"What?"

"Before we go exploring, I think we need to call back to the compound and update The Alpha about our situation here and find out how Jambry is doing."

"Good idea."

Shoshana walked back out of the temple. She could see NJ and LoP discussing the compund design with the rest of their group. No one had realized she and Jaimie had wandered off again... 'shana pulled out her communication link.

Once she had a signal, Shoshana sent a message to the Alpha and Matriarch, telling them that a site for the new compound had been located. She added that there was a village nearby, perfect for hiring workers to begin construction. At Jaimie's signal, Shoshana told the pair to let NJ know if they had any suggestions or questions.

Shoshana looked over at Gareth - he was still intent on the building conversation. Just as she turned, Jaimie reminded 'shana about updating Jambry and seeing how he was holding up. After receiving the reply, 'shana picked up a light and started back into the temple, Jaimie close behind.

"Well"? Jaimie was obviously getting a little annoyed at the need to vocalize her questions to 'shana.

"Well, what?"

"What's going on at the Compound?"

"John and bob ... I left a message. They must be busy."

"And?"

"Jambry said we don't have much time. The current building is barely livable - injuries are under control, people are being fed. That new human, Silvereyes? looks to be directing people around with some skill and enthusiasm. I forwarded Jambry's communication to NJ."

"Let's go explore."

With that, the pair disappeared unnoticed into the temple.

[This message has been edited by Shoshana (edited September 01, 2001).]

Rov can't help but be slightly amused at his "army" of the slightly injured. The wayward group forms a single-file line makes their way to the Great Hall, with Rov in the lead.

[This message has been edited by Rovinski47 (edited September 01, 2001).]

She looked around and saw the woman who had originally sent her to medical. She still appeared to be in charge. Laoise made her way over to her.

There's still supplies in the kitchen: water, emergency rations, the like. I know that kitchen very well, and should be able to find a few stashes of safe food. I don't know about water. If you can spare two or three from here to lend me a hand, we should be able to start salvaging some things in there, and start handing out the food that needs to be used up soon.

Laoise rushed through the sentences quickly. She felt as though she'd fall down if she stood still much longer. She needed to be *doing* something.

[This message has been edited by Laoise (edited September 01, 2001).]

There was no sign of Laoise, so she grabbed a couple of minions and asked them to start preparing cold food. She didn't know how much of the kitchen was in working order and asked them to confine hot food preparation to infant needs and hot drinks. She heard a call in from a ship named Megaera, and the landing directions provided by someone in communications. Terrific! At least communications were back in full working order!

"Silver."

She helped push together a couple of tables to clear a wider area for the injured, expected any minute. The minions were distributing blankets to the family groups.

"Silver!"

The baby food had been scanned and pronounced safe to eat. After several more loads came in she thanked the recovery team and suggested they take a break with their own families.

"SILVEREYES!"

"WHAT!" she roared back, realizing that nagging sound in the background had been someone repeatedly calling her name. The minions she had been talking with were shooed away and she found Oran standing nearby. "Report," she snapped, automatically.

Oran smiled and motioned forward another man. "Jambry, this is Silvereyes. She has been helping to organize the compound. Silvereyes, this is Jambry. He speaks for Jaimie and the guards."

Jambry and Silver sized each other up. A small smile appeared on Jambry's face. Yes, she matched Oran's description--blank eyes in an older face, short, and a big mouth. And loud. Definitely loud. He glanced around and wondered briefly what her background was. Although it *was* possible she had accomplished this much by being louder than everyone else, she had had that confident air that just expected her orders to be followed. He bowed slightly from the waist, keeping his eyes on her face.

"Thank you for helping to provide for the Pride. I have been in contact with the Alpha and with Jaimie. Arrangements are being made to better insure the survival of our people. Communications have been restored and I will be able to continue operations from here on. I hope you will feel free to assist with specific tasks as needed."

Silver nearly laughed. This was the most polite get-out-of-my-territory she had ever heard. But she kept her amusement to herself and returned his bow with a nod. "Its all yours. That guy has the census; there's a team at communications; one in the hanger area; and one in the east wing." Just then ccg jogged up.

"No. We're done there."

"Or not. Your doctor is sending over the walking wounded, and I'm hoping the kitchen supervisor will be among them. One, and possibly two, ships have landed." Jambry nodded his understanding. With another small bow, he turned away and started talking with some of the Tyrants who had gathered around him.

"Oran, ccg, Senar may want to send some of the wounded to the Kittiaun's sick bay. NJ will kill us all, slowly and painfully, if people have unsupervised access to her ship. May I suggest at least the two of you head over there, make sure sick bay is ready, and help settle anyone who comes?"

"I can run diagnostics and make sure everything is working, but not the medial equipment itself," ccg said.

"That'll be fine. Senar would probably send a minion along to watch over the patients themselves."

"Then I'll head over there now." CCG looked around at the organized chaos. "Besides. I can probably get something to eat easier out of the Kittiaun's galley. Oran, do you want to come?"

"Not right now. I'm going to stay here a little while longer. I will join you later."

"Fine." CCG looked at the sky and wrinkled her nose. Rain. With any luck she'd make it to the Kittiaun before it poured.

"And I have earned a break." Silver sat down and sighed. Now if she could only get something to drink. She might even drink that awful Sparky Cola if someone offered her one!

A Tyrant woman appeared in front of her and began speaking quickly.

"There's still supplies in the kitchen: water, emergency rations, the like. I know that kitchen very well, and should be able to find a few stashes of safe food. I don't know about water. If you can spare two or three from here to lend me a hand, we should be able to start salvaging some things in there, and start handing out the food that needs to be used up soon."

Silver opened her eyes in surprise. "Laoise! You have no idea how glad I am to see you!" The woman still looked a little pale, and most people stood more perpendicular to the floor, but she seemed determined. "Are you up to taking control of the kitchen again?"

"Yes." Laoise nodded sharply once, then wished she hadn't. Her headache flared briefly, then settled back down to a dull ache.

"Very well. Jambry is coordinating everything now, but I'm sure he'd consider feeding everyone a priority. There are a couple of minions back there who are supposed to be heating baby food and water for hot drinks, although I haven't seen evidence of either. Round up a couple of other people and take them with you. The area is unstable, and you may need some help with lifting or bracing."

"I will." Laoise smiled briefly, then melted back into the crowd. If she was lucky, she would make it to the kitchen before Rov noticed she was gone and reported her to medical again.

[This message has been edited by Shoshana (edited September 01, 2001).]

I'm going to bring my children back here. I don't like the idea that they are not with any family.

Senar almost ran to the great hall. Once she reached there she searched frantically for her babes.

"When you find them, give them a hug from me and then hurry back, ok?"

Raeven was exhausted, it was less than a week since she had undergone surgery herself and the opast few hours had drained her physical and mental reserves. She walked around the med lab and checked that all the patients were as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. When she was satisfied that she had done all she could she sat in one of few empty chairs. She turned to one of the remaining minions

"I need to 'rest' my eyes for a few moments, if anyones vitals take a turn for the worse please wake me up"

seconds later Raeven was asleep

As the darkness overtook the day with brilliant colors of amber, lavender, and fiery reds lighting the southern sky, Jaimie finished scanning the walls of the temple, and waited for the program she had installed in her bracer to decode the information from the scanner.

“Well, this should take at least an hour. Let’s scrounge up some food for everyone,” Jaimie said.

“Good idea. I’m starved,” Shoshana said.

They headed to the kitchen, and found some food supplies that Raiden and Gareth had brought along. They would have to go into the village tomorrow and get more food for everyone. They made sandwiches and prepared fruit and vegetable slices for everyone. After grabbing some cups for water, they took the food out to the group, who were all busily making plans for the new compound.

Jaimie knew they should be helping with that, but found that she felt powerless right now. She didn’t feel like she was of any use to anyone at the moment. She suspected Shoshana wasn’t suffering that particular problem. It was more likely that Shoshana was just more comfortable being near Jaimie since they didn’t have their usual link. She probably wanted to figure out the mystery and then move on with what needed to be done.

Jaimie sighed. She had heard women say that pregnancy often invoked irrational feelings, but this went beyond the bounds. She felt lethargic, apathetic, and completely out of sorts. She handed Kegan a sandwich, not really paying attention to what she was doing.

“Ah, such a fine looking woman to save me from my hunger. You are truly an angel,” Kegan said with a wink.

“You’re very sweet, Kegan. You’re also sucking up. I’m proud of you,” Jaimie smiled.

“If I could get a sandwich over here, I might suck up as well,” Aidan chimed in.

Jaimie rolled her eyes, and handed Aidan a sandwich.

“I’m not going to suck up, but if you give me a sandwich, I’ll consider letting T’Zhaal here live,” Ronan said.

“Only if you kill me before I kill you,” T’Zhaal said with a grin.

Jaimie handed the plate to T’Zhaal. “There. You play serving wench for awhile. I’m going to do...something.”

“Something?” Ronan asked.

“Yeah. As opposed to nothing. T’Zhaal, don’t eat them all. Go give some to NJ, Cedric, LoP, Raiden, and Gareth over there. I’ll skin you alive if you...”

“But Shoshana just gave NJ the plate for them.”

“Those are vegetables and fruit. They need sandwiches, too. Go trade before I hurt you.”

“Yes, ma’am. Going now, ma’am,” he said with a mischievous grin.

Jaimie went inside the temple, and sat on the floor in front of the altar. Tomorrow they would begin construction. She hoped they didn’t run into any major problems.

[This message has been edited by jaimie (edited September 01, 2001).]

"Senar, why aren't you in Medical?"

"I'm here looking for our children to bring them back to medical.", she replies. "There aren't any patients right now..."

"That you know of.", he retorts. "All right, let's find them and get back. Quickly."

[This message has been edited by Rovinski47 (edited September 01, 2001).]

D'

She was taking a break when Sca's message reached her. Although things at the compound were a bit chaotic, or maybe because they were, she would be glad of her sister-wife's return.

She hadn't heard from D' since he arrived, but imagined he was helping with the compound situation. She sent a brief message letting him know that Sca and the twins were on their way home.

A minion popped her head in and offered to watch Eryk for awhile. JM smiled kindly, "No thank you. I wish to have him close. He's no trouble, really, and is quite safe." Turning back to the task at hand, she began to sort, stack and toss the contents of her quarters.

Senar looks at Rov worriedly.

"Where could she have gone?"

No one has any answers for them.

"Senar... get back to the lab with Aman-Ra and Osiris. I'll find Safekh."

"But what if..?" Senar begins to put form the question neither of them wants to ask.

"I'll find Safekh. No matter what."

If there's nothing more to find than a body... Rov doesn't want Senar to be the one to dig it out.

[This message has been edited by Scathach28 (edited September 02, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Scathach28 (edited September 02, 2001).]

Aurora followed the Harpy down the corridor. She was almost dreading the inspection. What if there was some thing faulty in her cybernetics... or even worse, some kind of homing beacon. She would rather die than go back to the slave traders.

Ziana noticed her look of apprehension. "Why the concern, Ms....?"

"Aurora Macory. The men who installed this apparatus had an ulterior motive." She looked down to the ground, almost embarrassed of the next line. "They were looking to make me into a type of love slave." She chuckled for a moment. She was sure the woman would think her crazy. "Actually, it's not funny it all, it just sounds strange to me some times. They killed my family and put me into the slave camps, where they sold my services. They wanted to make me perfect." She lifted up her arms. "Then after I escaped I was able to get ahold of someone to change the cybernetics around a little so they were more useful to my needs. Right now I am a bounty hunter."

"Wow. I'm glad you were able to get away from those...those... frell, slavers are the scum beneath the lowest scum. How'd you end up here, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Oh, I came with my partner, Jarard. He found me in my lowest of lows and offered me the job. He is a really great guy, just a little overzelous some times." Aurora smiled as she stopped at the lab.

'Overzealous... sounds like a few people I know,' Ziana thought to herself. She entered her access code and the doors slid open. "Right this way..."

Aurora nodded her head and stepped in. "If you find any abnomalities can you repair them for me? I would like to be at my full potential. I feel as if I owe it to Jarard." She walked over to the table and sat down.

Ziana began the diagnostics. "Sure it's 'only' been five years? It's amazing any of these systems still work at all, considering the state they're in... you really should have gone somewhere sooner."

"I know... I was just to scared to go. I felt as if I couldn't trust anyone, for a while." She sighed heavily.

"Have you noticed an increasing blurriness in your left peripheral vision?"

"Sometimes... but I guess I have been just ignoring it lately. Why? What do you see wrong?"

"The optic-nerve connection is degenerating. I doubt a bounty hunter would do well half-blind..."

"Very true...how long will it take to fix it?"

"Hopefully not long. Are you on a schedule?" Ziana prepared a vial of repair nanobots.

"Well... I am sure Jarard won't mind waiting since this will only benefit us."

"Good. If you can spare some time here to recuperate, you could be back to full strength a lot sooner."

"Okay, that would be wonderful." She smiled at the woman. They didn't have a job right now, and she needed a break to catch up a little on her life.

"Now this will tingle a bit..." Ziana said as she injected the nanos into Aurora's neck.

Aurora pressed her lips tightly together. She hated needles. "Oh that wasn't so bad," she breathed.

"Needle-phobic?" Ziana surmised from Aurora's sudden tenseness.

She laughed. How ridiculous that fear was. "Yes, I suppose after being stuck with them so many times."

"Don't worry, it'll be fine. I could give you some sedatives for the duration of the procedure, if you'd prefer..."

"That will be okay, thanks. I'll just rest my eyes when you are working." Aurora closed her lids.

Ziana gave her a shot of anesthetic, and she slowly drifted from consciousness.

Jid woke up with a start, and looked around. His vision took a couple seconds to clear, and he realized he was in the great hall.

"What happened?" he croaked.

Josh sat up in bed, his senses reeling. "Well, the last thing I remember was breaking a plate. Can we do that again sometime?"

Jid looked as the bandages on Josh's head, and felt a few clinging to his own.

"I don't remember us hurting ourselves with the plates. But maybe we can do it again, just so long as its not ours. But I gotta get out of here."

Josh looked at him carefully. "Why?" he asked.

Jid gave him that all knowing Trancer smile.

"I know why Crystal left, and I have to go find her. Turns out someone didn't think she was good enough for the Tyrants, and got that idea stuck in her head too."

Josh stood up. "Take me with you. I owe at least that much to her."

Jid sighed. "This isn't your journey to take. Plus I get the feeling you owe Ms. Panda just as much. She'll need you when she gets back. Death can be confusing. Surely you've seen this yourself. The threads are so plainly obvious its amazing the Nietzscheans can't see them."

"There is no proof Panda is coming back," Josh practically screamed. "I should help someone that I know is still alive somewhere, who needs my help." He sat back down and looked at his bandaged hands. "Panda would understand," he said softly.

Jid paused for a moment. "She might. But then, she might miss having a friendly face greet her when she gets back. Either way, I don't see our paths lying on the same road."

Jid stood. "I have to go. No matter what anyone says, she is still my daughter. And I will be her father no matter what others think of her."

Josh's eyes went glassy. "Okay... well. Goodbye then." He held out his hand, lifeless.

Jid took his hand, and pulled him into a rather paternal hug. "I'll drop you a line when I find her. Promise me you'll do the same if you find her first. And don't give up on Panda. She just may suprise you." he whispered.

And with that, he walked out. He knew his ship was nearby, he had set it to autotakeoff by remote as soon as he had felt the tremor coming on. His daughter awaited him. And he had a good idea where to start looking.

OOC: And that's all for Jid in this RP folks. I'll be back with a new character soon!

[This message has been edited by Jidimus (edited September 02, 2001).]

Ignoring Gareth's roar from below 'shana continued to climb. She was not afraid - the tree was large and sturdy, and 'shana wasn't going to take any chances with her daughter. Finally, after finding the perfect limb to sit on, 'shana responded to the continuing bellowing.

"Hey - you said rest! I'm resting. You never said where I was to rest..."

Shoshana smiled to herself as Gareth climbed the tree, decided that 'shana was just fine where she was and departed for the ground again, where he joined in on the ongoing discussion. She saw the grins that Gareth was manfully trying to ignore.

[This message has been edited by Shoshana (edited September 02, 2001).]

Senar looks at Rov, the fear in her eyes.

I have to go with you. If there is a problem I will know what to do. Damn it, I am a doctor. I have to be able to save my own child in need be.

"I'll find her... and I know enough to stabilize her, if she's injured." Rov sighs. He should have known better than to think they could make a decision without an argument....

Senar felt helpless. She wanted to be with her daughter. Hug her and kiss her and make sure that she is alright.
Where would she be. Silver said that she was with the rest of the pride. Where would she run off to? The nursery? No, we would have seen her from the lab. Our quarters? Maybe.
Senar sat down, on the edge of tears.
I want my baby back.

Rov gives her a hug, and makes a promise he's not sure he can keep. "And you'll have her. But every minute we spend here is another minute lost... take them, and get to Medical. I'll find her."

Amen-ra struggles in Senar's arms.
Mommy, Safkh was hungry.
Senar held her son still. Her eyes wide, she used every bit of self control to calm her voice.
Baby. why do you say that?
Amen-ra struggled harder, but Senar held fast. She wasn't losing another one in this mess.
I saw her go to the kitchen. So she must have been hungry.
Senar hugged her child tight. It was a place to start.

Rov has a glimmer of hope, a way to begin. "I'm on it. Now *go*. I'll be with you as soon as possible."

Senar sighs, but she didn't want Amen-ra slipping out of her reach and getting lost among the throng on Nietzscheans and minions. She hands Rov her comm unit.
Very well, but you are to contact me the MOMENT you find her.

"Yes ma'am. I'm on it." Before she can change her mind, he dissapears into the crowd, headed in the direction of the kitchen.

Senar puts Amen-ra down, but grips his hand firmly. She carries Osiris in her other arm. The three of them go to the med lab where Senar nervously waits for word of her daughter.

[This message has been edited by Rovinski47 (edited September 02, 2001).]

"Safekh? Safekh!"

Rov waits for an answer, and doesn't hear one. The kitchen is a mess, and he wonders if she could be buried.

He begins to clear some debris, but hears a sneeze.

It comes from his left, and he begins opening cabinets... eventually finding..... Safekh.

She's not moving, and his heart sinks. He reaches in to check her pulse... and she recoils.

"Safekh!"

"Don't tell her I'm here!"

"Who? Mommy?"

"No! The yelling lady!"

"Who?"
"I dunno, it started to shake and then I was trying to find other people and then a strange lady came and started yelling so I hid and if I don't hide she'll find me, and..."

Rov laughs, more at the release of tension than anything else.

"Don't worry; you're safe from her. And we'll get you back to mommy."

Safekh's eyes light up.

"Mommy?"

Rov smiles and opens the comm unit.

"Say hello to her as soon as I open the channel."

He opens an audio channel to Senar, and smiles.

"Mommy!!!"

[This message has been edited by Rovinski47 (edited September 02, 2001).]

"Mommy!!!"

Senar runs to the unit.

Safekh baby. Are you ok?

Rov takes over.

She appears to be fine, just scared. I am bringing her to you now.

Senar runs out of the lab and meets Rov and Safekh halfway down the hall. Senar scoops Safekh up in her arms and covers her with kisses.

Once the three enter the lab Senar does a full exam on her daughter. Seeing that she is perfectly fine Senar hugs her even tighter.

You gave me quite a scare. Don't ever, ever, ever run off like that again.

Safekh looks down at the floor. She starts to make excuses, but one look from Senar tells her that it won't do any good.

Sorry mommy. I won't do it again.

Senar smiles at her and gives her another kiss.

Good, now go play with your brothers in my office. I will be in there soon.

Senar turns to Rov. She gives him a hug and a kiss that show the extent of her graditude.

Thank you for returning my baby to me.

He holds her tightly. She suddenly becomes completely aware of what might have happened. Her knees go weak, but he catches her effortlessly. Tears stream down her face.

I don't know what I would have done if anything happened to her.

He holds her tightly and comforts her in her fears.

"Everything is fine. shhh... our family is reunited."

Senar continues to cry, and Rov does his best to comfort her, but begins to think she'll need to cry hereslf out... it wtas a good release for this stressful mess....

Rae stirs, and wakes.

"What happened? What's wrong?"

[i\Rov gives her the simplest answer.[/i] "We thought we lost Safekh... but she's fiine. They all are"."

Rae understands instantly, and hugs Senar with Rov.

[This message has been edited by Rovinski47 (edited September 02, 2001).]

"Senar if you need some time with the children, I can manage here. Now that I have rested I am alert and ready to continue. You need to get some rest as well, all this stress is not good for you or your unborn child. And Osiris, Safekh and Amen-Ra sound as though they could do with a big helping of motherly love! If anything urgent comes up I promise I'll contact you"

Just then Tala ran into a young Tyrant woman who told her:

"We could use some help distributing food if you're not busy."

"Very well." said Tala with a smile. and off they went.

Not long after Tala was asked to go and check on CCG.

"Well are you sure you can spare me? Tala asked of her companion

"Of course. You go." replied the young woman and Tala left.*

[This message has been edited by Lady Midnight (edited September 02, 2001).]

The remainder of the time waiting for the minions of offload Sca's belongings was spent in relative silence as was the trip back to the compound.

IC:

ccg woke from her nightmare with a jolt, she looked around and saw she was on the Kittiaun, not in the middle of a burning building. A light flashing at the side of a console caught her attention. Someone was trying to contact her. She hit the button and heard a voice say, ".... g are you in there?"

"Oh...uh sorry ...," ccg said, stumbling over her words. "Who are you looking for?"

"Someone called ccg. Silver sent me to check on you. My name is Tala."

ccg disengaged the lock on the door and looked out. "What's going on in the compound?"

D'

Rov beams at Rae's brave front, but isn't going to let her put herself through more fatigue unless neccasary..

"I'm glad to hear you're doing better. But you're relieved. I'll watch shop. You... relax. Play with the li'l ones... or rest. If there's a true emergency, I'll give you a yell."

Jaimie lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling. The candlelight flickered over the wall paintings that covered the entire room. The others were still congregated outside, working late into the night on the plans for the compound.

She should be out there, she knew that. She also knew that nearly everyone was puzzled by her apparent lack of interest in the new compound. Everyone except Raiden. He didn’t seem to miss her input at all. In fact, one could say he seemed pleased by her non-participation.

They hadn’t had a chance to really talk since she had returned. Everything had been happening so fast. He seemed distant, and she felt somehow that his respect and even his love for her had fallen several notches.

Her bracer, which was laying on the table beside the bed, beeped to let her know that the translation of the hieroglyphs on the temple walls was complete. She really didn’t care. She ignored it, and continued staring at the ceiling.

She wondered absently how Ristan would have reacted to her running off. Certainly not like Raiden. He would have given her a lecture, and Shoshana as well. But he would have followed any stern lecture with one of his huge bear hugs, and a grin. He would never have ignored either of them. Never would have made them feel inferior. Never would have made them feel abandoned.

For the very first time in her life, she felt entirely alone.

[This message has been edited by Scathach28 (edited September 02, 2001).]

"Well there's still a lot of work to be done but we're getting there."

Tala paused.

"Is everything okay CCG? Only you seem troubled."*

Sifting through the details of scheduling and supply delivery in her mind, she rose and walked a few metres away from the group.

"Silver?" she said into her comm unit. A tired voice answered her "Yes NJ?" Silver responded.

"I'm downloading 2 lists to you. One is a list of gear and food supplies our camp needs - the other is a list of the building materials that will be arriving early tomorrow morning. I thought you and CCG could gather up the supplies for our campsite and bring them to us on your ship. However, you'll need a larger ship to help out with the building materials. Any ideas?"

"Surprisingly that shouldn't be a problem NJ. Tala has returned and is, at this moment, on the Kittiaun assisting CCG. I'm certain she won't mind using her ship to assist you."

There was a brief pause before NJ could regain control over the tone of her voice. "Assisting CCG on the Kittiaun? Silver - what is an unauthorized person doing on the Kittiaun without my permission?"

"I would imagine she's helping CCG make all the other 'unathorized' people that are sleeping on the Kittiaun comfortable" came Silver's nonchalant reply.

Raiden entered the room, and saw that Jaimie was lying on the bed, staring fixedly at the ceiling. He went to the armoire, and removed his clothing, pulling on a pair of loose-fitting cotton pants to sleep in. He turned to look at her again, and saw that she hadn’t moved a single muscle. She didn’t even look at him.

He sighed inwardly. This was more difficult than he had imagined.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Fine.”

“I noticed that you stayed away from the planning.”

Jaimie didn’t respond. She kept her eyes focused on the ceiling. In the painting directly above her, there was a dragon wrapped around a star, a long spear protruding from its back. She had spent the past hour trying to figure out what the symbolism meant.

“I am speaking to you,” Raiden said, a hint of impatience in his voice.

“Yes, I hear you, Raiden. Are we going to talk about what is really bothering you?”

“No, we are not. I prefer not to get into a screaming match tonight.”

“I don’t think I have the energy to scream, but whatever you think is best.”

“Is the baby alright?”

“You mean our daughter? I think so. I’m not sure, but I see no reason why she wouldn’t be.”

Raiden bit his tongue. He was in no mood for an argument, and what he wanted to say would surely cause one. And the damage done by those words might very well be irreparable. He blew out the candle and lay down next to his wife. The moonlight shone through the window, and he could see that she was still staring at the ceiling. He rolled onto his side and went to sleep.

[This message has been edited by jaimie (edited September 02, 2001).]

ccg's head snapped up in alarm. "I..I'm fine," ccg said and shook her head. "It's just the compound's fallen to pieces and I just don't like that very much. I'm very protective of my home."

ccg's comm beeped. ccg read Sca's message and looked at Tala. "A medic is coming over here to help with the patients in Med Lab. Do you have any medical skills?"

"Yes."

"Good. When Sca gets here I'll show you to Med Lab."

"So, CCG any young men catch your eye yet? Surely you must be nearing the age to be considering these matters?"

As she spoke Tala was acutely aware of just how much like her mother, sisters, and the old Caracal Matriach, she was begining to sound. A pang of regret hit her as she remembered them.*

"Good lineage is always important CCG and you should always choose wisely! I see you are certainly giving the matter the consideration it deserves! In the Pride I was born to, the Caracal, it was common to marry young but this did not mean we planned these things any less carefully. There is a man I have noticed. I have even asked him. But he has yet to answer me."

Tala paused before adding:

"I had a mate once and children too. They died along with the rest of my family. I too am the last of my line."

Tala shook her head sadly and continued:

"But tell me about yourself CCG. What Pride were you born to?"*

FMD had to see this for himself. He'd heard that the Tyrant compound had been hit the worst, but couldn't believe it. The final death toll in the Empire had been reached, 1,236 people from all walks of life killed by the asteroid. And there were only slightly more killed by the Romulus.

But, now, seeing this, he felt he had to do something. The Builder Caste had already done remarkable work restoring the fallen buildings of the Empire, including the Parthenon. It would take a while, but everything would soon be back to normal, or whatever passed for normal on this crazy world.

He had to land and find John and bobdylanite. He had to offer the services of the Empire. Already he'd been over to the Harpy compound and extended the same, but, for some reason, they thanked him, then excused him.

Of course, there was another reason. He had to tell her that Rani had already accepted his proposal, that it would be Rani, not Senar, that would be the new Empress to the Romans.

He stopped one of the minions who he knew. It didn't surprise him at all when the minion looked down at his now-exposed forearms and saw the miniature bone spurs. His eyes went wide with surprise. "Can you tell me where John and bobdylanite are?"

The minion was still focused on the spurs. "You...you're partly one of them?"

FMD shrugged. "I'm still a kludge, but, yes, I've got some Nietzschean blood in me. Now, where are John and bob?"

The minion let him know that they were still very busy with the repair effort. FMD thanked him, then asked the one he was dreading. "Where is Senar?"

Following the minion's directions, FMD went to medical, or what was left. There wasn't much. The part of him that was Builder Caste was already re-designing the compound, but his mind was on another task as well.

When he saw her, it was apparent what her condition was. Still, he suddenly found himself without words. How could he tell her he had just been a lovesick fool, and that the one he was really in love with was Rani? She turned, seeing him, and was stopped short. He suddenly found his mouth dry. "Uh...hi."

OOC: Oh gee, we saw Rani accept, what'll happen now?

Jaimie lay there for hours listening to Raiden’s even breathing. She envied him the ability to fall asleep so easily. She turned to look at him, and brushed her fingertips over his cheek. In sleep, he was beautiful. His brow smooth instead of creased in annoyance as it often was when he was awake. His jaw line was covered with stubble, and she found herself running her hand over the roughness.

He stirred, his eyes opening. She didn’t move her hand from his face. Instead, she continued her exploration, tracing the line of his jaw to his neck, and then down to his shoulder. He watched her intently, not speaking. He didn‘t move or tense, which she took as a good sign. She ran her hand along his shoulder and down to his chest. He moved then, quickly snatching her hand in his.

She looked up into his eyes. In the moonlight, she couldn‘t decipher much, but she could see his gaze was hooded, revealing little.

Raiden kept Jaimie’s hand clasped in his as he looked into her eyes. He saw several emotions there. Sorrow, wonder, love, but most importantly, he saw the resentment. It was ever-present when she looked at him. Whenever he reprimanded her for her recklessness, when he held her, when he told her how much she meant to him. Always there.

It wasn‘t until he‘d spent those long days waiting for her to return home from Drago-Kazov space that he realized why that was. It had been so obvious, and yet he‘d never figured it out until he had accidentally run upon some scribbled notes in her office. Notes she had meant only for herself.

He placed her hand away from him, and turned over onto his other side, facing away from her. He felt the bed move slightly as she rolled onto her back. He had no doubt that she was once again staring at the ceiling.

IC: "Uh...hi."

Senar looked into the eyes of a very uncomortable FMD. She wasn't in much better shape then he was.

Hello.

The two stood in silence for a moment or two. Then suddenly they both talked at once.

I need to talk to you.

They laughed nervously. FMD took the lead.

Can we use your office?

Senar looked around for a place for them.

My children are resting in there. Raeven and Rov are watching them. We can use Minerva's office to talk. Right this way.

Senar shows FMD the office, knocking on the door of her own office as they pass to let Rov or Raeven know to come out and keep an eye on things.

Once they are in the office, Senar shuts the door behind them. Again the two talk at the same time.

I can't marry you. The whole thing is a mistake.

The look of dread melts off both faces. Senar laughs. They understand each other perfectly.

I have never been so happy to be dumped before.

FMD returns the laughter.

Agreed. I was a fool to want to marry you. It was a boyish crush. I love Rani, I always did. She is going to be the Empress.

Senar nods and smiles at him.

I suspected as much. I recall your flexi with her picture. I hope she does well by your people.

My choice was a bit more complicated. I love Rov, and though I would never let love be the final factor in my choice, it was a strong one. The final straw was my children. The pride would take them from me and I could not allow that. And raising them as Romans would be wrong to. They need to be among Nietzscheans and learn our ways. That is the way of the universe. I am sure you understand.

FMD smiles at her and offers his hand.

Of course I do. It wasn't easy for me to grow up the way I did. You are doing what is best for them.

Senar takes his hand and pulls him to her for a hug.

Are we still friends then?

FMD returns the hug and then lets her go.

Yes, we are friends. And I will be here for you if you need me, just like I promised before.

Senar smiles at him and takes his arm to leave the room.

I am glad to hear that. Also I will be waiting for my invitation to the wedding.

FMD smiles and looks at her stomach.

And I want to know when your new addition arrives.

She opens the door and the two go arm in arm out to the main lab where FMD excuses himself.

I have other business to attend to before I go.

Senar gives him a final friendly hug before he goes.

I expect to hear from you soon.

Once he has left the lab Senar thinks to herself. I wonder if I am still the ambassador? Don't see why not. I'll ask him about it next time I see him.

She then goes about checking on her resting patients.

Rov watches FMD leave the lab as he walks out of her office. As she attends a sleeping patient, he approaches her. "What was that about, my dear?", emphasizing the "my".

She smiles at him. She decides to have a little fun with him before telling him the truth.
Oh, nothing dear. We just had some business to take care of.

Rov whispers silkily. "All business, I presume? Even he wouldn't intrude upon your job with personal matters.... would he?"

Senar smiles at him slyly. She wasn't going to give in that easily.
With FMD is alway business.

Rov can't escape the feeling that Senar is... playing with him. "Is that so? Perhaps I was in error then. I can't help I'm forgetting something... something important. Ah yes! He asked you to marry him! Nothing more businesslike than that. Tell me, did he have his lawyer deliver the forms, or just deliver them to you personally in a three piece suit?"

Senar laughed.
There were no forms. And yes the marriage was discussed as well as my pregnancy. Is that all you wanted to know?

Rov sighs. For a doctor, she was rather fond of not getting to the point directly. He wondered how long it took a patient to discover what was wrong with him.... "You know very well what I wwant to know."

Senar wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him.
My husband, you simply asked what that was about. I answered your question. We discussed marriage, the two of us, and my pregnancy. That is all.
Senar knew that her words made it sound like there was something going on that wasn't, but she wanted to play with him a little.

Rov feels like a fly caught in a spider's web. "Ah, I see! Thank you for that clarification." Realizing nothing but bluntness was going to work, he dived right in. "And what were the specifics?"

She giggled, this was too much fun. She looked at him with doe eyes.
Of which part my love?

Rov wonders what the lab has for a headache. "I'll take marriage for three hundred"

Senar smiles at him.
FMD has plans made for his marriage. What exactly do you want to know? I am not in on many details

Rov smiles at her wryly, fairly sure of the truth, but wanting to be certain. "Who's the bride?"

Senar laughed. He finally cornered her. The next Roman Empress will be Rani.

Rov feels a weight he doesn't know was there lifted. "You know, you could have said that sooner."

Senar kissed him again.
I decided a while ago. You never asked.

Rov realizes with a dim astonishment that she's right "You still could have told me."

He kisses back.

She smiles at him.
I could have told you yes.....but I wasn't sure if I was going to keep you.

Rov smiles at her word choice. "'wasn't'. And you are now?"

Senar leans into him.
Well for now I think I will keep you around.

Rov smiles. "Glad to hear that. I'd hate to have to hunt down and kill any future suitors."

Senar giggles and holds him tighter.
The lab is dead. What do you say we go get some food and bring it back? I am starving.

"All right.... I'll tell Rae. We'll need her to stay here... we'll have to hurry back. She might get lonely", he winks. He tells her their plans quickly, and returns.

She links her arm in his and they head out the door

Without a word he rolled so that she could sleep with her head on his shoulder. 'shana was asleep in seconds.

[This message has been edited by Shoshana (edited September 03, 2001).]

"One minute you're insisting I rest, the next you want me to watch the children, make up your mind Rov! Mind you I'm a little hungry myself, something sweet would be nice, I have to maintain my sugar levels. And take as long as you like, how could I possibly get lonely with your three adorable children to keep me company"

Raeven smiled as she watched Rov and Senar leave the lab arm in arm. She was glad they had sorted out their differences. She turned to the children

"Amen-Ra, Safekh shall we play a game? How about hide and seek."

The she remembered Safekhs earlier escapade

"maybe that's not such a good idea, perhaps we'll just sit quietly and I'll tell you a story"

She picked up little Osiris and led the two other children back into the office, settled them down and began to tell them a story filled with great heroes, strong and beautiful heroines and a smattering of weird and wonderful beasts

IC:

*Tala looked at her new companion. By this time CCG had left them to get some sleep. Tala was exaughsted herself but felt she could wait and sleep later the next day if she was needed.

"Greetings I am Tala Maliika out of Duqyaaka Anznii by Mordeccai Caibre of Caracal Pride. I believe you require some assistance in your Med-lab?"*

[This message has been edited by Scathach28 (edited September 03, 2001).]

Since NJ had contacted her, she had spent the last several hours arranging for the camp gear and food supplies to be delivered to her ship in the morning. She had also been able to arrange for the specified start-up construction materials that would be there in the morning, to be held at what had turned into the common landing area outside the compound. This would ease their transport to Tala's ship - if Tala was game.

She was surprised to hear voices as she walked onto command. She had expected CCG and Tala to be asleep...or at least one of them. As the women turned to greet Silver, she noticed that the Tyrant speaking to Tala wasn't CCG.

Silver exchanged greetings and met Scat...much to her delight. "This is perfect. So CCG and I will load up and take the camp's supplies to them, will you assist us in transporting the construction materials? I thought we were going to have a problem in that NJ has made it clear that someone that she trusts must remain onboard the Kittiaun as long as it is being used as an interim medical facility. Scat - your medical expertise is obviously greatly needed here - are you comfortable staying onboard the Kittiaun and providing the care these Tyrants need right now?

[This message has been edited by Enjae (edited September 03, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Scathach28 (edited September 03, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Scathach28 (edited September 03, 2001).]

9-3 17:26

"NJ...are you dead?" she asked solicitiously.

"Not that I know of," came the suspicious reply.

"Then you better have a damned good reason for not being HERE!" Silver yelled, loud enough to startle several minions carrying trays. A couple of Tyrant men turned and made threatening faces. "Sorry, nightmare," she explained sweetly. Sometimes she forgot others couldn't hear her comm, as she had to wear an implanted system. She stood up, smiled, and headed towards the doors.

"Its none of your frelling BUSINESS where I am. Or for that matter, where I'm NOT. I hear you've been busy. How many hostages did you have to hold to force my people to follow your orders?"

"None. They recognized my superiority immediately, and have been just *falling* over themselves to do *whatever* I ask." There was a prolonged choking noise. "Are you all right, dear?"

The sound of a deep breath came over the comm. "And how many have offered to help you get your ship ready to launch?"

"In the last hour? Only 20 or 30."

There was a pause, and then both women started snickering. "Well, we could use some help over here." NJ started to fill her in on what was needed. There had been that little sticky point about unauthorized people on the Kittiaun, but Nj was slightly mollified by the information that CCG was on board, keeping an eye on things. Silver felt a little guilty about asking Laoise for food and camping supplies for the outpost, bu Laoise had assured her a great deal of the preserved foods had come through okay. Oran helped locate the people who could sort out the building supplies needed, and, as he spoke for NJ, there was no delay about rounding them up. Silver smiled to herself. It hadn't taken long to be reduced to a second class being again!

She was surprised again when she found Sca on board the Kittiaun. She hadn't thought anyone else could land in the hanger due to whatever it was D' was doing. But it did present a better staffing arrangement for tomorrow.

"Sca...none of us have significant medical training. It would really be helpful if you could stay here, either on the Kittiaun or in the medical lab of the compound. Senar has so far only released the walking wounded, but she may need additional medical facilities, and these are the only ones available."

She turned to the other young woman. "Tala. I heard your ship being given permission to land. Glad you got in all right. My ship is too small to transport most building materials. I'm more used to carrying around broken pottery. NJ says they're going to start building a new compound. Are you interested in help ferry materials over there?"

She considered waking ccg to let her know NJ had checked in and was busy arranging everyone's lives again, but then decided that old proverb "let sleeping Niets lie" was a good one. She could tell her in the morning. "I'm going to sleep in one of the cabins here." She pointed down the hallway with her chin, her hands being full of a plate of sandwiches and a glass of water. "Good night. We can make the final decisions in the morning."

She located a cabin that seemed relatively neat, and apologized in her head to whomever usually slept there. The last thing she did before rolling up in the blankets was to send ccg a private message, asking her to come and talk *before* she spoke with anyone else in the morning.

Sed Temple
North of Mt. Nighon
0400 hours

Jaimie waited until Raiden was asleep before creeping out of bed and collecting her few belongings, and putting them in a satchel. She dressed quickly, and went out into the main area of the temple. Everyone was sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor, there being no extra beds. She moved silently so as not to wake them.

She crept into the kitchen and grabbed some food and water, placing it in the satchel. She turned, and saw a dark figure directly in front of her. She nearly dropped her satchel in her fright. For a moment, she thought it was Raiden. When she looked up, however, she realized that it was T’Zhaal.

“Where are you going?”

“T’Zhaal...please. Just give me an hour’s head start. I’m not going to do anything stupid. I just need to think. I really screwed up somewhere along the way. I have to figure out what happened, what I did that made things go so wrong, and I have to figure out how to fix it.”

“You can’t fix things by running away,” he said gently.

“I’m not running away. Well, okay I am, but not forever. I just need time. You can understand that, can’t you?”

“Raiden will not be happy. He loves you, and I’ve never seen a man, other than Gareth, who was so completely wrapped up in a woman as he is with you.”

“He can’t help it. It isn’t a natural urge to protect me, he’s made to feel that way. It isn’t love, T’Zhaal. It’s compulsion brought about by an outside force. I can’t explain this to you now. I have to go. Just give me an hour, and then you can tell him. One hour.”

“Alright. I’m trusting you not to do anything stupid. Are you going to leave a message for Shoshana?”

“Of course,” Jaimie said with a sigh.

To her surprise, T’Zhaal hugged her. She wasn’t sure what to make of that, but it was a nice feeling, and she hugged him back. Suddenly, images from being on the Renegade swam in her head. She pushed them back, and looked up at him. His eyes were intent. Almost as if he were willing her to be safe. She smiled, and stepped out of his embrace.

“Take care of ‘shana for me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a crooked smile and a nod.

Jaimie returned the smile, and left the kitchen area. She went to the back of the temple where she and Shoshana had found the door earlier. As she suspected, there was a staircase leading to an underground room there, and upon close inspection of the room, she found an entrance to a tunnel. A tunnel that no doubt lead to Mt. Nighon, as all things seemed to. She sent a quick message to Shoshana before she left, specifying that it should be delivered in one hour.

quote:

---

‘shana,

I have to go away for awhile. I’m not sure I can explain this, but I think you will understand. I’ll be back before the baby is born. I just need time to think things through. Everything has been happening so fast since Ristan died, that I just haven’t had the chance to stop and sort it all out. My thoughts, as always, will be with you. Be well.

---

Eryk had wakened wet and hungry. JM rocked him gently in the early moring hours. She looked over at the sleeping twins and smiled. "Perhaps I should open the Du Monixera child-care center instead of the library when we rebuild." She chuckled softly and contiued to rock Eryk until he fell asleep. Quietly putting him to bed, she crawled into her own bed and quickly fell asleep.

'shana awoke. She was still tired after staying up too late and didn't want to get out of bed yet. Unfortunately, her kidneys were wide awake and had other ideas. Shoshana had heard what some of the other females had gone through while pregnant, and was relieved that she was only burdened with this one physical symptom.

She lifted the covers and rolled to the edge of the bed where she proceeded to sit up slowly. She knew better than to make any sudden movements first thing in the morning. That was how she worked her way around a couple of the other side effects of being pregnant.

Gareth spoke quietly without opening his eyes

"OK?"

"Yes. Call of nature."

Gareth nodded and appeared to fall back asleep. 'shana assumed he had never actually awoken - that he was checking on her in his sleep. He tended to do that.

Shoshana dressed and did what she needed to. After washing her face, she felt a little less sleepy, but no less tired. Intent on going back to bed, 'shana detoured when her stomach rumbled. Hungry again. She left the bedroom and made her way carefully to the kitchen.

Once she got to the kitchen, 'shana decided that what she really wanted was pistachio ice cream. Unfortunately for her, there wasn't any within several light years. So she made do with a peanut butter and cheese sandwich instead. And a cool glass of water.

As she drank her water, she heard a noise. Turning and expecting the ever vigilant Gareth, she was surprised to see T'Zhaal.

Looking very serious, he asked her quietly, "Are you ok?"

"Sure. Just hungry."

T'Zhaal nodded without saying anything else. 'shana put down her glass and approached him.

"Why are you asking? What are you not telling me? What's wrong?"

"Have you checked your comm unit this morning?" he asked her, already knowing her answer.

Shoshana looked at the bracer she'd automatically donned without really paying attention and saw that she had a message. Ignoring T'Zhaal for the moment, she quickly scrolled thru the message from Jaimie.

"No!" she exclaimed.

T'Zhaal, facing her, reached over to her and grasped her by the shoulders and shook her slightly. Shoshana angrily shook off his hands and stepped back as she said accusingly

"You knew, didn't you! Why didn't you stop her?!?"

[This message has been edited by Shoshana (edited September 03, 2001).]

IC:

*Tala thought about transporting the supplies. The Megaera was only a small fighter but she should be up for the job. Turning to Silver, Tala said:

"There should be no problem using the Megaera. Meet me first thing after breakfast and we can get started. Now it's been a long day. We won't accomplish much if we don't sleep first. I'll be aboard my ship if anyone wants me."

With that Tala returned to the Megaera where she at last attended to those minor injuries from fighting the Camian and went to sleep.*

"You knew, didn't you! Why didn't you stop her?!?"

“Listen to me,” T’Zhaal said. “She’s alright...”

“Damnit! Move!”

Shoshana pushed passed him and ran out of the kitchen toward the front doors. T’Zhaal quickly caught up with her, and grabbed her shoulders.

“Get off of me! I have to find her.”

Shoshana twisted around, trying to loosen T’Zhaal’s hold, just then T’Zhaal was pulled from behind, and his grip on Shoshana broken.

“What in the hell do you think you’re doing? And where is Jaimie?”

Shoshana looked up in time to see Raiden grab T’Zhaal by the shirt front. T‘Zhaal spoke quickly.

“Raiden, this isn’t what it looks like, if you’d just calm down...”

“And just what the hell does this look like? Where...is...my...wife?”

“She’s gone. I was just getting ready to come tell you that she felt she needed to go. She’ll be back. She just need time...”

“She what?”

Raiden slammed T’Zhaal back into the wall. He grunted in pain. Everyone in the temple began stirring at the commotion, and Kegan quickly hopped to his feet to try to pry Raiden away from T’Zhaal. It took Ronan, Cedric, and Aidan’s help, however, before they were able to separate the two.

Shoshana took advantage of the commotion, and slipped outside. She headed up the mountainside as quickly as possible. Hopefully she would be able to get through before Raiden or Gareth appeared. Once away from the compound, she gradually felt the link returning.

“Jaimie?”

“Shoshana! I found out why we can‘t communicate around the temple.”

“That‘s just great. Where are you going? Why did you leave? Raiden just slammed T‘Zhaal against a wall.”

“Ouch,” Jaimie cringed. “I don‘t really know where I‘m going yet. Don‘t worry about me, I‘ll be fine. I just feel like I‘m being pulled in so many different directions right now, and have been for awhile. Raiden and I aren‘t working out. I know we‘re supposed to. There‘s just something missing there. Everything has been so rushed...am I making sense?”

“Do you ever?”

“Sometimes.”

“I think I understand. You should have talked to me about it.”

“I couldn‘t find the words, and we couldn‘t link. Tell Raiden I‘m sorry.”

“I‘m sure that‘ll help a whole lot.”

“I see your point. Just don‘t let him find me. Tell him whatever you like, just don‘t tell him where I am.”

“Of course. Alright. Be careful.”

“You, too.”

“What the hell is going on?” Gareth shouted, climbing up the mountain to where she sat.

"Jaimie had to leave for a while. She's ok, just needs to sort out her thoughts."

Shoshana added to herself ... sure hope she thinks fast ... this could get ugly ... fast.

Gareth sat down beside his wife.

"Where did she go? You know Raiden's going to want to know."

'shana shrugged as she replied. "I can't tell you where she is. But she's fine."

Shoshana stared off into the distance trying to get a feel for where Jaimie was and where she was heading, just in case. It never hurt to know as much as possible.

"Can't? or Won't?"

"What?"

"You can't tell me where Jaimie is? Or you won't tell me?" Gareth's voice became louder as he repeated his question

"She's not here. She's fine. She'll be back when she's thought things through. Don't worry."

FMD suddenly felt very tired. He had slept on the Conglomeration, but nothing much had happened. He felt, for the first time in a long time, free. And, well, he was tired.

And he wanted to get home, back to Rani.

He sent a message to John and bob, offering the services of the Empire again. The plan he'd drawn up would have to be finalized before he sent it to them for approval.

Then he sent a message to Rani, letting her know that all Senar really wanted, now, was an invitation to their wedding. He smiled at that, then took off. Every time he went out, he always had a ton of paperwork to do when he got back.

No matter what, he wouldn't sleep much this night.

[This message has been edited by Scathach28 (edited September 04, 2001).]

He sighed as he looked around, and seeing no one there, picked up a nasty looking knife.

"The Tyrants shouldn't leave these things around where anyone can find them," he said, chuckling to himself. He was surprised he could still crack a joke. But in a few more minutes, it wouldn't matter.

With one smooth motion, he rose it above his chest, and prepared to plunge it deeply inside. At the last second, he remembered that he was a Trancer.

"This isn't going to do the trick," he thought to himself. "I'll have to find a more unique way to die."

He smiled slightly and started to whistle as he left the room, stopping only once to put the knife back where he found it.

In that momentary pause, NJ stepped between Raiden and T'Zhaal. She raised her eyebrows at Cedric issuing an unspoken question. Cedric began to talk quickly.

"That is what all this is about?" NJ said incredulously turning to glare at Raiden. "Let me understand this Raiden, you are partnered with one of the most independent, strong-willed and stubborn Neitzschean females in the history of our Pride - and you're trying to hold T'Zhaal accountable for that fact?" NJ exploded in frustration.

"If you have a problem with the actions of your mate Raiden - might I suggest you take up with her for a change?

And with that, NJ steered T'Zhaal out of the close quarters and gave her husband a look that clearly told him to ensure that Raiden didn't follow.

After being pulled off of T’Zhaal, Raiden realized that Shoshana was gone, he then saw Gareth streaking out the door. He loosed himself from the hands that were holding him back, assuring Cedric that he wouldn’t be following NJ and T’Zhaal, and quickly headed out the door to follow Gareth. He was going to find answers.

As he approached, he saw that Shoshana seemed relatively relaxed, though Gareth looked concerned. It didn’t make him feel any better. There was a knot in his stomach, and though he would never admit it aloud, he was scared as hell.

“Where is she?”

“Raiden, she’s alright. She said to tell you she’s sorry...”

“She’s sorry?”

“Shut up and listen for once,” Shoshana said, annoyed.

“I am listening.”

“Fine. She had to go sort things out. Things have been going by so fast for her that she hasn’t had time to process it all. She does this every now and then. She just needs to get away and think. She’s going to come back. She isn’t going to do anything stupid. She just wants to be alone.”

“She wants. What about what I want? Does she ever stop to think that maybe, just maybe, I would like to be a part of that? I am her husband.”

“Raiden, she just hasn’t had time to adjust to things. Especially being married. It happened so quickly after Ristan died...”

“And that is really what this is all about. She blames me for his death. Every time she looks at me, she remembers him, and that she would now be his wife if she had not had to go after me in the caves.”

“That’s not true...”

“Spare me the platitudes,” Raiden said sharply. “Where is she? This is going to be put to rest once and for all.”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“Do not lie to me! Tell me where the hell she is, or so help me...”

Gareth stepped between Raiden and his wife. “Careful,” he said with a growl.

Raiden was about to speak when he saw Mt. Nighon in the distance. She would go there first. He was sure of it.

“I will be gone looking for my wife. It would appear the two of you will be in charge while we are away.”

Raiden turned and rushed off to gather what he would need before leaving for Mt. Nighon to find Jaimie.

D's crew had been at this for a few hours now, the fuel dump came out clean and the repair crew had purged any tanks that looked suspect. The ammunition dump was another story.

D' has sent the crew out on shifts, they had been safing out the ordinance stored in the ammo bunker, but it was slow going. Twice one of his crew nearly made a slipup, one that could have very well cost them their lives.

D' had called a halt to the work at that point, posting a sentry near the work site. The rest of the crew headed to their sleeping areas at the compound.

Collapsing onto a bunk, D' sent a message to JM & Scath that he was still at the work site, but well, and preparing to get some sleep for the evening. He had given the crew instructions to sleep for a while, then meet up to continue the hazardous job of safing out the stored weapons.

D'

Rov and Senar return to the lab, having managed to scare up some perfectly--- edible--- food. Nothing to feast on, but under the circumstances, it would suffice.

The twins see the food, and make a beeline, nearly knocking Rov over. He smiles, and begins to serve out what he and Senar had managed to get. Enough so that the patients and staff wouldn't have to eat emergency rations, anyway...

IC: R69 and Charli headed out of the Hand and towards the center of what was left of the city. Charli glanced around her as the wind whipped her hair back then looked at Rommie. "You mind walking?"
"Not at all."

Charli walked around slowly, gazing around her at the destruction from the asteroid, lifting pieces and letting them fall back to the ground. "Pretty large asteroid by the looks of things. Took out most of the city... we should probrobly head out and see if there's any survivors in the area," She said moving towards one of the partially intact buildings not waiting for R69 to answer.

R69 Just stood there. "Um, not that I wouldn't be grateful for it, but shouldn't I be debriefed, or at least put in a cell or something. I mean after all, I was part of the force that attacked your people."

Charli stopped, and seemed to ponder this for a moment, then spun around and walked back to him. "We could do that I guess, but as for right now you are MY responsibility, and since you said you were such a humanitarian, I thought you would leap at the chance to help some people." She seemed to be studying him, gauging him for his response.

R69 seemed to loosen up a bit after hearing this "Of course, I will help you. I was just a little curious, that's all." Charli's nose seemed to wrinkle a little when he said this. "Forgive me for being so bold, but has anyone ever told you, that you look cute when you wrinkle your nose like that?" R69 walked past her in the direction she was originally headed.

Charli's hands rested on her hips as she looked back toward R69 before turning around completely and catching up with him. "No... nobody's ever complimented me before, except for the occassional comment on how I look like the Roman goddess, Rommie, other than FMD that is, but he made me."

R69 stopped in his tracks and took Charli in a bit more. "You are an Avatar as well. Well I knew that FMD was something when I first saw him. I had no idea you were an Avatar until you told me. Remarkable. Well he has my thanks indeed. I will be looking forward to getting to know you better. That is if I am allowed to. There is a lot I can bring to your society."

Charli seemed to be blushing, but she couldn't tell. She was experiencing an emotion that she couldn't quite pinpoint yet. She'd have to talk to FMD about this. "Well we'd better get over to those ruins... see if there are still survivors." She seemed to be stumbling over those words, but recovered nicely.

R69 gestured with his hand in the direction they were headed, "Ladies first!" The two avatars hustled over to the ruins... Charli leading the way.

(OOC: Editfor about the 5th time: darn copy and paste...)

[This message has been edited by Amanda777 (edited September 03, 2001).]

IC Senar ate in silence, watching her little ones eat thier food. After they finished eating she laid them down on the bed in her office.

Time to sleep my angels. Sweet dreams.

She kisses their foreheads and tucks them in.

She links her arms between Rov and Raeven and takes them out of the office.

Rae, Rov, why don't the two of you get some rest. It's been a very long night and you have earned the rest. You can use Minerva's office. I'll keep watch. Now go get some sleep.

She took a moment to return to her tent and finish dressing properly and arming herself. She was relieved to discover someone had had the sense to put on some coffee. It was still the early hours of morning, before dawn, but she knew there was no point in trying to go back to sleep.

Nj sighed as she wondered what was going on with jaimie..lately her friend had been acting very irrationally. A quality that was definitely not a normal part of jaimie's persona. Lately, NJ had felt at a loss as to how to even talk to her friend. She shook herself out of her musing, there were more important things she could and should be doing.

"Jambry?" NJ said through her comm. There was a pause, not unexpected considering the early hour, before he answered. Their conversation was brief but she accomplished what she had wanted. Jambry would authorize both Silver and Tala's ships for take-off later that morning when the supplies were loaded.

NJ finished her coffee and headed back toward the centre of camp. Cedric looked up and smiled. She smiled back. No matter what was happening, he could always get at least a smile out of her. She knew she had chosen very wisely when she picked him for a mate.

[This message has been edited by Enjae (edited September 04, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Enjae (edited September 04, 2001).]

"Silver? Silver? Are you awake?"

Silver rubbed her face with both hands. She tapped her wrist for the time. It was *early.* Niets. Didn't sleep much and didn't think anyone else did, either.

"Yes, ccg. I'm awake."

"Well, you asked I call you before talking to the others."

"Yes. I did." She filled ccg in on what had happened that night. "So Sca is going to stay on board. I think Tala would be more interested in doing something more active, so I'm going to guess she'll help ferry. But, as pleasant and accommodating as NJ was last night, we don't want to push things."

"Pleasant and accommodating?!" CCG sounded disbelieving.

"That's human humor. It means she tried to tear strips out of us at long distance."

"Oh. *That* sounds more like NJ."

"Well, I think she'd be happier if you could lock down the Kittiaun. Is there a way of keeping people confined to one area?"

"Um...I can shut the blast doors? I can probably code in an emergency electromagnetic lock on them."

"That would be good. Just to keep people from wandering. Give me a few minutes and I'll meet you back at sick bay." Her comm clicked off, and Silver groaned as she levered herself off the bunk. She straightened up as best she could, washed, and neatened her hair. She felt a wicked grin grow. If *she* was up, might as well have *everybody* up!

She clicked her comm again. "Oh, NJ...this is Silver."

The answer came back too quickly. "What. I'm busy."

"Oh, did I wake you?"

"No."

Dang. "Too bad. I was looking forward to it."

"Is there a point to this conversation?"

"Eventually, I suppose. However, I just wanted to let you know ccg may need a little help locking up the Kittiaun. I'm guessing you wouldn't be wildly excited about people wandering in and out at random."

"Not particularly."

"Someone named Sca showed up last night. She's going to stay aboard while ccg and I help with your transportation needs. Tala came in with her ship. I think she's more interested in helping with the materials transfer. However, there may be a problem. I have this Tyrant comm some guy in the compound gave me."

"Gave you?" Boy. The woman could sure sound suspicious.

"Yes, gave me. But I forgot to give it back."

"Sort of on purpose."

"I didn't say that. Anyway, someone named D' has been warning everyone away from the hanger because he's trying to do something with explosive possibilities. The *bad* explosive possibilities. Are you sure we can get out of here today?"

"Yes I'm sure Silver. Jambry will notify D' of your departure and ensure that the area is safe during your liftoff. I'll download my personal lockdown codes to CCG so she can prohibit entry into engineering, weapons and command. Any other questions Silver or may I return to my duties here?" NJ inquired sarcastically.

"Oh, *lots* of questions. *Tons* of questions. Why did the civilization on Maroon Four take everything but the teacups when they relocated to Maroon Three? Where have all the greebles gone? Why is there some form of chocolate on every planet I've ever been to? Why do the Framps consider the color teal to be rude, and give anyone who wears it a ticket? If we blow up because D' is doing something unpleasant to the hanger is there any particular way you would like to be haunted? Is there static on this channel?"

"STATIC?! You ARE static! Static in my life! What have I done to deserve this?!"

"I don't know, but it must have been *very* good. I don't stick around this long for just *anybody* you know." Silver increased the volume on her comm. Yup. Sounded like teeth grinding to her.

"This morning. Building supplies. Bring them. To the new. Compound."

"Clenching your teeth is bad for your enamel. See you later. Silver out." There. Now that she and NJ had had their aerobic workout, she was ready for breakfast. She went looking for CCG.

"The lab is-- relatively-- dead. Despite your proffesional pride, a minion can watch over the lab and give us a yell if neccasary."

Senar smiles, and quickly agrees. The three go to one of the deserted offices, and begin to talk. It had been a while since they had a chance to just catch up... oddly, the disaster seemed to create a respite of sorts.

He had to chuckle. Glitter Girl had just turned 18, barely, and he was already worrying about her. And here he was, planning on marrying Rani and having children with her. What would he be like by then? "Probably have grey hairs or lose it altogether."

Nobody else was around, but that was okay. He had yet to get used to having unprotected bone spurs. Most of the time, he didn't have to worry about them scratching anything, let alone himself. Now, though, these dinky reminders of his mixed heritage were in the way sometimes.

He decided he'd had enough of this self-indulgence. The paperwork had been finished, and so he went where he had to, to get more of this incredible wedding planned for him and Rani. As he searched for his fiance, he had to smile again. It had all seemed so perfect, so good. Maybe that was what it was like at first, he wasn't sure. Still, he looked forward to finding out.

XT sat with his arms around Ani. He softly kissed her neck, enjoying the time that finally had together but alot had happened this day... alot of information about his mate which he had not known before had come to light. He had never bothered to induier much because he knew that she would tell him when she was ready but it was bugging him now.

He took a soft breath and hugged her a little tighter against him and whispered softly in her ear, "Ani... when were you going to tell me?" He could almost hear her response, "And I do not mean about your previous mate... that was your past and I know you did what you felt was right. I am talking about being the matriarch of the Kodiak pride. That is something that is important... Why would you not want me to know?"

"How does a Trancer kill himself," he thought, continuing to walk.

He stopped when he came to the garden, where he and Crystal once danced in the rain. He smiled sadly. "It's the end of an era. At least for me."

He continued to walk, ignoring the Tyrants who occasionally looked at him. With one push of the door, he found himself outside of the Tyrant compound, and a mile later, standing over a cliff.

He looked over the edge and saw nothing but a gaping abyss. "Well," he said. "I guess this is the end. But no one really cares anyway."

He braced himself for the jump and then jumped straight in the air as he felt a tap on his shoulder. He whirled around and saw Kiren.

"Kiren!" Josh shouted. "What are you doing here?"

Kiren smiled slightly. "Looking after you, Captain."

Josh sighed and looked over the chasm. "There's nothing to look over. I'm finished."

Kiren put his hand on Josh's shoulder. "No, you're not. Just because you've lost a few friends..."

Josh batted Kiren's hand away. "I've lost more than a few friends," he said sadly. "I've lost...." He stopped. "I don't expect you to understand.

"Captain," Kiren said. "I know what you're planning to do. And I can't let you do that. You have friends here. Responsibilities. What would LoP think if you just jumped into that cliff, abandoning all hope?"

Josh frowned. "To hell with them. To hell with ALL of you." He stepped closer to the edge and stopped when he heard the sound of a weapon charging. "If you fire that weapon, Kiren, I'll be pushed into the cliff. Is that what you really want?"

Kiren held the blaster at Josh, unwavering. "Don't give me that, Josh."

Josh's eyes widened at the use of his name and Kiren continued.

"It hurts now, and it will hurt for a while longer. But you can't give in now. It's the ultimate copout. And I will NOT allow it."

Josh smiled weakly. "Fine. Make me."

He moved closer to the edge and Kiren shouted, "Please Josh! Don't make me shoot you."

"What difference will it make," Josh shouted back. "Either way, I'll be dead. And you'll have to find a new captain."

Kiren lowered his weapon. "Well, I think enough time has passed.

Josh stopped moving and turned his head to look at Kiren. "What do you mean," he asked suspiciously.

"Well, while we've been talking, or more specifically, while I've been stalling, the Purple Horizon has been setting up a net at the bottom of this canyon." Josh's eyes widened as Kiren continued. "You can't hear the Purple Horizon because this is a REALLY deep canyon. Either way, if you jump, you won't die. And I'll take you to LoP personally."

Josh's eyes blazed in anger and then he smiled, ever so briefly. "I always knew you would make a good captain," he said. "But I'm not going with you. You'll have to shoot me first."

Kiren shrugged. "Okay."

With that, he opened fire, and a green beam lanced into Josh's chest. The Captain of Purple Horizon screamed and fell into the canyon.

Kiren walked to the edge and looked over with a slight smile. He watched as Josh hit the net and bounced briefly before coming to a halt. The Captain didn't move after that, being stunned and all.

Kiren pulled out his communicator. "Samkin? This is Kiren. We're done here. Let's pull out. AFTER retrieving the captain, of course."

OOC: Stay tuned for more adventures of Josh the Embittered Trancer on ABC.

"Because then the betrayal would only be mine." she replied evenly. There was still so much he didn't know, couldn't know. She reached back toward him and covered his lips with her own.

"Slow down!" Gareth said as he saw 'shana slip and almost wipe out. "What''s wrong? Talk to me!"

Moving faster, 'shana almost skied down the last part of the trail. Gareth caught up to her as she scrambled towards the temple. Evading him, she darted into the temple, then into the kitchen, where she made a small production of getting a glass of juice.

Gareth stared at the glass of juice, then at 'shana. He raised an eyebrow in inquiry.

"Thirsty. OK?" 'shana said defensively and then leaned against the counter.

There was no way she would tell Gareth that Jaimie was thinking about Ristan and his horrible death and aftermath. Shoshana had barely kept from shaking as she'd run to the only place she knew of where she could give Jaimie the privacy she needed and give herself time to recover from the emotions that overwhelmed her at reliving Ristan's death through Jaimie's memories.

She knew she couldn't stay in the temple long or Gareth would get suspicious. She thought quickly. There was a way to stay for a few more minutes...

"Let's go over the new Compound plans before the materials start to arrive. I didn't get to see what changes were made yesterday. If NJ is available, maybe she, LoP and the rest can join us here..."