Hello,

Nice of you to jump on to this page. Hopefully you will enjoy the story written. This story is taking place after Dana Burn and many of the events are taken from real live events. It deals with upsetting issues such as trafficking and some things are based on documentaries and true cases and may upset some people.

The adventures of Katze are also taken from real live events that most can identify with; such as expectations that may seem completely impossible to live up to. It also deals with the conflicting emotions of being isolated or choosing to, and confusion of being thrown into a new society where you don't feel comfortable and the troubles of having to face the demands. The story has taken form over quite many months now, as I dedicated basically most of my spare time to it. Every Saturday and most Sundays I was sitting at a particular Café Nero in London (at which I am now quite well-known of obvious reasons) writing on this story from noon till 6 pm and putting down things I saw, heard and experienced.

The science part is also real, although some parts a little taken over the edge, but near possible or in developmental stage. Thus not all you read is sci-fi. In fact some of it are the projects I work on.

Thus, do not expect this story to follow the canon entirely for I have given the characters freedom to develop. If you are the kind of person who id very fond of following the exact character form presented by the original authors, please stop reading now, for you will most like not enjoy this one.

As for everyone else, I hope you will enjoy it…

To all the Katze and Raoul lovers out there…

SUMMARY: Iason and Riki have perished in the flames at Dana Burn and Katze decides to leave Amoi for good. By a twisted fate of probable chance, he stumbles upon Raoul Am at a conference and is persuaded to return to Amoi and work or the Tanagura Biomedical Center in order to develop a software for a specific type of research Raoul is conducting. In the beginning, Katze finds his new job a challenge, but past memories and the unbreakable charm of Raoul Am has a dangerous influence on the young lad. Staggering and feeling lost, he seeks comfort on the net and find an anonymous friend who opens up his eyes to what has happened on the Black Market during the past years. Katze realizes that he has left a hole behind that had been filled with ruthless poachers of females Pets who are artificially impregnated with Blondie fetuses who are then smuggled as exquisite Pets to other parts of the solar system as well as higher casts on Amoi. The poaching results in tremendous amounts of deaths and the more Katze gets involved the more he realizes that Raoul is involved. Although threatened by all layers of society, the former trafficking lord needs to revive his contacts form the depths of Ceres and find the truth behind the Blondie Pets.

Due to the character of the text, in form of a diary, I have tried to keep the lacing of the text to a minimum. But to be able to build up at least some of the emotions sprung from interactions only taken part through a third person, I have used a more colorful language to invite the readers to a deeper interaction with the characters. However, do keep in mind that the text is not as narrator text.

KATZE'S DIARY

PROLOGUE

Tragedy…

Tears were falling. It was unusual, but there they were, gathered on the floor as well as in his palms as he wiped those salty rivers off his face. The cigarette was trembling either between his fingers or between his lips; they were trembling for about ten minutes at a time, before being replaced by another. He was ever so tempted to pick out the black one and put it between his lips, but each time he made an effort to light the Black Moon, his strength faded and the cigarette remained dead. Just as he was now that Iason Mink and his lover, Riki the Dark, had perished in the flames at Dana Burn.

Katze lifted his head and glanced through the window. It had been three nights since the dramatic death of the two lovers. Iason Mink had been Katze's employer for years. The mongrel had spent most of his adolescent life at the house of Lord Mink, who could be as brutal as he was captivating – and yes, he had managed to captivate even the cold heart of Katze.

The young mongrel from Ceres had given up everything, including his ability to ever be able to feel pleasure again, just for the sake of working for the Lord and his kind. It earned the young redhead a great deal of money and though he tried to forget those years, he was forever marked by a scar that ran across his beautiful face. It was something his former Master, Lord Mink, had blessed him with for Katze's disobedience. He had hated Iason for that, but his anger had dissipated and turned to something Katze thought was his closest feelings of love, but it had never been returned. And now, his torment was over on more then just one level: Iason Mink was dead, and although it felt as if the entire Universe was collapsing, that traitorous sun rose above the horizon as it had done for billions of years and set behind the mountains as if it didn't care about the burdens of the world. Why would it? It had seen worse, and the death of one more of the billions inhabiting a lonely planet, such an event was of no consequence in the essence of time. It was a mere fraction of a second in historic perspectives. A fraction of a second. Katze sighed and threw the last butt across the room, not even bothering with putting it out. He watched as the butt fought for its last breath as the glow slowly suffocated on the tiled floor. Only the Black Moon remained in the packet. He looked at it for a little while then threw it into the flames in the fireplace. It was time for a change. It was time to stop mourning.

Three years later…

Raoul was sitting in his armchair of Bordeaux leather and kept on looking at the screen on his terminal. An invitation to the annual Biochemical Network of Excellence, BIONEX, was holding a special course on software development for biochemical research. The past months Raoul had completely lost his passion for his work. He had lost his passion period. The death of his beloved friend was haunting him like a demon; tormenting him day and night, year after year. It had been so unnecessary…so crazy.

It was time to put it all behind him, but it was very difficult. Raoul started to suspect that Jupiter had not done a very good job in creating him, for a Blondie was supposed to be completely devoid of emotions. Why wasn't he devoid of them? Why was he tormented by feelings and terrible memories that seeded pain within his chest? It starved his soul of affection and nothing seemed bright anymore. The lavish parties had lost their shine, the wines flowing were bitter or sour, and the people around him were just faceless icons, witnesses of Jupiter's genius.

Raoul scanned the invitation. Apparently, a new software program had been developed to cope with those heavy, dimensional protein-modeling that some of his employees were working on. Besides, he had been cooped up in his office without any proper human contact for weeks. Raoul had isolated himself and he could feel that it was getting to him. He was easily irritated and his emotional state was rather imbalanced. Yes, perhaps getting out a bit and mingling with people would do him good.

The BIONEX conference

So many attendants, so many programmers, and so many uninteresting people talking about their petty problems. Raoul nodded compliantly as his fellow Blondie complained about his problems considering the new crew at his department, but Raoul hardly heard a word of what was said. The discussion was empty and the words slipped by his ears without even touching his eardrums. As the final drop of tasteless wine washed down his throat, he smiled back at his companion and left the small party of conceited Blondies with a lame apology to visit the lavatory.

He walked about between the stands and the advertisements for numerous companies. As his mind was unconsciously battling the impressions surrounding him, he caught sight of someone he hadn't seen for a long time. Could this be really true?

"What is he doing here?" Raoul mumbled to himself. Of course, Katze was a good programmer and a talented software developer, hence it was no surprise that someone such as he would be attending this conference. But why Katze of all people? No, he had no interest in approaching the redhead. Raoul had been trying to escape the past for a long time, there was no need to re-awaken the distressing memories. The Blondie turned and swiftly moved away from the area.

Katze looked back again, but there was nothing to be seen. Were his eyes playing tricks on him? Did he really spot Raoul among the flaxen crowd? No, it must have been a mistake. He thought he had put all those memories behind him, yet characters from a previous play in life were appearing before his eyes. No, he had to be mistaken. He took this sudden interruption of his peace of mind as an excuse to leave the stand and escape the endless enquiries about the newly developed programs for biochemists.

Katze stepped outside the monumental edifice and sat down on the large staircase of white marble. He lit his cigarette and leaned back on the stairs, watching the afternoon sky. It was warm outside and some lost little birds were chirping from the top of the flanking statues that were depicting goddesses from past mythologies. They were very beautiful and Katze drifted into the thought of what life would be like if lived alongside of females. He looked at a goddess glancing down on him from her pedestal. Her bulging muscles could reduce any man to shame and jealousy, and the sharpness of her features was worthy a proud Blondie. Yes, perhaps some female interference was needed on this crazy Blondie planet. He sighed as the last puffs of the cigarette slithered down his lung. The sun had moved only slightly over the sky and most of the day still remained. He would have never attended this silly conference if it had not been for his employer arranging for an exclusive hotel in exchange for Katze's presence. After all, Katze was the developer of the program his employer was launching, and thus his presence was needed to answer those detailed questions only he understood.

The redhead unwillingly left his comfortable seat and brushed the dust off the back of his trousers as he stood up. He cast a swift glance at his watch. It was time for the next session and his employer was to present their breakthrough development. As required on the basis of common respect, Katze had to attend this meeting in case difficult questions should arise. However, he would remain in the background for as long as he possibly could.

Katze entered the large lecture hall and seated himself in the back row, and just as he was about to slide lower down in the comfortable chair, five minutes into the lecture the most dreadful sight struck him on the other side of the row. Raoul Am.

"No!" Katze shouted from within. "This can't be!"

The mongrel swallowed hard and tried to focus, but the screen at the front was becoming increasingly blurry. His ears started ringing as his blood was surging through his head like a violent river.

"Why here? Why now? Why Raoul? Why after so long? Why? Why…?"

The questions were piling in his mind but none could be answered, not through logical reasoning at least. He was confused and felt he had to leave the session. Without even considering his employer's possible need of assistance, Katze stumbled out of the auditorium and rushed to the lavatory. His stomach was upset and emptied the previous lunch with a violent cramp. His arms and legs became extremely heavy, pulling him to the floor until his knees merged with the white tiles. He felt almost as if he was rooted to the floor and not able to stand up. Either that or his torso had suddenly turned into lead, placing a heavy load on his legs and pushing him to the ground.

After his body had recovered from the cramps, Katze managed to stagger to the nearest washbasin and wash his face. He raked his fingers through his fiery hair and stared into the mirror. A pair of sorrowful honey-pearls looked back at him. Yes, his eyes were sad, yet there seemed to be a tinge of hope trapped somewhere in their depths. Perhaps this resurrection of the past was for the best. Maybe it was time for him to face it. However, not today.

Raoul sat the entire session through, but he hardly paid attention to what was being delivered by the presenter. The words were all but a soaring hum in the background as his mind was preoccupied with the busy thoughts crowding up his mind. He had been staring at the blue carpet for forty-five minutes, until the sharp noise of clapping hands cut through the air. It ripped him back to reality. Before the crowd started to leave their seats Raoul hurried out of the auditorium and ordered his chauffeur to drive him back to his hotel.

The trip back to the lavish suite seemed an eternity, but once Raoul had arrived and stumbled into the safety of his own room, he swallowed a sleeping pill and washed it down with a glass of cognac. Darkness…

Beating about the bush…

If Katze was in the diner, Raoul was to be found in the hallway, far across the diner; if Raoul was in the auditorium, then Katze was probably hiding in the crowd at the stands at the display area; and if Katze was in the men's room, then Raoul made an effort to go up to the floor above, so as not to bump into the redhead. Two days passed by this way, but no matter how hard they tried to avoid each other, the gathering was small. Even if the conference centre was one of the most magnificent on Amoi, it was still too small to escape an intruding presence. A silent battle was raging on between the two, but both fought for the same reason – to escape the past.

Finally, the inevitable came. Lord Raoul Am sneaked into the auditorium and took the seat next to Katze.

"How cheeky," The redhead mumbled internally. "He didn't even ask for permission."

Apart from that rudeness, it was confusing and troubling to see Raoul again. It brought back painful memories and suddenly, it was difficult to breathe. The room seemed ever so crowded, although none other than Raoul was sitting in the immediate vicinity. Katze tried his very best not to stare but as Raoul lost himself in the lecture held at the presenter stage, the redhead cast a swift look at the impertinent Blondie who had not even had the decency to greet him.

The honey colored eyes shifted nervously between the stage and the Blondie beside him as tormenting thoughts filled his head. The young man's chest was heaving with shallow gasps, and each time he made an effort to disguise his shortness of breath, his lungs responded by screaming for air. The effects of heavy smoking were showing clearly. Sweat was breaking out on his forehead and palms, and he had to sit on his hands not to reveal that they were trembling beyond control.

"Don't worry," A soothing, deep voice caressed his ears ever so kindly. "It is difficult for me too. I can leave if it will make it easier for you."

Katze widened his eyes and was just about to agree to that last statement, when words unlike his character slipped from his lips.

"Do you make a habit of being late?"

Raoul snorted a smile and responded humorously, highly inappropriate for a Blondie of his caliber.

"Only when I am planning on sleeping half way through."

Katze dropped his jaw, "Sleeping?"

Raoul nodded but didn't turn to face the redhead as he spoke.

"I've been attending every seminar these past days and I hardly understand, or even care about what it being said. The figures and scripts running up and down the monitor are more soothing than sleeping pills..."

"Have you taken sleeping pills?" The question just escaped Katze's lips on tiny wings of maliciousness. "Isn't it a bit…unbefitting of a Blondie?"

Raoul remained staring ahead and, with an extensive exhale, he slid further down the chair to assume a more comfortable position. He didn't bother about Katze's arrogance and instead focused on the seminar.

The redhead knew that Raoul had always been a man of his word – that at least is what Iason used to say – and that was true even now, for about twenty minutes into the seminar Raoul leaned over saying, "Wake me up about five minutes before it's over."

Katze rolled his eyes and leaned to the opposite side of Raoul. The Blondie was right, some of these seminars and lectures were really dull. Even the reprimand he received from his supervisor for leaving the most important session - when they presented their own work of course – had been more fun to suffer through than this particular lecture. He constantly glanced at his watch, but today it seemed as though time was standing still. He took a deep breath and stretched out a little so as to prevent his limbs from slipping into numbness. As he moved about in his chair he accidentally brushed against Raoul's arm at which the Blondie shot up from his chair, clapping his hands and commenting on a well-preformed session – which was still on-going. Curious eyes turned to scrutinize the impertinent person interrupting the seminar and Katze felt he needed to intervene.

"Shh, you nitwit." He growled and yanked at Raoul's sleeve to sit him down. "It's not over yet! I just happened to touch your arm."

Although caught in an awkward situation, Raoul was not the one to suffer abashment for more then a few seconds before he regained his composure and waved it off by snorting a comment towards the redhead who was blushing beyond reason as the spectators frowned at them.

"Next time, you might want to sit still and do your acrobatics at a more suitable place."

Katze turned to face Raoul; his complexion almost as red as his shiny hair. Raoul was amused at that and following a second of serenity, he even forgot all about the reason they were there.

"Oh, save your breath, Katze," He smiled. "You find this just as boring as I do."

Katze remained mute with surprise and anger, for his body couldn't act on his emotions. How could he? What would he do? Interrupt Raoul now that they have finally begun communicating? No, he allowed the Blondie to continue.

"Let's leave this session and take a few drinks at the bar."

Raoul left his seat with that seductive smile of his, which lured Katze's frozen being to comply with the invitation and minutes later, they were sharing an expensive bottle of champagne.

Raoul took a tiny sip and let it wash over his tongue as he nodded his appreciation of the exquisite taste. The sip continued its way down the lovely throat with a loud guttural sound as another closely followed.

"This is really good." Katze began feeling slightly insecure. He had no idea what topic to discuss, but anything was better than the past or being silent.

"Oh, yes." Raoul agreed. "This is one of my favorites."

"Not surprising," The redhead put forth. "I suppose a Blondie of your caliber is expected to have expensive tastes."

"Quite so, old chap." Raoul exhaled in a huff and leaned back in the sofa across the bar. He placed his exquisite brand of silver leaf cigarillo in a holder and held it between his symmetrical lips as he lit it. The blue smoke emitted from the cigarillo was heavenly in fragrance and through a rare experience, Katze knew it tasted of vanilla. He was about to pick out his own packet from his jacket, when Raoul offered the exquisite brand with a benevolent generosity.

"Should we order you some brandy to accompany it?" The Blondie asked and signaled for the waiter, and before Katze even had a chance to oppose, the golden liquid was tempting him from the glass table in front of him.

"Why so generous?" Katze asked as he took a sip of the brandy and confirmed its marvelous taste with a proud nod.

Raoul exhaled the blue mist, licking his lips as he spoke. "Why so suspicious?"

The answer was prompt and sharp, just like Katze's character and thus the redhead dignified it with a smile.

"Because nothing is for free."

Raoul smiled and tapped the ash into the marble tray.

"Oh, I assure you my dear, THIS…" He included the bar with his gaze. "…is indeed free."

"As long as you are a Blondie." The redhead cut in, but Raoul's continuation floated on as if it was a part of Katze's sentence. "Or in the company of one. But…perhaps you find my company disturbing. Or rather, you DO find it disturbing, am I right?"

Katze removed the cigarillo from his mouth with his left hand, while easing the collar on his striped brown shirt with the other. He avoided looking at Raoul the whole time.

"I guess so…some things are difficult to get over."

"Tell me about it." Raoul muttered and almost in concordance with Katze's actions he too removed the cigarillo from his mouth without tasting it. He let the butt burn on its own for a little while then cast a glance at Katze, changing the subject. "Are you coming to the banquet this evening?"

Katze shook his head, a gesture quickly pursued by the inquiries regarding the reason. "Well, first of all, I haven't brought anything suitable for the evening and, second, I don't want to continue talking about my work all day long."

"I see." Raoul smiled as he put out the cigarillo. "Well, if I could guarantee that you didn't have to talk to anyone about your work the entire night, would you come?"

Katze kept on shaking his head. "It still leaves me with the other issue, and I have no intention of wasting money on a whole new wardrobe for a little fun…"

"Ah, but you dare to admit it COULD be fun." Raoul threw in with an enthusiastic smile that left Katze dumbfounded. What was the Blondie up to? He was so strange; not at all as Katze remembered him. Raoul had hardly ever smiled when he worked for Iason. The redhead knew there had been some feelings between the two Blondies and that Raoul was unusual in his ability to demonstrate emotions. Not many Blondies were like him, but it was also why Katze had been more at ease when Raoul was around. Drifting back into those memories Kazte lowered his defenses just enough for Raoul to break past the walls and take him by surprise.

"Then you shall be my date for tonight and, if we go now, we can arrange a fitting with a tailor."

"What?" Katze's lovely amber eyes flashed with a tinge of insecurity. "No! Raoul wait!"

But it was too late, Raoul was already on his feet and pulling Katze by his arm. One thing Katze could not compete against, or rather measure up too, was the sheer brute strength of a Blondie. Within minutes a lavish limousine was pulling up the driveway to take them to a renowned tailor where Raoul routinely had his wardrobe designed.

"Quite expensive taste." Katze snorted internally, but escaping the seminars for a few minutes was quite relieving and refreshing – even if it meant a trip to Raoul's tailor.

As expected the reception was grand, with ethereal kindness and extensive pampering with coffee, cookies, drinks, and even a light meal offered while watching a few models prance around for a quick demonstration of the latest trends. Katze was sitting comfortably in a leather armchair with a back support almost at the height of a man standing. It was impressive; the whole store was impressive. In fact, it was probably the most posh place he had ever visited, apart from those lavish parties Iason had arranged and which Katze was asked to attend. Although his mongrel heritage revolted internally, he had to admit to himself that there was something appealing about being so well cared for, having all these servants attending to his every need. He smiled and turned to watch Raoul as he discussed the nature of their business with the upper class accent that only a Blondie could truly master. It sounded so funny; so stiff; yet it suited Raoul quite well. Enough; the redhead regained his composure. No, he was not going to lose himself in this little game. Why was Raoul being so nice? Surely it was not in his nature.

"...Yes, just like that, yes." Raoul agreed with the tailor as they examined the fabric currently presented. "Perfect, but I would like that in a green shade…something dark rather. It must compliment his eye and hair color."

"Indeed, my Lord." Came as a response.

Katze kept on listening to the conversation but as the state of confusion springing from the lack of answers to the many questions in his head became too unbearable, he shot up from his chair and rushed out of the shop. Raoul followed and caught up with him quickly.

"Where are you going?" the Blondie asked kindly although with a hint of gravity. "I don't understand…"

"Neither do I Raoul." Katze growled and tried to free himself from Raoul's grip but it was no use, the Blondie was far stronger. People passing by cast curious glances at them, some frowning at the sight of the two arguing and thereby putting a dampener on this gloriously warm afternoon. "Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what, Katze? I though we were going to dress you up for tonight and…"

"Exactly!" Katze roared. "Why? We haven't seen each other since…since…" He stopped for a second, then continued after taking a deep breath. "… anyway … all of a sudden you are supposed to be this nice guy, just doing me favors and helping me out? You expect me to buy that? I mean, fuck it Raoul, how stupid do you think I am?"

"I don't." Raoul sighed and let go of the obstinate mongrel as he raked his fingers through the golden hair. "I don't think you are stupid at all. I…I don't know why I suggested all this. I know you want a better answer but, I can't give you one."

The Blondie backed away from the mongrel until he reached the staircase outside the tailor's shop then sat down while he continued.

"I tried to avoid you for days, just as you have been running away from me…"

"No, I haven't." Katze cut in with annoyance, but Raoul waved it off with a faint smile.

"Oh yes you have, but it doesn't matter. Look, we are both running from the past and I really, really thought I managed to erase everything that reminded me of Dana Burn…of Iason…but…" Raoul went silent.

"But what?" Katze stepped closer.

"But maybe it's useless RUNNING from it. Maybe I should learn to cope with it, and the truth is…"

Raoul stood and walked up to the mongrel, burying his limpid emeralds into the amber pearls staring back at him as he added "I was really happy to see you. A remnant from my past I didn't mind seeing again. For what it's worth, it surprised me too."

With those last words Raoul sauntered up the staircase and stepped into the shop. Katze turned a few times, indecisive and insecure. He paced back and forth outside the shop he even managed to finish five cigarettes, when the voice of Raoul finally called for him and solved his dilemma.

"If we are to go to the banquet together, you really need to do the fitting now. You know time is running out."

Katze frowned and swallowed hard; reluctance fettering him from within. Right then and there he remembered what he hated about Blondies. They were nagging, they were persistent, and they were just too annoying. He was better off alone.

"Katze? Katze, come on, don't be so stubborn. Those days are over. Come on. Katze?"

"All right!" The mongrel shouted annoyed. "Just stop that freaking nagging before you drive me crazy!"

As the furious mongrel passed the Blondie, he added rudely "But I am not paying for that damn thing and it's only for tonight, right?"

"Of course." Raoul nodded. "And the outfit's on me. Don't worry about it."

PLEASE WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED READING, DO SHARE YOUR OPINION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.