Chapter 15: Appearances can be Deceiving
"We don't fare well with endless reprimands
We don't do well with a life served as a sentence
This won't work well if you're hell bent on your offence
I am a man who understands your reticence." – A Man (Alanis Morisette – Under Rug Swept)
Most of the disgruntled crew returned to their stations to await the arrivals. However, a few did linger behind. The Captain's weary gaze transferred from his cub to the Jedi and back again. Liior had stayed to talk with Obi but wasn't able to for very long, as his father pulled him aside. In a corner, Kuuur and his son argued quietly.
Meanwhile, a tan and black Togorian approached the rogue. Tuuvu could see his young charge cringe slightly under the medic's attention and was about to rescue him when he was stopped by an old friend, ["Do you think this is wise?"]
Tuuvu turned to regard the dark grey Engineer. Shrugging, he replied, ["I'm not sure what I should think. I know that this is the right thing to do. But Kuuur had a point. In their eyes we are criminals, would it matter what we do?"]
["In my experience, once deemed a criminal, always a criminal. I suggest we watch them carefully."] Both were gazing at the Jedi now. ["He's one of the Jedi, is he not?"]
Tuuvu nodded, ["That is Qui-Gon Jinn."] So many emotions poured into the simple statement. His comrade's eyes widened in shock. Many of the Pirate crew had heard the name. It had almost become legendary, amongst a few other names - some good, some bad and some in-between. Of course, not much was actually known about him, merely what he represented. After a tense moment passed, allowing the Captain to gain control again, he changed the subject. ["We will need our spare homing device for the other ship. Can you please get it ready for us, Benhd?]
Nodding, the head engineer answered, ["Of course. I'll do that now."]
["We'll be down to pick it up shortly."] Benhd lingered for a moment longer, sensing an underlying issue that wanted voice. But decided against pushing the subject and left to get what his Captain asked for. He knew that there would be a time to discuss what was really bothering the Commander, just not presently. So he resigned himself to his task, waiting for the best opportunity to approach the subject again.
Tuuvu's gaze drifted back to his cub and the healer. It was obvious that their issue had not been resolved. He quickly made his way over to see what he could do to smooth everything out. Despite the tension engulfing everything, Tuuvu couldn't resist the chance to tease his friend, ["Naaur, you know how cub is, why do you even bother?"]
["Because I would not be a healer otherwise. It's my job."] The medic replied in a mix of exasperation and annoyance. He returned his attention back to Obi-Wan. ["Why won't you let me exam you?"]
Forcing himself not to stomp away like a spoiled child, Obi-Wan crossed his arms and stated with as much conviction as he could muster, "Because, I'm fine." The pair stood, staring the other down. Silently willing the other to bend to their wishes.
["Fine, huh?"] The healer struck out suddenly with his paw and connected with tender ribs. It was not a hard hit, just one meant to make a point, which it did. Obi-Wan grunted and winced in pain at the flare in his burnt side. ["Mrrogh told me about the mishap on the ship. And based upon the bruise under your eye, I would bet my life that more has happened since then."]
Obi-Wan fought to regain his calm center. He just couldn't understand why Naaur was pushing so hard for this. Most of the time, Obi could convince him to leave well enough alone, as long as he said he was fine. This time however, the Healer seemed determined to go through with his threat. Unfortunately, the youth had already resolved that an examination in this instance was out of the question. Not only because of his natural aversion to being a Healer's next victim but also due to the fact of the pending betrayal. If he relented to Naaur's request then they would discover that his injuries were beyond a bruised cheek and blaster wound. And they might get the impression that the Jedi forced him into this proposition instead of willingly complying. And that couldn't be further from the truth. He just couldn't let them see that he had been hurt while in Jedi care. It would ruin everything he had done. When he felt he could speak without sounding winded or in agony, he replied, "It was a misunderstanding. Besides, their Healer checked me over while I was there."
Naaur gasped at this news, fueled by fresh anger the healer barked, ["So you let a complete stranger exam you?"]
"It's not like I had a choice. I was unconscious at the time." Cringing, Obi-Wan knew the instant the words left his mouth that he probably made the situation ten times worse. From under shaded eyes, the rogue glanced up Naaur. He could see the shifting emotions clearly in the fiery gaze and waited for the scolding he knew would come.
["Unconscious? This just keeps getting better and better."] Naaur spun around and threw his hands up into the air. He just couldn't believe what he was hearing. Although the medic should have guessed something like this had happened. For as long as he had known the boy, since he had first come on board, this battle repeated continuously. Remembering a time years ago when Obi-Wan had broken an arm during a raid. It took them at least a week to discover the injury let alone treat it. The Healer simply could not comprehend this aversion to medical treatment. ["I just don't understand you, Obi. We are your friends. Why won't you let us help you?"]
In all honesty, it was never a factor of letting them help, just that he could not bring himself to ask for it. It was not that he didn't trust them completely, because he did. But more a matter of self-reliance. His time under Drrov magnified his natural need not to burden others. Initially, he fought Tuuvu's help afraid of the consequences that the First Mate would face if discovered more than what was happening to him. A shiver ran through him at the single memory, it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been but it disturbed him none-the-less. The truth of the matter was so simple that it was unbelievably complex. Before his mind could fathom a proper response, his mouth spoke for him. "I can take care of myself." It was a childish answer. The rogue realized that most of his conversations with the medic had a certain level of immaturity. He would have laughed at the thought if not for the intensity of more prevalent emotions. He did not want to insult his friend's caring efforts.
Tuuvu had been listening intently to the pair. The healer's words were very compelling as well as the new facts that were revealed. He found that it was time to step back into the conversation, ["Perhaps Naaur is right. We just want to make sure you are ok, Cub."]
Pleading, hurt eyes peered up at the Captain, who barely stood his ground against the gaze. He instantly wanted to take back the words as they were obviously torturing his son. He just didn't understand why they had stung so badly. The youth's voice was childlike when he spoke, cutting to the very core of the Togorian, "Please, Patron, don't. I can take care of this on my own."
Naaur turned around staring at the boy. Thoughtfully, he placed his hands on Obi-Wan's arms, drawing the boy's attention back to him. His compassionate eyes conveying his concern and sincerity all at once. ["We have never doubted your abilities. Just know that there are times when you don't have to do it all by yourself. Too often, I think you walk around carrying the weight of the galaxy squarely on your shoulders. And for once, I would like to see you look to others to help you carry that burden."] The changing tides signaled Naaur's reluctant concession at last.
Thankfully, Obi-Wan nodded. A brief wry smirk was misconstrued by most of those around him. Naaur just didn't know how close to the truth he had gotten with those remarks. He sobered quickly however, recognizing the deep worry and devotion pouring from the man. His tone reflected his gratitude for the concern proffered, "Thanks, Naaur. I will remember that. And if it will make you feel any better, as soon as I feel it's something I can't handle, I will ask for help." His gaze flickered toward the large quiet being in the corner. The Jedi met his stormy eyes, realizing it was partially in reference to the quick discussion they had outside the ship a short while ago.
Relaxing a little, Naaur muttered, ["I guess that's the best I'm going to get out of you for the moment. But if you so much as ache for an instant I want your butt in my ward, understand?"]
"Yes, sir." Obi-Wan replied with a grin.
["Imp."] With that the medic turned to leave, he paused next to Tuuvu and placed a hand on the Captain's shoulder. ["If you need anything, let me know."]
["I know, Nay. Thanks."] The healer nodded, patted the shoulder and then left. Glancing down at his cub, he offered, ["You know he only means well."]
"I know. I just don't have an explanation that you would understand." Before they could discuss the matter further some low growls caught their attention.
Kuuur and Liior were standing nose to nose. Tuuvu quickly moved to intercede. ["Kuuur, calm down. This will not do either of you any good."]
Obi-Wan knew what more than likely caused the dispute and did his best to smooth things over, "We have other rooms, we can find a place for the initiates…"
["No, Obi,"] Liior countered, ["It is my room and I will do with it as I wish. Despite what others might think."] His eyes narrowed further, never leaving the gaze of his father's.
["You are still my son. And you will do as I command,"] bellowed Kuuur. He was not about to allow his son to welcome Jedi into his room.
However, Liior could be just as stubborn and stuck to his primary justification. ["When I came on board, I became one of the crew. Just because you are my father, does not mean I cannot contribute."]
Kuuur was about to rebuttal when Tuuvu cut in, ["Enough! You will stop this bickering. Liior is correct. He has the right as crewman to offer his cabin to help others."] He moved so that Kuuur could see him fully as he continued, ["This will only be for a few hours and then it will be over. I suggest you take some time to relax before the passengers arrive. I will not have our people be the one's to instigate trouble."]
Roaring one more time, Kuuur stomped away. Tuuvu watched his First Mate leave, wondering if things would ever return to normal. Obi-Wan moved closer to Liior and placed a hand on the frustrated Togorian's forearm. Qui-Gon remained still in the shadows, until he felt the Force gather in the room. He quickly realized that Obi-Wan was drawing the soothing powers to him and around his friend, visibly seeing the Togorian relax. The scene was not uncommon, he had seen it many times in the Temple between students and friends. However, he wondered why he felt there was something more to it. Suddenly, as if a sheer coverlet had been lifted from his eyes and he saw the picture clearly. The implications of this discovery were vast but he would need to confirm his assumptions later. The need to address a more urgent concern was pressing. "Captain, may I have a word?"
Still annoyed with the various disputes he had just helped quell, Tuuvu was not so eager to answer the Jedi's call, "Yes, Master Jedi. What is it you need now?"
Drawing up close, Qui-Gon ignored the hint of animosity in the voice and drove straight to the matter. "Do you think your man will be difficult?"
"No," he dissuaded as he stared at the door. Reaffirming his belief in his crewman, he added, "He will do what he is told. He just has a lot on his mind."
A little wary still, Qui-Gon muttered, "I hope he does not do anything rash. He seemed very upset."
Tuuvu let out a quick huff of air. Upset is putting it mildly. No, his friend was livid, and he knew as to the reason why. Not wishing to go into the details of his First Mate's life with a virtual stranger, he stated, "He is - complicated. Don't worry yourself. We will be out of each other's hair soon enough." Pausing, Tuuvu thought about what he wanted to say next. It was not that he couldn't find the words, but rather the voice to say them. Finally he determined it would be best just to spit it out, "And I would like to thank you for not interfering. I feel it might have made things worse."
"As do I." The room suddenly grew uncomfortably silent, yet no one dared break it. Some minutes passed when the Jedi tapped into his diplomatic reserves and shattered the reticence. "When will we be ready to leave? I am sure we are all anxious to end this as quickly as possible."
Thankful for the reprieve as well as the change of subject, Tuuvu answered, "Benhd should have the homing device ready by now. We can retrieve that and collect your people."
Qui-Gon nodded. Behind him, he heard a hesitant voice inquire, "Captain, may I make a suggestion?" He knew instantly, it was not Obi-Wan and suddenly it dawned on him. During the meeting and he venture into the Pirate vessel, the Captain and crew had addressed each other in their native tongue. He had assumed it was due to the fact that they did not know any other language, only a select few were versed. His assumption had been undeniably wrong. This insight spoke only of their distrust of a foreigner in their midst. Apparently, they had felt more comfortable discussing things without outside interference and utilized their language as a buffer from it. Lost in his musings, Qui-Gon almost missed what was being said.
"Go ahead Li." Tuuvu urged his crewman on. Qui-Gon once again noted the Captain's tone. It was commanding yet not overbearing, which showed the Jedi that he valued all his comrade's opinions.
"Wouldn't it be easier if we just move the ship closer? Then as soon as they are on board we can take off. Otherwise we would have to wait for you to walk back and then turn around with 30 some odd people following behind. It would only delay us all the more."
Staring the young Togorian in the eyes, his jaded gaze sparkled with pride. Liior was almost like a nephew to him and he always relished the youth's simple yet fresh reasoning. Reassuring the boy with a smile, Tuuvu said, "Point well made. I will have Trruud and Soarn get us airborne immediately. Cub, go and get the device from Benhd and meet me when we land." His tone held an edge of ice as he addressed the large human, "Master Jedi, you - can stay with Obi-Wan for now. Don't make me regret it." Qui-Gon only nodded. Tuuvu hurried out to begin the preparations, leaving the trio behind before he could regret his decision.
Silence lingered as the door slid shut. Obi-Wan felt a growing need to get this over with. "Come along, Master Jinn." He began heading for the door when he heard Liior question.
"Jinn? Qui-Gon Jinn?" Liior's expression changed as he peered at the Knight. His lips tightened and his eyes narrowed, circling the man who was more of a legend to the Pirates finally given form.
Qui-Gon in turn steeled himself for possible attack, based upon that last time someone heard his name. "Yes, I am. It seems my reputation has preceded me." Failing at an attempt to make the comment light.
Moving closer to the Jedi, Liior restated, "This is Qui-Gon Jinn?" He turned to look at Obi. "So he's the reason, not just the simple fact Jedi are involved."
"What do you mean reason?" The Knight wondered.
"The tension around here," Liior replied, amazed that it was not obvious to the Jedi. "It's so tight it could snap any second. Can't you feel it?"
"Of course I can sense it." In fact, now that Qui-Gon thought about it, he realized that the Force practically pulsed around him. With little effort he could feel the life forces of those occupying the ship and in a strange way the ship itself. Obi-Wan's was the brightest of all the signatures around him but there were others that he could sense easily, including the young Togorian in front of him. He knew that his suspicions could wait no longer and it was time he brought them to light. Cautiously, he confronted the cat-like Pirate, "Would you permit me to do something? It won't hurt. I am just curious."
Liior glanced over at Obi-Wan for some indication. Obi-Wan had been observing the Knight during the entire exchange and surmised what the Knight was trying to get at. Knowing how futile it would be to hide, he gave a quick nod that Liior repeated to Qui-Gon. The Jedi came to stand directly in front of Liior. Raising his hands to hover on either side of Liior's head, he closed his eyes to concentrate.
Obi-Wan watched on in curiosity. He remembered hearing that when Knights were sent to examine a child for Force Sensitivity they would first assess the subject by feel. Harnessing the Force, a Jedi Master would attempt to feel the subject in the Force before administering an invasive midi-chlorian test. It was a way to determine potential. The rouge knew exactly what the Knight was doing, and also knew precisely what he would find.
A minute passed when Qui-Gon opened his eyes again. Instead of speaking to the Togorian in front of him, he glared at the youth. "How long have you been teaching him?"
"Almost four years." Obi-Wan hid nothing.
"Tahl told me briefly that her Force suggestion was ineffective when we were initially boarded. That was you're doing?" Obi-Wan did not reply but his defiant stance spoke for him. Nodding, Qui-Gon pondered the implications of this discovery. There was so much to learn about the lost Jedi and he was only stumbling along the edges of the vast world beyond. Turning once again to the Togorian, Qui-Gon mentioned, "He should have been identified earlier."
"He might have, if his father would have allowed it." Obi-Wan had come to know his companions quite well during his short time with them. And he knew their motivations as well.
Qui-Gon's gaze flickered to Obi-Wan before settling back on Liior, "Your father knows?"
To his credit, Liior did not flinch under the man's harsh glare. In fact, stood taller, prouder as he spoke, "Do not judge him so quickly, Master Jinn. He has his reasons."
"Master Jinn, that is another matter entirely. We should concentrate on the issues at hand." Obi-Wan slipped into his usual business mode. Knowing the reasons behind Kuuur's decision, he did not fault the man for them. It is the right of every parent to decide to give up a child or not. Kuuur had made the decision long before Liior was even born.
"You are correct. Shall we head down to Engineering?" Qui-Gon motioned for them to lead the way. Together the trio moved through the halls toward the heart of craft. They entered the room, hearing the hum of the generators as the ship was about to lift off.
Benhd was standing at a console examining the readouts when they came up behind him. "Is the Homing Beacon ready?" Obi-Wan addressed the elder with due respect.
Turning the large Togorian regarded the group. "Yes, I have it over here. Would you like me to assist them with installing it?" The engineer looked at the Knight directly now, "Our technology is not typical, as I am sure you have already gathered. It might not work properly if not installed correctly."
"I am sure they would appreciate any help you could offer." Qui-Gon bowed slightly expressing his gratitude.
"We will be at your craft in a matter of minutes. We should begin heading out. Tuuvu wanted us to meet him at the hatch. Let's go." Benhd gathered a small black box and some extra wires and then followed the trio. The group met up with Tuuvu, Mrrogh, and Maarl at the access port.
"We will touch down in another moment." Tuuvu told them as they approached. "Master Jedi, gather your people. Divide your students into 3 groups, two groups of 6 and one group of 8, not including the Masters. You did have about 20 children, correct?" At Qui-Gon's nod, he continued, "We will have the two smaller groups stay in Obi's and Li's rooms. The larger group should be able to stay comfortably in our observatory lounge. You will also instruct the crew that they will be lead to our meeting room in which that must remain for the entire journey. If they need anything, there will be someone assigned to help them. If they take advantage of this, we will be forced to handle the situation as we see fit. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly. I will inform them of your conditions while on board." They could feel the ship settle on the ground once more. A few moments later the hissing of the hatch opening could be heard.
As they descended the ramp, Tuuvu barked out the last few orders, "Mrrogh, Maarl and Liior, please wait here. I do not want to start anything by intimidating them with too many pirates."
"You have a very keen mind, Captain. I thank you for your caution." The party entered the downed craft and Qui-Gon lead them to their quarters. He entered the room where a number of initiates were in the midst of some mental exercises under the gaze of the Councilor. "Master Adi, a word please."
She immediately left the group, "Continue children." She came up to Qui, "You have returned. How goes it?"
"Please collect the initiates." He then relayed the instructions Tuuvu had given him.
"I understand, we will be ready."
"Good, we will speak with Lessik now. Be ready in fifteen minutes." Qui-Gon left the room and rejoined the group. He then led them to the engineering room. As he entered, he found Fen Lessik, Wuan Jeswick and Nev Obser talking about their current situation. They stopped immediately when the group arrived. Without hesitation, he announced, "Captain Lessik, We have returned with the homing beacon and their ship is waiting outside to transport us. I would also like to relay a few requests their Captain has made. The journey will take approximately 5 hours. During that time, we will remain in the rooms designated for our use. I know that neither side wishes to instigate another incident, so I request that you agree and none of your men leave the room once inside. Captain Tuuvu will provide a liaison to tend to any needs but know that any unwarranted action will be met with Jedi disapproval and all parties involved will be subject to Republic law. Once we land on Onderon, we will be free to find further transport to return us to Coruscant. We will not take any action toward the Togorian crew or their vessel, as per our agreement with Obi-Wan. If anything should happen to the Pirates after our departure, I will personally track and locate those involved so that they will be brought in for prosecution. Do you understand and concur with all that I have said?"
Fen stared at the Knight for sometime, his gaze drifting toward the youth who stood rigidly behind the Jedi. He recognized that a particular detail of the deal was omitted from Qui-Gon's speech. As his eyes locked with stormy seas, he could see the turmoil rolling beneath. A small but simple nod confirmed his questioning glare. At that moment he understood exactly what had granted them this rescue. He would not dishonour that sacrifice. He replied in a clear voice, "We agree to all terms of the bargain Obi-Wan had made with us previously. We will follow what Captain Tuuvu has stipulated. And when we land we will collect all that is ours and leave without further action toward the Togorians or their vessel." He spoke originally to Qui-Gon then to the Pirate Captain, but his gaze flickered toward Obi-Wan as he hinted at that missing provision.
Knowing the discretion that was provided, Obi-Wan said, "Thank you, Captain Lessik, for your cooperation. Please gather your men and what items you wish not to leave behind and meet us outside in fifteen minutes. Our Head Engineer, Benhd will help you install the homing beacon before we leave."
"My Chief Engineer, Jeswick will assist with the installment. We appreciate the means which you are providing us to collect our craft and the transport to civilization." Obi-Wan for the first time thought he was glad not to be a Jedi, he couldn't imagine having to deal with all the diplomatic rubbish that was needed in negotiating between parties. And it seemed that his Patron had also had enough of the formalities.
"This is for the children, Captain. You are just fortunate enough to be coming along for the ride." Tuuvu and Lessick simply stared at each other for a long moment.
Benhd on the other hand had come for a reason and completing his task was his first priority. He walked over to one of the damaged consoles, ignoring the stand off completely. There he began looking over the mangled parts to try and make heads or tails of the mess. He knelt down to examine it closer. As he did so, he placed the spare part on the control panel. A split second later a gasp could be heard followed by an angry shout, "Saboteur!!" In the blink of an eye, blasters were pulled from holsters pointing in all directions.
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First off, I would like to apologize for the lengthy sabbatical I have taken with this fic. I never meant for it to last as long. But Darth Real Life kinda reared it's ugly head. So much has happened since the last post as well as a horrible bout of writer's block. I couldn't even open Word for about a month! But at long last, I feel like the muse has gained some new strength and I hope you will never have to suffer through such a dry spot again. The good news is I was able to finish one of my other stories by Thanksgiving and have been working on this ever since. I feel like I'm along far enough that you should be good for at least a month and a half before we come close to a pause again. I will be resuming weekly posts, but the next post here will be in the new year. Fridays will once again see a new chap, but I wanted to start this before the holiday. And since this was done, I was anxious to resume posting and getting that feedback I have been missing for soooooo long! Which reminds me, a review would be most appreciated, if you have a sec! :D
Thanks again for all your infinite patience and kind support! :D :D
Culf – I guess you'll finally be getting an answer to that question. I hope you like what comes next. ;)
Death Rider – LOL, yeah we'll just have to see what happens once they finally get goin'. ;) And thanks for sticking with me. I really appreciate it! :D
LOTRFaith – Yeah, but it wouldn't be fun if we couldn't mess around with their heads and emotions, right? Thanks!
Kyia-Kenobi – Thanks! And yes, there is some Scaper lingo in there. ;) It's just such a frellin' awesome show, we couldn't help but adopt some words from it. ;)
Lanna – Well, I'm sorry you happened to find this just when I hit a major roadblock! The funny thing is I don't really know that song so well, I just found it on a Lyrics website and thought it would work. But I'm glad you liked it. :D
Padawan Anaika – Thanks for reading. And I'm glad you like it. I'm sorry I never got around to reading yours, but DRL can really ruin things sometimes. My time is so short anymore, I barely get to write and reading is not so much an option anymore. But maybe someday I'll be able to check it out. :)
Shan – My friend. You have been so awesome through everything for this fic that I don't know if I'll ever get to repay you for it. I'm trying with Shades, but I still don't think it's enough. I hope you like this last draft, I really considered your suggestions and worked through a couple of things to smooth it out. I hope it's a stronger chap than what I first sent. Thanks again. And how I wish it was only a novella. Well, it might be for this portion of the story but the epic has only just begun! ;)
Ciria – My dear, I still love your reviews and I hope you are able to stop by and catch the new chaps. I enjoy reading everything you have to say. :D As for the names, it's kinda weird. I usually have them pop into my mind or I take them from words that are around me. Most of the crew for the Zenah only had one name at first and as I developed their chars their names grew and I knew who they were better. Lessik I think just came to mind but Obser is actually taken from observation. It all depends. But mostly when a name does come to mind, I begin to think up their history and their personality. I guess it can get kinda cumbersome but it's something I usually have to do if they are more than a cameo. As for the Pirates and how they will react to everything, that remains to be seen. But I think it will be very emotional. All I can say is the end is soo far away right now, who knows what will happen between now and then. Even I am unsure. I mostly let my muse write it for me, so I can enjoy watching along to find out what happens. ;) Sorry, I'm not much of a Harry Potter fan. So I am not really effected by Rowlings' muses. Well, the future – my future – as yet is unwritten, we'll have to wait to see how Master Clunkhead handles everything. Wow, rapid fire questions! Lol. The ship is interesting, and you might get more clues as to where it came from. ]:) And yes, Obi can understand Togorian. It's kinda like a Han Chewie relationship. Obi just doesn't have the vocal cords to speak their language. Well, I think it's safe to say you didn't miss anything while you were gone. And I will do my damnedest to not let it happen again! Thanks again!! :D
Slitherinsela – Thanks, I'm glad you like it, and I hope you'll be around to watch as it finally unfolds. :D
Jedilittlebee – well, I guess I've tested everyone's patience enough. :( I never meant to but I hope it will never happen again! ;)
Lighted eagle - You're funny. I;m really glad you are enjoying it all. And I'm glad you had a marathon read right before my horrific roadblock. I must say I really enjoyed developing the relationships and interactions between most of my chars. It was fun exploring them. You know, you really crack me up! Thanks I enjoy it! :D And I'm glad it still holds water in a second read through, sometimes one wonders whether or not their story has longevity and enough stamina to last for more than one sit through. ;) And yes, I think everyone you mentioned will be in there somewhere at some point, even if it's only briefly. You'll just have to wait and see how. I'm looking forward to getting through all those conversations too. I think they'll be fun to write. If I can only get there sometime soon. *sigh* Well, thanks again! :D :D
Starre – Ok, ok, You've talked me into it. I'll finish the story. ;) And I can't promise you anything. You'll just have to wait and see what happens. ]:)
Well, thanks all for reading! Another post in 2 Fridays! And if you've made it this far, please review! ;) :D