I threatened her and gave her an ultimatum and...well, she left. I didn't even go after her..."

Zale nodded. "What do you think she would have done? Out on the streets like that. Would she have taken her ship and gone?" He knew continuing the conversation about Shiv wasn't a good idea, and he could see that talking about it with Kaysa wasn't helping her. He could practically see the demons now. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"It's alright," she replied. "I deserve to suffer for my actions, even though Shiv is probably suffering more than I can imagine." Kaysa lay her cheek upon her raised knees and looked out through the window of Zale's room. "She's trapped on this planet without a home or creds. The stupid girl practically signed her ship over to me, so she can't even get off this planet if she wanted to. Her assets are mine, any money she's ever made is mine... I threw her out and left her destitute. She could be dead and..." Kaysa cringed as she completed the thought in her mind. If Shiv was lying dead in the streets of New Plouton, Kaysa knew she'd punish herself for it more than she already had been.

Zale shook his head. "I don't think she's dead," he said. "I saw someone who reminded me of her the other day on the streets. She was up in the northern end of Yesdol. I didn't think anything of it at the time. I didn't think it was her, but I guess it could have been."

Kaysa's head swung around and she looked at Zale with utter horror and surprise. "What? You saw her? And...and she was alive? Are you certain it was her?!" Kaysa suddenly felt breathless and hopped off the bed in a flurry. "Oh gods...what have I done? I preyed on the poor girl... I took advantage of her infatuation with me." She paced quickly about the room, shaking her head furiously. "All she wanted was love...all I did was break her spirit. Oh gods, Zale... I've destroyed her and I haven't even bothered to look for her. All I did was use her for my own selfish purposes... Gods, I'm a monster."

Zale nodded. "If you want to find her, you might be able to. She was on the street, at least I think it was her. She was asking some passerby for money, and he ignored her. Just kept on walking. If I weren't on my way to a meeting, I would have given her a few credits. I didn't think it was her...just someone who looked like her. But, knowing what happened, it's very possible."

"If I wanted to find her," Kaysa iterated. She shook her head as if to drive the thoughts of Shiv from her mind. It only brought them into clearer focus. "I don't wanna talk about this," she said grimly. "If you see her in the streets, I want you to just walk on by and pay her no heed. I don't wanna hear anything more about her."

Kaysa turned to Zale with a stern gaze as she slinked over to the bed. "Are you going to respect my wishes, Zale?" Kaysa's knees dropped onto the bed and she pulled Zale's braids through her hand. "Are you going to make me forget her now, Zale? Make me forget...please," she whispered.

Zale pulled her to him and kissed her as they rolled so he was on top. "I'll make you forget all about her and everything else," he whispered.

As he brought his lips to hers again, the comm sounded. He tried to ignore it, but the sheer persistence of the device won out.

"Tregat," he snapped as he answered it.

"Zale," the voice on the other end said. "It's Moril. There is someone here to see you."

"It can wait, Moril. I'm busy."

"It can't wait. There is a representative here wishing speak to you in regards to the current situation with Nadir Technologies. I'm afraid she will not leave until she's had an answer from you."

Zale growled. "I'll be there in fifteen minutes," he said. "And, this better not take all day." He snapped the channel closed. He turned to Kaysa, his frown still in place. "I have to go. There's a representative from the Rebellion at my Thanatos office wishing to speak with me about the Imperial presence on Tae'Karada. I'm afraid it can't wait. But, I will return as quickly as I can."

"What?" Kaysa shrieked. "You are not leaving now, Zale. You can't!" She wound her legs around Zale's waist and kissed him desperately. The more he struggled, the tighter her grip became and the more fervently she kissed him. He couldn't leave until he'd vanquished the demons. She couldn't bear to be alone with them.

Kaysa's grip pulled him back down to the bed, and Zale only half-heartedly struggled. He didn't want to leave her, but he knew he couldn't avoid this meeting. He finally managed to pull his mouth from Kaysa's long enough to speak. "I have to go," he said. "This is a very important meeting. I'll come back here as soon as the meeting ends. Kaysa, I have to do this. I'd rather be here with you, but this is very important, for my syndicate and for all of Tae'Karada. Please. I have to go."

Kaysa groaned and released her grip on Zale with a heavy sigh. "Fine. Leave me all alone to dwell on my thoughts. I should have known you'd drop me for the first woman who came along. Tell her your other concubine wants you back here in an hour."

Zale chuckled softly. "No other women," he said. "It's just you at the moment, but maybe I should find another just so I don't get too attached to you."

"Do what you want," Kaysa grumbled as she sat up in bed. "I guess you won't care then if I'm not here when you get back." She shot Zale an indignant smile then turned her head away to stare back out of the window. "Go on. Don't wanna be late for your meeting. Your concubine must get tired having to keep her legs spread while she waits for you to arrive. Poor thing."

Zale shook his head and laughed. "You're a real piece of work, you know that?" He started to say something else, grumbled and stormed off the bed and out the door of the bedroom, adjusting his clothes back into place as he moved.

"You'll be back, right?" Kaysa called out after him, trying to mask the desperation in her voice. "After you're done, you'll come back here, won't you, Zale?"

"Yes," he called as he stepped back into the doorway. "I will be back. As soon as I'm done there, I'll come right back here to you. I'll make the meeting as fast as possible. And, then we can pick up where we left off, and if you're feeling up for some food we can go to that restaurant. Otherwise, we can just stay here. Either way is fine with me." He gave her a smile. "Okay?"

She tried to smile as she nodded her head slowly, but there was nothing in the situation to smile about. He was leaving her to mull over her thoughts and she wouldn't have release until her returned. A part of her resented him; he was doing it on purpose to intentionally torment her, but it didn't change the fact that she still needed him. "Come back soon," she almost pleaded.

"I will," Zale said. "You can come with me. We won't be far apart while the meeting's going on, and then you'll be right there when it's over."

"No...no. I'll stay here," she replied insistently. There was no way she was going out there, especially if there was a chance she could accidentally catch a glimpse of Shiv. She wouldn't be able to handle that if it happened right now. "Go on. I'll be fine. I even promise not to steal anything."

Zale chuckled. "Okay," he said. "I'll be back as soon as I can." He left the doorway, and a moment later the sound of the main door closing echoed through to Kaysa's ears.

She was alone, alone with the tortured sobs ringing through her ears of everyone she'd ever destroyed. It frightened her, being alone with nothing but the memories to keep her company. They haunted her even in her sleep and their relentless torments wore her down a little more each time the memories resurfaced.

Shiv's sobs and the shattered look on her face were enough to keep her from getting any sleep at night, but it was Merrick's heartwrenching confession that always broke her resolve. Watching the light in his eyes quickly burn out painfully twisted her heart each time. His voice cracking and wavering resounded in her ears.

Why did Zale have to leave her? She needed to be freed of this, especially now. She could bear the different kind of torment he provided her with, but this torture was too much for her. She closed her eyes and brought her hands over her ears as she tried to shut out the sights and sounds seemingly permeating the air. She rocked gently on the bed to soothe her unsettled nerves and to drive away the voices.

Zale had to come back soon, he had to. If she had to withstand much more of this, she knew she had it within her to throw herself from Zale's window. She could do it, and would do it. The thought crossed her mind, but it was erased from memory and quickly replaced by Shiv's pitiful cries. No, they wouldn't let her escape punishment that easily. Death would be too swift an end and they wanted her to suffer. They would prolong her torture for as long as they could and she would sit there and take it, no matter how much it hurt. "Hurry, Zale," she said in a frightened whisper. "Please hurry."

---

"What is crime?!"
by Ellemiek Vermolen - Leader Black Hawks Rebel Squadron
and Zale Tregat - Crimelord, Business Man and Entrepreneur
Location: Zale Tregat's Syndicate Headquarters, Thanatos
Date: Praeda 8 4ABY

After being admitted into Tregat's Syndicate Headquarters she was guided by one of Zale's guards to a salon. It was quite a beautiful and well furnished one and it made her remember of her days as a child when she went over to the Palace, although that was not too often. Well, above all it meant Tragat had an exquisite taste...

She wondered whether she was or not properly dressed for the occasion. If anything like Dargus Kandran she knew not to like him. But then again, Zale had been the main one responsible for Kandran's downfall. She decided she was indeed properly dressed. After all she was fashionable all in white, with tight pants, knee high boots, a white top and a long white coat with her hair hanging natural.

Zale approached the salon flanked by two of his guards. He knew he didn't need them here, but it was important for appearances. They stopped at the door as he continued through. He looked over the woman waiting there for him. She was exceptionally attractive, and quite the contrast to him in her white. He gave her a nod as he stopped in front of her.

"Ellemiek Vermolen," he said, a slow smile appearing. "I am Zale Tregat, which I'm sure you know already. I am a fairly busy man with all the changes happening around here lately, but I understand you have something important you wished to speak to me about. You are in luck I was here today. I've been spending a good deal of time in New Plouton lately." He indicated a chair for her to sit in. "Make yourself comfortable. And, what's on your mind?"

Ellemiek sat down on a comfortable couch. She was quite appalled that a crimelord could be so... good looking. Even Dargus Kandran who was known as a women conqueror had not made the same impression on Ellemiek as Zale Tregat. But she didn't want to show too much admiration so she tried to look cool and professional.

"I won't be spending your time, and shall cut to the point. Chimaeria has fallen into the hands of the Galactic Empire and already do they control Arcadia. How long do you think it will take them to control New Plouton? I am sure that you have interest in the planet's financial hub..." she stated. She then leaned forward. "I am sure you know I am with the Alliance. I trust you do not like the Empire anymore than we do..."

Zale laughed. "I thought you said you were going to cut to the point," he said. "No, I don't like having the Empire moving in here. According to my estimates, if the Empire wanted to they could take control of New Plouton in the next four months, possibly faster. Currently their interests focus more on treason and other crimes against the Empire, and less on taking over. Though, that policy could change at any moment." He smiled, pausing a moment before continuing. "Now, to the point, you're here to ask for my assistance against the Empire?"

She frowned. Perhaps this wasn't going the best way as she didn't know all too well how she could at around this man. She leaned slightly back. "You would rather ally with the Empire then?! Or stay neutral, I'm sure..." she stated simply. "Would you really rather risk yourself that way? After all, quoting you, the Empire's policy could change at any moment... I know what you're thinking. Isn't this crime against the Empire?! But, what is crime? Letting our planet to be explored mercilessly by the hands of the Empire, wouldn't that be a greater crime?"

"If I could remain neutral, that would be the best for me and my organization. The Empire isn't hesitating to take action against treason, or anything perceived that way. Outward defiance is punished dearly, so appearances must be maintained." He smiled. "The Empire's presence here is a threat to anyone not in support of what the Emperor's doing. While they are currently more interested in dealing with those defying them with rebellion, I'm certain it won't be long before they turn their attentions to those defying their laws. The previous monarchy was content to let the crime committed under their noses flourish. While he never admitted it openly, the high prince was perfectly happy accepting the blood money made through violence and lawlessness. He was as greedy as Dargus Kandran himself and probably just as moral. But, his rule allowed those in the underworld to flourish. The Empire won't be nearly so accommodating."

He sat back and watched Ellemiek for a moment. "Currently the Empire is trying to wipe out your kind. Soon, they will turn their sights on mine. There is an axiom commonly used that says that the enemy of my enemy is my ally. The Empire must be stopped before it stops us." He leaned forward and looked at her intently, a slow smile coming to his face. "So, Ellemiek Vermolen, are you here to ask me to ally myself with the Rebellion?"

She smiled right back at Tregat. Getting up she walked towards him and stopped right in front of Zale. "That is what I came here for..." she whispered. "I guess I will be owing you, should you aid the Alliance" she told him, even though at this point she knew he would probably help out as he had said himself that «the enemy of my enemy is my ally».

Zale laughed. "I guess so," he said. "I don't want the Empire here, and I'll help out as I can. Though, I'll need to keep my name quiet, but I'll assist as the Alliance needs my help. But, in this, only to oust the Empire from this planet."

She noticed then she was perhaps being too forthcoming and maybe even too obvious. Truth was this Zale Tregat was much more than she thought he would be and he kind of appealed to her as a man. But this was bussiness not pleasure. "Of course... To oust the Empire" she agreed. "I believe that we may accomodate for you to keep secretive in our deal, without a problem. Well... I guess this concludes our small bussiness meeting!?!"

WIth a smile, Zale stood from his seat. "I believe it does," he said. "In the future, feel free to contact me in regards to the needs of the Rebellion. I think the sooner we get rid of the Empire, the better."

"My thoughts likewise..." she nodded slightly. "Thank you for your time and hospitality. With your dismissal..." she added before getting up and leaving the room. Overall, the meeting went as she expected it would and Zale had agreed to aid the Alliance. But she thought it funny as he did not seem the monster that people normally painted. Not at all... She made her way to a bar. Tomorrow she would be meeting her old friends who would join the Alliance's ranks.