Make sure to read all posts before you continue.

"I would love to.." He said, smiling.

As they walked to the lunch line, he looked at her. "What's wrong? You seem sad..." He asked.

"It's Aurora. I worry so much about her. She is so torn and there is nothing I can do. She wants two different things and she can't have them both. I wish I could give them to her but I don't know how."

"I'm sure you do, and if there were any way to do it, I'm sure you'd find it....but Aurora is a complex person. I don't know if she even knows what she wants a lot of the time....she has to decide what's important to her."

He looked into her eyes. "I know you want to help...that's your nature. But sometimes, there's nothing you can do. I know you probably can't talk about it...but I will help you any way I can...." He smiled at her, letting her know he was there for her.

"Let's go eat...maybe things will look better on a full stomach.."

He gave her a quick kiss, and hugged her tight....

He finished Kahn's building, noticing that the workmanship was good. He was, he had to admit, a little surprised. He expected it to be full of mistakes, but he couldn't see one. It was nearly as good as his...if not exactly as good. He fastened the last bit in place, and then started on another one, putting Tienna out of his mind while he worked.

[This message has been edited by FMD (edited January 31, 2002).]

"I am Rowan, Captain of the Prides Trade Fleet and I am not usually this clumsy!"

[This message has been edited by Raevenfromkhcmb (edited January 31, 2002).]

She understood what Nut said about easing up her work schedule but it was against her personality to just sit there and bark orders at everyone. Also, what would happen when the child was born. She couldn't bring the baby to work with her, plus then the pride would be concerned if she ever became injured or maimed on the job. They would probably take that away saying it was to much of a liability to her children.

She began digging extremely large holes which would usually be the work of two men but she upset. She had to make a final decision what she was going to do with her life. Aurora was tired of the tears. Tired of the anxiety she felt every time she looked at Ivan. Tired of being miserably jealous every time she looked at Khan and Nut. Things needed to change, and that change needed to come in the next couple of days.

"I have to go."

She left him to fly to the desert where Senar was working in her tent.

"We need to talk sis."

Ivan finished riveting the bolt into the beam and looked over to one of the other build sites.

He spotted Aurora digging holes and shook his head as he put down the tools and went over to where she was working.

His shadow lay over her and her work and he waited for her to look up.

She saw a creeping shadow cast over her arms as she bent down over the hole. Her eyes slowly gazed up to see Ivan.

"Hello, Ivan. I thought you would be having lunch with the others."

"I'm not hungry," he stated simply and then noticed the trails down her cheeks. He put his finger under her chin and tipped her head up slightly. "Have you already eaten?"

She pulled her face away from his hand.

"I ate only a little." She suddenly dropped the shovel and turned away from him. Her body trembled as she tried hard to control that urge to cry.

Ivan saw Aurora's body shaking slightly and frowned and slowly placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Aurora...talk to me..."

She shook her head quickly.

"You wouldn't understand. Plus, if I tell you, you might think I am inadequate for mating," she whispered.

"Do you remember who found you in your quarters? Bleeding. If that didn't make me think you were 'inadequate' why do you think this will?"

She nodded. He was right. She had almost forgotten about that. She swung around with clouded eyes.

"I know you are interesting in mating me but I am not ready. I am just not ready to have a child. If you men had the children maybe you would understand better. Most woman, this is no concern of their's but to me its a big change in my life." She whispered swaying on her feet.

She wanted to embrace him but it was usually against her personality to show public affection.

Ivan looked at Aurora, her eyes clouded by tears ready to fall. He stepped closer to her and put his hands on the sides of her upper arms.

"Then we won't mate until you are ready," [i]Ivan said simply.

"Really?" She whispered.

"But what about your stature to show that you are a valuable male to the pride. I thought you had to prove yourself through how many mates and children you have," her face began to soften.

"I've seen the Pride politics for my whole life. I've seen people given power that shouldn't have been allowed to, but they had so many mates and children. don't like the whole 'more mates means more power' routine."

"Okay, thank you," She smiled, finally, and leaned foward and gave him a warm embrace.

Ivan put his arms around Aurora and held her for a long moment before stepping back and smiling.

"Would you be up to eating some more, or at least talking with me while I ate?"

"Okay."

She smiled before reaching over and lightly punching him in the stomach.

"But don't think this means I will be nice to you now," she smirked and Ivan laughed and bowed slightly.

"Same goes for you, Aurora," he said with a wicked grin as they started toward the nearest food tent.

He let the sternness crack a bit. "But you were daydreaming. Good thing you tripped before you went over there."

He pointed to a hole that had been dug for the next foundation. Then decided to introduce himself. "And I am Gidgidoni Arapaho, out of Helena by Gideon."

He extended a hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Gidgidoni Arapaho."

She glanced over at the gaping hole

"You’re right a construction site is not the ideal place to be daydreaming. I just needed some air, being cooped up on the Aquarius for hours on end has left me feeling a little stiff."

She noticed the remains of a sandwich in Gids hand

" I am sorry if I disturbed your lunch. I didn't think that anyone would still be out here, isn't it a little hot to be working?"

"What is it?"

Nut sighed and sat down.

"It's Aurora. She is so unhappy and torn. It upsets me to see her so, isn't there something we can do?"

Senar sighed.

"Nut the rules are very clear on this. Anyway it isn't my place to make those choices. That is up to the Matriarch."

Nut got angry.

"Well we have no Matriarch now do we?!? You wanted a new life and a better pride for our people. Well here is your chance. Change the rules damn it!!!!!!!!!"

Senar lowered her head.

"You're right. Let me think about it."

Nut smiled.

"That's all I ask. I have to return to work now."

Nut left Senar to her thoughts and returned to her work site just as the others were returning.

"My timing is impecable."

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited January 31, 2002).]

He decided that, maybe, he should know a bit more about her. He invited her to sit. "Come, I wouldn't mind the company."

Exactly three seconds later, Sheridan pulled the shuttle out the bay of the Agamemnon. It's passengers were Commanders Kelso, Serbius, and a handful of others. As well as the Captain.

"I'm sure you'll love the planet Commander. I was only down there for a short while, but what I saw was beautiful."

Kelso smiled, and checked the approach scans, "I'm sure I will sir. Even if it is short lived. I'm sure they need a lot of help down there."

Sheridan nodded, "Yes, they'll need all the help they can get. That's why I left a skeleton crew aboard. I'll be helping out as well. After I talk to Miss Senar of course."

He brought the shuttle down, and landed it in the area that had once held the Agamemnon, before sending it back up into orbit.

"All right people. Enjoy what time you have. If anyone needs me, just buzz my link. I'll be headed to Senar's tent, and see if I can talk to her about more patrols."

They disembarked the shuttle, and Sheridan headed for Senar's tent. He rapped on the 'door' to see if she was home.

Rommie

"Do you think you are to good to work now? I have had it with you and your lazy, pathetic genes. You either start pulling your own weight around her or you can go live with the kludges. Heavens woman, the children do more work then you do. Have you no pride in yourself?"

Nut left Tiana to find her most trusted worker.

"Watch that one like a hawk. If she leaves I want you to follow. I am tired of her laziness and I am just waiting for her to hang herself."

Nut returned to building setting up equipment in the hospital. They were almost finished with this one and she expected workers would be having minor accidents and needing treatment soon.

"Just the man I wanted to see, please have a seat."

Sheridan took the offered seat.

"Senar I wanted to talk to you about patrols."

Senar nodded.

"What about them?"

Aurora finished up her lunch with Ivan. She was glad that she finely had some sort of peace now in her life, but she would never let him know that. It was way much more fun to hassle him.

She stood up from the table waving to Ivan. Out of the corner of her eye she caught Khan walking back to the other construction sight. "Khan." She called hurring up to him.

Khan finished lunch early so as to get back and start work before Gid, planning to get ahead of him, when he heard Aurora call....he looked back, hoping her call hadn't attracted the attention of the woodsman.

"Aurora..." He said as she came up to him.

She stepped up to his side with grin. "How are things going at the other site? Are you suriving Jason?" She opened up her stride slightly to keep up easily with him.

"I haven't spoken with him much, but he seems a competent enough foreman." Khan replied.

Aurora raised her brow. "Competant? Our family is the best, Khan. Hope he doesn't here you say that." She shook her head. "Why Khan, why is it...everytime I have this intention of being nice to you, you say something that ticks me off." She looked away from his with fluttering eyes.

"For the same reason you switch on a live conduit while I'm inside trying to fix it....to keep you on your toes." He said, trying to suppress a laugh.

They walked in silence for a few moments. "I was kidding, Aurora.....your brother is a fine engineer."

"Oh, that's because you deserved it." She threw her hands onto her hips. "Tell me this Khan, after your hair was burnt did you stand in front of the mirror trying to set it back just right." She threw her hands over her hair micking the motion of fixing ones hair.

He looked at her. "No, I didn't. I don't waste that much time on appearances. Maybe if you'd stop belittling me and trying to get under my skin, you'd come to know me well enough to realize it..."

"Well maybe if you weren't trying to feed me your ship, we might have started getting along!" The reached the sight but Gid and Jason were not back yet.

"Is that what all this is about? All I did was ask if you'd seen it....and what did you do? Give me nothing but attitude. Tell me...what did you expect in return?" He asked, stopping to devote full attention to her.

"I had attitude?!" She threw her hand up to her chest pointing to herself. "Who came in with their feathers all fluffed up thinking their all special and that? Khan if I didn't bust on you over half the time, I wouldn't be surprised if you thought you were a Nietz god."

Khan looked away and sighed. "God is dead......besides, has it ever occured to you that your constant 'busting' on me might represent an interest on your part that may actually prove me right?" He raised an eyebrow.

She folded her hands tightly over her chest. "What?" She flung her hand up in front of her. "Now why would I ever want you Khan? If you were my mate you be dead by the second night." She breathed.

Khan laughed. "Now who is thinking they are 'all that'?"

"Me?" She raised her brow. Aurora chuckled. "You have got to be kidding me. I am the farthest thing from all that. I have more faults than probably this planet but I do just fine. It just makes me stronger." She leaned close to him with her chin held high.

"Then why are you so concerned with my self-image? If you have no interest in me, then what I believe myself to be or not should make no difference....or do you worry about how everyone sees themselves too?" He asked.

"Well, one, heaven forbid you are actually close to relation." She rolled her eyes. "Two, I just can't stand some of you males that walk around her with your alpha attitudes. You think you are the ultimate gift to woman." She poked his chest while speaking the last sentance.

"Not the ultimate gift....that's for the woman to decide. Nut doesn't seem to have any complaints....perhaps you should judge for yourself before condemning me..." He said in a low voice, moving closer....

Suddenly a flush of blood jumped to her face. "No, thats okay. I have plenty of confidence in Nut." She patted him on the chest.

Khan's eyes flashed with understanding, but he just smiled. "Then you will trust her judgement, and cut me a little slack....there's a lot of work still to be done." He said plainly, and continued on to the site...

Aurora sighed heavily. "Yeah, I can cut you some slack for now." She smirked backing away from him. "Let me know if you get to tired. I'll come and help you get the job done." She smiled turning away from him.

Khan just smiled as he returned to work....

As he lifted something, he felt it jerk a little, turned, and saw Rowan helping. "Thank you, I can handle it."

She continued to help despite his protest, so he decided to let her as he waited for her answer.

He rubbed the wrinkles in his brow and slightly rolled his eyes, "I know we've all been busy since arriving on the planet. But your security division should have thought about such a possibility. I don't know how many military commanders came with us on our journey, but they should have thought about it too."

Sheridan straightened up, and then smiled. "That's pretty much all I came here to discuss. The possibility of more patrol ships. But you looked like you wanted to speak to me on a different matter."

Rommie

"I should have considered that. Usually that falls under the duties of Alpha, but we don't have an Alpha yet. I will have General Roberts bring a fleet to join you."

Senar sat back and thought.

"Sheridan, I was looking over the reports from the trip here. You handled the human population well. There is no doubt of your organization or leadership skills either."

Senar watched his face for his thoughts and reactions.

"I would like to put you in charge of the human population. I know you will see that they are treated well and also see that they are still productive. You would be working hand in hand with my staff and would have some say in security. What do you think?"

"I would be honored Senar. This is a big responsibility, and I will do it to the utmost of my ability. I would like to make a small request though."

Senar nodded, "Go ahead."

"I would like to remain in command of the Agamemnon. I've gotten to work really well with her crew, and if I'm going to be in the security aspect of things, it might seem logical to have a ship."

Sheridan stood up, "If that's acceptable, then it will be an honor to serve on your staff." He extended his hand towards Senar.

Rommie

[This message has been edited by Rommie69 (edited February 01, 2002).]

"Have you eaten yet? I've been so busy trying to set things up that I let the lunch hour pass. Why don't you accompany me to the kitchen tent and we can make our own meals?"

Senar linked her arm in his and they headed off.

"Tell me Gid, why are you here?"

Rowan had never been one for small talk, she liked to come straight to the point

"As far as I know you don't have any family amongst the Phoenix Pride and yet you are here helping to build up our new home. How do you profit from this?"

He continued building, with her help, even though he didn't really need it, as he considered her answer. "I have no pride of my own. They were killed in a terrible act of spite, and I swore to find the one that did it. I did, but found that they were dead."

He lifted another piece into place, aligning it perfectly. "My pride had extensive dealings with the Phoenix, so, when I ended up in your midst, I decided to see what profit could be made from joining your pride."

He stopped as he finished, and turned to Rowan. "And I do believe Senar is the rightful leader of this pride, and one damn fine one as well. That is why, as long as it is in my interest, I will stand ready to defend her and any she may desire me to defend. I only hope to be able to call her friend as well as leader."

He started again, finishing the building quicker because of Rowan's help. "Now that I've answered one of your questions, perhaps you can answer one of mine. Given that the battles between Marius and Senar gave everyone time to consider one thing or another, do you believe that some of the people here might actually be loyal to Marius instead of Senar?"

It was a purely hypothetical question, one he had been considering for a while.

Aurora was glad they came to an agreement but at the same time she felt a little more vulnerable now. He knew many of her fears and anxieties. She knew that he would never use that against her but still what if she was reading him wrong. She waved her hand at the thought. "If I am then I'll deal with that when I get there." As she arrived construction was headed forward busy as usual. Her oldest brother Michael was helping her head the construction. She spotted Ivan on one of the scaffoldings placing in some concrete into the wall. Aurora smirked. Well, fair was fair he knew her limits now she wanted to know his.

Then came the question

"do you believe that some of the people here might actually be loyal to Marius instead of Senar?"

She was momentarily flustered and speechless, then regaining her composure she turned and smiled

"I don't believe so Gid, I know so. Shortly before we left for this planet, I discovered four of Marius's men on board my ship. Unfortunately Constantine had to kill them before I had a chance to interrogate them properly, so I have no idea how many more 'traitors' there are, but I'll find them, eventually"

She turned away, she didn't like the way this conversation was going

He was going to have to check into it some more himself, because he didn't like the thought that there were some who might want to kill Senar right here. He considered asking Rowan if she wouldn't mind having someone looking out for her in her hunt for these traitors, and he had hoped to talk with her some more, anyway. Not that he particularly fancied mating her, not yet, anyway, but he did find her companionship to be...invigorating. "Stay. I find I am enjoying the conversation as we work. Tell me more about yourself."

He was, after all, only curious.

OOC: Or is he?

Rowan was a little taken aback, someone was actually enjoying talking to her, usually her often abrasive manner and lack of social graces scared people away. But then again Gid didn't 'know' her or anything about her and he might be a useful ally in the future so she smiled and began to tell him about herself, besides she was enjoying his company

" I am Rowan Prochazka out of Ygerna by Nikolaos. My father was a great warrior, he died in battle many years ago. I strive to act in a way that would make him proud. My other is more concerned that I am unmated and therefore childless, she thinks my job is just a stop gap until I meet the 'one'"

Rowan laughed

"I haven't the heart to tell her that my job and my ship are the most important things in my life.

I used to play with Nut and Marius when we were children and then when Marius took over leadership of the pride he assigned me to the trade fleet. It has taken me a long time to reach the position I have now, many people assumed that I only got the job because of who I knew not what I knew. Hopefully I have since proved them wrong. I was away on a deep space trading mission when Lady Bast .. Senar returned. Vague rumours filtered through but it wasn't until I returned home and saw the proof with my own eyes that I believed it"

Rowan thought for a moment

"When Marius learnt of my return he assumed that I would stay loyal to him, he was wrong. Senar is a far better leader than he could ever be, she genuinely cares about her people, Marius only cares about himself"

She stopped

"That's about it, really. I hope I haven't bored you too much!"

He decided to return the favor. "As per myself...I was born into a pride of hunter/warriors. We worked hard on not only physical superiority, but superiority of stealth, of senses, of cunning..."

He found he wanted her to know the rest. "I had three mates, and 17 children, all of whom were killed while I was not there. For the longest time, I wanted to join them in death, but I found the desire for revenge to be more compelling. I hunted for a long time, not knowing if I would succeed, and having the help of an old friend. And then I come here, and I find..."

Could he tell her? Could he let her know their leader was the one he wanted to kill before? "I find she died shortly after she left our world."

In a sense, it was true. Senar was not the same Bastet as the one that killed his family. She was...more caring. Perhaps it had something to do with the death of his pride, he would never know. And he decided he didn't really want to. He told her the rest. "Now, aside from watching over Senar and her family, as well as the rest, I have only one other desire, to prove myself worthy enough to take a new mate and to have a family again."

Finally, he shimmied off the narrow beam he was sitting on, and climbed down the structure to the ground. His body glistened with sweat as he put on his shirt and headed to grab a drink of water.

"Is it just me, or is the sun here hotter than our old one?" he muttered quietly.

OOC: And that's me quitting Phoenix. It's been great playing with everyone. Bye bye.

"Good luck with your future endevors girl."

She finished setting up the hospital and started to prepare to go to the next site. Darkness would fall soon and the work would be done for the day.

"Filia!" Filia laughed as one of the younger children ran over to her. Daycare centers had been set up in a few of the tents for the human children. It was Filia's turn to babysit, and boy did she have a group to look after. The little boy was covered in mud.

"Jared! What happened to you?" Filia grabbed a towel and cleaned the boy off.

"Seni pushed me!" Filia sighed. Seni and Jared had been at this all day.

"Alright. Stay here while I go find him. We're all going to have a talk about playing nice." Filia stood up and allowed herself a small smile. Kids, she thought shaking her head. Then she put on her serious face and went to deal with the troublemakers.

He had to hand it to him, though....he knew what he was doing. Khan was a competent engineer, but Gid knew the art of building. Khan was learning, but Gid had years of experience over him....still, it was simply the circumstances.

On the transports, Gid had abandoned his damaged one for Khan's repaired one near the end of the virus crisis....in space, on a ship under adverse conditions, he suspected the hunter would not be as superior as he believed.

He returned to the shelter he and Nut shared to clean up and work out his tired muscles so they wouldn't tighten up. He had pushed himself harder than ever to keep up with and try to outdo Gid, and now his body protested. He wondered briefly why he felt compelled to spar and compete with the man every time they were anywhere near one another....was Aurora right? Did he really think he was 'all that', to the point that he couldn't accept anyone else as being his superior in any area?

The concept was ludicrous...there were several areas he acknowledged having no expertise in. Obviously there were others superior to him in those areas....so what was it? Maybe because he knew Gid would gloat, flaunt his superiority every chance he got if Khan actually let him....or maybe that Khan couldn't bring himself to admit to any kind of inferiority....

He shook his head and banished the thoughts..."Absurd." He said to himself. "I have nothing to prove to him or anyone...I am a husband and soon to be father. Let him think what he wants..."

He started a light workout to keep himself loose before cleaning up...Nut would be home soon, and he wanted to surprise her with a nice, intimate dinner....

"How was your day?"

"Here, let me help you with that." Sheridan walked over, and stood between the two of them. Putting his back into it, he helped the young couple push the wall into place.

"Thank you sir. With all the walls we've put up, I guess we just lost our strength." The young man's smile turned into slight confusion. "What brings you out here Captain?"

Sheridan grinned and wiped the sweat out of his hair, "Well I'll be around here more often. Senar has put me in a position, where basically I'm your representative. I figured I'd come down, and begin working with the people. Jump right in the thick of things."

The young woman smiled, "We're certainly grateful you came when you did. That wall would have certainly fallen on us."

Sheridan's grin grew even wider, "It was my pleasure. You two take a break before anything like that happens again. We need to keep strong during this time."

"Thank you Captain. Would you like to join us for a refreshment?" The young man gestured towards the inner sanctum.

"No thank you. I have a lot of ground to cover. You two go and enjoy yourselves. We'll speak again." Sheridan grinned, and started to move farther into the district, as the couple moved in, and partook in their refreshments.

Rommie

He spotted Rowan heading to her own quarters, and caught up with her. "I was wondering if you would like to join me in the mess tent for dinner."

He admitted it then. "I enjoyed our conversation earlier, and thought we should continue it."

"Good....little sore from keeping up with Gid. I think if our competition keeps up, the city will be done by the end of the week..." He joked.

"I set up a small dinner in the back....I thought we'd enjoy a quiet night together tonight. I hope you didn't have plans?" He asked.

"I could eat a horse right now."

She sat down while he got their dinner.

"Its been such a long day. We are short one member. Tiana decided that Phoenix life isn't for her I guess. She left the planet without a word from anyone."

She inhaled deeply as he brought them their food.

"So what do we have here?"

"I was wondering if you would like to join me in the mess tent for dinner."

Rowan was surprised to find herself saying

"Join you for dinner? That would be lovely Gid, thank you."

She was sure she had meant to say a polite no thank you.

"But first I need to shower and change, I’ll meet you over there in about an hours time."

She watched as Gid walked back towards his quarters. She shook her head trying to clear the confusion, what was she doing, much as she enjoyed talking and working with the man she had to remember just who and what she was, her current life was based on a tangled web of lies, she would have to be very careful what she said to him. Then she grinned, what harm could it do, it was only dinner in the mess tent and she walked up the ramp, a little bounce in her step.

Her bubble was burst by the brooding presence of Constantine

"Been having fun Rowan? Sebastian and I have been busy readying the fleet for their next mission and you have been doing what exactly?"

"Not now Constantine, I'm meeting someone for dinner and I don't want to be late. And anyway I think what I do with my time is my business, don't you?"

She stormed to her quarters, reality had a horrible way of intruding on her life

An hour later, after a shower, one that relaxed his tired muscles, he arrived in the mess tent shortly before Rowan got there. He already selected a table, and invited her to sit.

He climbed down, his body sore and dirty, and wondered how the others had faired with their construction.

Before he went to his tent, Ivan stopped by what acted as the security headquarters tent and quickly scanned the reports from the squads on patrol.

As she entered the mess tent she felt strangely nervous. She saw that Gid had arrived before her and already secured them a table. She walked over to him, accepting his invitation she sat down and smiled

"This was a very good idea Gid, it's surprising how hungry physical exertion makes me"

Rishi led the group out, each carrying a large tray of food to place into the large buffet table that had been set up nearby.

"Attention everyone, dinner is now served," he announced, as they finished stocking the table.

OOC-wrap this up guys, I am going to move us along.

"I'll talk have to talk with him later." Seni was William's oldest. Filia shook her head.

"I've taken care of it. He's really a great boy." William nodded.

"By the way," he said, "I saw the Captain while working today. Nice man. Helped me and Selena with some of the building."

She nodded. "He's not quite what you expect. But nobody is around here. Did he say what he wanted?"

"Yeah." William grinned. "He's representing the human population. So I guess that means we'll be seeing him around."

Filia smiled. "That'll be interesting. Well, I'm off to bed. It's been a day." William nodded in understanding. Most of the humans were starting to retire to their tents as well, getting ready for the new day.

"If you will excuse me, I am tired and shall turn in now."

"Senar, is there anythign you need to talk about?" he asked.

She gave him a look that said she wanted to be alone, but he ignored it.

"Come now, you hired me to make judgements on people based on my observations of them, and you expect me not to figure out that there's something upsetting you?" he said.

"I'll leave you be if you desire, but you know where to find me if you need me."

"It isn't horse, but I think it should do..." He said amusingly.

They sat and ate, talking about the events of the day, and how the people were dealing with building their new home from scratch.

The evening grew late as they talked, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company. They sat at the entrance to their shelter and gazed out at the stars, new and alien. Nut fell asleep in Khan's arms, and he smiled contentedly as he gently put her to bed and lay beside her, holding her until both were sleeping soundly...

"I will be fine. I am just, well I am restless. I worry about my people and I worry about myself. What right do I have to worry about myself? I have a duty to do. My birth has made it so I have a duty to those people, they mean more then anything I could ever want or need."

Rishi looked at her confused. She smiled and patted his arm.

"I will survive, that is what we do. I am just lonely. I can't let them know that though and sometimes its hard."

He smiled. "And I'll help you anyway I can."

"I will be fine. Its just a matter of being tired. I am sure the others are more stressed then I am. They are doing hard labor where I am only making plans."

Senar took off her shoes and pulled out her silky nightgown.

"Was there anything else Rishi?"

"I....no, I don't think so," he said, blinking his eyes and focusing on Senar's face rather than the gown. "Just as distracting an option," he thought to himself.

"Take care of yourself. If you don't, I will. I won't be lead off a cliff because my leader is too exhausted to lead effectively," he said, walking back towards the door.

"Oh, and as to this intelligence agency, I've come up with changes that suit my style better. Just so you know. Goodevening Senar," he said, "And might I suggest storing clothing like that in plastic. Sand and silk do not a merry couple make."

[This message has been edited by Jidimus (edited February 02, 2002).]

"Males"

She changed into the nightgown and fell into a restless slumber.

He'd done it before, and, he had no doubt, she'd heard the same line a few times, but he suddenly found himself very curious about this. "And I wanted to know what your genetic background was."

OOC; Rae, expect an e-mail from me

Through all the work he had done, he hadn't built a place for himself yet. Perhaps he'd find a place near a beach somewhere, and put up a small place.

For now, he went to the outskirts of town, and found a giant palm tree to lay against. He sat down in the sand, and pulled his jacket up over him.

"Didn't build a place for yourself either Captain?"

Sheridan opened his eyes, and from the other side of the tree was Ivanova.

"Lyta, where have you been all this time?"

She looked up at the stars, and shrugged her shoulders.

"My security detail was over, so I helped some people with their buildings. Doing what I could. I even used The Cobra for some heavy lifting, for larger buildings. But in all that time helping others, I neglected myself. As you have I see."

Sheridan grinned, and let out a sigh.

"Yes, I guess I got carried away. But since Senar put me in charge of the Humans, I figured I should show them that I am thinking of them, and not of myself."

"True, but you cannot neglect yourself either. That would not be good. Can't have a leader that doesn't think of one's self from time to time. It has to be an equal share."

Ivanova had some wisdom in what she said. Sheridan simply nodded his head.

"Maybe we'll build the main Human complex somewhere near a beach. I've got this thing for oceans, and I can set up quarters there. Same for you if you'd like. Has Senar offered you anything?"

She shook her head slightly, and let out a deep breath.

"I'm sure something will turn up. If nothing else, I can just come over and be your assistant."

He grinned, and reached over and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"You know you're more than welcome, but I'd like to see you have a position of your own. You know we're on indefinite loan to the Phoenix from the Romans. Which means this is basically our new lives. I don't want you being in my shadow forever."

A smile washed over Ivanova, and she nodded, "Thank you Michael. That means a lot."

Sheridan grinned, and then looked up at the stars. "I'm sure the sun is going to come up soon, so let's get as much sleep as we can. Good Night Lieutenant."

"Good Night Captain."

They pulled their respective uniforms over their shoulders, and leaned up against the tree to get a well deserved, good night's rest.

Rommie

Senar finished dressing in her grandest gown.

"I feel like a giant ball of cotton candy in all these frills."

Senar walked out of her room followed by several servants who were fluffing at her dress and hair.

"That is quite enough. I think I am presentable enough."

Senar was growing more and more impatiant with all of the pomp that went with her position.

She walked into the grand ballroom of her palace.

"Lovely, just lovely."

Her servant motioned to her throne which was placed above everyone else. Senar sighed again and took the seat, waiting for others to come and pay their "respect" to her position..

He looked up long enough to smile at Senar, and then moved towards the back of the hall, intent on watching for suspicious behavior, as he was becoming accustomed to doing at all times.

X-T surrepticiously watched his mate from his place on the divan against the far wall of their bedchamber. It distressed him that she seemed to be finding dressing for this event so unnerving, but he knew if he offered to help he at best would be rebuffed. At worst she'd take his head off. But he also knew once they left their chambers she would be calm and serene, a model to all of the younger women, many of them going through their first pregnancy, around them. So he was content to wait.

'He is watching me again,' she thought. 'He thinks I don't know but I know his every more and mood as much as he knows mine.' She spun around and almost lept across the room at him. "Ha! Three months with child and I can still out manuever you. Don't think I don't know you were watching me."

He reached up and grasped her wrist pulling her towards him and kissing her firmly on the lips. Then he drew away, leaning back to look directly into her unsurprised eyes. It was quite clear that she had been expecting this tactic, as she suspected almost all of his others. "Ready to go then are we? he said with mock seriousness.

She extricated her hand and held up one index finger, invoking a time-honored sign for a brief delay. Turning away she walked to the sliding door that overlooked the rear yard which backed on to a heavily wooded park. She stood by the door in silence for several minutes.

Meanwhile, X-T watched in awe of what he knew was going to happen, waiting for this remarkable display of something that had amazed him from the day he had first seen it. I gift so rare that he wasn't sure any other Nietzschean displayed it in quite this way; except perhaps his daughter Valeria.

As Ani stood at the doorway, a full grown male wolf emerged from the forest that surrounded the back of their home. He confidently yet casuallly moved to her, with absolute assurance of his welcome and safety. A trust completely un-Nietzschean in its execution, yet without a doubt totally inculcaded in his survival instincts. A paradox that perhaps even she herself could not explain.

She spent only a few moments quietly murmuring to the animal before turning back to her mate. "Shall we go then?" She firmly hoped this was not going to be a difficult evening But then again with the firery personalities around this place maybe that was too much to ask for.

Ani and X-T entered the banquet hall. One glance told here this was going to be an interesting evening indeed.

He went to Senar, saluting her, and smiled up at her. "My lady, may I say you look magnificent there?"

She replied with a statement that got him to laugh once, then he moved off to let others pay their respects.

As he did, he saw Rowan enter, and his breath was taken away.

Khan stood by the mirror, watching as Nut fussed for the umpteenth time at the dress she was wearing. Now four months along, her pregnancy was showing, and she insisted that the dress she had specially made for this occassion wasn't sitting right.

Khan, in his formal suit tailored specifically for ease of movement and concealment of weapons, waited impatiently.
"It looks fine." He said. "It looks just the same as it did at the tailor's when you tried it on last week. The ceremony will start soon, and your sister insisted we all attend."

Nut shot him a look. "I wasn't this big last week..." she replied.

Khan snickered and moved up behind her. "Yes, you were. You look beautiful.... you always have, and always will." He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Now hurry up....or Senar will make both our lives miserable for weeks for spoiling her big day...."

Nut fidgeted a bit more, finally satisfied enough, and the pair left for the Hall.

-------------

The palace seemed to rise into the heavens as they approached, such was it's omnipresence. It towered over everything around it, gleaming in the evening light.

"Impressive.." Nut breathed.

"It should be, given how many of us broke our backs for 3 weeks building it..."Khan said deadpan. "Personally, I think such opulence a waste of time and effort..."

"Spoilsport." She returned, mock hitting him and smiling. They entered into the Grand Ballroom, where Senar sat like a queen, attending subjects. Several had already arrived and were lined along the sides. Khan paid no attention to Gid, instead focusing on Senar, looking quite regal....though he thought the gown was a bit much.

They came up and presented themselves; Nut courtseying as much as she could, Khan bowing respectfully, then putting a fist to his chest and then opening it; A motion handed down to the Volsung from their progenitors, the Kodiak, signifying their creed: 'Live well, and grow strong'.

They moved aside to let others pay their own respects, taking places to the side of the Hall....Khan looked around the Hall, remembering the work he and the others put into it and all the other buildings throughout the fledgling city.

During the past few months, Khan had built bridges with many of the Pride, finally beginning to feel acceptance, belonging with them....he had tried to make a form of peace with Aurora, but she never seemed to have time, instead throwing herself totally into her work....she did continue to harrass and 'razz' him, as she called it, whenever possible, though. He'd come to accept it as her own peculiar form of endearment. He didn't see her around, so she apparently hadn't arrived yet....he wondered when, or if, she would....

He put his arm around Nut, holding her close as they waited and watched the procession.

[This message has been edited by Richie (edited February 03, 2002).]

The formalities over she scanned the crowd for a familiar face, almost immediately she spotted Gid and made her way towards him.

Gone was the woman who he'd come to think of as someone to work beside, someone who could, in some instances, outdo him in many things. Instead, she was, now, a magnificent example of what a female Nietzschean should be. He bowed, somewhat formally, to her. "Rowan, you are very attractive tonight."

The smile that earned was more than enough to justify what he'd thought earlier, but the smirk and her smart aleck response told him she was still Rowan. He chuckled. Some things didn't change.

Others were looking at them. Gid never paid any attention to that. "Let them think what they will," he told Rowan when her mother made some comment about him being her future son-in-law. They were friends, and that was enough.

They had, of late, been the subject of some idle gossip, something to pass bored hours. Some said they made a nice couple and should be mates. He let idle tongues wag because he knew inferior ones had to pass the time somehow.

But, tonight, they would give them something to wag their tongues about, if she'd agree. He put down his drink. "Would you care to dance?"

At her acceptance, he led her out onto the dance floor.

[This message has been edited by FMD (edited February 03, 2002).]

"you are very attractive tonight"

Rowan grinned and looked down at her dress

"I know you’re more used to seeing me in dusty work clothes, but even I like to dress up from time to time! And anyway from the look in your eyes it’s had the desired effect!"

He surprised her again by asking her to dance.

"I’d love to Gid, but I must warn you I haven’t had much practice at dancing, there’s not much call for it when you’ve spent most of your adult life on board a cramped trade ship!"

As he led her onto the dance floor she realized that she had butterflies, although she had spent a lot of time with Gid in recent months she had never actually been physically this close to him before.

'There’ a first time for everything' she thought as she slipped her arms around his neck ensuring that there was still a small amount of daylight between their bodies.

"is this ok" she asked him

[This message has been edited by Raevenfromkhcmb (edited February 03, 2002).]

"I'm going to the little Nietszchean's room if you don't mind!"

Senar just wanted to get away. She snuck off to the back halls to have a moment to breath.

This was one of the reasons Aurora wasn't ready to be mated. She didn't want to put anything first except for her job. Her job was to important to her because it made her feel useful and wanted. She was sure that Jason and Michael felt the same way for they weren't mated either, but now that all the work was done with the buildings. They could get back to a normal life.

Aurora wondered what Ivan was doing. She hadn't seen him much since she was so busy jumping back and forth from sight to sight. She wasn't even sure if he was still interested. Her eyes scanned the room for him.

"I am sure he isn't here yet." Jason smiled leaning down to her.

"What?" Aurora asked. Jason shook his head.

"Ivan, isn't here yet, but there are some others." Aurora rolled her eyes to him.

"Are you my father?" Michael leaned close to her on the other side.

"No, but we are close to it. Anyone you mate, I want to meet first." Aurora sighed.

"If you insist, but don't worry that won't be for a while." Jason chuckled.

"Yeah, okay." The three Mactaggets approached slowly up to Senar. The two men were garbed in black material. There dark uniforms made their blond hair look almost white. Aurora wore a glistening light blue dress that only a big shapely blond could pull off. The three nodded to Senar with a smile then headed off back into the room.

Aurora caught out of the corner of her eye Gid on the dance floor with Rowan and then Khan with Nut. "Well, they don't look like they changed much." Aurora commented as Jason handed her a glass of wine.

OOC: Sorry Senar was posting at the same time you were.

The music ended, and, for a moment, he held on a bit longer. "For someone who grew up in cramped ships, you dance divinely."

She blushed at the compliment, then he led her to the refreshment table.

"How am I expected to do anything in this dress?"

She tore the sleaves off the dress and then went to work removing the fluffy skirt till all that remained was the short lining that was on the inside. What remained looked like a simple green dress, no frills whatsoever.

"That's better, now I can move."

"Khan dear, have you seen my sister?"

Nut tried to smile and be cheerful as their dinner was served, but she couldn't help but worry. Senar had been out of sorts lately. Most people did not notice, but the sisters were close and Senar could never hide anything from Nut.

"You're a lot of help."

She got up from the table and went in search of her sister.

Aurora was barely able to peer out between her brothers but she noticed that Khan was now sitting alone. Nut must have went to see Senar or the little girls room. "Excuse me." She muttered pushing the two large bodies out of her way. Aurora shimmied over to him in her tight light blue dress. "Hello, stranger." She smiled.

Khan was waiting for Nut, who had gone to check on Senar when she left abruptly, when he saw Aurora walking over to him. He kept his face impassive, but noticed with interest the dress she wore, and the lithe figure it accentuated within....

"Hello, Aurora." He said. "I'm surprised to see you here....considering it is you who has been the stranger as of late."

"Yes, well it was a requirment and for once we needed a break from our work." She tapped the chair next to him asking him silently if he wouldn't mind her company.

He glanced at the chair and nodded, giving approval. "That's quite a dress.....I'm surprised you wore it. I'd have thought it showed off a bit more than you were comfortable with.....since it leaves no doubt to the fact that you are quite beautiful...." He told her.

Aurora chuckled shaking her head. She was trying to come back with a quick comeback but she was at a loss for any words. "Thank you, sometimes its just nice to feel feminine. Plus, I don't want to look like my brothers. We are all to alike as it is." She grinned.

"I'm reasonable sure no one will make that mistake tonight...." He replied, in a low voice. "You should do it more often."

"Then they would think I was looking for a mate." She whispered. "I rather hide behind baggy overalls and heavy vests." She crossed her leg tightly over the other while sitting up right in the chair. "So, how are you and Nut doing?" Changing the subject quickly.

Khan smiled, wondering if she knew how transparent she was, or if it was just that he knew her better than he let on. He decided to let her get away with the diversion.

"Very well....she's had no complications so far. Whether that is due to my constant insistence that she pace herself and not work so hard, or that she is an excellent physician, I don't know...." He said, smiling.

Aurora nodded her head with a smile. "Well, good for her. I am sure she will make a wondeful mother. She is the mother type you know, very caring about others." She smiled.

"Yes, I know." He leaned on the back of the chair. "You know, now that the city is more or less completed, I have an idea...if you're interested..." He said softly.

Aurora turned her head slightly with a raised brow. She was almost scared to hear what he was going to suggest. "What?"

"I've had ample time to review the topographical scans of this planet....." He said, leaning closer. "There's an area a few miles from here, near a mountain range lined with forests. I think it would be an ideal place to build a small home....a getaway, if you will. Secluded...private...." His voice was barely a whisper. "I wondered if you would like to help me build it..."

Aurora sat silent for a moment trying to size up the question. "Oh sure, I wouldn't mind. I'll go tell Michael and Jason about it. I am sure they wouldn't mind helping either." She smiled. "We are all very good at what we do."

"I know." He said, smiling. "But, the fewer people who know, the better..." He suggested. "It's a surprise for Nut. Mainly, I'd need materials and tools...."

Aurora leaned closley into him. "Then Jason is your man. He is good with the supplies. I am good at designing the buildings and following through with the construction." She smiled. "With all three of us working we should be able to get things done quickly for your new family." She grinned widely.

"Thank you. That would be very nice of you...which, in and of itself makes me suspicious..." He said, half-smiling, half-wary..."It would mean a great deal to me."

Aurora laughed. "Why are you suspicious Khan? After all, Nut is my cousin." She smirked.

"Because it's so uncharacterisic of you, at least where I'm concerned...." He countered. "But for Nut, I can understand it..." He smiled, almost returning her smirk.

"Of course for Nut. What, you thought I was doing it for you?" She smirked.

"No.....of course not. How stupid of me..." He said. "I'll let your brother know what I will need, and a timetable for construction. I'd prefer as little invasive machinery out there as possible.."

"Depending how big you the home is, we wouldn't need any machinery except for maybe the base." She grinned finally leaning back against the seat. "But that is something I think the three of us should discuss. I'll go tell him. When would you like to discuss this?"

"Tomorrow afternoon will be fine. I need to register the claim on the land first.....there shouldn't be any trouble, as there's been no time to consider any legal issues like that....I'll drop off my plans for the layout and timetables." He told her.

"I doubt it will be a problem." Aurora uncrossed her legs. "Well, I am glad that you are doing fine Khan, it would be a shame if you weren't." She winked. "Because then I might feel bad when I harass you." She reached over and gave his arm a gentle squeeze before standing up.

"Indeed." He said neutrally. "By the way....I didn't see Mr. Vedris come in with you. He's usually nearby when you're around....You haven't given him the brush-off, have you?" He asked, with a sly grin.

Aurora stood up looking around the room. "No, no." She said straightning out her dress. "I haven't seen him much at all. I have been busy and I am sure he has, too. We just keep missing each other." She smiled with a shrug. "I am sure he will be here soon." She waved bye to Khan before turning away.

Khan watched her leave. "Pity..." He murmured, then turned back to wait for his wife to return...

Filia smiled as she looked around the beautiful hall. After being introduced to Senar by Sheridan, Filia had made herself as useful as possible. She had come to know a few of the nietzscheans better, and although she didn't always get respected, she was getting along. Sheridan and her had been seeing each other more often, and they were good friends. Filia was searching for him at that moment.

Jason raised his brow as he caught a glimpse of the lovely Filia. "Well hello there." He growled rubbing the rim of his wine glass against his lips. Michael turned his way.

"What are you looking at?" His older brother questioned. Jason handed him his glass.

"Oh no one." He grinned starting to make his way over to her.

Filia saw a young Nietzschean male approaching her.

"Hello. I don't believe we've met." She extended her hand. "I'm Filia Sensanev."

Jason grabbed her hand and pulled it gently to his lips. "I don't believe we have either." He smiled before gently kissing her hand. "Or else I would have remembered such a beautiful creature like yourself."

Filia turned pink. "You are too kind sir."

Jason grinned. He waved his hand to the dance floor. "We can't let Gid and Rowain take up the dance floor by themselves now can we." He smiled.

"Well, can I at least know the name of the gentleman I am to dance with?" Filia smiled back.

"Of course, I am Jason Mactaggert." He thumped his chest. "We are the ones that helped design this lovely building you are in now." He extended his hand to her, waiting for her to take it.

Filia placed her hand in his. "You have very good taste for design," she said as she was led to the floor. "I'm guessing this isn't the only building you've designed."

"Well, my sister is usually the designer. That is her speciality. My older brother and I are good at the type of contruction we need and we are all good at putting it together." He grnned spinning her around in front of him before pulling her close in his arm.

Filia did her best to keep up with him. "Your family is very talented. All the buildings I have seen are well done."

"Thank you, we also repair all the ships in the fleet." He laughed. "Not by ourselves mind you. We have help but we do head that as well." He grinned. "How about yourself?" He dipped her to the side before pulling her back up.

Filia laughed. "Oh I've been doing odd and end jobs since we've arrived. Right now I'm working with the Lady. She keeps on surprising me. You all do. I've never known a kinder pride."

He laughed. "We are unique. I know at least my family is. We have some different points of view on life then some Nietz do." He grinned.

"You certaintly do. I can't believe I was actually nervous when I first left for this place. Now I can't think of living anywhere else." Filia spun out and then back in.

"That is good to hear. I am hoping that we can maybe get to know each other a little better." He suddenly jerked her very close to his face.

Filia smiled, but put a little more distance between them. "I would love that as well. Maybe we can have dinner together later?"

Jason chuckled. "Later? as in tomorrow right. I think after this party we will be a little to tired." He grinned taking a step forward.

"Tomarrow would be perfect, unless something suddenly comes up." Filia smiled.

Jason shook his head. "I don't think so. The only thing that would stop me would be work, and that I mostly do during the day." He grinned. "Would you like to get something to drink?" He asked hearing the band end the song.

"No I wouldn't like to get a drink. I'd love to." Filia winked. "And considering that pun, I don't think I shall be drinking anything alcoholic."

Jason laughed loudly. "Well, then I will get you something light. Would you like a spritzer?" He asked guiding her to the table.

"Sounds good to me." Filia took the seat he pulled out for her. "And you?"

"I'll take some wine." Jason caught a glimpse of Aurora walking towards them. "Filia, have you met my sister, Aurora." He asked waving her over to the table.

"I have now." Filia waved at Aurora. "How do you do?"

"Good," She grinned grabbing Jason's arm. "When you have a minute I just have to talk business." Jason nodded.

"Would you like to have a seat with us?" He grabbed the chair next to Filia.

"No, its okay. I am kind of waiting for someone anyway, and I wouldln't want to interupt your fun." She smiled to Filia. "I'll leave you guys be, bye, Filia." She smiled waving to the young woman.

"It was nice meeting you Aurora," Filia said.

"She is probably waiting for Ivan." He looked he way for a moment before turning his attention back to Filia. "So, tell me more about yourself." Jason, slowly dropped down next to her.

To Be Continued

"What did you do to your dress?"

Senar laughed.

"Am I really that much of a mess? I didn't want to wear it anymore."

Nut looked confused, but didn't argue with her.

"Senar, all your people are out there. They need to see you."

Senar sighed.

"Yes, I need to be the perfect leader. I have to dress right and act right and never show the tinest weakness."

Nut eyed her sister carefully.

"Want to talk about it?"

Senar shook her head.

"There is nothing to talk about. I have a duty to perform. I just needed a break."

Nut linked her arm in Senar's.

"Well lets go find something better for you to wear."

Senar sighed.

"Just make it something a little less puffy."

"Let's split up. Cover more ground that way."

They grinned at each other, and went off their seperate ways. Sheridan looked up towards the throne where Senar should be, but did not see her. He then looked around, and noticed that Filia had already arrived at the palace.

Over the past couple months, they have had dinner with each other on occasion, and went for a walk on the beach during the construction of the Main Complex. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he was beginning to develop feelings for her. He wondered if she felt the same about him.

She was talking with Aurora's brother Jason. And from the looks of it, Jason was hitting on Filia rather strongly. Sheridan decided to hang back, and see if things escalated.
*******************************************

Ivanova sauntered her way over to the refreshment table, and picked up an alcoholic beverage. For the last couple months, she had helped Sheridan in his endeavours with the Complex in the Human District. Occasionally running her fighter here and there for special purposes. But she had no real purpose. And she was beginning to feel like she had none. While the cause she was helping was worthwhile, she felt like a backup player, and she wanted to be so much more. Perhaps in time, something will come along. Perhaps, nothing may come at all.

Rommie

[This message has been edited by Rommie69 (edited February 03, 2002).]

"This is better. I don't feel like Glenda the good witch."

Nut shook her head.

"Who?"

Senar laughed.

"Remind me to get you some earth history books. Time to face that horrid throne again."

Nut smiled sweetly.

"You don't have to stay on the throne. You can go mingle with the people. You were never the throne type anyway."

Senar smiled and the two went arm in arm back to the party.

He didn't mean to, but he found himself comparing Senar and Rowan. He considered both his friends, but he had, long ago, given up any further pursuit of the leader of the people. He'd even told her about his decision, and told her that he would always think of her as a very good friend, and the one that gave him one of his most treasured kisses of all time.

OOC: Senar, I'd imagine this would be the case, given that he's been forgiven and everything.

And there was Rowan, who seemed to sparkle with a glow he couldn't tell where it came from. They had spent so much time together that they had become practically inseperable. Senar was attractive, gorgeous even, something rare after four children wonderful, and any guy who got her as a mate would be lucky, but Rowan was beautiful in a much different sense.

He made a determination that, no matter what, he would prove himself worthy of her. Then, maybe, he and her would wear armbands together.

He walked over to her. "Are you going to stand there, or are we going to amaze these people with our dancing again?"

"Rowan and Gid look nice together. They will make a nice couple one day."

Nut looked at her sister, seeing the saddness in her eyes.

"Yes, they probably will."

Rishi wandered over to Aurora, and stood in front of her. "I don't suppose you'd care to dance," he said, in his usual manner.

"I wouldn't think you would want to dance with me. I thought you were suspicious of me." She raised her brow as she sat up right.

"Oh come now, we've known each other for months now," he said. "Surely you do something other than construction for fun."

"Yes, but as you remember I avoided you for many of those months. I first meeting didn't leave a good impression on me." She leaned a little forward and gazed into his eyes.

"Okay, so sneaking into your office wasn't a great way to get off to a good start," he shrugged. "But hey, its your loss if you don't want to dance," he taunted.

"My loss?" She raised her brow. "And how is that?" She smiled slightly.

"I was known to own the dance floor in my heyday," he said, "Even if that heyday was only 3 years ago."

Aurora laughed. "You make yourself sound so old." She slowly stood up still debating weather to go with him or not.

"Old, no," he said, smirking, "Distinguished is the term I prefer."

Aurora shook her head as she slowly took his hand. "And explain to me why I am giving you a second chance." She smirked.

"You are giving me a second chance because I'm extremely lucky that you are such a generous soul."

She laughed. "That is a very good reason." She smiled taking up his hand. "So are we going to try and start this over?" She started towards the dance floor.

"We can try," he said, "Or we can continue to torment each other. Personally, I'd prefer both."

"Really, I am a very formidable foe, Mr. Rishi. I am not sure if you want to play games like that with me. I always aim to win." She grinned lifting up her hands for the dance.

Rishi took her hands, and lead her into a waltz on the floor. "Be careful you don't underestimate my fortitude Aurora. I don't enter a game I don't think I stand a chance in."

Aurora chuckled. "Really, is that a challenge, Mr. Rishi?" She raised her brow.

"Please, just call me Rishi," he said, as they danced.

"But I am always respectful to my elders." She teased.

"Then you should respect an old man's wishes," he quipped, "I know the extra four or so years I have on you may seem like an eternity, but you'll get there soon enough."

Aurora shook her head laughing. "My oldest brother Michael, makes you look like a baby. He is in middle thirties. Is it because you have so much experience on me?" She grinned looking directly into his eyes.

"I don't know. You've been less than forthcoming," he said, "For all I know, you've been several places I may never see."

"The Mactaggets are who we are. We are no one else. We have built this pride from the ground up several times. If you are still concerned about me then ask my brothers Jason and Michael. I am sure they will be forthcoming with some information." She smirked.

"Yes well, I'll keep that in mind," he said, "I prefer to avoid sibling bias, however."

"Well, you can ask anyone in this pride about me. I don't hide behind false pretenses. I show who I am straight up. I am not ashamed of who I am. You'll find out Rishi that I am a little different from most Nietz. As for you though, you seem to be like the typical male." She grinned.

"Oh come now, no need to insult me. The typical nietzschean male is more concerned with the diameter of his forearms than with the fact that his brain is the size of a peanut."

Aurora chuckled. "I have to admit that even though some of these men do rub me the wrong way at times they are mostly very intelligent. Out of the ones I work with and have close contact to, they never show me any signs of low intellect, so maybe that wasn't such an insult after all." She sat back and waited for his reply.

"Well, perhaps I'm just used to a different breed of "typical" nietzschean male," he said, as the music came to an end. "Well, thank you for the dance," he said, letting her hands go. "Perhaps another time?"

She bowed slightly to him. "Perhaps." She grinned. "I doubt I will be seeing you much now any way. There still is some construction to finish on, and you have more important tasks to take care."

"Fare thee well then," he said, "Now, I do believe I shall try to cheer your cousin up some. wish me luck."

Aurora smiled to him as he left. It would be nice if Rishi could help bring a brighter smile to Senar's face.

"Would the lovely lady care to honor me with a dance?" he called up, perhaps a little louder than he should have, trying to speak over the music.

She looked at him a little surprised, and perhaps somewhat confused.

"Oh come now, you have to have at least some fun tonight. And I should warn you, I don't scare easily. I even managed to convince your cousin, whom I might add is one of the most stubborn people I have met, to dance."

He smiled and took a step closer.

"Besides, someone has to show Gid and Rowan what real dancing is about," he said with a wink.

"Aren't you afraid of what others will say if you dance with me?"

He offered her his arm with a smile.

"Besides, I have yet to start caring what others think. Why become self concious now?"

"Well then good sir, shall we dance?"

"I do believe we also have to take Gid and Rowan to school. We can hardly afford to be outdanced in public."

"We have the advantage sir. It was mandatory in my family that we children had to be proficient dancers. The only person who could give me a run for my money is Nut and somehow I don't see Khan as the dancing type."

He held her tightly as they moved across the floor. He wondered why he hadn't made a move a long time ago.

"Just so you know, I can get carried away should swing music get played," he said, leaing in to whisper in her ear.

"And I must say, I hope no one minds if I occupy your dancing time almost exclusively, because they'll have to fight me for you."

"Oh you're the possesive type. I like that."

They danced beautifully, like they were made to fit each other. Senar could hear the wispers of the watchers. She would hear all about the scandal tomorrow from her aides. She didn't care. She was enjoying the moment.

"You can be possesive as long as you don't mind that I am possesive too."

"Whatever you said seems to have done the trick..." He said as Nut returned to the table. "She seems much more relaxed....maybe it has to do with the amount of frills her dress seems to have lost.." He said humorously.

"How are you feeling? Because if you're up to it, I'd very much like to take you for a spin around the dance floor..." He asked, holding out his hand and smiling.

He excused himself from Rowan and went behind him. "Can I talk to you for a moment?"

The Nietzschean moved fast, beginning to run towards Senar, drawing a blade. Rishi pulled Senar out of the way, then dove at the guy, tackling him first. Kahn, from somewhere, jumped next. Several others, including Gid, jumped on him, keeping him away from Senar.

When the assassin stopped struggling, they got off him, and discovered the reason why. He had plunged the blade into his own chest.

Gid went to Senar, taking her to the side for a moment and making sure she was okay. "Listen, my lady, I don't think this was an isolated incident. I think, if the rumors are true and you are going to design a new government, you need someone who can work to weed out the problems internally as well as externally."

The look she gave him told him that, maybe, she had already considered it, but that now wasn't the right time. "We'll talk about this later. Right now, I've got to go and apologize to someone."

He excused himself from Senar and returned to Rowan.

[This message has been edited by FMD (edited February 04, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by Remus (edited February 04, 2002).]

Before she had a chance for further thought and self-doubt, Gid returned to her side. She wanted to tell him how she felt, how confused she was but right now she couldn't find the words. On impulse she reached up and gently kissed him

Ivan strolled into the Banquet Hall proudly. His dress uniform sat perfectly and he smiled as he looked around at the hall.

Aurora had done an impressive job and had flawlessly integrated all the necessary security measures right into the construction.

He looked around the room for a moment before stepping over to the refreshments table for some punch.

"For one I would just like to go to a normal party."

He found he liked the feeling very much of her lips on his. Even though it was very brief, he wanted to feel it again, but he wanted to earn it. "Thank you."

He could've kicked himself. Of all the things to say, that was not what he meant. He shook it off. "Now, I believe our dance was interrupted. Shall we resume?"

He took her back out onto the dance floor, holding her a bit closer this time. He didn't want her to get away.

"Gid, I aplogise, I had no wish to embarass you. I over-stepped the bounds of our friendship, please rest assured it won't happen again."

Rommie