Board Thread:Archive/@comment-24866242-20140529210628

Story: Galley 2 - After the Fact Kieshon Lowdye posted June 07, 1998 03:54 PM

"Shit." Seldom did expletives pass from her lips, let alone, anything loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. As she watched Travers turn on his heel and storm out of the galley she felt as though everything had just backfired with a large blast of gun power, and that her face was now black, and her hair stuck up at all kinds of different angles. She did not miss the quiet anger that resonated in his steps as he disappeared from sight.

Without regard for whom the woman was or what her blatant disrespect could mean to her remaining on the Vextis, she turned, her shuffled steps toward the door of the Galley aggravating her to the point she knew that at this rate she would never catch up with him. She paused at the doorway, brilliant green eyes turning back to where Katrylle stood the mixture of expression to her face that of 'yeah, I'm a bitch' and laughter. The woman's back had been to Loltar, so she hadn't seen the expression that had been in his eyes. Again, under her breath, yet still loud enough to reach Katrylle's ear, she muttered "Shit" before turning back to the door, and stepping out into the corridor.

She didn't doubt that Loltar, having slipped -- of habit -- back into the name she thought of him by, had made for his quarters. Perhaps her slowed steps would be a blessing in disguise, and would give him the time needed to cool down. If not, she was willing to place her well being at stake to confront him. As she walked, she cursed herself for having even put herself into the situation that had caused this. She should have just stayed in her quarters, or at least not ventured beyond the bay where her Fighter was held.

Her thoughts ran in a merry circle themselves as she replayed what had happened. Just the expression on Loltar's face had told her that he thought sure he would have to spill everything, at least where it involved Kieshon, and the group. That had been the only reason she had said what she did. Hell, out here in deep space, she knew what was like for men... ok, alright, women too. Why the hell hadn't he just shrugged it off, and let it go. Yeah, he could have kicked her back side nine ways to Sunday after the fact, but all he'd had to do was just play along.

Possible realization stumbled her step, she quickly placed her hand to the wall of the corridor, beneath her palm she could feel the thrum of the massive ship. Maybe something had hit a bit too close to the core? Her eyebrows pulled together, tight enough so that they almost formed a single line above her eyes. No, that was rubbish, or the lingering of the childhood crush, which she was not sure. Why did the Captain have to push it so far, almost as if she fully intended to not just push but harshly punch Loltar's buttons.

With a partially frustrated growl she continued, soon reaching his quarters. Hesitantly she lifted her hand, passing it over the announce panel, but she didn't hear the familiar tone that indicated the doorway was opening. Definite proof that he was within, so instead she pressed the button that would activate the message comm. "Lol... umm Travers. I know your in there. Umm... I'm sorry for that back there. Umm... I didn't mean for it to go that far." Her voice dropped slightly so anyone passing wouldn't hear her words, but she knew the sensitive mic would, and that within Loltar's quarters it would be amplified to an audible level. "I was just trying to give you a means so you didn't have to bring up... umm... you know... the past. Umm."

With a heavy sigh she rest the flat of her palm to the door panel. "C'mon Loltar. Open up. I'm sorry. I didn't know she was gonna do that. Chief? You in there?"

Copyright © June 1998 the player/creator of Kieshon Lowdye, All Rights Reserved

Linton Travers posted June 07, 1998 04:24 PM

The door before her opened suddenly and, without warning, she was locked in his arms, his lips pressed against hers hotly. He could feel her struggle at first, probably from surprise and, maybe even fear.

He held her lips with his for a long time, the desire to punish her slipping quickly away as the kiss softened to one of passion and caring. He could feel her body responding to him and, in a flash of conscience, something that didn't happen very often, he reluctantly pulled away from her. Instinctively, he steadied her as she regained her equilibrium.

When he finally released her arms, she took a step backwards, her eyes wide with shock, her fingers lightly touching her own lips. Her skin had taken on the darkest shade of red he had ever seen on a woman and her hand was trembling. He couldn't help it, he wanted to take her into his arms again and soothe her. Instead, in a voice husky with desire, he said "Jux will be here in about an hour and a half."

He didn't move. He didn't turn from her. He didn't follow his heart's greatest wish and go to her. He simply stood and watched her, his own hands clutched in tight fists to keep them from shaking as badly as hers. Silently, he waited for her emotions to inform her mind of what just happened. Silently, he waited for the fury that was about to befall him.

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 07, 1998 05:11 PM

Before she could have reacted the whoosh of the door registered about five seconds after the awareness that Loltar held her firmly. His lips violated her's roughly, the growth of whiskers over his top lip, and beneath his bottom burned against her face. Warning claxons sounded in her mind, her hands coming up hard to his shoulders, trying to push him away as panic surged through her. Unbidden memories of another incident rushed her mind almost wiping her ability to think reasonably.

As Kieshon felt his kiss change, her own reaction changed as well. Instead of harsh, there was tenderness. Instead of violation, there was desire. Her hands didn't move from where they rest, but instead of pushing hard against them, her fingers curled over the ridge of his shoulders. What raced through her like an out of control forest fire wasn't the wishes of a childish crush, but the blatant desire of a woman. When he pulled away from her, his hands came from around her to rest at her arms, steadying her. It was a good thing, because even though her braces remained locked, she would have ended up on her back side in the middle of the corridor in a hearts beat.

When she drew a deep breath, he hesitantly withdrew his hands. Her foot slid backwards, twice, widening the gap between them. It seemed to come to a freeze frame as she couldn't find her voice, even as she felt numb fingertips against her lips. The shake that had found her hands, seemed to have now taken up residence in *every* fiber of her being. Only the loose fit of her flight suit partly camouflage how heavy her breath actually was. She barely registered his words on her brother arriving soon, only hearing the desire that deepened his words.

When they did register was as the color had finally begun to return to normal on her face. She nodded, but still couldn't find her voice, as her hand fell to her side weightlessly her lips parted but nothing more then a whisper of released breath passed them. Numbly she turned away from him, shuffled steps carrying her to the opposite side of the corridor, only once her hand made contact with the wall panel, again feeling the thrum of the Vextis beneath her palm did her voice choose to finally return. "Umm.. I better get down to the docking bay." She couldn't look at him, something akin to guilt having taken up residence within brilliant green eyes. "I umm... have to stop at the Slayer first before going, I'll umm... meet you there, Loltar."

She made her way down the corridor, only after having taken about a dozen steps realized she was going in the wrong direction. As she turned to move back in the direction she had originally come from she could tell that he still stood in the doorway of his quarters, but she still couldn't meet his eye. Instead she silently cursed her braces for slowing her down. Only once she rounded the corner, and was out of his sight did she stop, and lean against the wall, burying her face in both hands as a rush of shivers surged through her. She felt as though she was on the verge of hyper ventilating.

Kieshon remained there in the corridor for perhaps twenty minutes, further calming herself, and trying to grab back control of her rebellious emotions. Once she managed even a semblance of calm she made her way toward the Slayer. There she checked over the fighter with the skilled eye of a professional, using the time that remained before her brother arrived to hide any evidence of what had happened. Juxtor was too observant, and she didn't want anything showing on the surface that might cause static between her brother and Loltar. About fifteen minutes before the transport was to arrive she exited "The Green Eyed Lady", having run her fingers through her hair, unaware that it was oddly as effective as if she had taken the time to actually use a brush or comb.

As she entered the loading and unloading dock, she noticed that Loltar arriving at the same time from a separate entry area. He hadn't noticed her yet, as his eyes looked over the panels that announced what was arriving and what was departing. After taking a deep breath she slowly made her way toward him, unaware that some color lingered on her cheeks, to anyone that might have noticed it appeared as though she was actually just wearing makeup. She felt Loltar step up behind her, but neither said anything as they both held their eyes to the ramp that would soon extend indicating the transport had arrived.

Juxtor Lowdye posted June 07, 1998 05:57 PM

He sat in the lounge on the Transport, waiting for it to enter Rhy'Din space. He began to think on the circumstances that had prompted his leaving the comfort of his happy home and loving wife and children.

Nelson DeVille. One of his closest friends nearly 7 years ago, next to Loltar, he had nearly lost track of him. Nelson turned up one day on United Solandra, spouting some nonsense about people hunting him. Jux, thinking it one of Nel's wild tales, laughed and slapped the man on the back. They went to Jux's house for dinner. Nelson left that night, seemingly confident in his safety on the planet.

Jux looked up from his reverie as a large, oriental man entered the lounge. The man wore a strange symbol on his dark gray jumpsuit... a black serpent on a red disc. The man's head was shaved nearly bald except for a tight, long braid running down his back. Acknowledging the man with a nod, Jux turned back to the window, staring out into space, his mind once more returning to memories of nearly 4 months ago.

The morning after Nel left, Jux went into the city to get some supplies. He saw a mob in the park. He walked over and saw a constable standing to the side, talking into a microphone. Jux approached and asked what had happened. The constable told him there had been an animal attack. A tourist had been killed and there was no need for concern.

Jux walked over, tugged by instinct to see who had been killed, his heart fell as he saw his dear friend, Nelson, lying on the ground. He looked at the body and noticed that the 'claw' marks were too regular to have been a wild animal. He tried to tell the constable, but the man would not listen. Jux went to the zoo and found that all the animals were in their place, and had been for some time. He started doing some checking and found that some witnesses had seen a heavily cloaked woman leaving the area shortly before the body was discovered. He soon discovered that she had left on a transport heading to, of all places, Rhy'Din.

Jux had hurried home and started packing his things. Trinity, his dear wife, came in and asked him what was going on. He told her that Nelson was dead and that he had to leave to find the killer. He told her that he would be home as soon as he found her.

Kissing Trinity, and the twins, he hurried to the spaceport and bought a spot on the next transport to Rhy'Din.

His reverie was broken once more as the captain announced that they would be docking in 20 minutes and requested that all passengers return to their quarters for final approach. Jux hurried to his room, again noticing the large oriental man. Again, Jux gave the man a nod, then they both left the lounge and returned to their quarters.

25 minutes later, Jux walked down the stairs from the transport, eyes scanning the gathered crowd, catching sight of the auburn haired woman and the large man next to her. He smiled at them, then cinched his bag up on his shoulder and hurried to them.

"Hey there, Keishon, Loltar ... long time no see... " His eyes showed that he wished that circumstances of their meeting again were more joyous. His green eyes registered the colouring of his little sister's cheeks. Deciding to talk to her about it later, he dropped his bag to the deck and wrapped both of them in a tight hug.

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 08, 1998 11:38 PM

Part 1

A grunt escaped Kieshon for the tight wrap of her brother's arm around her, wobbling slightly as he returned her to her feet. "Oaf!" She muttered lightly under her breath. Juxtor looked between the both of them with a slight smile as Loltar chuckled, slapping him on the back. "You know, one of these days you're going to hurt someone with that bear hug." Juxtor's chuckle was softer. "It's been too long, Loltar." Brilliant green eyes quickly looked over the docking area. "Umm, shall we go somewhere less crowded." Her gaze slipping quickly past Loltar to her brother. He nodded to her. "Sure, lead on." Loltar's own dark violet gaze glanced around the bay. "Mmm, come on. There's a little used lounge down two decks." With a vague gesture to Loltar, Kieshon continued. "Follow him." Her voice still low, as she smooths the loose flight suit she still wears.

Juxtor picked up his heavy pack effortlessly and followed after his friend, automatically adjusting his pace, noting Loltar did the same, to suit his kid sister. With a glance around he caught sight of the large oriental once more. Loltar led them out of the bay and to the elevator. As promised, when they reached the lounge, it was virtually empty save for the tender. Brilliant green eyes followed the pair as they moved toward a table, she moved instead toward the bar. Motioning to the tender, she ordered coffee for Loltar, seltzer for her brother, and an Earl Gray for herself.

Juxtor followed Loltar, dropping his back to the deck and sitting easily, after turning the chair around so the back faced the table. Kieshon was glad that Loltar had chosen this particular Lounge as it was one she had frequented, enough so that the tender had given her a tab which she promptly paid the beginning of each month. Loltar slouched in his own chair, waiting for Kieshon to join them at the table, somewhat guilty for not helping her.

Green eyes looked to Loltar, Juxtor smiled. "So, old friend, what's new?" "Welp . . . " Laughing. "I'd tell you, but I'm not entirely sure where to start." The murmur of conversation behind her from her brother and his friend brought her to hastily scrawl her initials across the tab. Pushing it back toward the tender she took up the tray, bearing it toward the table. Kieshon set the large mug of coffee before Loltar, and the tall glass of iced seltzer before her brother. Loltar stood immediately, to help her, then realizing she's got it handled, plopped back into his chair. As she moved around the table, Juxtor reached out and spun her chair out for her, Kieshon set the large mug of tea before the remaining empty chair, tossing the tray to a nearby table, then offering a small smile to her brother.

As she sat, she easily released the locks to her braces before turning to face the table. Juxtor's easy laughter and light tone taunting Loltar at his slow action, or reaction. "Slow as ever, eh, Loltar?" The response a shrug and a chuckle. Kieshon leaned back in the chair, her fingers wrapping around the mug, her eyes averted, she dove directly to the topic. "So, any word on what happened, Jux?" Loltar sipped from his cup, carefully avoiding Kieshon's eyes, waiting for Jux's response to her question.

Juxtor sighed, turning his eyes to his sister, noticing that for some reason she doesn't look up, to either of them. "The Constables are still calling it a wild animal attack, but I don't buy it." "What's the evidence?" Loltar asked. Juxtor's expression darkened slightly. "The cuts were too clean. Too organized. There were only killing cuts, nothing to suggest a predator." Brilliant green eyes lifted to her brother, still avoiding the other that sat with them. "All right, you got a 'but' in there bro. What is it?" Jux nodded to his sister, his sharp green eyes catching her avoidance. "Yes, well, you know Nel. He must have found a woman that night." Kieshon's words dancing reflectively with her brothers. "We know you said something about a woman seen on the scene, shrouded in a cloak."

Loltar stretched, chuckling as brother and sister get on the same wavelength. Kieshon's lips drew into a thin pale line, as she only gave a curt not, looking back to her mug, as Jux continued. "He had recently had sex. Very recently, according to my friend at the Morgue." She had begun lifting her mug to sip of her tea, but her know pertly wrinkled, and the mug returned to the table with an audible thunk. Loltar muttered quietly. "That's Nelson for you."

"Do they think there was a connection?" Her words sharp, only now did her gaze lift to Loltar, but it didn't remain or meet his eyes. Juxtor nodded to his friend with a sigh, sipping his drink before looking at Kieshon worriedly. "The DNA testing revealed some interesting facts." Loltar sipped from his coffee, apparently ignoring the scathing look from Kieshon. Both seemed intent on listening to Jux as he continued. "It seems that Nelson had changed. They found feline DNA, umm, well, you know, as well as Human Female DNA." Loltar choked on the coffee he had just sipped. "Feline?! As in cat?" Again Kieshon's eyebrows knit tightly together forming almost a single line above her eyes. Jux nodded slightly, glancing at his sister.

Muttered almost under breath. "I heard o' wanting a little pus... umm.." Loltar glanced at Kieshon, and actually had the good graces to blush at what he had been about to say. She looked first to her brother, then to Loltar as his words cut off. "What?" With a sigh she continued, realizing now. "Go ahead Lolt... umm... Travers. I've heard worse. He wanted a little pussy. That was Nelson's main goal in life." Not hiding at all the disgust in her voice. Juxtor stared at Loltar's blushing, chuckling softly, deciding he and Kieshon definitely have to talk. Loltar's muttering actually catching him by surprise. "Bad joke, I know. Sorry."

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 08, 1998 11:39 PM

Part 2

Juxtor shook his head, watching his oldest, and perhaps closest friend. Loltar gave him an 'I f'ed up again' shrug and went back to sipping his coffee. As Jux's gaze slid back to his sister she lowered her gaze sharply, lifting her mug, taking a drink of the still hot tea. Again the heavy mug settled to the table with an audible thunk, but only the tight line of her mouth indicating that she had burned her mouth. Jux's attention thankfully drawn back as Loltar again spoke. "Alright. Clean cuts, not so clean, yeah. And someone actually *saw* this woman?"

Feeling left out, Juxtor sipped his seltzer, for the first time since he got married, wishing for something stronger. "Yeah... Well, not exactly." "Did they get.." Loltar's words ending as a frown deepened his brow. "Not exactly? Care to translate?" With a sigh, Jux leaned forward against the chairs back. "Well, they saw a heavily cloaked feminine figure leaving the scene, right after they heard screams. They wouldn't swear to the figure being a woman." Cocking his head, Loltar looked to Jux. "But the forensics proves otherwise. Right?" Kieshon returned her gaze to her brother, forcibly refusing to look at the man across from her. Jux let out a disgusted laugh. "Yeah, right."

Loltar let loose a heavy sigh. "This isn't much to go on, you know." Jux continued, almost over riding his friends words. "The constab's didn't do any 'forensics'." With an arched eyes brow Loltar looked at him in question. "But you said..." It was a frustrated gesture that the man's hand swept a ring of water from the table. "Well, I had some friends do some checking for me." Looking to Loltar. "Yeah, I know what I said. All they did..." Implying the Constab's. "was look at the body and say 'Yep, he's dead.' Poor bastard shoulda stayed away from the animals."

Loltar pressed on. "You said she hopped a transport. Could she have gotten off at another port?" Jux shook his head. "Nope, direct flight." Still avoiding looking to Loltar, Kieshon spoke softly. "Well, isn't the Captains husband a man'cat? What's the chance that the DNA report was on a fem'cat?" Her brother stopped cold, looking at her. "What?" There was a delay, as though no one had said anything before Kieshon spoke again, her voice a bit firmer. "Loltar?"

With a blink, Loltar pulled himself from his thoughts. "Sorry, what?" With a sigh, she let her gaze drift to him, but not meeting the violet eyes. "I said... 'Isn't Captain Morgahn's husband some kind of cat'man type of thing. What's to say that there isn't some kind of female of his race, or some variation. Jux said the DNA report said something about." Her teeth coming together in a sharp snap as Loltar spoke over her. "Captain Mor... wait.. ah jeeze. Hold that thought right there. Yes, Kat's husband is a man'cat," Chuckling softly. "but actually, *he's* the captain of the Vextis. She was just acting captain when you cam aboard."

Her voice lowering, the words spoken with tension. "Well, stuck in my quarters, or the Slayer, or in the hidey holes you insisted on showing me around to. How was I to know." Unable to keep the low tone of anger from her voice, though her words did not raise too loudly. Jux looked first to one, then to the other, grabbing his head trying to fight of the dizziness. "Hold on!" "I know, I know. I f'd up. sorry." Loltar sighed, glancing at Jux. Kieshon looked to her brother, brilliant green eyes darkening slightly. Flashing with an odd fire as the rare burst of anger coursed within them. Loltar slouched further in his chair.

"Ok, now, one at a time. What's this about a man'cat?" Juxtor looked at his sister. "Let him tell ya." Gesturing to Loltar with one hand. "I'm just a bystander here." Her hand again firmly surrounding her mug, her expression setting the she wouldn't say another word. Jux turned his gaze to Loltar, his eyes darkening slightly at his sister's stubbornness. Loltar's sigh became one of exasperation as he slid his hand over his face. "Alright." Going into a story he's not very fond of. When we were running together, " His gaze locked with Jux's. "it was a cover for a much larger operation. The person you knew as Loltar was a lie, plain and simple. *Is* a lie. The people on the Vextis refer to him as Travers, but even that isn't true." Juxtor nodded, having had his suspicions confirmed to a point. His eyes softening encouragingly.

"Anyway." Loltar continued. "my brother... yes, I had a brother... long story short. There was a woman with him before he died. She was nearly the only survivor, and she is now the woman Kieshon knows as the Captain of the Vextis. Though, in reality, it's her husband Ryax who's in command of this ship. Ryax is part panther/part man. I'm here because, once I was done with, well, after my brother's death, I promised to keep a close eye on Kat. She knows who I am, but she's not one for trusting. Since I worked as a second command for the man who killed my brother Jack, well, you can imagine what she thinks of me. I guess this is a case of keep your friends close, and your enemies closer."

Jux nodded. "I can certainly understand that."

Loltar continued, the end near, his gaze having lowered to his mug. "As for any more of Ryax' race." Frowning, as if trying to remember, then his gaze flicked back to Jux. "I was actually working for Jack at the time. He wanted to keep tabs on Darrak." His voice taking on a tone of angry self defense.

"Hmm..." Thinking back to his militia day's. "I seem to recall tales of Cat people." Reaching a hand to Loltar's shoulder. "You don't have to explain anything to me, Lol... umm Travers." The tic of Kieshon's jaw muscles the only indication that she was listening. She stared into the steaming mug of tea clenched in her hands. Some of this she had already been told, that first night she had been here, but what Loltar had just revealed filled in some of the empty spots. Juxtor slipped his hand back to the table, his brow tightening as he tried to remember. "I thought those stories were just that... stories." Loltar shook his head. "Loltar is fine, I lived with the... mmmm... split personality long enough." Sighing again. Juxtor nodded. "Ok, Loltar. Is there any way to confirm that your captain isn't an anomaly? We may have a lead here."

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 08, 1998 11:47 PM

Part 3

Loltar shrugged. "We could ask him. Only bit of history *I* have on him is that he lived with Drow for a while." Juxtor's brow remained tight as his knuckles wrapped the tables surface. "Hmm... Well, lets assume that there is an entire race of Cat people for a moment. How hard can it be to find a fem'cat?" Loltar straightened. "I'll tell you, though. Having traveled around RhyDin a little, I *have* seen some pretty odd things. I don't think I'll be too off field by saying that Catwomen would be the most normal thing around there." Again chuckling slightly as he inadvertently answered Jux. Kieshon's brother sighed, shaking his head. Muttering softly. "Naturally."

Loltar's frown deepened in thought again. "Damn, there's something, I should be remembering something." Juxtor looked at Loltar, then reached into his bag, pulling out a small box from the side pocket. "Perhaps this will help. Finally, green eyes lifted again, this time passing between the two men, staying on Loltar as his attention was held on her brother. He sighed heavily, giving up as he glances at the item in Jux's hand. "What's that?" Juxtor set the box on the table. "It's a DNA Tracker... I, umm, acquired some of the woman's DNA from the morgue." At her brother's words, Kieshon's brow lifted as she looked to the item Jux held. Loltar chuckled, not surprised by his friends efficiency, attuning his attention as Juxtor continued. "It's very limited, but if we can get started soon, we should be able to lock the woman down to an area of only a hundred square miles."

Loltar took the box from Juxtor. "How does it work?" Kieshon leaned back in her chair, shifting her position slightly as the edge of her brace chafes against her hip. Jux smiled. "Well, as long as we have a fairly fresh DNA sample, and the one I have is pushing it, this will locate similar DNA patterns. Kinda like a tracking device." Loltar nodded as he examined the device. "Think your sample is fresh enough to work?" Jux's gaze shifted to his sister, his eyes showing his concern, though he said nothing before looking back to Loltar. Kieshon couldn't help the mutter under her breath. "So what are we supposed to do. Walk up to every female that looks feline and jab them with a needle." Loltar flinched *very* sightly at the tone of her voice, but continued to examine the equipment as it its the most important thing

Juxtor chuckled at Kieshon, then looked at Loltar, answering both at once. "The sample I have should be good for a general location." Loltar queried. "How general?" Looking pointedly to her brother. "I mean for comparison." Jux's gaze again parried between the two. "Within a hundred miles. Perhaps less, if I tweak the machine, and we bypass some of the safeguards." Loltar's head snapped up. "Safeguards?" Kieshon's hand came up, fingers combing roughly through her hair. "Sounds like it's a long shot at best, even narrowed down to miles." Jux's chuckle rose. "Yeah, it may send us into a Lion's den, literally. But I think we can avoid that by concentration on the cities." Loltar's voice lifted again, insistently. "Wait, wait. What's this about safeguards? More importantly, will there be anything left to bury if we bypass them?" Juxtor looked at his sister. "Well, I don't have any better ideas, do you?" His tone questioning, not accusatory.

With a chuckle Jux then returned his attention to Loltar. "Of us, or her?" A growl found Loltar's voice. "Us. She's already dead." Slowly, the angry edge starting to receded, Kieshon looked to her brother. "We need to work with what we have. I just don't like incomplete puzzles. You should know that by now." Her brothers chuckle softened toward his sister. "Yeah, I do." Then directing his words again to Loltar. "We should be fine. Though the machine will be useless." His words then falling under his breath. "And I will have to make it up to my old commander." Hesitantly Kieshon looked to Loltar as well. "Anyone one board, or on surface that you know that might be able to get us into places that might otherwise be closed?" A muttered "useless is ok" before Loltar glanced at Kieshon, giving her his best freighter pilot grin. "You have *doubts*?"

Lifting a brow, Kieshon looked back to her brother. "Maybe you should stay here bro." Her word hesitating slightly as though unsure to what exactly Loltar is implying. Color rose slightly on her cheeks before she continued. "I don't actually feel partial to having to tell Trinity if something happens. And what of Loltar and Christian?" Seeing the blush, Loltar realized what Kieshon might have interpreted, and sighed heavily, dropping the grin. But as her last words sank in Loltar perked up slightly. "What about me?" But it seemed that the brother and sister didn't hear him, doesn't bother to ask who Christian is.

Juxtor looked at his sister, his eyes darkening slightly. "Trinity knows about this, and I intend to return home. *After* we catch the bitch that killed Nelson." Kieshon's let her gaze drift back to Loltar. Standing firm for the moment on her desire that her brother remain here. "You and I are expendable, as far as I'm concerned." Loltar's hands came up, as a half chuckle slipped from him. "Oh thanks." Juxtor put his hand to his sister's arm. "Kei, Nel was one of my best friends. I intend to find his murderer, even if I have to do it alone." A slight smile was tossed to Loltar. "Any time, I wouldn't want to beat around the bush. I don't think some situation are best taken by surprise." The double entendre heavy in her voice before she looked back to her brother. "Then I'll tell you right now brother mine, you will NOT go into any situation in this alone." "Woah, now, who said alone?" Loltar tried to blatantly ignore her snipe, but failed miserably. A smirk then finding his face, taking on a kid's tone. "YEAH! What *she* said!"

The heavy footgear to which Kieshon's brace connected lifted sharply to meet Loltar's shin under the table. her eyes not turning from her brother. "OW!! JEEZE!!!" He leaned to rub his shin, muttering. "So much for defenseless." Slowly Kieshon let her gaze slide back to Loltar, a smirk touching her lips. He growled at her, but the look in his eyes was almost pleading. Juxtor chuckled, suddenly feeling outnumbered, holding up his hands in resignation to that fact. "Ok, ok, ok. You win.." His voice lowering. "for now."

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 08, 1998 11:48 PM

Part 4

With a moderately light laugh Kieshon grabbed Juxtor's arm, pulling him toward her and planting a sloppy kiss on his cheek. "And they always said you were the dumb one." With mock indignation Loltar quipped. "Hey Now! He *IS* the dumb one! I'm the *moron* remember?" Brilliant green eyes tipped back to Loltar as she still held tightly to her brothers arm. "Wasn't that what I just said?" Lifting a brow. Juxtor looked to Loltar, then back to his sister, letting out a hearty laugh. Loltar's gaze returned to Juxtor, throwing his hands up in the air. A growl escaping him as he throws himself against the back of his chair in exasperation. "You know, she might have grown up physically, but she's *still* the kid sister brat!" Jux could only clear his throat to hid the laugh that nearly escaped him.

Releasing her brothers arm, Kieshon leaned back in her chair, her jaw taking on a defiant tilt. "I ain't a kid no more Loltar... mentally or physically." Than coloring quickly, her eyes dropping to her mug. Missing the slow smirk that formed at Loltar's lips.

"I hadn't noticed, Kieshon."

Turning in her chair, she straightened her legs. Her fingers quickly finding the locks to her braces. Well then, this KID will leave you two grown men to your war planning. "One hand to the back of the chair, the other to the tables edge as she prepared to stand. Juxtor's smile faded suddenly, noticing the color in his sister's cheeks, and the smirk on Loltar's face.

"Umm, is there something one of you want's to tell me?" Loltar's arm shot out, his hand clasping around her wrist firmly. "Sit down." Glancing to Jux. "Just me f'ing up again."

Brilliant green eyes glared daggers at Loltar as his fingers clasped around her wrist. He didn't back down, but his voice did soften. "Kieshon, stay, please."

A tolerant look of annoyance crossed Jux's face. "Kie, sit down please."

Jerking herself free from Loltar's hold she settled again to her chair. He sighed, his hand remaining on the back of the chair, though he dropped his head in frustration. Her gaze again flashed as she looked between the two men. "Dammit. I'm not a little kid any more. Nor am I incapable of being an asset to this operation." Her tone low and tight.

"Alright, I'm sorry," Loltar offered, lifting his head slowly to look at her. "for *everything*."

Kieshon hesitated for just a moment, her gaze holding Loltar's before she continued. "At present, with just the three of us, I'm the only one with the means to actually get us into that hundred mile area that Jux spoke of, and get us in undetected."

Loltar dropped his hand from her chair and sat back, but it was Jux that spoke first.

"Kie, I know you aren't a kid... and we..." His gaze turning to Loltar, green eyes searching his oldest friends face. His reactionary response was a flip of his hand out at Jux like 'she's pissed at me, don't expect a *we* in anything you want to appease her with. With a nod, Jux gave him back a silent 'we need to talk later' look. As his attention returned to his sister he continued. "Look Kie. We need you, more then you need us, right now." Loltar only nodded silently, not daring to take the chance of shoving his size 12's further down his own gullet.

Kieshon turned completely, wrapping her fingers around her mug, under her breath she muttered. "Typical male comment bro. You've been hanging around with Runt too much." Then biting her lip hard realizing how that might be taken. Jux reached out. "How soon can we leave?" Lifting her chin gently with his fingers like he did when Runt would ride her particularly hard. Her voice remained low. "Whenever you two decide to go. The Slayer's been sitting in dock collecting dust since I got here." Loltar's quiet words barely reaching the siblings. "You sure you want *me* along?" Her gaze lifted as Kieshon pulled her chin from her brothers chin to turn to Loltar, a 'don't push it look' dancing in her eyes. "What did I say?"

Juxtor winked at his sister before looking to his friend. "Sure we do, every group needs a mascot." Under her breath, almost without thought she added. "And this group's got its ass." Loltar's face took on a look of pure misery, as he muttered. "Woof." She colored sharply realizing what she had voiced aloud, a quick look between the two hoping neither caught her words. Loltar muttered very low that it was barely heard. "I refuse to fart on command." Juxtor lifted his glass to his lips, nearly dropping it as he heard his sister. With a wince inwardly she knew her brother and Loltar had both caught her words. She looked again to her mug, wishing she could shake off this, what ever it was, that had gotten a hold of her.

With a moderately amused shack of his head Jux quipped. "Sheesh, what a sorry bunch we turned out to be. I remember when the ten... errr... eleven of us could take on the world and be home for summer." Suddenly Loltar stood. "I'll be back as soon as I inform someone that I won't be around for a while." Kieshon frowned, confused at her brothers adding of another to what she had affectionately always referred to as the ten little Indians. "Huh?" Looking to Loltar, then back to her brother. Loltar stopped, looking down at her, knowing exactly what Jux meant. "Yeah. All eleven o'us." Jux chuckled, speaking matter of factly. "Well, what would the Indians be without their Green-Eyed Lady?" The two of them only managed to cause her frown to deepen further.

As understanding finally penetrated her mind Kieshon blushed profusely, though a proud smile touched her lips at the two including her finally in the rank and file. She looked at her mug, trying to hide the coloring from both of them. Loltar's heavy sigh followed him to the door. "I'll be back in a bit, soon as I can track Kat down." Juxtor leaned over and kissed his sister softly on the cheek, whispering softly. "Welcome to the misfits, sis." Kieshon's sigh was almost as heavy as Loltar's, recalling the events that transpired earlier with Katrylle, she gave her brother a weak smile before looking back to Loltar as he slipped out the door.

Copyright © June 1998 the player/creator of Kieshon Lowdye, All Rights Reserved.

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 09, 1998 12:24 AM

Only once Loltar was gone did she look back to her brother. "Jux, I fucked up." Not even considering for a second what his reaction would be to her use of such language. In the past, she had usually scolded the lot of them for using such. Juxtor stood and spun his chair around, sitting back down heavily before leaving tiredly against the back. "What happened between you and Lol?" Kieshon scooted her chair closer to his, taking his arm and tugging it around her, much as she did when little and greatly bothered by something. Leaning against his side she lay her head to his shoulder. Jux smiled as he settled his arm around her shoulders, the sigh that found him once of exhaustion. "Feel like telling me, or do I have to guess?"

Kieshon's voice remained low. "I don't know Jux. I tried to do something right, and it backfired big time. And now I feel all messed up inside." One hand flailing in senseless gesturing. With a soft smile he looked down at her. "Never did get over you crush, did you?" She couldn't stop the cringe that found her, but pushed tighter against him. "I don't have a crush on him." Her answer snappish, even though she didn't intend it to be. "Nelson made that up for some twisted reason of his own." Softly, Juxtor chuckled. "Oh, yeah, that's right." Smiling knowingly. "So, what did you do that turned out so wrong?"

A deep sigh lifted not only her shoulders but her chest as well, moving to push away from him. For some reason the position not as comforting to her as it had been when she was younger. His arm tightened around her, holding her close. "Kie, I'm sorry. Tell me what happened." "There was an exchange in the galley earlier today. I didn't want Loltar to have to go through the pain of explaining everything again." Pausing as he reaffirmed his hold to her, this time the effect she needed from her big brother seeped in, tears rolled down her cheeks. "So stupid me, made some comment about being his mistress hoping it would stop Cap... umm. Katrylle from pressing him for answers. She turned it around, twisting it all outta shape, and Loltar got pissed at me." Deliberately not including the events that followed.

Juxtor sighed and nodded. "Well, that would explain the looks you gave him, but not the look he kept giving you." Kieshon's voice dropped even lower. "Probably just looks that he was still blaming me. I tried to apologize, but... well, that was about two hours before you got here." Her brother shook his head. "Nope, those weren't looks of anger, or accusation."

"Come on, you're probably exhausted. Let me show you to my quarters. I'll take the Slayer tonight." Gently easing away from him. Juxtor accepted her avoidance of the subject, and as she pushed up to her feet, he rose with her, lifting his heavy back and replacing the tracker in the pocket. "Sure, I guess that will work. Though would be happy with the floor right now." Kieshon shook her head. "I won't allow that, and you know it. The sleeping compartment on the Slayer would be too small for you, so that's why I said you can have my quarters. From there you can also contact Trinity, and let her now you made it alright."

Loltar strode back in quickly. "Alright, all clear." Kieshon looked to Loltar, blushing again, glad the conversation had ended when it did. "I'm going to show Jux to my compartment, then I'll come back, umm, unless you have other plans." Her brother turned his gaze to Loltar, then nodded to Kieshon. "Ok, thanks." "I can set him up with something. Don't put yourself out Kieshon, he can bunk with me." Juxtor, knowing a battle was about to be fought over him, sat back down until they decided who was going find him a bed. With a firm shake of her head she countered him. "Not putting me out at all. I want to do some final checks on the Slay..." Her words halting as her brother sat, she swallowed hard before looking back to Loltar. With a deep breath taken she looked back to her brother, her voice dropping despondently. "You call bro." Even Loltar looked uncomfortable before turning his eyes to his friend.

"You got a spare bunk?" Jux inquired of the man. "Yeah." Kieshon looked again to Loltar, her eyes pleading with him not to say anything to her brother, but his gaze was already on her brother. With a shrug Jux conceded. "Well, I guess I can sleep there after I contact Trin. I wanted to talk to you anyway." His eyes locked with Loltar's. Quickly Loltar nodded. "It's up to you, Jux." She lowered her eyes to her legs, fingers fidgeting even though the locks there were already secured, she pushed up out of her chair. "Well, I guess I'm not needed further then." Jux reached out and lifted his sister easily, kissing her softly on the forehead. As he settled her again to her feet, his hand staying to assure that she had her balance. "See you in a few hours, sis."

Loltar hesitantly placed his hand on her shoulder, quietly as if he didn't trust his voice. "Wait here for me?" Kieshon winced at the tone in her brothers voice as he made his request of his friend, then she looked back to Loltar. With a nod she sank back into her chair again, her face actually paling. "Alright, bro." Her voice lower still. Loltar squeezed her shoulder lightly, then turned for the door. "It isn't much, Jux... but at least you'll have a semi-comfortable bed." Lifting his back once more, motioning to Loltar. "After you, old friend." Jovially he opened the door, and mock bowed Jux out the door. Once they had stepped out, Kieshon pressed her elbows to the table after unlocking the catches on her braces. Burying her face against her upturned hands.

Copyright © June 1998 the player/creator of Kieshon Lowdye, All Rights Reserved.

David Murdok posted June 09, 1998 05:20 PM

Taking this transport to Rhy'Din from United Solandra had been his only option. Once he found out that Saurin had journeyed to Rhy'Din to avoid being caught, Slayne decided to follow him. Saurin was the only man alive who could tell him why his family had been slaughtered. The man would talk... just before he died. Walking to his quarters aboard the sublight transport, Slayne put his weapons away, where he could easily reach them. Then he slipped his DEST sneaksuit on, slipping his blades into the special pockets along the legs and arms. After he finished, he sat down, waiting for the transport to leave. He closed his eyes and began to remember, despite his efforts to avoid the memories.

It was nearly 3 years ago. He was away on a mission in the Federated Suns. His wfe and newborn son were safely at home on New Samarkand, the base for the ISF's DEST operatives. He finished his mission and returned home. He walked into his home, expecting his wife and son to be waiting for him. He stopped just inside the door as his instincts told him something was wrong. He slid his Vibrokatana from the sheath on his back, pulling the mask of his sneaksuit up over his face. He activated the suit's scanners, also turning himself virtually invisible. He walked around the outside wall of the room, looking into the family room. His blood froze as he saw the decapitated body of his beloved wife lying on the floor. His baby was lying next to her, sliced to bits. For a long moment, he could not move.

So shocked was he, that he nearly did not hear the silent footfalls as several skilled operatives approached him from behind. At the last possible moment, Slayne spun around, slicing out with his vibrokatana and cutting one man in half at the waist. He dropped to the ground, rolling away from his previous position and to his feet nearly 20 meters away, slicing another man in half, this one from gut to gullet, snarling in his grief-filled anger. He fought as a wild man, until only 3 of the 9 man team remained. These three men chose to run rather than die at Shayne's hands. But the damage was done... Shayne's family was dead, his will to live replaced by overwhelming grief, then by an overwhelming desire for revenge.

Slayne rose from his seat, his face drenched with sweat, and walked to the bathroom, washing his face and then strapped his needler pistol to his side and walked to the lounge. He saw a large man sitting near a window. Slayne bowed slightly as the man nodded to him. He walked to a table near the corner, where he could see all who entered, but would not be trapped in a corner should trouble come. He ordered some Saki, then leaned back, closing his eyes and entering a meditative state, fully aware of his surroundings. His memories flowed unbidden.....

He had found two of the team easily enough. Once he had determined that it was indeed a DEST team that had attacked him, Slayne had done some unofficial investigating. He discovered that two of the team were still active... the other had disappeared. He would find that one later. After being granted some time off to grieve for his family, Slayne performed the rituals in private, slicing his palm open with the wakizashi he had received when he had graduated from the Sang Tzu Military Academy. He vowed to kill the men responsible for his family's death.

After his ritual, Slayne found the two active operatives and killed them, after finding out where the third man had gone. The first of the two had told him easily enough, but the second had required special persuasion. After the man had lost his hands, a finger at a time, he told Slayne where to find the other, begging for death. Slayne dispatched the man and removed all traces of his presence, leaving evidence linking the Free Worlds League to the deaths.

That was nearly 2 years ago. He had spent nearly all of his time tracking the man secretly, even forging orders sending his team to the planet the man had been on. Slayne followed the man until he retired, at the age of 40, from the DEST active roster. He had followed the man through the cosmos, until he had found that the man had travelled to Rhy'din. So, here he was, on a transport, only 30 minutes from docking with the Vextis, then on to the planet.

When the captain ordered all personnel to their quarters, Slayne rose, once more noticing the large man, also leaving for his quarters. Once the ship docked, Slayne left his quarters, having gathered his weapons and secreting them in his bags. Walking out onto the deck of the docking bay, he noticed the large man with a small woman and another man. They seemed to be old friends, which brought a disturbed smile to his face. He had not known such comraderie since the days before his family was killed. He walked to the board, looking to see when the next shuttle to the surface was leaving.

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 12, 1998 07:21 AM

Part 1

Loltar stepped silently into the lounge again, stopping just inside the door. Uncertainty clouding his face. Kieshon still sat where he and Jux had left her, her face buried in her hands, oblivious to the fact that he had returned. The tender looked to Loltar as he returned, gesturing an inquiry as to whether they needed more drinks. With a nod, Travers mouthed "whiskey". With a nod the tender quickly held up a bottle, silently asking "the whole thing or just glasses". To which Loltar indicated the whole bottle.

With a soft sigh he moved to stand behind her, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders, kneading them gently. "Jux is settled in, currently talking to Trinity." Kieshon jumped with a start at the touch, tensing for a moment but it passed as she realized who it was. "Good, I would hate Trinity to be sitting there without hearing from him. And Loltar and Christian will get to talk to daddy too." The tender brought to the table a tray bearing the bottle, two short tumblers, and the tab, then returned to his task leaving the couple to their own devices. "I think he was working on that plan as I left." Still kneading her shoulders.

Kieshon's head remained tipped forward, her eyes closed. Though her shoulders relaxed, her hands lay to the table, curled in slightly tightened fists. "Relax Kieshon. I'm not your enemy." She took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. "Then what, Loltar?" Shaking her head slightly. "Never mind, I'm sure I don't want to know." Loltar's hands remained at her shoulders a moment longer before he stepped to her right side, crouching down. "I can't answer you question, Kieshon. I don't now myself, I..." Sighing heavily, dropping his face into his hands. "I am sorry about earlier. I didn't mean for it to blow out of proportion as it did." His voice muffled by his hand as he acknowledged her apology, bet knowing now it wasn't necessary, at least not from her. "I know it wasn't you. Least now I do. "She hates me for not saving Jack. She won't let it go even though she knows there was nothing I could have done."

Kieshon tipped her head to the side looking at him, her eyes questioning, but a small part trying to change the subject to something not so controversial. "What did she say when you went looking for her. "Again a frown drew her eyebrows together. "And please, will you sit down on a chair. You don't look very comfortable like that." "Not a word. She knows she's done the damage." Frustration laced her words as she responded. "Christ, in lashing out to you as she did, doesn't she care that she not only hurts you, but others as well." But her words were over ridden as Loltar continued, she grew quiet, looking at him.

He looked up, but instead of sitting, he ended up kneeling at her side, taking one of her hands in his. "Listen, I'm sorry about what earlier. I... when I heard you at my door... I wanted to punish you, it was stupid, I..." He paused only for a moment, releasing a heavy sigh. Her eyes lowered to his hand that held hers. Voice low. "Done is done Loltar, lets just leave it behind." Very quietly he began again. "Thing is, I'm not sorry it happened. I'm just sorry for the *way* it happened." Color softly tinged her cheeks as she looked back again, questioning. "I thought you still saw me as just a kid. Isn't that how it's always been." This time Loltar sighed, shaking his head. "No, Kieshon. Not since I first saw you standing in the docking bay."

Nervousness caused her to pull her hand from his. She laced the fingers of both hands together, wringing them slightly. "I've only been here three months. Why now?" Loltar laughed softly, almost sadly. "Stupidity." Surprise caused her eyes to flash as she looked back at him. "I doubt that, Loltar. You're not a stupid man," Looking back to her hands again, her voice lowering. "or an ass." Reaching out, he covered her locked hands with his. "I can be, I have been... both. I want you to know, though, I won't... what happened earlier, won't happen again." Kieshon's voice remained still low. "You only scared me at first." Feeling the hear rising on her face as she still looked at her hands.

His voice remained very quiet, guilt strong in the soft spoken words. "I know. I should have stopped. I'm sorry." With a shake of her head she stayed his words. "Don't be. As I said, you only scared me at first. But that..." She stammered slight, her voice growing even lower. "Umm... I wouldn't have... umm... stopped you." Loltar reached his hand up to touch her cheek lightly, speaking still as quietly. "Kieshon." A deep breath was drawn, almost a gasp as he touched her cheek, her voice as low. "Yes?"

"I..." Heavily a sigh coursed through him. "I... you should get some sleep. It'll be a long day tomorrow." Hesitantly Kieshon tipped her head from his touch, nodding. "Yes, I guess." Unlacing her fingers to again make the adjustment to her braces before turning slightly in her chair, toward the right where he knelt. Quickly, Loltar stood and held out his hand to her. With one hand to the table, she laid the other in his hand, easily standing. Only as she rose did she note the bottle, and tab on the table beside the tumblers. "You and Jux going to tie one on for old time sake?" Loltar held her hand a bit longer than really necessary. "I... I thought you and I might. He's pretty wiped."

Tipping her head, she looked up at him. "Oh... umm." Drawing her hand from his she bent over the table, quickly signing the tab with her flared scrawl before taking up the bottle and handing it to him. Loltar shook his head gently, his hand dropping to his side. "No, Kieshon, don't. I'll get it. You go to bed. I'll see you in the morning." Ignoring his protests she took up the two glasses. "Guess we can go back to my quarters. I suspect Jux will be talking to Trinity still, after all, he's been gone three months." His jaw dropped as he murmured the single vowel. "I..." She stammered slightly. "I couldn't sleep right now if I wanted to. I usually can't before a flight." Offering a small nervous smile as again a single "I..." escaped him. "Don't worry, if you get loaded, I'll have security come get you."

Loltar laughed, breaking free of what ever locked him to the one 'I' as she had spoken. "Wouldn't be the first time." As suddenly as the laugh rose it faded and he again grew serious. "Are you sure?" Biting her bottom lip, she nodded. His hand reached out to again touch her cheek lightly. "You don't have to." She closed her eyes as a shiver passed along the center of her spin before looking to him again. "I know."

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 12, 1998 07:23 AM

Part 2

Very gently, almost like he was handling a scared animal, Loltar reached out and gathered Kieshon into his arms. A moment of tenseness passed through her, for reason's not even her brother knew of, but shortly passed as she relaxed within his arms. His own body stiffened as he felt hers, and immediately he released her. "Kieshon, I'm sorry. I.." With a shake of her hand, Kieshon used her free hand to gently tug his arms back to the position they had been. "Don't be Loltar." Her voice soft. "You didn't do it." Not resisting her tugging, his arms again moved to hold her. "I didn't do what?" Sounding clearly confused." Leaning against him, the hand holding the glasses slipped around him."You didn't do anything wrong." Her words a broken whisper as she felt his body relax.

His hand gently moved across her hair and back. "Would you rather stay here and drink this bottle?" Drawing back her head to look up at him. "Lets get out of here." A soft chuckle found him as she answered his question almost at the same time he asked it. Kieshon offered a small smile, coloring faintly. "These braces are starting to chafe big time, and I want to get them off. I did more walking today then I'm use to." Loltar arched an eyebrow but said nothing. "Lead on then, my Lady." Shifting her position slightly, Kieshon stepped around him, with a casual wave to the tender she moved toward the doors and out. Holding one of the swinging panels open for him. Loltar followed her, bottle in hand, taking the door from her and allowing her to lead.

Slowly she traversed the corridor, her measured steps reflecting a discomfort. Loltar slowed his own steps to keep pace with her. By the time they reached the door to her quarters, naught but two corridors from the lounge they had been in, she was favoring her right leg. Lifting her left hand, she passed it over the panel, feeling his hand on her shoulder, preventing her from entering. "Kieshon, are you *sure*?" As the door opened she looked back at him. "Did I invite you Loltar? Don't worry, I'm a big girl and capable of taking care of myself. Besides, we're just going to share a bottle of whiskey."

Without hesitation she withdrew from his hand to her shoulder, entering the main room. "Lights on." As the harsh florescent lights lit the room she softly voice requested them to half brightness. Loltar followed her in, the door hissing closed behind him and headed directly to the little table that every room came equipped with. Gesturing to the same table he moved toward. "Go ahead and make yourself comfortable. I'll be back in just a few minutes." Calling back over her shoulder as she moved further into the bedroom.

The room was as barren as most of the quarters, with the exception of a single lounger set into the corner near what appeared an old fashioned phonograph, beside which was a haphazard stack of old vinyl LP's, with names like Frank Sinatra, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Deep Purple, and The Best of Motown. Loltar chuckled softly, then began removing the top from the bottle, letting his gaze take in the room. Sliding into one of the chairs, he poured whiskey in both glasses, almost to the brim. Kieshon was glad to be out of his sight as she blushed yet again, realizing how her words must have sounded. "I know..." Calling out to him. "that was a very cliche thing to say huh?" With a laugh Loltar called back. "I wasn't thinking that at all, really!" Through the open doorway her shadow could be seen moving in the bedroom. "Good, I wouldn't want to have to hurt you." The heavy thunk of her braces hitting the floor punctuated her words.

With a chuckle he again called to her. "Now *THAT* was more along the lines of what I was thinking." A laugh rang out from the bedroom. "Good for you. See, I told you that you weren't stupid." His laughter joined hers. "No, Runt is the stupid one, Jux is dumb, and I'm a moron. Why can't you ever get that right?" Lightly teasing her. Shortly she appeared back in the doorway from the bedroom, comfortably dressed in loose fitting jeans, and a camisole. Using a pair of arm band crutches she moved toward the table, as Loltar quickly stood and moved to pull the second chair out for her.

She dropped easily into the other chair. "No, Runt is the chauvinist, Jux is lummox, and you’re Chief." Chuckling. "Thanks, and a gentleman." Adding the last as an afterthought. "*And* an ass, don't forget the ass part." Smirking as he returned to his own seat, sliding her glass across to her. Turning, Kieshon leaned the crutches against the wall before looking back, coloring softly. "You aren't going to let me forget that one are you?" Taking the glass, she quickly drains about half it's contents. "Why should I? It's true." Loltar drained most of the contents of his glass as well looking back at her with trepidation. "I've been nothing but an ass all day. I admit it."

With a tip of her head she looked at him, her face calm, relaxed. Brilliant green eyes searching his eyes. "So? What's one day?" Shrugging lightly. "I was pretty much an ass too, in trying to pull a stupid stunt, even if it was in attempt to cover up." Loltar shook his head, slightly. "You couldn't have known Kat's feelings for me. You were only trying to help. I can see that... *now*." One hand pushed her hair back, slender fingers combing through the copper thickness, her eyes lowering slightly to about his chest. "Maybe I should have just stayed put." Looking back at him with a slightly sheepish grin. "But... umm... I've a real weakness for Creole cooking. Especially when it carries through this duct work like it did."

Loltar shook his head. "No, you're not a prisoner here either. You're a guest and a friend. To hell with Kat and her games." Kieshon gestured with her hand after draining the other half of her glass' contents. "Alright." Chuckling, he slid the bottle towards her. "*That* was easy." With a light shrug she continued. "Let's put closed to this subject, okay? Done's done."

He repeated her words, adding to them in quote. "Done's done. No fault, no blame." Taking the bottle, she refilled her glass, then gestured to his. "Come on, I'm not going to be drank under the table. You’re at least going to match me." Laughing, Loltar finished off what little was in his glass, holding it out to her when he was done. Brilliant green eyes lowered as she filled his glass, watching the dark amber liquid slosh almost over the rim. "You know. Christian use to say that all the time." Her voice dropping, somewhat reflective. "Mmm? What?" He looked back at her in question. "Done's done, no fault, no blame." Loltar smiled a little sadly. "I'd almost forgotten that."

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 12, 1998 07:37 AM

Part 3

Setting the bottle to the table before lifting her glass, Kieshon took a smaller sip of the whiskey. Her voice lowering to almost a mutter. "I'm glad Jux and Trinity named Chris after him instead of Nelson." His gaze had grown somewhat distant, and she could almost bet on what he was drifting back in time to. "I wish I hadn't been gone so long the last time." Tipping her head she regarded him. "You had things to do. We got use to you just disappearing." Focus returning to his violet eyes as he turned to study her. "Wanna tell me why you hated him so badly?" One shoulder lifted in a half shrug. "He was a jerk. I didn't approve of what he did. Part of it is the anger from a kid that he couldn't keep his mouth shut." His brow lifted. "No one really approved, we just accepted. About what? You lost me." Lifting her glass, she spoke into it almost. "But he's dead. I shouldn't talk ill of the dead now should I." Now her brow lifted, after taking another sip of her drink. "You forgot? You popped him in the mouth for what he said, and his picking on me about my crush."

Loltar chuckled. "Oh, *that*. I figured I'd let him off easy by punching him. If *you* had gotten your hands on him." She nodded continuing. "I tolerated him because Jux was so close to him. There was only one Jux thought more of, aside from family, and that was you." Rolling her eyes. "At fifteen, I don't think I could have caused him much damage. Though it was at that point that Jux did start teaching me how to *defend* myself."

Loltar laughed, then the sound faded as his thoughts turned back to her previous words. "It still wasn't easy. No matter how much I disappeared, and yet you guys were always there for me when I came back, as if nothing had happened, never asking." Kieshon's eyebrows pulled together slightly as she looked at him. "Loltar, don't beat yourself up over it." Again he flipped the switch on the conversation. "I still think you would have done him more damage than I did." Muttering into her glass. "Only if I had kicked him in the balls." Coloring, trying to hid it by taking a deep drink of the amber liquid. Loltar looked at her for a long moment then burst out laughing. "I would *not* have put that past you, my dear." Still blushing she looked back at him. "Though at my height, I would have most likely caught him with my brace, and he would have been disabled for life." Loltar couldn't help the chuckle that rose. "Aahh, a devastating blow for all women kind, I'm sure."

A soft sigh found Kieshon as guilt for her words touched at the back of her mind. "He would still be alive now." Swirling the liquid in her glass. Loltar's smiled died down. "You know? I can't help thinking there's something I'm missing here." Lifting a brow slightly Kieshon looked back at him. "What's that?" Confusion dancing in her eyes. "I don't know. Just this nagging thought in my brain that's telling me I'm not seeing something." Setting her glass to the table. "In what? Nelson's death?" He nodded. "Yeah." Downing a good portion of his whiskey. "What about it's nagging, Loltar? Maybe we can work it out and even give us a starting point once we get to the surface." He shook his head in frustration. "I don't know. It's one of those thoughts. Memories perhaps. That's right *there*..." Jabbing his finger at his temple. "but keeps slipping away when you reach for it." Kieshon frowned slightly. "Don't know what to say. Maybe it's just best to push it out of mind, and we'll start with fresh squares tomorrow." Thinking absently to herself, yeah, a hundred squares. "Perhaps you're right." Loltar sighed, finishing off his glass.

Kieshon took up her glass and followed suit, though hers was still mostly full. She coughed slightly as it burned traveling down her throat, but she picked up the bottle, and filled both glasses again, leaving perhaps a half glass each in the bottle. He chuckled softly as she coughed. "Out of practice?" Blushing she shook her head, gesturing to the black labeled bottle. "Not me, it's this rot gut." Loltar's chuckled turned to a laugh. "Don't tell Kat. I've been pilphering from her stock for months now." Her eyes flashed darkly for a brief moment. Don't have to worry about me saying anything. Should have requested a bottle of Jack. Would be better than this."

He still chuckled. "Don't be entirely *too* hard on her. I can understand why she hates me so much." With a sigh she looked back at him, her jaw set firmly. "Hate is one thing. Grudges are another. Hate doesn't lower you to the actions of a child. Only grudges accomplish that." Loltar's shoulders lifted in a shrug. "This isn't a grudge either. Well, maybe it is. But I'm happy to say she's not out for revenge against me. I saw the remains of the guy she *did* get revenge on. There wasn't much left to bury or even burn." Kieshon nodded slightly, her fingers curled around her glass. "Doesn't mean I have to approve, or like her. Hate's a bit strong because I don't know her. But I certainly don't like her."

Loltar reached out and lightly ran the back of a fingers across the back of her hand. "I'm not asking you to, Kieshon. I accept Kat's feelings. I even understand them. She thinks I don't know anything about her, because Jack never told her anything about me, she feels he never told me about her, but I knew. I knew it all." With a slight frown creasing her brow. "So! He was your brother. "Looking from her hand to him, meeting his eyes. "I'm sure there are things that Jux has told me about Trinity that she doesn't know. But could you see Trinity lowering herself to this type of action?" With regard he replied. "I could if Jux saved her as a child from a life on the street. A life of being alone and having to steal for what you needed." Kieshon shrugged. "I guess. Maybe I'm looking at it from the female perspective. Even if that were the case, I couldn't seen Trinity acting like that. Not being presented with irrefutable proof."

Loltar pressed further, as though defending the woman's actions. "No. You're seeing what Kat wants you to see. It's her shell. There are very few she lets past that armor of hers. And it's tough armor. She's been building it since she was about five or so. She doesn't trust anyone. Well, almost no one." She tipped her head, brilliant green eyes flashing again. "Not really, Loltar. Because I don't know Katrylle. I can only go by what you have told me. I never saw the woman before today." Her shoulders again lifting in a shrug. He offered a smile. "I'm not trying to convince you, Kieshon. Honestly, I think Kat prefers strangers hating her. Its more comfortable for her.

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 12, 1998 07:39 AM

Part 4

Lifting her glass, Kieshon sipped of her whiskey before speaking again. A the glass found the table again she leaned forward slightly. "You know me. I generally form my own opinions." A soft chuckle finding her. "Remember that girl I use to pal around with, and the time she tried to convince me to go into that Rage Club?" A slight frown found his brow, trying to recall. "Mmm, vaguely, yeah. Cindy something." Kieshon nodded. "Cinthy." Her gaze lowered to her glass. "Loltar, what do you want?" The question coming out of nowhere as she lifted her glass. The words almost lost in the liquid as she took another drink.

"Huh?" Loltar suddenly became *extremely* confused. It flowed over his face almost as a flash flood. "What do you mean?" Setting the glass to the table, she lifted a hand, pushing her hair back behind one ear. "A what do you want to be when you grow up, type of question. If you could do or have anything you wanted, what would it be?" He arched an eyebrow, then frowned in consideration. "Mmm, I really haven't given it any thought. As much as she hates me, Kat *has* given me a job... of sorts. I'm making money, not that I really need it. I've still got the freighter."

Kieshon blinked in surprise, her eyes then widening. "You’re kidding?" Loltar returned her blink. "Which part?" "You still have the steamer trunk?" That what what she had always called his freighter. With a laugh, he nodded. "Yeah, I've still got it." An excitement danced in her voice. "Where? Here? I remember when you use to take me to it as a kid. And let me play at the control panel." Chuckling. "Though I now realize that what I was at was just a mock up. It fooled me at the time." He smiled at her enthusiasm. "It's in one of the bigger bays." Leaning forward, Kieshon reached across the table to lightly slap his arm. "How come you never took me to it. I would have loved to see it again!! God, I can't believe you still have the old steamer trunk." Chuckling, he returned the arm slap, playfully. "You never *asked*!" It was a mock scowl that touched Kieshon's brow, and enhanced the thrust of a pouting bottom lip. "You never said it was here! Besides, I figured that old rust bucket had fallen apart in total disrepair."

"I never told you I was wearing purple, satin skivvies either, but that doesn't make it not true." Green eyes widened, the heat instantly finding her face, again spreading back to her ears. Flustered, Kieshon wasn't even able to come up with a response, so to cover, she lifted her glass, draining its contents. Loltar tried *very* hard not to laugh, his eyes shining with mischief. "Well, *does* it?" She couldn't, or actually didn't, trust her voice so she gave him an emphatic shake of her head instead. He forced the laughter back into chuckle status, raising his hands in defense. "I know, the ass is back, and I apologize."

Leaning forward, Kieshon again swatted his arm. In the attempt to tell him to cut it out, all that came out was nothing more than a squeak, bringing the color to her cheeks a deep crimson. Quickly she drew back her hand to cover her mouth as the squeak was followed by a rather deep belch. Loltar's chuckle upgraded itself into the original laugh as he tried to fend her off. The laugh then becoming a roar at the belch. She could do little aside from mutter against her hand. "Oh my god! I didn't mean to do that!!" She looked wide eyes at her glass as if to lay to it sole responsibility. Loltar continued to thrash in his chair in a near state of complete hysterics. Half at the belch, half at the mortified look on her face.

Seeing his precarious position on his chair she half rose, one hand firmly placed against the table, she leaned across it to plant her other hand at his chest and gave him a firm push backwards, a smirk curling her lips. With a yell, arms and legs wind milling, Loltar went over, chair and all, deposited unceremoniously onto the carpet. "HEY! What did you do *that* for???" Still laughing despite himself. Easing back to her chair, gales of laughter filling the room as she peeked under the table at him, brilliant green eyes flashing. "Because I always wanted to see a floored ass." With a smirk, still laying on his back, he quipped. "I think I'm gonna complain to management, here... Sexual discrimination." In delayed reaction his eyes widened at her words, and he suddenly bust out into fresh laughter.

Kieshon covered her mouth as she felt another belch trying to escape. But she didn't quite catch it, and the sound that emerged was a cross between the belch it started as, and one of those arm pit farts that the boy's use to do in school. Loltar still laughed, reached, he managed to hook a foot in the leg of her chair and kicked. Unprepared for his action, her legs useless to catch her at all by the rapid move, she soon finds herself on the floor. He almost seemed to grab her out of mid air, easing her fall slightly despite the grunt that escaped her. "I *am* the king of Siam, and no one's head shall be above mine!!" The harder she fought to breath as her laughter rang out, the sound coming now almost as a braying. Loltar still laughed as he leaned up on his elbow, looking down at her. "You women, always padding *something*.. You're carpet's softer than mine!"

With a chuckle he poked her in the ribs. "I may be the ass, but you've got the call down *PAT*." That god awful sound the one thing Kieshon really wished she could be rid of. With much determination she finally gained control of it as she looked at him, wiping tears from her eyes. "It's who you know, and who..." Eyes widening as she quickly bit back the remainder of the comment. Even Loltar blinked as he realized what she had been about to say. "Oh *really*? Reaching again to poke her in the ribs. Kieshon swatted his hands away as he happened to hit a ticklish spot. "How do you think I got you here." Smirking. "Wouldn't you like to know."

With a chuckle he tipped his head. "Mmm... interesting prospect to explore further, I think." She blinked, looking at him again. "Umm..." Letting brilliant green eyes turn toward the table. "Umm, I need a drink." Looking back with a sweet smile. "Would you be so kind as to get my glass." Pushing up to her elbows. Loltar didn't move to help, instead he leaned closer and ran a finger across her cheek. His voice growing quiet. "The bottle's near empty." Her eyes locked with his, moving between them, as a breath was drawn and held, she could only nod.

He was almost close enough where she could feel the feather brush of his breath against her face as she again spoke quietly. "Should I get another.... or what?"

Kieshon Lowdye posted June 12, 1998 07:43 AM

Part 5

Her voice dropped even lower. "Umm, do you want more?" His chuckle grew husky. "I... could... probably go for... more."

"Do you want me to call down for another?" Kieshion's voice dropped even lower still.

"No... I... I'll go for it. A.. after I help you back up." He pulled away, and rose.

"Do... umm..." She pushed up further that she reclined back on her hands. "you really want to do that?" Her eyes still held his.

He stared down at her for a long moment, swallowing hard. "No... but I should."

Only by force did she manage to pull her eyes from his, nodding. Very gently, Loltar leaned over and lifted her from the floor, one arm behind her back, the other under her knees. As he lifted her, instinctively she wrapped her arms around his neck, one hand coming to rest at the back of his head. Unbidden, a shiver passed through her as she looked back at him suddenly.

Loltar swallowed hard and tried to smile at her, but the look in his eyes was very distinctive as he just stood there holding her. Still her eyes passed between his. Time against seemed to drop into a freeze frame. This time she took the initiative, and lowered her head closer to his. Hesitantly, her lips lightly touched his. As her lips moved closer, Loltar found himself holding his breath. Shivering himself when they lightly touched, a barely audible moan flitted about the room. At the sound, Kieshon drew back, one hand slipping from around his neck, her eyes widen as her fingers press to her lips. "I'm sorry Loltar... I shouldn't... umm..."

His eyes closed, his body trembling as he shook his head slightly, his voice croaking. "No..." A cough in attempt to clear his throat. "It's alright. Maybe I... should go get that bottle now." She nodded, barely trusting her own voice. "Umm, yeah, I guess." Coloring softly. Shakily, rather than fumble with the fallen chairs, Loltar took her to the bed, gently setting her on it. Moving back to the table in the other room he grabbed her crutches, walking back to her, he lay's them on the floor at her feet. "I... I'll be back in a few minutes." Once she was settled she took a deep breath, closing her eyes and slowly counting silently as she nodded in response.

Lightly, Loltar touched her cheek with his finger then turned and strode quickly out the door. She only released the held breath as she heard the whoosh of the door as first it opened, and then it closed behind him. She remained at the edge of the bed, wrapping her arms around herself. Unaware of the time that was passing until about thirty minutes later, the door chime rang.

Kieshon opened her eyes at the sound of the chime, she reached for the crutches, calling out. "Door open." Pushing up to her feet, she shortly moved around the corner of the doorway entering the outer room. As the door stands open, there is no one there. Only a bottle of JD and a note attached with a purple satin ribbon. With a blink she moved toward the door, tipping her head curiously as she looked out into the empty corridor. With a slight frown she shifted her balance to bend and take up the bottle, setting it to the table before, with a gentle tug, she removed the note. Muttering softly as she looked at the note. "Door close." The note was scrawled in his very distinctive writing.

Done's done, no fault, no blame.

In your own time, my Lady.

"L"

A soft sigh found her, but a small smile touched her lips as her eyes reread the note a second time. "You aren't an ass Loltar. I don't care what anyone says." Softly spoken as she leaned the note against the bottle. "Lights off." Turning, Kieshon made her way back to the bedroom. Undoing the button's of her jeans she let them pool at her feet as she sat at the beds edge, leaning her crutches into the nearby corner. Without pulling down the covers she lay back, her arms folded behind her head, a smile touched her lips, and brilliant green eyes danced with their own light. The only thing that worried the private path her mind followed was the appearance of her brother at certain twists and turns. Sleep was the furthest thing at the moment, as it usually was the night before she would take flight.

Copyright © June 1998 the player/creator of Kieshon Lowdye, All Rights Reserved.

Juxtor Lowdye posted July 16, 1998 04:34 PM

After leaving Keishon in the mess hall, Jux walked with Loltar to his room. Once there, he unpacked what few belongings he had, setting the picture of Trin and the boys next to his bunk.

After Loltar left, Jux activated the comm screen, requesting a line to his home. He smiled as he saw his wife's face.

"Hello, my Love. I miss you." The conversation went on to include such mundane matters as his son's missing tooth, and how the boys had grown in the short time he had been gone.

After about 2 hours, Jux asked to speak with the boys, knowing they were still too young to realize the import of what he would have to say. He smiled as Loltar and Christian fought over who would get to speak with their father first. Finally he told them they could both talk to him together.

Longing to hug them, Jux settled for talking to them. He told them that he loved them very much and would always be with them, even if they could not see him. After that, he told them that they were to do what their mother told them too, and be good boys for her.

After listening to them tell him what they had been doing for the 3 months he had been gone, he told them goodbye, and sent them off to bed. Then, he turned to look at his wife, the one woman that meant more to him than life itself. For a long time, he simply looked at her. Then he tried to speak.

"Trin.. if I don't come back... I want you to take care of yourself and the boys. I.. don't know how to say goodbye, my love... but I know that I have to, because I may not be coming back from this one. This is like nothing I have ever encountered. I love you with all my heart and want you to always remember that."

Tears in her eyes, Trin told him that she understood and would wait for him until the day she died. They spoke for perhaps another hour, recalling their lives together, and then Jux signed off.

He slept badly that night... haunted by the nightmare of his death, and of Trin and the boys having to live without him.

Trinity Lowdye posted July 18, 1998 08:32 PM

For several hours they had talked, Chris and Lol both squabbling over who would get to talk to 'dadeee' first. She offered a small smile as Jux told them that they could both talk to him at once. She left them long enough to answer the knock at the door. Runt had taken to dropping over every night since he'd returned 2 weeks earlier.

Willingly, Runt waited in the living room once Trinity told him that she and the boys were talking to Jux. Shortly, he became Unk Runt, as two mirrored images of red hair and pale green eyes, charged from the bedroom. He assured Trinity that he would tire them out, knowing their excitement stemmed from talking to their father, and would then see them to bed. He was already down on all fours with two wiggling boys attempting to wrestle him completely to the floor.

Patiently, he waited the couple hours that passed before he heard the chime indicate that the communication contact had been ended. As Trinity returned to the living room following her conversation with Jux, and then Beth, Runt's face took on a deep scowl noting the dark hue of the woman's eyes, as well the dampness.

"Trini? Wassup? Everything alright with the guy?"

She gave a single nod in response to his question, her hands lifting to draw over her head a leather cord from which hung three keys.

"Runt, do me a favor and get my prepared satchel from the cold locker."

Tossing him the keys which he caught in a backhanded swipe as he pushed up from the couch. His scowl deepened, but before he could question she cut him off.

"And make sure ya lock it again after. I don't want Lol and Chris getting in there."

"Ahh, Trini, whatcha got up yer sleeve now?"

Slowly she looked back at him from where she stood before the now open closet, her fingers closed around what appeared the straps of a duffel bag.

"Jux told me good bye."

If Runt could have scowled more he would have. Three steps saw him beside her, reaching to pull out whatever it was she was scrounging around for, finding it was in fact as he suspected.

"What the fuck you mean he's said good bye? He's leavin ya?"

Trinity stepped back, holding her hand out for the duffel bag. An almost bitter smirk curled her lips.

"No, I didn't mean that. I meant that he said good bye, as in I might get killed and I want you to know how much I love you and the boys."

In confusion, Runt stepped back, scratching his head, mussing further the toss of dredlocks. It had been a fine how-do-ya-do that had greeted him on his return to Eldridge, on United Solandra.

"Geesh, I go away fer a couple of months and come back and all hells broken loose. First, Nelson gets himself literally fucked to death, then Jux goes off on some half cocked notion ta avenge his death. Is he alone?"

She shook her head, the light feathering of her hair moving with the motion only to settle perfectly in place. Tossing the duffel bag to a nearby chair she reached into the closet again pulling from it a sleeveless denim jacket, as well a denim duster. The jacket she tossed to the back of the chair, the duster was quarter folded and then rolled to almost resemble a bedroll and was strapped to the lashings along the side of the duffel bag.

"No, he's hooked up with Loltar and his sister. Which reminds me, I also need you ta get me as much information on a place called Rhy'Din... Rhydin... That's where they're heading in the morning."

Runt barely caught the knot at her brow, but he didn't miss the steady pulse at her temple. Casually he settled to the arm of the chair near which she bent.

"I can do that, but wouldn't Kreep be the better choice fer that?"

"No!"

Her response quick and sharp.

"He would be the first one to let Jux know what I was doing."

Her words brought his eyebrow up sharply.

"And ya don't think I will?"

Quickly he brought up both hands defensively, the leather cord dangling from his left hand, as she turned on him. Though he didn't like what he suspected Trini was planning on doing, he also knew better then to try and stop her.

"Alright, alright, I am kidding. Now what was it you wanted me to get? The satchel from the cold locker. Umm, how ya planning on heading out Trini? And who's gonna stay with the rug rats. You know, I'm not the best baby sitter in the world."

Bending again to the closet Trinity pulled from the pile of miscellaneous boots and kids toy's that littered the floor her own boots. Carrying them to the couch, she dropped onto it, and set to pulling the leather, steel toed combats on over thick socks. She waited to answer him after stomping each foot to the floor to completely set her heel into place in the snug fit.

"First, get my satchel from the cold locker. The one with the green seal. Second, Jux depleted a goodly amount of our creds arranging his transport to hook up with his sister, so I've got to check out some method of transportation that will get me there ASAP. Third, I called Beth before coming out, she's going to come and stay with the kids while I'm gone. I can trust her to keep her mouth shut. Should Jux call before I get there she will cover."

A sly grin found Runt's mouth, his eyes catching a pure evil gleam.

"How morbid you feeling Trini?"

Her brow lifted as she looked up at him.

"Depends, what do you have in mind?"

Trinity Lowdye posted July 18, 1998 08:57 PM

Flopping down onto the couch beside her, stretching his arms out across the back.

"Well, ya said that Jux told ya good bye. I can hook ya up with an emergency transport for a family death. Ya would have a couple hyper jumps, and then the last leg of the journey would be by transporter beam. Exhausting, but it would get ya there within 2 days."

She had just finished double knotting the laces of her boots before turning and throwing her arms around his neck. Such a method had been her first thought, but the cost was what had held them back from doing it when Jux left. If anyone could arrange it, Runt could.

"Runt, I always knew you were good for something. When can I leave? I can be ready in less than 2 hours. And will my supplies be able to transfer stable. The satchel is designed to assure stability, but what about the transporter?"

With mock disgust Runt pushed her back. A hand coming up in equally mock vain to readjust his dreds.

"Geesh, ya tryin ta ruin my rep woman? Cool yer jets."

Then he flashed her a teasing grin.

"Course yer gonna have ta sleep with me ta get this ya know."

Cringing as she first slapped his arm, then close fist punched him in the shoulder.

"Alright, I'm teasing. Damn, Jux could learn ta hit from you, ya know that."

He stood, and moved toward one of the windows, looking out through the drawn drapes.

"Well, I can fudge my records ta show that your one of my crew members. Such jaunts are charged the company not the person, given it's a death of a family member anyway. Besides, I've got a connection who owes me a favor. I just hope yer not superstitious"

Trinity smiled, hazel eyes dancing with flecks of gold. She stood also, moving again to the closet to get another pair of boots, and a couple pairs of gloves. Taking up the duffel bag she shoved them into it, shaking it until they settled to the bottom.

"Why doesn't it surprise me. Is there anyone that doesn't owe you a favor Runt?"

Innocence danced over his face as he looked back at her over his shoulder.

"Me? Well, now that you mention it, the Governor General doesn't. But that's only because I won't let him have his way with me."

Mirth danced in his eyes as he flicked his hand to her.

"Now go get your stuff together, and I'll get your satchel, which by the way, I'll transfer personally so there won't be any questions. It will arrive within an hour of your arrival planet side. I'm going to head to my place, pull that information you wanted, and make the arrangements. Be ready in 3 hours, I think I can get you out of here in 4 hours."

The look that crossed Trinity's face was worth the work it was going to take to pull it off. Never had Runt seen a more perfect couple then Jux and Trinity. They complimented each other regardless what they were doing. In fact, he would like to kick Juxtor in the ass for even putting himself in this kind of position.

He lingered long enough to watch her snatch up her duffel bag and bound back into the bedroom before he moved off toward the cold locker. He was perhaps one of only 3 that knew the routine of the triple locks on the locker, Trinity and Jux being the other 2. If one were to use 1 key out of sequence, it would result in a very nasty jolt.

Retrieving the satchel she wanted, he knew instantly what it contained. A varied selection of the most potent, damage causing explosives one could acquire on the black market. Micro explosives had become a fascination with Trinity about 6 years earlier. Like with anything she pursued, she did this with a passion. It wasn't very hard to see what had drawn Juxtor to her.

Assuring the cold locker was again secured, he paused at the doorway to the bedroom. Tossing the leather cord to the bed atop the clothing she was folding and rolling to their smallest possible size before shoving them into the duffel bag. Without breaking stride she took up the leather cord and settled it again around her throat.

"I'll meet ya back here in 3, okay Trini?"

She nodded quickly.

"I'm almost ready now, but I have to wait for Beth to get here. Thanks for seeing to that, Runt. I appreciate it."

With her chin gesturing toward the satchel.

"I'll handle it with kid gloves, trust me. I don't feel like being splatted all over Eldridge."

Looking back at him as she rolled another dark colored t-shirt.

"Hon, that wouldn't leave enough of you to be found if it went off."

He smiled, stepping in enough to chuck her under the chin before turning away.

"See ya in a bit."

Without waiting for her to respond he made his way to the door and out, making sure it was locked as he went.

Kieshon Lowdye posted September 11, 1998 03:23 PM

Written by the player/creator of Lin Travers.

Posted to maintain the continuation of the Storyline.

They had found him that morning in the newly converted lounge, scarfing down the remnants of what appeared to have been a huge breakfast. As they stepped through the door, Kieshon's arm linked through Jux's, Travers glanced up and waved. Kieshon chuckled, shaking her head. "Well doesn't it figure...he always had to chow down before heading out."

Jux's own chuckled blended in perfect harmony with hers. "Well..the more things change..."

Travers flashed them a boyish grin. "Hey! I'm a growing boy!"

Kieshon returned the smile, her brilliant green eyes dancing as she dropped her flight helmet to the table. "No comment." Easing into the space Travers created for her by scooting over, she adjusted the catches to her braces. "I should have known better than to figure an early leaving." Sliding further along the bench, she shoved Travers over to make room for Jux.

Grabbing his plate from the far side of the table, he continued to grin at them. "You up for breakfast? Hope so...cause they don't let you get out of this joint without eating *something*."

Jux chuckled. "Of course, I'm still growing too."

Kieshon shook her head slightly. "I'll just have coffee."

The comment brought an odd laugh from Travers. "Yeah well...I only came in for a cuppa cof....." His sentence was cut short as a young girl of about 15 seemed to suddenly appear at the table. At first, Kieshon didn't seem to notice her.

"I'm sure the two of you can make up for what I won't eat."

Travers shook his head, muttering under his breath "Good luck on just the coffee thing."

The girl smiled sweetly, taking in everyone at the table at once with her steady gaze. "Hello. What can I get you to eat?"

Jux smiled widely "Whacha got?"

At the same time Jux made his inquiry, Kieshon placed her order. "Coffee...black.... and my breakfast is his." She elbowed her brother in the ribs.

At first the girl didn't seem to hear Kieshon as she smiled sweetly at Jux. "What ever you like sir. We specialize in just about everything, though the filled pastries are rather good."

Jux *couldn't* miss Kieshon's order, his ribs flared with a mild pain as she punctuated her desire for breakfast. "Ow!" Kieshon simply leaned back in her seat, chuckling at her brother before pulling her helmet towards herself, toying with the visor. His attention returned to the girl, flashing her a grin. "Surprise me...and I'll take a cup of cappuccino."

The girl nodded then turned her attention to Kieshon. "And you, ma'am? The fruit pastries are a special delight to many."

Kieshon tipped her head back, brilliant green eyes meeting the girl's. "Just the coffee is fine. Gotta watch my figure...I'm sure you understand." She flashed a toothy smile that didn't seem to impress the girl.

Frowning, the girl sighed softly. "I'll bring you an apple pastry. They're made with honey, not sugar." Before Kieshon could object, the girl turned and headed for the kitchen quickly accompanied by Jux and Travers' soft chuckles.

Still grinning, Travers glances at Kieshon, muttering again. "*Told* ya!"

Kieshon sighed with a shake of her head. "She's been watching Katrylle too much." Though the comment was muttered softly to herself, it caught Travers' attention.

Arching an eyebrow, he glanced at her. "Eh? How so?"

She either hadn't heard him or was ignoring him, whatever the case might be, Travers did not receive an answer to his question. Pushing her hair back behind one ear, Kieshon stated as simply as if she were deciding which fuel grade to use in the Slayer. "The two of you will just have to split it."

Knowing her mind was elsewhere, Jux just smiled at his sister. As suddenly as she had slipped into them, Kieshon pulled herself from her thoughts, turning her green eyes on Jux. "So what did Trin have to say?"

Travers gave up trying to get his answer with only a chuckle and a shake of the head as he shoveled the last bit of hash browns into his mouth. Jux's chuckle nearly matched Travers as he answered his sister. "She wanted to know what kinda trouble Loltar had gotten us into this time...."

Kieshon's gaze dropped to her lap as she quietly asked "Did you set her straight?"

At that same instant, Travers' head snapped up. "HEY! I resemble that remark!!"

The responding smirk and glance from Kieshon accompanied her soft remark. "Geesh, you're so easy."

Jux's chuckle was directly aimed at Travers as he answered his sister's question. "Yeah, I did... I told her I would be home as soon as we are finished here....."

Trinity Lowdye posted July 18, 1998 10:15 PM

Her duffel bag, about half filled, sat by the door. She and Beth sat on the couch talking when the rap came on the door. It might have sounded like a standard knock, but most of them in the group had long ago adopted specific sequences for each of them. Had adopted them so long ago that now it was habit, and came automatically. She knew even before she opened the door that it was Runt, stepping aside letting him in.

"You ready Trinity? Heya Beth."

The other woman nodded, standing after setting her cup of coffee to the table. Trinity nodded and turned away without word heading to the room where Lol and Chris slept.

As she opened the door, the soft light spilled through the door from the living room, lighting the circus scene that danced across the walls that the two boy's loved so. Lol lay sprawled on his bed, covers kicked nine ways to Sunday, he held by the tuft of hair that made up the tail, his favorite stuffed animal, a rather comical looking monkey. Chris could barely be seen from beneath his covers. By the lump under the blanket she could tell he was curled into a ball on his knees, his little backside pushed up in the air. Without looking she knew his thumb was firmly planted in his mouth, a habit she and Jux have near gone nuts trying to break him of.

With light steps so as to not wake either she moved between the two beds, dropping to her knee's. It was a mothers fingers that reached to brush back a fall of red curl from one forehead, then reached to adjust the covers lovingly over the other. Trinity swallowed hard the lump that tried to form in her throat, playing accompaniment to the burning of her eyes. She would not cry. Not now. She and Jux would both be returning.

As silently, she stood and moved back to the hallway, drawing the door closed behind her, then made the half dozen steps back to the living room. Grabbing the sleeveless denim jacket from the chair and shrugging into it. Her hand patted the right breast pocket finding what she wanted there. It was one of the tools of her trade, despite the fact it was a major antique. Jux had gotten it for her as a wedding gift after seeing her almost pant over it in some second hand shop window. She already knew that the smallish can of lighter fluid was in the satchel Runt had taken earlier, as well knew that the Gold Zippo was filled, primed and ready.

"Beth, I think you have everything here that you'll need. For once I've got a good stock up in the cupboard and freezer. I'll keep in touch with you once I get there."

The other woman, easily 10 years Trinity's senior though she could easily pass for an equal 33 years, nodded and assured her friend that everything would be alright and not to worry. Runt tapped his wrist like he was pressed for time, which in a way they were. He had managed to secure her on a transport leaving in 45 minutes, and it would take them 35 minutes to get to the tarmac.

Quickly, Trinity hugged Beth, thanking her again for staying with the twins. Then drew back, turning with 5 steps to the door, beating Runt in the reach for her duffel bag as she easily swung it up onto her shoulder, tossing him a smirk.

The two of them stepped out, Runt continuing to the curb where his pick-up sat running, while Trinity waited until she heard the click of all 3 locks fall into place. Runt wondered what it was with Trinity and the number 3. It was a wonder she hadn't had triplets instead of twins. Once knowing everything was secured for the night, and she hoped until she and Jux returned, she jogged after Runt to the truck. Pulling the duffel bag into the cab with her instead of tossing it in the open bed of the truck.

45 minutes later and Trinity Lowdye was settled into the temporary quarters aboard the Hyper Space Transport, knots twisted in her stomach knowing that in just over 2 day's she would see her husband. The knots brought about as much by knowing the riot act he was going to read her, as for the take off.

Just over 2 days and she would be in this Rhy'Din. To take her thoughts from the take off she began to read about this place she had only heard about 3 months before when her husband left on the hunt of the woman who had killed Nelson.

Kieshon Lowdye posted September 11, 1998 03:26 PM

All conversation halted as the girl reappeared. Bending at the knees, she set a rather large plate in front of Jux ladened with 4 eggs, 6 pancakes, hash browns, 3 strips of bacon, 4 sausage links and 3 pieces of toast cut diagonally. Turning slightly, she then placed a smaller plate in front of Kieshon with 2 apple filled pastries on it. Next, the girl carefully took two cups from the tray, setting the requested cappuccino in front of Jux and a cup of black coffee in front of Kieshon before setting several sugar packets and a creamer container next to the coffee cup. Kieshon glanced at her brother, then to the plate before her, then turned her gaze to the girl. The even stare dared the girl to say anything as she lifted the pastries one by one, tossing the first onto Jux's plate, then the second onto Travers' plate.

Hands on hips, the girl frowned her displeasure as her boss's prized pastries were tossed about the table. Humphing, not caring to ask if the trio required anything further, the girl spun on her heels and returned to the kitchen, blatantly ignoring Kieshon's slightly raised voice. "I don't eat breakfast.....especially before a flight!"

Travers couldn't help it. He laughed. "Ahh, Kieshon. It’s good to see you haven't lost your sweet charm and disposition."

Jux leaned closer to his sister, a twinkle in his eyes as he lowered his voice dramatically. "I think you pissed her off, sis..."

Kieshon lowered her gaze to the depths of her coffee cup, muttering her response. "She'll get over it. I can't eat before a flight....unless you two want to be cleaning out the cruising cabin once we hit planet side."

Travers lifted the pastry to his mouth, apple and cinnamon oozed onto his chin as he took a large bite. He watched his friends fondly as, in response to Kieshon's remark about cleaning out the cruising cabin, Jux threw his hands up in surrender. "Noo. That's ok. I would prefer you not eat."

Suddenly, as if hit upside the head with a slush ball, Travers jumped and quickly swallowed the bite in his mouth, wiping his chin before he spoke. "OH! Hey. Talked to Ryax. There are no others like him anywhere in the near vicinity....meaning this dimension...either male or female."

Jux frowned, pausing in mid bite. "Hummmm....strange..." The fork continued its journey, carrying a combination of eggs, pancakes and hash browns to his mouth as he continued to digest this bit of news.

Kieshon tipped her gaze to Travers. "Loltar, did you by chance ask Katrylle?"

Travers nodded. "She confirmed it, though both of them say they have seen many *like* him in RhyDin...seems the place is teaming with animalistic humanoids."

Swallowing the large bit of food he had shoveled into his mouth, Jux leaned closer to Kieshon and whispered "Trin and the twins say hi."

Travers took the opportunity the sudden change in subjects lent him to take another bite of the pastry still in his hand. Smiling softly, he watched the siblings.

Kieshon took the sudden change with as much ease as Travers did, both having become practically immune to Jux's bee-bopping conversations years ago. Smiling warmly at her brother, she nodded. "And I'm sure you'll give the two rug-rats a big old hug and kiss from their aunt when you get back....or at least you had better or I'll have to beat you up." Turning her gaze back to Travers, she also redirected the tide of the conversation back to the matter at hand. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."

Mumbling around his food, Jux smirked at Kieshon "Promise or a threat?"

Without missing a beat, Kieshon simply replied "Promise." as Travers moved the now empty plate to one side.

"Well, I think it’s safe to rule out the human dragons, human dogs and whatever other human animals there are with the exception of cats....."

Jux responded by cutting off a large portion of the pancakes, dipping them in syrup and shoving them in his mouth, nodding to Travers as he chewed. "mmmm-hum...."

Jux's actions only received a shake of his sister's head, a wrinkled nose and dismissal as she returned her gaze to Travers. Travers didn't even seem to notice as he continued. "Still, cats make up a large portion of the human animals down there...."

Kieshon Lowdye posted September 11, 1998 03:29 PM

Written by the player/creator of Kieshon Lowdye... err... me.

Posted to maintain the continuation of the Storyline.

"Well that cuts it down. So, question is, where do we start?" Travers turned his gaze back to Kieshon answering her, after taking another drink of his coffee. "I'd say the news community... papers, radio, town cries... and anyone who has a hand in the news. See if any animal related murders like the one that got Nelson killed have happened recently." Kieshon chuckled softly. "Ok, and as you know the surface better than me, I need some coord's as to where to put the Slayer down."

After taking a sip of his cappuccino, Jux interjected. "Hmm, not too close to a town, Lol... umm, Travers." Kieshon frown slightly, flashing her brother a look then back to Loltar. "And will we fit in alright? I mean, didn't I hear this place was like something dug out of King Arthur?" Travers' response to his long time friend. "Loltar is fine, Jux." Travers chuckled, as Jux nodded his thanks, then directed his next answer toward Kieshon. "Yeah, most of it is. But there are some areas dedicated to what the locals refer to as 'spacers'. One port in particular, Stars End is a popular drop off point."

Kieshon set her coffee mug to the table. Tugging her helmet closer to cup her hands over it's curved surface, resting her chin atop the lot. "Alright, so we won't stick out like sore thumbs. Well, except for this lummox." Playfully elbowing her brother again in the ribs. Jux grunted but didn't slow taking bites of his toast, then eating some more of his eggs, then turning with a chuckle to his sister. "Hey!!"

Again Travers laughed. "C'mon, hon. You're talking a joint full of animal humans, vampyres and demons." Another chuckle shook him as he continued. "The only thing that'll make *us* stand out is our normalcy." Kieshon's words danced with Travers. "So all that says is that the three of us normal types will really stand out." She punctuated hers though with a quick 'Jinx!'. The two guys laughed, her brothers chuckles surrounding his eggs as he finished them. Brilliant green eyes danced as she regarded them both with a grin.

"So, once we get planet side shall we split up or what? Or shall we just wait till we get there and then draw straws?" A hint of sarcasm evident as she despised disorganization. "The hard part'll be finding the right feline/human woman. I opt for staying together, at least until we get some sort of lead." Kieshon nodded in agreement with Travers, then turned her gaze on her brother, smiling sweetly. "Alright Jux. You can quit shoveling food in now, and say something. Or are you otherwise occupied making love to that pastry."

Not looking at his sister, Juxtor spoke very softly. "I have a few ideas, but I need to take care of them alone."

Travers arched an eyebrow, glancing at his friend. Kieshon's eyes not wavering though she did turn slightly in her seat. "Juxtor Lowdye!" Travers low mutter barely heard. "Now ya did it."

Juxtor still didn't look at his sister. "Trust me, Kieshon, its better this way." Travers began to silently eat the remainder of his pastry, watching the two of them closely. Kieshon's eyebrows drew together in a tight line. "I hate it when you do that. The last time you did this you spent 3 weeks in an infirmary." Very quietly Travers included. "She's right, you know."

Sighing, Juxtor finally looked into his sisters brilliant green eyes, his own eyes flaring slightly. "Trust me, sis. There are some things you don't know about your big brother." Again Travers low mutter cut between the siblings. "Good thing you aren't *my* big brother, you can tell me."

Shifting again, Kieshon picked up her helmet. "let me out please. I have to go make some final preps done on the Slayer." Travers moved quickly to let her out. Easily she slid around, fixing the catches of her braces before pushing up to her feet. She seemed not to hear her brother, as Juxtor looked at Travers, his eyes more serious than they had been since he arrived. "Some of it you know, but some only Trin knows." His words followed closely by his sisters. "When you two are ready you know where I'll be." Instinctively, though delayed Travers reached a hand to help her stand but she moved past him without hesitation as she made her way from the Lounge, leaving her brother to sigh after her.

Shaking his head Juxtor berated himself. "I knew I should have kept my mouth shut. Damn!" With a sigh, Travers returned to his seat. "You know damn good and well I can find out about anything you do, Jux. Kieshon's worried about you, and so am I. Neither one of us is going to let you do *anything* alone. Trin would kill us both in the most gruesome and unimaginable ways if you were to get hurt with us both here. You know that."

Again Juxtor shook his head. "No, Trin know's what I have to do. We talked almost 4 hours last night, saying good bye, if it comes to that. Trust me on this, Loltar. B'sides, if I get hurt, it'll only be, cause I got sloppy." Travers leaned forward slightly. "Damnit Jux. You *aren't* doing this alone." He received a shrug to his directive. "We'll see. It may be a moot point, if certain things don't pan out." Travers fought to keep his voice low and controlled. "No Jux. I'm not going to let you avoid me or Kieshon."

"Damnit, Loltar. There are things I can do, but not if I'm worried about you and Kie." Travers brow lifted. "And what are *we* supposed to do? Sit on our hands and let you go off half cocked?" Juxtor's gaze held his cup. "No. Like I said, it may be a moot point anyway." Leaning in again Travers countered. "Screw moot points, tell me what you're going to do."

"I'm gonna hunt down the bitch that killed Nel, th.." His words cutting off as suddenly the door to the lounge slammed open. Travers jumped, and Juxtor slowly looked up, as though already knowing it was his sister standing there. "Juxtor Lowdye. If you intend to do this alone then you can just screw the fact that it's been a group for you guys from day one. Get yourself killed in this and I for one won't cry over your bull headed 'he's my best friend and it's my duty to right the wrong' attitude." Brilliant green eyes flaring, though the pain that danced with the anger was evident as she looked over the room at those that looked up at her outburst before turning and making her way back out.

Kieshon Lowdye posted September 11, 1998 03:32 PM

Travers ducked his head, trying to keep out of the line of fire as he nibbled at the remainder of his pastry. "I think that was clear enough." Yet again a sigh escaped Juxtor as he stood and walked out after his sister, absently holding the swinging door open. His voice soft. "I'm sorry sis. That's not what this is about. I just don't want you hurt in the crossfire, if things go wrong."

Spinning on her brother, her hand going to the wall to maintain her balance. "So it's just Jux against the world then, huh? What the hell happened to the Ten Little Indians? You forget about them? Nelson was a part of that group. You gonna deny anyone who has just as much right to this as you do from being part of it? Well you have another think coming big brother." The anger gaining prominence in both her eyes, and her lowered voice. Juxtor's wasn't much different. "Damnit, Kie. I'm not trying to stop you or Loltar from getting involved. I just have things I can do, but not if I am worried about you and him." His eyes slowly darken as the volume of his voice dropped lower.

Travers remained silent, preferring to face an angry horde of Deltarian borta beasts than Kieshon's wrath. He did however look up from where he sat at the table toward the open door as Kieshon spoke again. "Then you had better hog tie me right now to prevent me from going .Cuz that's the only way you’re going to keep me from shadowing you." Her hands going to her hips, her helmet hanging loosely from her fingertips. "And I suspect you're going to have to do the same with Loltar too. If this was your plans why the hell did you come here in the first place." Travers didn't catch every word but he did catch a good portion of them, muttering to himself. "Like to see him try."

Juxtor's eyes almost black, his voice as soft as a breeze. "Fine. We'll do it your way. I'll meet you in the hanger in 10 minutes." Stepping around his sister, he walks up the corridor. Travers was immediately out of the booth, knowing better than to leave Juxtor to his own devices for 10 minutes. "I'm going with you." He cast Kieshon a compassionate look as he hurried past her to catch up with her brother. "Fine!" Kieshon growled spinning again. One hand to the wall, her fist tightly clenched, the knuckles of her other hand turning white for the tight grip to her helmet as she made her own way down the corridor, heading toward the bay where the Slayer was based.

Kieshon Lowdye posted September 11, 1998 03:35 PM

Written by the player Juxtor Lowdye.

Posted to maintain the continuation of the Storyline.

Jux walked down the hall, walking quickly to Loltar's quarters where his things were. He walked so quickly that many of the crew members just getting ready for their shifts scurried to get out of his way. Arriving at his destination, he quickly began placing a few of his special items in his bag, fearing he would need them after all.

As he was stuffing a box into his duffel, Loltar leaned against the doorjamb and looked at Jux. "She's worried about you, y'know?"

"I know, Lol... but there are things about me that she doesn't know... I'm not just her big brother anymore... I've done things she doesn't need to know about. You, of all people, should know that."

Loltar nodded. "I know that... and you know that... and I'm sure Trin knows that. But that doesn't change the fact that Trin will kill me if I let you go off on your own without any backup." He held his hand up to stop Jux from arguing. "You know I'm right. Now, out with it. What do you have planned and how can I help?"

Sighing, Jux sat on the bed and looked past Loltar, seeming not to see anything. "Trin knows what I am going to do. She understands, though she doesn't like it. She also told me to tell you, and ask a favour of you. If we can't find anything out through the normal channels, I'm gonna find me a cat man and have a little... talk with him. I need you to keep Kie busy and safe. I don't know how this is gonna turn out, but I want Kie and Trin taken care of. Can you do that for me?"

Looking serious, Loltar lowers his voice. "Hell, Jux... you know you don't even have to ask that. Of course I will take care of them.... and the boys too.."

Nodding, Jux stood up and began stuffing his bag with his smaller weapons and other items. "After we hit planet, I will wait for a couple days to see if the media is gonna help, but I want to get this done as quickly as possible. I want to finish this soon, one way or another. One more thing, Loltar." He looked up at the other man, waiting for his attention.

"What's that, Jux?"

"There is an account on Wildort Seven under the name Ten Injun. There is about 7 million credits in the account. I want you to use it to take care of Trin, Kie and the boys, if anything happens to me."

"Sure, Jux.... but nothing's gonna happen to you. I'll be there to back you up. Just like the old days." Loltar tried to chuckle, but couldn't quite get it out.

"Maybe. Just think of this as a backup plan." He finished packing and they headed to the shuttle bay together.

Continued in - Departure into the Semi-Known

Kieshon Lowdye posted August 30, 1998 01:45 PM

[Authors Note: This is the continuation of the storyline that began in the "Galley 1 and 2 threads. Have begun the new thread as we're still waiting for a post to go up that preceed's this one.]

Up, Up and Away

Kieshon Lowdye

After the explosion on her brother she made her way down to where the Slayer sat in bay. Settling to the controls she ran through her final checks. In the few minutes that took, her anger had abated only a touch.

How dare he think her still a child. She could and had many times taken care of herself in some very extreme situations. She knew her brother, and if anything, it was he that didn't realize the full extent of her ability.

Jamming her helmet in place she keyed up the frequency for Control, requesting access to a departure tube, giving her authority code and coordinates. She watched the flurry of activity as several techs hurried over to make the necessary make readies. The gauges showed that both tanks, plus the auxiliary tank were topped. Everything was ready, it was just a case of waiting to Juxtor and Loltar to show up.

Pushing up from the pilots seat, tugging off her helmet to toss it to the space she had just vacated. Brilliant green eyes surveyed the space behind the cockpit. To the right of where she stood was the closet (at least that was the size of it) in which was her stationary bunk. The majority of the space beyond the immediate compartment housed the technical mechanics for flight operation, and weaponry. Earlier that morning she had already run through the check of that situation. If necessary, she had the ability to wipe out the major central hub of this rock they were heading toward. But that wasn't her objective. That, she paused in the thought, her hands again curling into fists at her sides before letting it continue, was to see that her brother survived this long enough for him to get home so that Trinity could kick his ass nine ways to Sunday. In a way, she was surprised that her sister in law had remained behind.

With another shake of her head, the movement accompanied by a soft chuckle. It had seemed, to her anyway, that since Trinity had married her brother, Jux conveniently forgot that the woman had also been part of the group affectionately dubbed the Ten Little Indians. When it came to tight space, controlled explosives there weren't many much better then Trinity.

Pulling a deep breath, she let her gaze sweep the small compartment that made up the remainder of the open space on the Slayer. She wondered idly what the reaction would be when her brother and Loltar got on board. The fighter had never been set up to carry passengers, well, not actually. There were three strategically placed jump seats, the likes of which use to be used by small aircraft that transported passengers, but were big enough to require a flight attendant. Control had already informed her that it would be about a two day jump from the Vextis to the planets surface.

A soft chime brought her from her thoughts alerting her that someone was approaching the Slayer, a low, feminine voice giving a visual description of the two. With a simple flick of a switch, the side compartment opened with a boarding ramp so that Jux and Loltar could enter. She simply waited for them to appear, her hands on hips. She wasn't disappointed, as within about two minutes the pair entered, ducking to keep from raking their heads across the top of the compartment.

Her right hand gestured toward a locker, curtly informing both that it was where they could stow their gear. She then indicated the three jump seats, a satisfied curl to her lips as they both looked, and then flashed each other a "what have we set our selves up for" look. To their credit, neither so much as uttered a word, setting instead to securing their gear, then choosing their "seats". She turned, a silent chuckle passing through her after watching the pair drop the seats, then try to find comfortable position perched upon them. "Enjoy the ride boy's. Countdown to take off, T minus 20 and counting." Easily she maneuvered back to the cockpit, settling into the pilots seat, reaching to draw the crossed straps over her shoulders and securing the harness snuggly.

Throughout the flight compartment of the Slayer the same soft feminine voice proceeded with the Control Towers countdown. Kieshon braced, after securing her helmet in place, confirming with Control the velocity of initial thrust from the launch tube. It was only a moment's passing before she touched upon the control, firing the thrusters, feeling the familiar shudder pass through the hulking frame of the fighter. Then in an instant there was nothing before her but a field of stars, and off in the distance, the planet that was their goal, around which danced not one, but what appeared two moons.

Time Passes
The trip was actually uneventful. The two men seated behind her trying most of the two day journey to just remain comfortable in their seats, and trying to stretch out the kinks in the confines of the small compartment. Both had exchanged glances countless times, confirming their thoughts ran the same path, that Kieshon had gotten her own form of payback. Loltar admitting to himself that she was actually quite skilled. At least where it came to maneuvering the fighter through the one meteor shower they had encountered. He had heard one, maybe two strikes against the hull of the craft. But by the hollow thunk each resonated, he knew that the extent of damage would be minimal, and could most likely be worked out with a pulling tool.

It was another satisfied smile that Kieshon turned on both men as they emerged to the field within which she had set the Slayer. Another soft chuckle as both as well made a beeline for the nearest crop of bushes. Oh gee, she had forgotten to tell them that the fighter didn't have a head. It had been removed in favor of the belly weaponry about three years earlier. Well, and she had access to a supply of meds that seemed to absorb into the system any waste, that could later be flushed with the intake of about eight tall glasses of water, before toxicity levels rose even a fraction into the dangerous level.

They were perhaps two miles from the thick of civilization. Seems both were ready with their own version of the payback game. Neither would listen to any argument she offered when they insisted that *she* go in search of their lodging. Her hands on her hips as the duo walked away from her, each still trying to stretch muscles that for the last 48 hours had been too confined.

Well, she could be just as vicious as they could be. After all, she had suitable bunking within the Slayer. Yup, all the comforts of home if you came down to it. She didn't realize that once they were out of sight, that her brother had proposed that they split up. Loltar cast his friend a look, but this early in the game figured there wasn't much trouble Juxtor could get into. Loltar directed Juxtor in the direction of a dive by the name of Stars End Bar, and he himself would take a couple of smaller places he knew of where he had a few connections.

Little did either know what awaited.

Trinity Lowdye posted August 30, 1998 01:57 PM

Umm, you forgot your socks.

Trinity & Juxtor Lowdye

Trinity Lowdye left the space port, her pack slung casually over her shoulder. She only had to wait about twenty minutes for the arrival of her satchel, relief easing some of the tension on her face having it back in her possession.

Hazel eyes regarded her surroundings. She knew, from the charts Runt had provided her with, the direction she needed to head. Her eyes widened slightly noting so many different beings (creatures actually) walking among those that looked like plain every day people. Sure, Runt had included a list of possible inhabitants with the sheath of papers, but she hadn't taken him serious. Elf's (all variations possible), Were wolf's (and a multitude of other were-creatures), Dragon's, God's (and don't forget Goddess'), Vampire's, Kender's, Gnome's, as well a myriad of other Super Human types. She was familiar with various life forms, but nothing to the extent of this. This was like walking into the pages of some fairy tale and it becoming a warped reality.

After a couple inquiries she managed to find one of the few Inn's in this Rhy'Din that was actually just that. An Inn. It was minus the thriving bar with it's assortment of amorous doings. Geesh, not only was this place twisted, there was no moral value it seemed. Actually, the elderly man at the desk of the Inn seemed some small bit of normalcy, well except for the extreme points of his ears and the slenderness of his frame. Wouldn't it have been fun to see the expression on her face had he informed her that he was elven (really truly elven) and was over several hundred years of age. It was he that gave her directions to the Stars End Bar, once seeing her to her room, as well assuring he would hold two other rooms at the ready at her request.

He did seem a bit put out when she refused to let him take her pack, or the satchel that she carried in a tight fist. Luckily he had accepted her credcard and even exchanged a small amount into useable tender after letting her know that these metals were the more often used form of payment. Small amount? It had been a narrowed eye that was turned toward him, in question of the small stack of several coins about half gold in color, and the rest in various sized copper disks. A brief look of irritation crossed his face at her questioning, but it quickly passed as he assured her that he had given her the proper rate of conversion.

Once settled, and a couple hours later, Trinity approached the bar she had been directed toward. One plus, it appeared (from the outside anyway) a small bit of familiar time with the winking neon lights in the windows offering Bud-Ice, Miller, and something called Drow-Ale. Pushing open the door, she regarded the crowd with mild interest before crossing to the bar. For the most part, the crowd seemed normal.

Hazel eyes turned in search of someone tending the bar, but finding no one, she reached for the easily accessible bottle of tonic water. Filling a glass before dropping in a slice of lime, tossing what she hoped was proper payment one of the copper coins to the bars surface. When no one stopped her lack of payment she pushed away from the bar, crossing toward an empty table against the wall. It sat near the door, but not so close that she would be in the way of anyone drunkard entering or leaving.

Setting her glass to the table, she dropped casually into the chair, keeping her back at a slight angle to the wall. Leaning back in the wooden chair she hooked the heel of one boot over the rung, shoving her hands into the pockets of her sleeveless denim jacket. Closing her eyes, she rolled her shoulders, working out the tension that formed across them, missing the swinging open of the door.

He walked in, looking around. Brilliant green eyes bearing a dangerous taint of a man seeking someone specific. His stride long as he moves through the crowd coming to the bar, leaning casually against it, his eyes again scanning the crowd.

Letting her head fall back. Trinity felt the muscles respond, taking a deep breath as for some reason a sudden flurry of butterflies took up residence in her stomach.

That brilliant green gaze paused in his scan, seeing one who looks remarkably like his wife. Then, seeing a familiar motion, he pushed from the bar, walking over to her.

Hazel eyes slowly opened as she lifted her head back upright. Blinking as she spotted her husband crossing through the crowd. A slightly nervous smile found her as she put her hands to the tables edge, pushing up from the chair.

Standing in front of her table, arms folded across his massive chest.

"What the hell are you doing here, Trin?"

"Umm, you forgot a change of socks."

Her smile slipped watching him. Juxtor's eyes narrowed slightly for the first time since they had been married.

"Not funny, Trin."

Her shoulders grew ridged at his words, as well the look in his eyes. Lifting her hands from the table, she shoved them again into the pockets of her jacket. Her voice low and measured.

"You tell me that you might be saying good bye, and you don't think I'm going to do something about it, Juxtor Lowdye?"

He looked at her for a moment, then sighed heavily.

"Dammit, Trin. This is gonna be dangerous. What about the twins?"

"They are safe with Beth. Nothing is going to happen to them, except they will be excited to see the presents mommy and daddy bring them when they get home."

Her voice still low. Another sigh rose in her husbands throat as he nodded, hearing a similar sigh escape her.

"I guess it would be useless for me to ask you to go home, wouldn't it?"

"Besides..."

The tension easing from her voice.

"...even if you asked me to go home, I wouldn't."

As her words danced with his, a warm smile found her lips.

"Git outta my head, darlin."

He couldn't keep the smile from his own face. Reaching out, and pulling her to him, holding her tightly.

"God, I never thought I would get to hold you like this again, Trin."

She laughed softly as he almost pulled her over the table. Her arms laced over his shoulders and behind his neck.

"That right there is reason enough for me to be here."

Her words warmly whispered at his ear. Juxtor held her tightly for a moment longer, then kissed her deeply before releasing her. Motioning for her to sit back down. A small pout played over her lips as he released her, but she moved back to her chair, sitting, nudging her glass toward him.

"Buy a drink for you good lookin?"

Chuckling, he sat at an angle across from her, his back to the wall.

"Sure gorgeous, how about a mineral water?"

"Sorry, all I have is tonic, with lime."

Trinity Lowdye posted August 30, 1998 02:14 PM

continuation

Flashing him a smile.

"Are you really mad at me, Jux?"

Softly he chuckled.

"Would it do any good? No, of course I'm not mad at you, Trin."

Leaning forward, Trinity placed her elbows on the table.

"Good. I don't like it when you're made at me. And no, it wouldn't have done any good."

Reaching, he took her hand in his.

"I am a little disappointed that you didn't trust me enough to come back from this mission though."

Tightly her fingers curled around his.

"Jux, you told me good bye. You gave the implication that there was a chance you wouldn't return. You would have done the same thing if I told you that, and don't deny it."

It was a reluctant nod he gave, a small concession.

"I know, and I am glad you came. I just wish you had told me."

Again she flashed him that smile, hazel eyes dancing with tiny flecks.

"And had I told you, what would you have said..."

Prepared to mouth his words in sync with him, waiting though for him to answer.

"I would have told you to stay at home with the kids."

"Exactly, now you know why I didn't tell you. I left about 3 hours after we talked."

Juxtor smiled, deciding that arguing wasn't going to get him anywhere.

"You made good time. I see Runt's hand in this."

A sheepish grin played over her lips as she lowered her eyes.

"Umm, he did try to talk me out of it."

Nodding, a touch of humor in those eyes she loved to get lost in.

"I bet he did."

Tipping her head, Trinity looked back to her husband.

"Well he did. But he was upset as well to get back and find you gone on a wild cat chase. Yes, I told him everything we knew."

"I know, and he prolly said the same thing Kie said, that one of our own had been killed and the rest should have gotten together to hunt down the murderer."

"He was more upset that you headed out by yourself. Despite the fact that you were hooking up with Loltar and Kieshon."

"But, dammit, I was Nelson's closes friend, and I let him get killed, right under my nose."

She sighed. They had been through this before.

"Jux, baby. You couldn't have prevented it. I think that even if Nelson had been castrated, he still would have been prowling."

"I know, but he was visiting us when he was killed. I should have known about the killer. I never would have been that careless before."

"Jux, you would blame yourself even if it had happened off planet."

Again Jux sighed, knowing she was right. At a thought, Trinity's brow pulled together. Hazel eyes scanned the room, before looking back to the man seated with her.

"Speaking of which, where are Loltar and Kieshon?"

"They're, umm, finding a place for us to stay on planet. We'll hook up with them later."

With a tip of her head, she watched him, reading from his face what his words weren't saying.

"Kieshon's pissed at you, isn't she?"

Juxtor nodded slightly.

"Yeah, she's afraid I'm gonna go off and do something stupid, like find the killer on my own."

"And she's right. You would have, if given half a chance. The only reason you sought Loltar out is because he's familiar with this system. It was only chance that your sister happened to be there too."

She watched the rise and fall of her husbands shoulders in a shrug.

"I suppose. There are just some things I have to do on my own. You knew that when you married me."

"Yes, but how often have they not at least included me since we've been married? Or have you forgotten that I *too* am part of the band?"

A smile touched his face. A honest, revealing smile.

"Sometimes, I do forget how deadly you are, Trin."

Trinity Lowdye posted August 30, 1998 02:15 PM

continuation, again

Her smile again warming, and growing as the flecks danced again in hazel eyes.

"Didn't you always tell me that you fell in love with me because of how I could handle a stick..."

Her words fading as Juxtor's continued.

"Anyway, I guess you know what we are looking for."

The lightness of her tone changed as her husband did an about face on her.

"Umm, Jux. I knew before you left, and have kind of done some investigating since you left. What else did I have to do. They did find some hair..."

Trinity paused to rephrase her words.

"...well actually, it's better to call them fur samples, at the scene."

He nodded, his disposition seeming to lighten again.

"I don't suppose you got ahold of some of it?"

Smiling, suspecting he already knows the answer. A playful pout dashed his hopes as she watched him closely.

"I'm sorry baby."

She almost chuckled as his eyebrow jutted up sharply.

"You didn't?"

Shaking her head.

"*I* didn't."

She waited, wondering if he was going to take the bait.

"Ok, so who did?"

"Kreep was able to get his hands on a few strands. He did a few tests on them. Came up with some weird results too."

Hazel eyes darkening as she quickly looked around the room for any undue ears.

"Okay to talk here?"

"Weird? How so? We knew it was a Feline-Human."

His gaze as well giving a quick sweep before returning to Trinity.

"Should be, I have a jammer in my pocket."

With a nod she continued.

"Yes, it was a feline-human, but not one born to that. Almost like, who ever it was, was made into the finished product. There were also high traces of seratonin. Kreeps exact words were "quick, hide me, this bitch is going to go flip" traces."

Juxtor considered his wife's words.

"On purpose? Why?"

Knowing even as he asked that his wife didn't have those answers.

"Sorry, Jux. I don't honestly know, but Kreep was still working on the tests, trying to determine what he could. He didn't want you stumbling blind into something and not being prepared for it."

With a look of in depth concentration furrowing his eyebrows, Jux nodded.

"And I assume you didn't tell him that you were coming, otherwise, he would have told me."

Again the sheepish grin found Trinity's lips.

"Umm..."

Reaching for the glass, she took a big drink. Juxtor chuckled watching his wife.

"I take that as "No, I didn't tell him"..."

Gently she slide the glass of tonic water back to him.

"Well... No, I didn't. There wasn't time."

Jux took up the glass, taking a small sip of the tonic, wincing slightly.

"I still don't know how you can drink that stuff, dear."

Setting the glass to the table, he looked at her with a shiver. Trinity smiled warmly.

"Keeps me sharp as a tack. You wouldn't want me losing my edge would you? Want me to get you a mineral water?"

His chuckle rang out.

"No, that's alright, I'm not that thirsty anyway."

A familiar gleam danced within Trinity's eyes.

"Then what are you?"

Juxtor's smile warmed, taking his wife's hand once more.

"Want to go for a walk, dear?"

Her own warm smile returned. Her thumb moving in small circles over his palm.

"Sure, it's been over two months since we've been alone. A walk would be just the medicine."

Juxtor rose, pulling her to her feet and guiding her toward the door. Easily, Trinity gained her feet, stepping around the table. Moving with his easy guidance toward the door, stepping out into the fresh, clean air. That was one thing this place offered that home didn't.

Trinity Lowdye posted August 30, 1998 08:35 PM

continuation, again

Nudging the man at her side gently, a tip of her head brought her gaze up in almost a study of his face.

So, you seriously not mad, Jux?

Walking with her, their matched strides carrying them away from the bar.

"No, Trin. How could I possibly stay mad at you. I love you too much for that."

Trinity's free hand was pushed deep into the pocket of her denim jacket. With a smile, she looked back to the gravel roadway, kicking a stone ahead of her.

"Just wanted to make sure. It's been too long since I heard you tell me you love me. In person, anyway."

Releasing her hand, Juxtor wrapped his arm around her shoulder, puling her to him as they continued to walk.

"I know, and I'm sorry, Trin. When this is over, I'll make up for it, I promise."

"Baby, there's nothing to make up."

Her arm sliding around his waist after he released her hand, laying her head against his arm.

"Anything we do, and anything that comes up, we promised to face it together."

Juxtor sighed softly.

"I know. I guess I just didn't think that included something like this."

Bumping his thigh with her hip.

"We've been in thicker situations, or have you forgotten about that altercation the bunch of us went through on Artainus.?"

Shaking his head, Trinity could feel the tension in the arm that draped around her shoulder.

"No, I haven't forgotten. It's just not the same. Nelson's dead, for crying out loud. This isn't about simple Justice for me, Trin. It's revenge that I'm looking for. I couldn't tell Kie and Travers that, but I can't keep it from you."

A look of confusion danced across her face.

"Travers? Who is Travers?"

Juxtor looked at his wife, as though not understanding her confusion before it hit him what he'd called Loltar. It took just a minute for him to explain who he was talking about without going into too great detail. Trinity nodded returning to his comment, though the sigh that preceded was heavy.

"I know, Jux. And *we* will have it. I know he was one of your best friends, but he was part of the group too."

Looking back up at him, feeling as though she missed something.

"Do you think Kieshon and Loltar aren't going to see it?"

"I guess they will. I was just hoping to be able to get away from them once we find the killer."

Trinity's steps slowed as she moved around front of her husband, putting one hand to his chest bringing him to a halt.

"Jux, what if this thing killing Nelson was justified. I mean, Nelson didn't say what he had come home for, just that he was being followed. And if this thing had been following him, he would have said something, at least to you."

Reluctantly Juxtor nodded.

"True, but even Nel didn't deserve to die like that. No one does."

He didn't say that the killer would get worse. As well as she knew her husband, Trinity was sure the line of his thoughts just by the look in his eyes.

"I agree 100%. But with Nelson, it was bound to happen. Him more than any of the rest of us. Who ever did this to him, at least deserves the benefit of a trial, even if it's a trial by Nelson's peers. That being you, me, Loltar, Kieshon."

"Oh, she'll get her trial, provided she doesn't do anything stupid."

Hearing the venom in her husbands tone, Trinity let her hand drop from his chest. Taking a couple steps back before turning away from him. Her hands thrust once again into the pocket of her jacket. His brow lowered as a sigh found him, pausing to consider what he had done to upset her this time.

"What, Trin? I just meant that unless she forces me to kill her, she will get her trial."

"Nothing, Jux. I just hope that you can stick to that, and not let the need for your revenge guide your hand."

Reaching out, Juxtor put his hand to her shoulder, and gently turned his wife to face him.

"Trin, when have you ever known me to kill for the sake of the killing?"

Taking a deep breath, Trinity looked up at him, her voice low.

"Baby, I've never known you to. But you've never been in this situation either. Short of Loltar, your brothers, and Kieshon, Nelson was as close to you as family. That in itself causes people to act as they normally wouldn't."

Looking into her eyes, his own darkening very slightly.

"Don't try to psychoanalyze me, Trin. It won't work. It didn't work for the military. They said I would go nuts after some of the missions I took."

Trinity lowered her voice to a soft whisper, even her eyes softening as she searched his eyes. She hadn't missed their darkening, and knew that it wasn't directed at her.

"I'm not trying to psychoanalyze you, Jux. We've been married for five years, and have known each other for about twelve or thirteen years. We've both been through some very sticky situations."

Wrapping her in his arms, hugging her tightly. Juxtor's voice dropped as low as hers had.

"Trin, I'm sorry. I just don't like being compared to others, you know that."

Leaning into his hug, closing her eyes, her hands remaining in the pockets of her jacket.

"Don't be sorry, Juxtor Lowdye, for being yourself. I wasn't comparing you to anyone. I just don't want to have come all this distance, to have something happen to you now. The thought of being alone scares the shit out of me."

Looking down at her, Juxtor kissed her cheek lightly.

"Don't worry Trin. I'll be careful."

Her voice dropped even lower in a broken whisper.

"You better, or I'll have to come after you and kick your ass."

Smiling down at her, holding her loosely.

"Y'know, we have a lot to do when we get home."

Trinity Lowdye posted August 30, 1998 08:37 PM

yup, another continuation

Stepping back, she forced a smile, though her eyes still reflected an odd light.

"I'll hold you to that. Oh, Lol and Chris made something for you, and down right ordered me to give it to daddy."

Pulling her hand free from one pocket, and tugging out from the left breast pocket what looked to be what could best be described as *something*. It looked to be a creation of some sort made of popcicle sticks, yarn, glue, and construction paper. Juxtor smiled, releasing her reluctantly.

"Really?"

Chuckling as she handed it to him.

"Umm, it's great..."

Then whispering, as though their two boys were a short distance away and would hear him.

"...what is it?"

She bit her bottom lip trying not to chuckle at the humorous look on his face, her shoulders lifting in a shrug.

"Your guess is as good as mine. I think it's supposed to be the transport you left on."

"Oh, well. I'll have to keep it and ask them when we get home."

Looking at her, a smile on his face as he continued. The couple speaking at once.

"Umm, Trin?"

"All they called it was the Fecktus. Does that mean anything to you?"

His question fading the importance of hers, just by the dancing gleam in his eyes.

"What, darlin?"

"Remember our vows? The ones about richer and poorer?"

Her eyebrows pulled together.

"Umm, yeah?"

Hazel eyes dancing with confusion.

"Well, we certainly have known the poorer part of that, haven't we?"

The smile that formed, softened Trinity's features.

"Yes, but I wouldn't trade them for anything in any known world."

"Well, on the way home, we need to stop off at Wildort Seven."

Juxtor smiled widely, his eyes becoming a brighter green than before. Stepping back again, Trinity crossed her arms over her chest.

"For? Or do I get suspended on some twisted world of *you'll find out when it's time, my dear*."

Juxtor only shrugged, teasingly.

"There's an old friend of mine there that I want you to meet."

A playful pout tugged at her bottom lip, her tone teasing, as Juxtor chuckled.

"She prettier than me?"

"Umm, no one is prettier then you, my love. But, no, he isn't."

Wrapping his arm around her once more, walking her off the main road and onto a path he noticed.

"Oh, you're lucky you said that."

Smiling as she slipped her arm again around his waist, nudging him with her hip, trying to push him off the path and into a cluster of bushes. With a broadening smile, Juxtor reached down and lifted her into his arm, cradling her against his chest. A chuckle still danced within his throat. As he continued, he seemed to change the subject.

"What would you do if we were rich?"

Laughing lightly, for the first time in many weeks, her arms circling his neck. She placed kisses along his jaw line in punctuation of her words.

"I wouldn't do anything different. I love our life. I love our house. I love our children. I love you."

Juxtor's smile remained as he kissed her deeply.

"I mean it, Trin. What would you do if we had, oh... say a million credits?"

She returned his kiss before leaning back against his arm, meeting his eyes.

"Well, I would keep the freezer and cupboards better stocked, and would see that you had that jeep you've been admiring at that antique dealers over on Drimpler Street. But honestly, baby, I wouldn't change a thing."

His smile infectious.

"Good, because we don't have a million credits."

"We don't know anyone with a million creds, not even Loltar."

Her words ending with a soft laugh.

Trinity Lowdye posted August 30, 1998 08:39 PM

yeah! this concludes this posting

She should have known he was up to something as his smile widened, spreading to encompass his entire face.

"We have Seven Million credits."

Trinity's laughter died like a frog croaking. Hazel eyes opening wide.

"Huh?"

Her expression one of being completely dumbfounded. Juxtor chuckled again.

"You heard me. We have seven million creds, in a bank on Wildort Seven. That's who we need to go see. Ten Injun."

"Bu..."

Her voice not fully returned from the frog lodged within, she cleared her throat and tried again.

"But, how? Where did it come from?"

"A few odd jobs for the planetary government. I couldn't tell you about them.

His face becoming serious.

"I'm sorry..."

Trinity was still completely overwhelmed by the news he had just revealed. So much so that she didn't hear his confession.

"What the hell are we going to do with seven million creds?"

"Nothing, just like you said. We'll keep the food in the house, maybe get that jeep, and we'll send the kids to a good school, anywhere they want to go. And, I'm gonna get you anything you want."

Trinity brought her hands up to cup her husband's face, looking deeply into his eyes.

"Seven comma zero zero zero comma zero zero zero...?"

Shaking her head, still trying to absorb what he had told her.

"I have everything I want, Jux. Everything my heart could ever desire."

"Maybe, but I'm sure there is something you will want."

Leaning forward, kissing her deeply before continuing.

"So, how does it feel to be the richest woman on United Solandra?"

His kiss taking her before she could respond to his first comment, only a soft sound escaping. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. A whimper passing her lips as he broke their kiss.

"I have always been the richest woman, baby. I told you years ago, it's just material things. You, and now Lol and Chris are my world. If you mean, how does it feel to know we have that much money, I don't know. I'm still numb."

Juxtor carried her off the path at a clearing, kneeling to lay her on the ground, and laying next to her.

"Well, we have the rest of our lives to figure out what to do with the money. But, right now, I just want to be with you."

Laying back, Trinity looked up to the nights sky, then turned her gaze to him. Her voice a husky whisper.

"And I want to be with you. Now and forever."

Pulling her to him, he wrapped his lips over hers, kissing her more passionately than he had since before they were married. Trinity encircled him with her arms, her fingers twining in the hair at the back of his head. A low moan escaping her as she returned his kiss with a fervor. Juxtor pulled her tighter against his chest, his desire for her evident not only in his kiss, but in the press of his body to hers, not wanting to ever let her go. Their thoughts traveling a singular path, she held him as tightly, only a slight shaking of her hands against his back, indication of just how afraid she truly was that she would lose him. Slowly they made love, with nothing to witness except the stars above and whatever wild beasts might be inhabiting the dark. They had both needed the release they found in each others arms. The tensions that had built in the three months since Juxtor had departed United Solandra evident.

After, they lay sated and soothed in each others embrace. Trinity nuzzled his neck her whisper a warm breath to tickle his ear. Combing her fingers through his hair.

"I love you, so very much. You make me complete baby."

She felt his smile as he pressed a quick kiss to her shoulder.

"I love you, Trin. I don't know how to describe how much I love you."

Wrapping his arms around her as he gently slips from beneath her, lowering her to the ground. Circling against his side, her head on his chest. Lightly her hand caresses his stomach.

"You just did, darlin."

Kissing the top of her head, hugging her tightly.

"Hmm, I guess I did, didn't I?"

Lifting her head, looking at him.

"Yes dear, you did. I would love nothing more then to remain here, like this forever."

Smiling as she chucked him under the chin.

"But don't you think we should go find Loltar and your sister before they think you've fallen prey to some of the critters this system has?"

Chuckling, he slowly drew from her side and stood. Reaching down to help her up.

"Yeah, I suppose so."

Easily Trinity gained her feet, leaning a lingering caress low on his waist, brushing over the scar there. He smiled, his eyes partly closing as a shiver ran through his body then reached down to pull on his jeans.

"Tease!"

"Don't hear too many complaints from you."

Bending provocatively, then tugging her own jeans slowly up over her hips. He smiled watching.

"Umm, none actually."

Pulling his shirt on, then sitting on the ground to put his boots on. Trinity sucked in her stomach as she zipped and buttoned her jeans, then turned searching for her t-shirt.

"This place is so backwards. There's like, almost no technology here."

"Well, believe it or not, Magic works here."

Trinity shook her head.

"I thought that was a misreport in the information Runt gave me."

Finishing dressing, then dropping beside her husband on the grass to work on her thick socks and boots.

"Nope, I have seen some of it, not a lot, but I saw some things that even Tech can't duplicate."

An unbidden shiver found her.

"It'll be nice to get back home."

"I know what you mean. I actually saw a were wolf the other day."

Lifting a brow she looked questioningly at him.

"This place is twisted, really twisted."

They both chuckled.

"Kreep would be happier than a pig in... well you know. He would love it here."

"Probably."

Standing, he helped her to her feet. As she hopped up, Trinity tapped him on the shoulder.

"Tag, you're it, sweetheart!

Making for the path they had come in on with Juxtor not far behind her.

Trinity Lowdye posted September 22, 1998 05:33 PM

Hubby Anxiety

To say that Jux was getting itchy was an understatement. She had only been here with him for about four days when she watched him fidgeting, and griping about lack of information and activity. Loltar had taken the second room Trinity had booked, but it seemed he seldom was there. Kieshon, with a stubborn streak as large as her brothers, remained aboard the Slayer, despite the fact it was a good distance from town, and totally out in the boondocks.

She had seen Kieshon for about a half hour the previous day. It was evident the younger woman was relieved that her brother wasn't going off on tangents, but she obviously wasn't going to take the first step to patching the argument with him. Trinity had tried to talk her into coming and staying at the Inn but the excuse given was that she wouldn't leave her fighter unguarded like that. Another smoke screen, especially given Trinity knew the security of the Slayer was top notch. It was grudgingly that she left her sister in law to her choice.

Upon returning to the Inn, and finding her husband out she returned to the guests sitting room, kind of a large living room on the main floor. There, she found the bulletin board, upon which were posted various notices of events upcoming in Rhy'Din. One in particular caught her eye, but most of the notice was missing, having been torn from the pins holding it. All that remained were the words "Test Your Hand to Hand.... Vis", the rest having been taken by whomever had so carelessly pulled it from the board. In speaking with the inn keeper she found out about the place called "The Outback" that favored tests of strength in hand to hand dueling. Trinity's first thoughts turned to her husband.

He had always preferred the close contact of fighting with his hands and feet. A chuckle escaping her as she remembered the times he'd tried to teach her even some of the basic techniques. He'd even gruffly tried to use examples of practical common sense. "What if you are in the middle of a threat, and the fuse isn't usable, and you've got three people closing in on you?" Never mind that she was seven months pregnant and incapable of moving at anything faster then a snails pace, let alone with the coordination necessary for even the simplest move he was trying to teach her.

About two hours later Jux showed up, Trinity should have realized who had torn the notice from the bulletin board, coming to that realization as he excitedly showed her the waded up paper in his hand. Seeing the way something so simple drew his attention from the reason they were even in this place, she conceded to go with him that night to the competitions. The fact that he won against the greatly smaller, and definitly faster, elven guy he paired off with managed to keep his mood to a higher elevation. At least for a few days.

Linton Travers posted October 07, 1998 03:43 PM

It had been almost 5 days with no word on any odd killings in or around RhyDin for the past several years. Course, the hard part was trying to tweek his brain to distinguish the definition of "odd" in this god forsaken place. Even death was unusual in these parts. In all reality... at least as far as RhyDin was concerned, his normalcy was considered the "odd" thing while the dragons, gods, vampires etc walked around without a second thought. By the first day, he knew he wasn't going to get anywhere looking as he did.

Travers was a little out of practice. It had been over a year since he had to be someone other than himself, but being in a land that catered to all made it a little easier. He chuckled softly as he absently scratched the 5 day growth of beard on his chin, going over his appearance once again with an extremely critical eye in the mirror supplied by the inn. Aside from the mustache and beard, his hair was shaggy, a look that clearly screamed "mountain man". It was the clothes, however that would help him blend easier. Brown suede moccasin-like boots laced over brown leather pants, a "natural" colored cotton farmer's shirt under a sleeveless leather jerkin and, to end the ensemble, a brown "Robin Hood" type hat. His blaster was secreted in the waist of his pants at the small of his back, hidden under the tunic. In it's place on his right hip snuggled deeply into its scabbard, hung a gold inlayed Drusus... one of the finest non-magical swords in the land, the weapon smith had assured him. Strung across his chest was a series of smaller sheaths, the hilts of small but deadly throwing blades peeking over the tops of their leather beds. Nodding slightly, he smirked. *Now* he could walk around unnoticed.

Gathering a wrapped bundle under his arm, he silently slipped from his room, tiptoeing past Jux and Trini's room before quickly moving down the back stairs and out of the inn through the kitchen. He wasn't sure *why* he needed to avoid being seen by them, but his instincts told him that something very wrong would happen if they did. Perhaps the feeling stemmed from the knowledge of what was in the bundle. Jux was gonna kill him when he found out....if he found out.

At the back of the inn, he rented 2 horses and quickly rode out of town. He hadn't seen her since they landed and the gods only knew what she was going to think of his idea, but it was better than having her out there alone with nothing to protect her but the Slayer. Course, that wasn't to say that she wasn't adequately protected. He knew what the Slayer could do....at least some of it. But it still didn't sit well with him having her so far away from them.....from him. He pushed the lingering thoughts deeper into the darker corners of his mind, trying to justify his real reason for this wacky idea he was about to hit her with.

Within a half a mile of the Slayer, he stopped, placed his fingers to his lips and let out with a strange, high pitched whistle. He knew she'd hear it. For that matter, he knew anyone within a mile's range could hear it unaided. It had been his specialty. He knew the sensors would tell her long before he arrived that he would be coming and who he was, but somehow....the whistle...it just seemed right. A soft smile played about his lips as he urged the horses forward, a smile he couldn't suppress no matter how hard he tried.

Kieshon Lowdye posted October 12, 1998 04:54 PM

This Surely Isn't a Rocking Horse!

Having had her helmet on when the piercing whistle sounded, Kieshon tore it from her head in a barrage of curses. True, Travers had been about a half mile away, but only that morning she had adjusted the amplifiers, trying to lock in on a couple trace signals that she had detected the night before. True, she recognized it as coming from Travers, but as she had her helmet on, it was amplified near ten times over and was near ear drum piercing.

As he rode up, Travers smiled charmingly, pulling up the horses and draping his leg around the saddle horn. He could hear from within the opened craft before him the cursing, as yet not realizing that he was at whom it was directed. Pushing up from the control seat, Kieshon locked the braces even as she turned toward the open hatch. "Who the hell do you think you are, Travers? Christ, I won't be able to hear anything for a week." Absently he scratched the growth of beard on his chin. "WHAT? What's that you said?" Smirking as he played deaf.

Brilliant green eyes flashed as she looked at him, one eyebrow lifting in a pronounced arch. "Smart ass! You coming in or am I supposed to come out?" A chuckle found Travers as he lifted the bundle from behind him on the saddle and tossed it to her. "I *could* come in, but the privacy factor while you change into these would be lost. But if you *really* want me to." His chuckle softening slightly. That self same brow lifted even higher. "Change?" Deftly Kieshon caught the bundle as it arced toward her. "And just what is this?" Looking at the plain brown wrapping paper, and the twine that held it closed. With apprehension she looked back at him. "Oh geesh. What do you have up your sleeve this time, and did Jux or Trinity put you up to it?"

"Jux and Trini have no clue. This is just between you and me. But if you don't wanna help." Shrugging lightly, Travers moved is if to swing his leg from around the saddle horn. "Yer running in circles here, Travers." Deftly Kieshon plucked at the strings that tied the package shut. "You know I'm in. Well, as long as Jux don't get his way." Tugging back the brown paper to reveal the contents within. "Jux ain't getting his way. I need your help. How well can you play a 'damsel in distress' in this burg?"

A bark of laughter escaped her. "Damsel in distress? Well..." Looking to the get up he'd provided her with. "Seeing as you want me to wear this and I'm not exactly known for moving with any speed, and my weapon is this ship which doesn't actually fit in my pocket, how do you think I could do?" "Welp, something I've discovered about this place. You can get just about anything you want, particularly if you're a woman in tears." Kieshon gave him an exaggerated roll of her eyes. "Alright, give me 10 to get changed, then I'll be out." Turning she muttered under her breath. "He know's I hate skirts." There was a slight quirking at the corner of her lips as she entered the closet that was her sleeping area and with surprising quickness changed out of her normal clothes, and dressed into the outfit provided by Travers.

Still upon his stallion, Travers whistled softly, actually taking the time to check out the area surrounding him. With a whoosh of released pressure, the front hatch lowered. Once it settled to ground level, Kieshon emerged from the Slayer, color rising sharply on her face as she called his attention back. "Now be nice, Travers." The multicolored skirt flared beneath its many layers and came clear to the ground. The peasant blouse conformed as it settled off her shoulders. The cloak that had been included was loosely tied about her neck, but was pushed back as the morning had warmed nicely and didn't require at present the added warmth of it. A second before she emerged, Travers called up. "I FORGOT TO ASK..." His voice dropping lower as he saw her exit. "Umm...uh.." Blinking several times, at a loss for words at the sight of her. Kieshon's hand lowered to fidget with the layered skirt before lifting to try and ease the cleavage that showed regardless of whether the top was off her shoulders or not. "Ummm... forgot what?"

"Ummm, forgot?" He swallowed hard blinking again. "Oh, yeah. Forgot. Can you ride a horse?" Kieshon blanched slightly. "Ummm, actually, I've never ridden at all. They always seemed skittish of these braces." Not mentioning that horses were not an often found commodity as she was growing up. With a slight nod, Travers slid off the saddle, tying both sets of reins to one of the leg struts of the Slayer. "Stable man assured me old Betsy here is 'of the sweetest nature y'll evr' find in these here parts'!" Mimicking the man from the stables. Moving around the horses, he approached her. "We'll take it slow back into town, to let you get use to her."

A nervous chuckle found her. "Umm, well, so weren't the Konijinski's supposed to be, and I quote... 'a polite, loveable furry lot'. Someone just forgot to mention that they are worse then piranhas when anything meat got near them." Several blinks before she looked at him with wide eyes. "You mean I have ta ride her?" Looking skittishly toward the horse and then back to him. "Umm, can't I just walk?" Travers laughed remembering the situation. "Horses aren't carnivorous, hon. It's a long ways back into town. Riding will get us there faster."

"Couldn't you have just brought a carriage or something?" Knowing her arguments were running out. "And just how am I supposed to get up on that thing? I'm going to look like I've sprouted wings with my legs stuck out at odd angles." Again a chuckle escaped Travers. Easily he stepped up to her, and before she could offer more arguments, placed his hands around her waist, lifting her as he turned and sat her upon the mare, at an odd side saddle position. "Unlock that brace, and hook the leg around the saddle horn. You'll be fine." The mare danced slightly at the sudden weight, but calmed almost immediately. A small squeak passed her lips as he lifted her, one hand held *firmly* to his shoulder, only to tighten with the movement of the beast. Quickly she released the catch of her brace and did as he said before her other hand just as quickly knotted in the mare's mane. "Umm, Travers. I'm going to fall off!"

[This message has been edited by Kieshon Lowdye (edited 10-12-98).]

Kieshon Lowdye posted October 12, 1998 04:55 PM

"No you're not." Laughing as he rearranged the skirt around her dangling leg, setting the foot into the stirrup. "One thing to remember is to let your body roll with the motion of the horse. Don't sit stiff or you *will* fall." Untying the reins, Travers handed the set for the mare up to her. "Pull on the side for the direction you want to steer her in. She'll do the rest." Kieshon's fingers tightened in the mane as she tentatively released her hard grip to Travers shoulder to take the reins. "I don't like this!!" Looking to the Slayer she voice commanded it to secure mode, having to repeat the commands three times before it activated. Unable to help the tenseness with which she sat. "Geesh, if I fall Travers... I'm... I'm going to have Jux beat you up!!" Instantly blushing for the childish sound of her words. Yet again laughter echoed from Travers. "If you fall, *I'll* have Jux beat me up. But I'll tell you what, just to be safe, I'll ride right next to you to catch you, ok?" Beaming up at her, in an extremely happy mood for some strange reason.

A frown pulled at Kieshon's brow noting his expression, then deepening to furrows as she now noticed the second horse. "I'm going to hold you to that Mister, and don't think I won't. Geesh, I can't believe I'm doing this. Either I'm crazy or you're a damn good salesman." Teasingly, he bowed low before standing again and smirking up at her. "I got 40,000 freezers on their way to Hoth as we speak!" Winking, he moved around the mare and easily mounted the stallion. Reaching out, he took the mares bridle and gently urged her into a slow walk, nudging the stallion with his knees as he did so. At the rocking gait of the beast, Kieshon's hold tightened even further to the mare's mane. Her other hand held extended up and out, comically trying to take up the slack in the leather cords as well maintain her balance. With a smile Travers watched her. Releasing the mare's bridle he reached behind her and softly rubbed her back trying to ease her tension. "You'll get the hang of it. It really isn't all that bad."

A noticeable relaxation at his touch, yet not as completely as he might have wished. Kieshon almost smacked him in the face with her wayward, rein holding hand. "Never ever ever ever..." Her knuckles almost white for the hold to the poor animals mane. "I'm going to owe you big time for this stunt." The last almost muttered under her breath. It was an humored chuckle that rose from Travers as he dodged the rein held hand. Draping his own pair around the saddle horn, he leaned over and pried her fingers from around the leather. His voice almost coaxing as he slid the leather through her hand so that she at least now took up the slack to the bridle at least a little bit more. "Well. It's was either this or get the info on my own. But I figured you were getting pretty bored in the Slayer and wanted to do something that Jux wasn't going to approve of, so... here you are."

"Oh sure, paint it into a pretty picture." Her voice a squeak again as he moved her hand, then regaining a slight touch of normal tenor once her hold to the leather was reaffirmed. "I've actually kept pretty busy. Jux is going to kill us both, and next time, you better damn well bring a wagon. You hear me Travers? I swear!" Only now had a touch of color again appeared to her face. "A wagon? You would prefer a wagon over the closeness of nature?" Only the glint in his eyes told her of his teasing. "I mean, please. What could be more relaxing, more romantic than a horse ride in the country? And Jux is only going to kill me, not you. It's my idea." Kieshon threw him one of *those* looks. "You try riding a horse with these braces strapped to your legs, and see if your opinion changes. And he's still going to kill me for going along with it." Though a laugh did rise. "And I'm sure you could have found preferable companionship for such a ride in town. So that excuse doesn't cut it." "I see you ain't been to town lately!" Travers muttered under his breath as he sat up and retook his own reins. Suddenly, his face lit up with a boyish grin. "Wanna race?!"

Blinking Kieshon looked back at him. "Umm, I ahh, didn't mean nuttin by that you know Travers. Was just teasing." A soft blush finding her face again realizing that it would have bothered her had he chosen someone else for such as he had described. Just as quickly the color again faded. "Race? What? Are you nuts? Loltar!!" Slipping unknown back to the name she knew him by best. "Nooooo!!" With a soft laugh Travers shook his head. "Ahh, I wouldn't do that to you. Besides, it's a no bet race. Old Betsy there couldn't outrun a turtle." With a chiding grin he glanced at her, poking her once gently. "And what *I* meant was there *is* no one else I'd rather be taking this ride with, so *there*!"

Totally at a loss for words, yet his prodding had the desired effect. She settled herself firmly in the saddle, her fingers finally untying themselves from the mane to hold firmly to the saddle horn. She stuck her tongue out at him before giving a light kick to the mares side. A yelp escaped her as the mare leapt forward to a fast canter. His chuckle at the showing of her tongue died quickly as he reached out to catch her instinctively. His heel's pressing to the stallions side, urging it to the faster pace. Dropping the reins, as well losing her hold to the saddle horn, Kieshon practically threw her arms around the mares neck, holding on for dear life. Seeing she wasn't going to fall, Travers grabbed the bridle and pulled the mare to a stop, guiding his own horse as he did so. "So, you awake yet?" Flashing her a warm smile. Kieshon tipped her head to look at him, still holding tightly to the mares neck. A sheepish expression danced across her face, an odd compliment to the blush that again found her cheeks. "Oh, shut up!"

Kieshon Lowdye posted October 12, 1998 04:58 PM

It was a light laugh that found him and he leaned over to kiss her cheek gently, his beard scratching her face before he pulled away. "Alright then. You've had your fun. Care to try this again." Casting her a wink. With a pert wrinkling of her nose, she slowly, if a bit warily sat up again in the saddle. Both hands twined into the mane as the reins dragged along the ground, hanging from the bridle. "Fun, yeah right. Are we there yet? I wanna get off this vile beast, and romantic or not, next time bring a wagon." Deftly, Travers leaned further over, catching the reins of the mare and looping them around his own saddle horn. As easily he guided the stallion closer, wrapping one arm around her and pulling her across the gap between the horses so she now sat in front of him on the stallion. "Next time, a wagon, My Lady." The only thing that saved the mare from a severe hair pulling was that with his action, Kieshon's hands latched onto his arms, growing silent at his closeness. "Relax, Kieshon, you were in more danger from the mare." A soft chuckle accompanying the words.

Easing her hold to his arms, only now does she look around at their surroundings. "Wow, this place is amazing. No smog, no high rises, no major traffic aside from horses, and the occasional passing mech or PAC." Brilliant green eyes widened with awe. Travers smiled. "I grew up in a place like this." "We lived out in the country. But still the city tended to creep through." Suddenly pointing toward a field off to the left. "Look!" A stag and doe bound across the field, having been startled by her excited words.

Drawing the horses to a stop, he turned his gaze to watch the deer, his chin resting on her shoulder, his arm still protectively wrapped around her. Kieshon leaned comfortably back against him, a whole lot more relaxed now that he was in command, instead of her still being atop her own horse.

"Perhaps one of these days, when you and Betsy become friends, we'll take a ride out here and have a picnic, eh?" Looking up at him over her shoulder. "Only if Betsy's the one pulling the wagon." A determination to that fact punctuating her words. Travers chuckled softly, then kicked the stallion into motion again. Glad that she now seemed relaxed, having settled into a quiet as they ride, Kieshon's eyes watching everything that they passed.

It took about 45 minutes for them to reach the outskirts of town, the time spent in both pointing out the serene nature around them. At the edge of town, the conversation turned to his plan. "Alright, the story is your brother was killed by some creature. It has to be a teary-eyed story for anyone to actually pay attention. I'm hoping that someone knows of this particular brand of murder and has some info. In the meantime, I'll be passing the same story. Seems most women can't resist good sob-stories either. As for each other... brother and sister? How do you want to play that?" Silently she listened as he laid out the plan, injecting a nod here and there as he spoke. "I think I can do that, don't know though as we can actually pass for brother and sister though." Again looking back over her shoulder. "Strangers?" His voice dropping slightly before he added. "Lovers?"

"Well, obviously I wouldn't be traveling alone." Coloring at his use of lovers. "Umm, wouldn't be far off if we went that you're a close friend of my brother and refused to see me off alone." Kieshon offered rather weakly. Travers nodded slowly. "I am your sworn protector, and your brother's friend." Chuckling softly as he added. "But who's gonna protect me from your real brother? Never mind. Alright..." Drawing up both horses suddenly. Easing her off the saddle and to a standing position, holding her long enough for her to get her braces settled before releasing her arm. "It wouldn't do to ride through town in your protector's arms, m'lady." He winked down at her as he as well slid from the saddle to stand next to her. "Perhaps we should walk the rest of the way. To simplify matters a little, we are not from this land, and your brother was only here for a short while looking for work."

Kieshon tipped her gaze to him, smoothing her skirts after having secured her braces. At the prospect of walking she was glad for the thick leggings she had opted to wear as protection to her legs from the braces. "I can work with that, umm, don't forget. Both Jux and Trini have been out and about, and it's not exactly unobvious that he and I are brother and sister. Also, Trini's working at the Library, so I can't give my last name at all." Travers nodded. "Last names are never necessary and both Jux and Trini have been keeping to the main taverns. We'll be hitting the hole in the walls, away from the mainstream inns and taverns." "Okay, that works I guess." Kieshon offered, still apprehensive about his plan. A damsel in distress had never been part of her nature, and would take everything in her to actually pull it off. He saw her drift off in her own regarding momentarily, and waited until she was focused on him again. "It's not 100% fool proof, I know. But if you see either of them, just casually make your way out, and I'll follow close behind. The main thing is, we need to fit in with these people and we can't do that if we're seen with *spacers*."

Her chuckle was nervous and soft. "That's true. I almost can't wait to get back to *real* civilization. I feel like I'm stuck in Grimm Fairy Tales." Lightly Travers placed his hand to her arm. "Given what we're here to do, Grimm isn't so far off. You ready?" Taking a deep breath Kieshon nodded. "Ayup, as ready as I'll ever be." Apprehension still danced within the brilliant green of her eyes. "Have I missed anything?" His question received a shake of her head, her hands lowering to adjust the layered skirt before lifting to again try to adjust the all too obvious cleavage. "Not that I can think of..." At a thought she tipped her gaze to him. "Hey, how did you manage to get this stuff that fit so well?" An eyebrow lifting high. A slow, knowing smile crossed his lips, and instead of answering, Travers turned from her and began leading the horses into town.

"Travers!" Kieshon moved to keep up with him, let him tender the reins of both animals. "Hmm?" He forced himself not to look back at her, but paced himself so she could keep up easily. With a firm shake of her head, she muttered under her breath. "Never mind." Trying not to be overly self conscious of her gait, knowing to do such would totally ruin the facade they were attempting to portray. "OH, I almost forgot." Still walking, Travers reached around one side of the stallion and pulled out a long staff. "I know you don't need it, but it'll help a little. Don't let on about some injury or you'll have priests and medics coming out of the woodwork to help whether you want it or not." Again one fine eyebrow arched, and Kieshon looked first to the staff and then back to Travers. She appeared about to question his meaning before realization settled. "Oh, alright." Taking the staff, her gait became more of a normal step, appearing for all intent and purpose as though one who had been crippled for many many years, yet comfortable and relaxed. Any awkwardness with the staff would be obvious only to those who knew her, like her brother, sister-in-law, or Travers.

Kieshon Lowdye posted October 12, 1998 04:59 PM

He smiled softly at her. "It suits you, you know." Again her eyebrow lifted, as her gaze tipped toward him. "Huh? This does?" Indicating the staff. A small shake of his head preceded his words. "The outfit. You make it look good. Oh, the staff would be a good defense too, if it comes to that. For the first couple of inns, I'm going to leave you alone and work the other side of the room. I'll keep a close eye on you, but this lot tend to approach an individual woman rather then one obviously *with* a man. You're the key point in this Kieshon. You'll be the one gaining the most information, you know." A blush found her yet again, as she nodded in response. "I'll do my best Travers." Unbidden another chuckle rose, softly and mostly to herself. "Jux is really going to kill us."

"He's gonna kill me. If word gets out to the killer that there's a woman looking specifically for her..." Travers shook his head. "Do you realize what kind of danger you'll be in? If I live through Jux's wrath, it'll be a miracle." Kieshon's steps paused, as she looked at him. The tone of her voice even caused him to slow. "I'm not worried about any danger I might be in, Loltar. I'm not without my means, even though I don't have any weapons with me except this stick. If it draws her out, that's good. Trust me, I could at least disable her without causing her, or me, any injury. And you already said, you wouldn't be far away." Travers came to a complete stop, turning her to face him with a hand on her arm. "Kieshon, your anger with Jux aside, are you *really* sure you want to do this?" At a thought she looked at him, speaking as if she hadn't heard him. "Oh, I think Trini's at least got Jux out of this 'it's my job so the rest of you stay out of the way' rut he put himself in. At least he's agreed to seeing her get a fair trial." A look of surprise crossed her face at his question, but it was quickly schooled, as though hiding something. "Loltar, Nelson certainly wasn't my favorite person, in fact, I think he got what he deserved." Shielding her eyes from anything that might be revealed. "I'm doing this more so for my brother, and for him alone. So that he doesn't get killed as well."

Travers recognized the expression on her face, knew as well there was *something* that she wasn't telling, and if he knew her most likely had never told anyone. Instead of letting the questions surface as was their want, he just nodded. "You know I didn't let Jux know about this. Even Trini doesn't know. It's just you and me kid." Kieshon offered her own nod. "I know, Loltar." "Alright then." A smile formed, trying to hide the worried look hidden in his eyes. With a low, sweeping bow, Travers ushered her on. "After you, My Lady."

Spotting a sign proclaiming the nearby tavern as "The Lost Soul Tavern", Kieshon moved toward the door. "As good a starting place as any I guess." With a grin, Travers tied the horses to the hitching post out front, giving her a moment inside to settle herself before making his own entrance. 