5TH chapter already? Wow I'm on a roll! Well, I don't know about it being a "roll" because the last 2 chapter's have been really short and sloppy to me! I don't know what's wrong with me! So apologies for the sloppiness, I'll try to do better here.

Chapter 5: Means to an End

Krystal lay next to a red colored dog in his bed. He was snoring and he seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. No wonder, Krystal thought trying not to look at the nameless grunt she was in bed with. I am pretty good if I do say so myself. Pulling back the covers she stood up, smoothing her skirt out. To bad for him it's only an illusion. Krystal snickered quietly and made sure her imprint was imbedded in the mattress. She sprayed a little perfume to give the impression that she'd actually been there for a few hours, instead of a few minutes. She picked up the credits he'd paid her with from the table and stuffed them into her coat pocket. "And look on the bright side," she smirked at the unconscious canine. "The pleasure will last you the whole night, instead of just a few seconds." The canine gave no reply and grunted. Krystal released the door and walked out, fastening her overcoat over her body. She took pride in the strategy she'd laid out for her "dates" over the past few weeks. First, she'd choose them at random from the many rude pigs she met at work, she offered them a night of sex in exchange for a modest fee, and then as she entered their rooms late at night, placed her hand on their chest and sent a shock of telepathic energy coursing through their bodies, knocking them out cold. Then, she simply used her telepathy to pull at the strings of their dreams like a puppet master to make sure they had a realistic "night with her." Then she collected her fee and left them alone, no worse for the mental wear. Thankfully, the dog had been her last "appointment" for the night. She was tired and wanted to go to sleep. It was too late to go visit Katt and Falco, and there was nothing else she really wanted to do. Krystal walked down the glowing ramp from the fifth level to the third, glancing out the large viewport to stare into empty space. She felt amazed that it had once seemed beautiful to her. Each star had felt like a precious diamond in a black velvet cloth, and she remembered watching them with Fox during lazy nights on Great Fox III. Once he had died though, all the beauty in the universe seemed to disappear. She now thought of space only as disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence. It wasn't something she feared, but it also wasn't the romantic, homelike place she thought it was when Fox was alive.

She turned onto the side path that led to the third level entrance, and walked through the arch. It was dimly lit, and the walk to her room seemed like an eternity. Finally, her door came into view and she released it, using her card and access code. The door slid smoothly open and she quietly stepped inside. Marcus breathed peacefully in bed, his slumber undisturbed by his mother's return. Taking care not to wake him, Krystal quickly removed her pajamas from her dresser drawer and tip-toed into the bathroom. She undressed, then redressed, used the toilet, and brushed her fangs, going through her bedtime routine. She turned out the bathroom light and released the door, walking quietly past the bed and over to her desk. She pulled out a pen and paper, not wanting to store anything on a electrical device, lest her computer be hacked. She had written on this pad before, and there was a list of names and figures on the page of all the men she'd "slept-with" over the last few weeks. She checked off the names of the night's "arrangements" from the list and added the amounts they'd paid. After that was done, Krystal yawned and turned on her computer screen. She opened her messages folder and counted the numbers of letters. They were, of course, all requests from various ruffians who wanted to sex her. She began picking random scoundrels from the cacophony of junk mail, her eyes barely flicking over the names. 2 names in particular stuck out at her though. Panther Caroso and Regina Teera. Krystal's eyes widened, and she selected both messages then deleted the rest. Panther and Teera both had reputations as hopeless sex fiends, in the sense that they had sex a lot with many different partners. If they were coming after her, she had finally made the reputation she needed. She opened Panther's first and a text only message scrolled across the screen. It began like most love letter's she'd received from him in the past. He liked to go the romantic route, and went on about how beautiful she was for several paragraphs, complementing her every step of the way. He finished with an invitation to dinner with him in his quarters on Friday night at 9, 3 days away.

I will of course make it worth your while. He had written suggestively. Please consider my offer and send me your answer as soon as possible. Until we meet, my sweet. Krystal smirked. "Here I go again." she thought as she typed out an acceptation note. She sent it on its way and opened Teera's letter. It was short and sweet.

Dear Kursed,

I hear you're a girl who likes to party. How would you like to come to my quarters on Friday at 8 for a slumber party with me and some of my girlfriends? It's going to be fun! We're going to be playing some very special games. You should definitely consider it. If you did decide to come, I could pull some strings and get you an access card to the detention center. I know your friends with that Katt girl, who you should be carful of, and I know you'd like to be able to visit her more often. Games, prizes, benefits. What's to consider? Please get back to me as soon as possible! Have a pleasant week!

XXXX's

Regi Teera

Krystal was awestruck. She couldn't believe what Teera had offered her! A access card to the detention center? This was the chance she'd been waiting for! With a prison access card, not only would she be able to visit Falco and Katt more often, but also she would finally be able to get to Rasper! After his breakout, Rasper had been confined to his sell, only allowed to go to work and back, and Krystal hadn't seen him since. But if she had that card, all that could change! She could finally sit down and talk to him, with no distractions, or noisy guards to interrupt them. Those she could take care of beforehand. She typed an eager reply to Teera's invitation, promising her attendance. Already scheming, she sent the message on its way and smiled evilly to herself. This was too perfect! Two members of Star Wolf in one night! This was her lucky.... Krystal froze in her chair, realizing the predicament she'd just gotten herself into. She had 2 dates in one night!

Krystal spent the entire 3 days worrying about her engagements. She felt stupid for not reading both requests before saying that she would go! Now she was stuck. Each perverted member would be expecting her attendance at their respective quarters on the same night! There were so many things that needed to be worked out! Which date should she keep, and which should she blow off. The pros and cons ran like this. For one thing, Panther's date would have been easy to do by itself. After dinner, she'd have gotten her payment, knocked him out and left, but she had no guarantees that his payment would be as useful as Teera's. Still, he was a senior member of Star Wolf and could "pull some strings" much more easily than Teera.

Teera's "party" was to be more than 1 person and the "fun" she'd promised was sure to be a prolonged affair, though Krystal would be rewarded in a way that she needed, and she felt it worth the difficulty.

Another problem was that the dates were at separate times, Panther's being at 9 and Teera's starting at 8. How was she supposed to slip out of a lesbian orgy to go to a romantic formal dinner? She would surely be missed if she left either one, and the attire for each was directly opposite the other. And what about drugs and alcohol? How was she supposed to keep a clear head when they both would most likely be pushing wine and recreational drugs into her system? She could refuse to drink. No, that was sure to arouse suspicion and get her into both scoundrels' bad books. As to drugs, Panther might try to drug her, but it was more likely he'd stick with getting her drunk and then jumping her. However, Teera was definitely going to try both. It was more fun that way for her. Yes, this was definitely a pickle!

"I'd just cancel one." Katt advised when Krystal came to her feline friend with her dilemma. "No sense running yourself ragged over trifles."

"This isn't a trifle!" Krystal whispered heatedly. "If I don't go, they'll be offended and never invite me over again! I'll loose the chance of getting two more pieces to the puzzle that might be useful to me down the road!"

"Ah, but here's what you do," Katt whispered drawing Krystal's head in closer. "You send your deepest regrets that you can't attend, in a handwritten note! You kiss it with lipstick on and spray some perfume on it, and wham! You've got them hooked!"

Krystal shook her head. "No, that won't work!"

"Yeah it will!"

"No it won't!"

"Yeah it wi–! Listen." Katt rolled her eyes and looked exasperatedly at her vixen friend. "Why do say "it won't work"?"

"Because, we're not talking about two people who want to date me! We're talking about two people whose only goal here is to fuck me! A sweet little note with lipstick and perfume on it is not going to work on these two! Moreover, there are a thousand other girls on this station who would gladly lay down and let themselves be taken without a moment's hesitation!"

"Yeah, but not as none of them are as beautiful as—!"

"Don't say it!" Krystal cut her off.

Katt sighed frustratedly. "Okay, since you're so eager to do everything the hard way, how bout this." She composed herself and started again. "Send Panther a letter asking him to push dinner back to 6."

"I'm not off till 6." Krystal reminded her. "And I need at least half an hour to get Marcus dinner and get dressed and showered and—!"

"I get it!" Katt said impatiently. "7 then! Just make sure it's at least an hour before Teera's party! Make sure the message he gets from that is that you want more "alone time" with him! Once that's done, you just follow your routine and knock him out. Then you're free for the rest of the night!"

"There are several things in your plan that might go wrong," Krystal began pointing a finger at her friend's face. "One, what if Panther's already told the rest of Star Wolf he has a date with me?"

Katt shrugged. "Just tell him not to tell anyone that the time's been changed."

"What if he hasn't, and my request makes him suspicious?"

Katt glared annoyed at Krystal. "You know you're not helping me help you?" Krystal apologized and Katt rolled her eyes and continued. "Just find out if he's told them or not!"

"But how do I—?"

"Figure it out!" Katt cut her off.

Krystal was a little taken aback by Katt's hostility. " Is something wrong, Katt?"

"No! I'm fine!"

"You're being hostile."

"I'm annoyed! You're like the most impossible person to help ever!"

Krystal tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. "Are you and Falco alright?"

"Yes! I told you....!" Katt turned her head away in frustration.

"Did you have a fight?"

"No! Gosh dammit, do you want my help or not?"

Krystal gave Katt a calculating look, but decided to drop the subject. "Sorry. Just concerned, I guess. You were saying?"

Katt rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. "I'm sorry, Krystal. I didn't mean to be so impatient, I'm just...." Katt's voice trailed off. The feline shut her eyes and rubbed her forehead. Krystal put a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Katt, what's wrong?" Katt shook her head.

"I...I'm just really, really tired, that's all." She looked it too. Her eyes were partially bloodshot and her tail only twitched a little, instead of the long, smooth strokes that were the norm for her. She moved with a shuffle in her step, and her black fur coat was losing luster. Krystal felt for her friend. She was working 10 hour shifts with no pay, was forced to sleep in a cell on a lumpy mattress made for 1 person, while simultaneously sharing it with her husband. She had a million different issues to deal with, and was probably malnourished, seeing as her prison food was second hand, second hand food, not even as healthy as the slop they served in the station's restaurant. Yet, Katt barely ever let her problems show. She'd give a sly, flirtatious smile and go on; moreover, Katt found time, not only for her own problems, but also Krystal's.

Krystal rubbed her friends shoulder and gave her a warm embrace. It was the first one she'd given to anyone, besides Marcus, for 6 years. When Fox died, it was like the fire of her kindness had died too, leaving her heart susceptible to the galaxy's many cold winds. But, with the recovery of Falco and Katt, the embers of those forgotten emotions had been stirred, and now glowed inside her heart with at least a warming heat. It was part of the reason, Krystal supposed, that she had any desire to help Rasper at all. And if she was to have any hope of that, she would need Teera's card, and maybe Panther's authority.

Krystal slowly let her friend go, leaning back into her chair. Katt yawned and gave Krystal a thankful look. "Thanks. I think I needed that."

"No problem." Checking the watch on the far wall of the restaurant, Krystal stood up. "Listen, I'd better go. My break ends in 15 minutes, and I still haven't gotten Marcus lunch yet."

"Are you going to take my advice?" Katt asked a little sleepily. Krystal nodded.

"I've got nothing better. I'll give it a try." Krystal again put her hand on Katt's shoulder. She gave it a parting squeeze and began walking away towards the ramp to the lower levels.

"Let me know how it turns out!" Katt called after her. Krystal waved a hand in farewell, not looking back.

"Will do!"

And so the next 3 days came and went, the ever darkening storm cloud that was the date looming overhead. Krystal made good on her word and sent Panther a video message asking for the time to be pushed back to 7. It was a video message, and Krystal made sure to wear the most "flattering" thing she owned, oozing seduction into every millisecond of the recording, making sure, of course, that Marcus was indisposed while she composed her electric sex note. Soon after she received a reply: "7 it is." There was a spot of good news. He hadn't asked any questions.

Good news and bad news arrived later Friday in the form of a message from Teera:

Dear Kursed,

So happy you decided to come! As to your questions about "dress code" something formal might be nice. I'm sure you'd look good in anything, but I'd love to see an evening gown on that curvy figure! Also, you're payment. I know you like to be paid in advance, but I find that it makes a girls "performance" much better when their working for something. Rest assured you'll get your reward, but after the party, when I've had my fill. Don't worry though, I have a feeling you'll enjoy it too. I think that you'll find that I have ways to make it enjoyable for everyone, especially you! See you tonight!

XXXX's

Regi

When she was through reading, Krystal bit her lip. "Well, that makes things a little more problematic." Teera had just upped the difficulty level. Not being paid in advance meant that she couldn't just "take the money and run." She'd have to actually stay through a considerable portion of the party, then try to knock them all out. And if she stayed, she'd be more likely to be intoxicated or drugged, or both. It was still a pickle, and she still had to do it. Krystal got up from her chair. Kissing Marcus goodbye from seat at the table, she disappeared out the door, heading back up towards the café. Before she returned to work though, she stopped by to see Katt, who had the afternoon off that day. She had a favor to ask.

At 6, Katt was waiting in Krystal's quarters. She was playing a game with Marcus, whom she'd taken too immediately. For the next 45 minutes, the two old friends worked solely on Krystal's appearance. They showered (not together) shampooed, brushed, conditioned, groomed, and blow dried her hair and fur, brushed, flossed, and rinsed her teeth, painted finger and toenails, did make up, fluffed her tail, and finally dressed her in her finest, and only formal dress, decking her out with her best jewelry.

The dress was black, and hardly complimented her dark blue fur. Luckily, the gold arm bracelets, choker, and hair piece worked with the black to give her a passing look. Krystal and Katt examined her appearence critically in the bathroom mirror. "Do I look alright?" the vixen asked the feline. "A lot's riding on this."

"You look fine." Katt assured her as Krystal sprayed on some perfume. "I'm sure you'll knock 'em dead!"

"If only," Krystal chuckled. Katt gave her a puzzled look.

"What do you mean by that?"

Krystal chuckled again. "Well, that's what I'd like to do, literally! Kill them."

Katt gave the vixen a serious look. "But you're not are you?"

Krystal shook her head. "No. Only in my dreams. As much as I hate to admit it, I need those two right now. Plus, I don't think Wolf would take kindly to me bumping off 2 of his team."

Katt sighed in relief clutching a hand to her chest. "Whew. You had me worried there for a sec!"

Krystal and Katt walked out of the bathroom and checked the time. 6:54 PM. "Looks like I'd better get going." Krystal said turning to face Katt. Leaning down she called Marcus in from the kitchenette, where the young vulpine had been finishing his dinner. The blue furred kit ran into his mother's arms for a hug. "Now," Krystal began holding her son by the shoulder's at half arm's length. "You behave for Aunt Katt while I'm gone, is that clear?" Marcus nodded. "Good." Krystal kissed him and stood up, walking over to the door. Katt walked with her and Krystal turned to bid her farewell. "Thanks Katt. I really owe you for watching Marcus tonight!"

"No problem!" Katt hugged her friend and went to stand by Marcus. Krystal blew her son a kiss and released the door.

"I love you, Marcus. Be good. I'll be back tonight. Late!"

Krystal heard her offspring squeak a short "Bye Mommy!" as the door closed, and she kept walking. Panther and she had arranged for him to pick her up at the entrance to the third floor's elevator. Since Krystal didn't have a key card that allowed access to The Wolf's Den, Star Wolf's private living area, Panther had to escort her up the elevator, so she could gain access.

With impeccable timing, Panther appeared on the stroke of 7, dressed in a rich black tuxedo and bow tie with a red rose pinned to his coat. He held a bouquet of similar roses in his hands, and he gave Krystal his most dashing smile. "Good evening, my dear. I must say, you look ravishing tonight!" He stepped gracefully off the lift and presented the bouquet to Krystal with a bow. "These are for you." Playing into the role, as she had so many times before, Krystal accepted the flowers, giving them a lingering sniff.

"Why thank you. They're lovely." Panther grinned and looked Krystal up and down.

"I'm glad that they are to your liking!" He offered Krystal his arm. "Now if you are ready, dinner awaits!" Panther purred. Krystal smiled and took it, shifting the flowers into the crook of her other arm. Both of them boarded the elevator, arm in arm, and Panther slid his card through the card reader. While he was entering his code, Krystal used her peripherals to make out the numerical sequence. 8..3...6...2...5...6. The lift whirred to life and began to ascend into the base. During the ride, Krystal committed the sequence to memory. Having a member of Star Wolf's access code would definitely be of use later.

The Wolf's Den was a private level, the highest of Sargasso Station, where the members of Star Wolf's personal quarters were located. Very few people on the station had ever been there, and it was considered a privilege reserved for royalty to be allowed a visit. As the lift doors opened and Krystal stepped out, she couldn't help but be impressed by the grander of the lobby. It was a high ceilinged affair, and on one portion, there was a mural of sorts, depicting four original Wolfen starfighters flying at full boost through empty space. The depiction was wonderfully detailed, and under the cockpits Krystal could see the original Star Wolf Team as young men. Leon and Wolf looked the same as they always did, although much younger and cockier. Leon wore a manic expression, and a sly smile graced Wolf's mug. Pigma was depicted counting a stack of money in his hands. He was a lot thinner than the only times Krystal had seen him, but he was still as sleezy looking. Andrew Oikonny, Andross's nephew, was a cocky looking kid, not much older than 15 or 16. His face was one of a spoiled rich kid, and his eagerness and pride were all too apparent.

The floor directly under the mural was indented and in the center was a large fountain. Krystal's eyes widened in shock and horror, and she left Panther's side to stand directly in front of it. The fountain, like the mural, was more or less a representation or Star Wolf, though this one was much more symbolic. Pre-evolved animals prowled a mountain-like rock wall. At the base, a monkey was laughing and beating a tiny toad on the ground without mercy, a look of cruel pleasure plastered on its face. The toad's face was all too familiar to Krystal's eyes, and she had to choke back a gasp of angry sorrow. Water gushed from the toad's screaming mouth like blood, and a baseball cap lay floating on the water, brim up. Beside them, the limp form of a frog was clearly visible as well. On a rock not too far from the monkey, a vixen worried a terrified looking hare, water gushing from where the fox's teeth were lodged in the its neck. Further up, a Panther was sniffing a rose, while under his paw the remains of a feline animal oozed water down the fountain. On the opposite side, a large pig was examining a enormous jewel, while simultaneously squashing a rabbit under his rotundus behind. On a withered tree stump, sat a chamaeleon, who was eyeing the carcass of a falcon. And on the very top, a one-eyed wolf howled at the moon. Three fox's lay beneath his feet.

Cold blooded hatred welled up inside Krystal. This statue's message was loud in her ears, and she couldn't stand it. The primitive and gruesome restatement of her team's demise at the hands of Star Wolf was unbearable. Tears stung her eyes as she looked over each body again. Slippy, Amanda, Lucy, Katt, Peppy, Falco. Her eyes found each one in turn, finally resting on the forms of Fox and herself and.... Krystal couldn't quite figure out who the last fox was. Maybe she would remember later, right then, she couldn't care less.

"Ah, do you like the fountain, my dear?" Panther asked coming up behind her. Krystal, despite being much disturbed, did her best to regain her composure. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she put on her best smile.

"Yes. It's very beautiful. It's a little confusing though, what does it mean?" Panther gave her a knowing nod.

"Surely you've heard of the Star Fox Team?"

Krystal screwed up her face to give the impression that she was having trouble remembering. "They...were Star Wolf's....rival team?" She looked at Panther inquiringly, and Panther nodded.

"Correct. And they were rival's most formidable, indeed." Panther's eyes took on a reminiscent glaze. "We did battle several times over the course of many years. Of course, when I say "we," I mean Star Wolf in general. Some of us, like Regina for example, only had the pleasure of matching wits with our Star Fox counterparts a few times. While others made an art out of it!"

Is that what he calls it? Krystal thought.

Panther's eyes returned to the present and he waved his black furred hand at the fountain. "But as you can see, our final battle proved us the better team."

Krystal felt her anger simmering under the surface, and she changed the subject. "I'm sure Lord O'Donnell wanted to show that concept in this depiction, yes?"

To Krystal's surprise, Panther shook his head. "Actually, Wolf didn't commission this, I did." Krystal was taken aback.

"But surely he asked you...!" Panther continued shaking his head.

"No. Wolf had nothing to do with it. He's never been much on appearances. Decoration is usually my area of expertise." Panther looked up at the statue. "Curiously, Wolf wasn't as...enthusiastic as I expected. In fact, he seemed almost angry when he first saw it. Everyone else seemed to love it, but Wolf.... He refuses to look at it."

"Why?" Krystal was generally curious now. "This fountain is a perfect representation of Star Wolf's superiority and ruthlessness! Why would Wol– I mean, Lord O'Donnell, be offended by it?"

Panther shrugged. "I'll be damned if I know. Probably the same reason tha—" Panther stopped mid sentence, catching himself. Krystal's ears perked, and she looked piercingly at Panther.

"Reason that he what?" Panther's face flashed with nervousness for a second, then returned to it's Don Wuanish expression.

"Nothing! Just forget I mentioned it! Come, my quarters are this way!" Taking Krystal by the hand again, he pulled her along to the right, down one of the 10 hallways that branched off from the main area. Krystal didn't mention the subject again, but her brain was already working on the problem of Panther's near slip-up. What had Wolf done that could have any connection to his dislike of the fountain?

Panther stopped in front of the door to his room and slid his card through it. The door hissed aside, and he ushered Krystal in with a bow. "Welcome to my humble abode." he purred. Krystal stepped over the threshold and Panther followed, the door hissing closed behind them.

Panther had pulled out all the stops on this one. The plaza in the middle of the spacious room was occupied by a circular table with an ornate rose tattooed into woodwork. It was lit by candle and starlight only, and the room glowed with a deceptive warmth. The dinner itself was a golden brown gazelle, which she supposed was one of Panther's favorite dishes. In the fireplace a cheery fire crackled merrily.

Panther grinned and showed Krystal to a high-backed chair at one end of the table. He slid the chair out for her, and quickly took his seat at the opposite end. His yellow eyes gleamed in the candlelight, looking into Krystal's jade ones. The vixen smiled and did her best not to let the loathing she felt seep into her stare. He raised a glass of red whine in toast.

"To tonight, may it be a enjoyable and "profitable" occasion for both of us." He grinned over at Krystal who raised hers as well. The two tipped back their cups and drank the toast down. Wiping her mouth with her napkin, Krystal reached discreetly into her hair, removing a small tablet she'd hidden for later use. Katt had supplied it, and she guaranteed that it would neutralize the effects of any knock-out drugs that Panther might have slipped into the wine. Using what was left in her glass, she swallowed down the pill.

"I hope you enjoy gazelle," Panther purred. "It is a personal preference." The feline cut off a small piece and popped it into his mouth.

"I've never tried it," Krystal said truthfully. "But it looks delicious. Did you make it?"

Panther chuckled and shook his head. "No, no. I had it prepared by Star Wolf's personal chef. I am a skilled cook," He boasted. "But not that skilled!"

Krystal began chewing on the meat. It was rather like chicken. Tender, white meat. She almost enjoyed the taste and she quickly scooped up another mouthful.

Panther watched her eat, sipping wine from his cup. It was a little unnerving to just be watched eating. Krystal could feel his eyes wandering across her body. Through his thoughts she determined where he was looking the most and had an urge to throw her fork at him. His mind kept wandering back towards his bed, but a strange patience calmed the urges with ease. He'd clearly done this before, many times. It was quite like old times again Krystal thought amused. She'd been around this barbecue several times, and it never changed. Panther still took the romantic path, trying to woo and seduce her. "Make her come to you," was his style. He'd be patient, complimentary, and respectful, then when the girls were safely between his claws, that's when he made his move. Even though he was predictable; however, Panther got results.

"So," Panther said in a non-calanthe tone. "Tell me about yourself."

Krystal gave him an appraising look, swallowing a piece of meat. "What do you want to know?"

Panther's eyes never wavered as they gazed at Krystal. "Well, for starters, where are you from? Corneria, I presume."

Thinking back to the fake history she'd been thinking up for almost 6 years, Krystal answered, "Yep. Though that's a black mark on my character in The Great Emperor's eyes." Panther chuckled.

"Your secret's safe with me. Assuming it is a secret." Krystal gave a deceptively sweet smile.

"Thank you."

"What were you on Corneria?" Panther prompted curiously.

Krystal sipped on her wine glass, which she'd refilled herself. This was a little trickier. "Just a working girl. But not in the way you're thinking!" Krystal replied to Panther's raised eyebrow. "Waitress, clerk, anything that could keep me going. After all, I had a family.

Panther's eyes twinkled and a smirk crossed his black face. "A family?"

Krystal's eyes darkened. "Yes. I had a husband in the Cornerian military, and 2 kits." Krystal let her eyes drop to back up the lie, but she was still genuinely sad. "My husband died in the attack on Katina, and my kits...." Her voice trailed off. She returned her eyes to Panther. His expression had not changed. "Well, they died soon after."

"In the attack on Corneria?" Panther said quietly. Krystal gave him a hard look.

"Yes." Panther's emotions did an odd little twist. He felt almost guilty at the news. His team had cleared the way for Venom's troops, leaving the planet defenseless against Venom's bombers. There was silence for a minute, then Krystal continued almost as if nothing had happened.

"Anyway, I found out I was pregnant a few days after my husband's death. I was lucky enough to get away with my newborn, and I made straight for Venom."

"A wise move." Panther growled sympathetically. "If you'd attempted to flee the system, Venom's ships would've had to shoot you down." There was silence for another few seconds. "What did you do when you arrived? It must have been hard to get citizenship, considering your background."

Krystal could feel Panther's guilt building beneath his fur. She almost felt sorry for him. He was having to deal with things that he usually shut out of his mind, horrible atrocities that he'd committed, and it was crushing him. Still, his guilt was more leverage she could use against him. "It was," Krystal nodded. "We had to renounce Corneria and its leaders, as well as Star Fox. Also, Cornerian immigrants had to pay a toll to enter Venom's atmosphere, and our taxes are much higher than any other group." Krystal stared determinately at her plate, feeling Panther's heart bleeding for her. How'd a softy like him ever make it onto Star Wolf? she wondered.

"So, I eventually got an apartment in a slum city outside the capitol. Cornerians aren't aloud inside, after all. But I was having trouble finding a job that could pay the bills."

"So you became a bounty hunter?" Panther finished for her.

Krystal nodded. "Yes. Bounty hunting pays the bills."

"How'd you balance your responsibilities as a single mother and still manage to hunt?"

Krystal shrugged. "Probably just luck. It's luck that's got us this far."

Panther was silent for a moment then asked, "How'd you meet your husband?"

Krystal's mind raced to find a good answer to the question. Finally she enquired, "My first or second husband?"

Panther's eyes widened slightly. "You had two husbands?"

Krystal nodded. "One on Corneria, and one on Venom."

Panther contemplated this for a moment then said, "Both."

Krystal tilted her head to one side in fake reminiscence. "Well my first husband, I met at the academy. He was studying to become a pilot, and it was just cheaper for me to get my education there. I suppose I met him at a roommate's party." She paused to take a bite of gazelle and to gauge Panther's reactions. "We dated for about 5 months, then got married." Deciding to play a little closer to the chest she added, "There was a little trouble with one of my old boyfriends, but in the end it worked out all right."

Panther let out a small chuckle. He was clearly remembering his version of the incident. "Yes, I once had a similar experience as well." Krystal gave him a quizzical look then shrugged.

"My second husband I married out of necessity. You know how it is when you have a new life style to get used to, almost no money, and a newborn kit to support, while simultaneously trying to work enough jobs to pay the bills." She took another bite and a sip of wine to wash it down. "We war refugees have to stick together."

"So your husband was another Cornerian survivor?" Panther enquired.

Krystal nodded matter-of-factly. "It was a registry office wedding. We both needed a financial partner, so getting married seemed the logical option." Panther leaned back in his chair folding his hands across his lap, tail swishing thoughtfully back and forth beneath the table.

"What happened?" he asked.

"It didn't last." Krystal answered. "Garland and I didn't get along, and we got divorced. So that left me in a pickle. With his support gone, I didn't have a leg to stand on." Krystal was monitoring Panther's emotions carefully. The guilt, while easier to manipulate, was deflating his sex drive, and if she didn't "sleep with him" it would mean she'd wasted a lot of precious time on something that wouldn't be immediately profitable.

Krystal quickly began changing the subject. "That was delicious." She said pushing away her plate and gulping down the last of her wine. She had no idea how long she'd been sitting there talking, so she asked timidly. "Uh, do you have the time?"

Panther blinked a few times and then walked over to a small clock on the mantle. He peered at the screen and turned back to the dark furred vixen. "7:45."

Krystal swore quietly in her mind. She was going to have to hurry this up if she was to make Teera's rendevous on time. Getting up from her chair she began her practiced "seduction walk," swinging her hips side to side, swishing her tail excitedly, and fixing Panther with her deep jade eyes.

"Well then," she half whispered. "Shouldn't we get started?" Indecision hovered in the black furred jungle cat and he began to shy away from her.

"Uh...I...uh...maybe we shouldn't do this." He stammered, his lust being squashed under the weight of his guilt. Krystal began to panic and quickened her pace, pushing out her chest so that her bust was displayed prominently.

"What? But I thought...." Krystal's voice was filled with hurt and confusion. She walked over and took the uncooperative panther by the hands. She looked up at him with large eyes. "Am I not hot enough for the Great Panther Caroso? Not cheap enough?"

"No, no, it's not that." Panther assured her. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion and he looked into Krystal's eyes, pity emanating from his core. "I just...." His voice trailed off and his gaze dropped to the floor as he turned away.

"Just what?" Krystal asked clasping his shoulder desperately. Panther didn't answer for a moment. Then quietly he said.

"I'm sorry for what me and my team did to you and your family! It was my job! I didn't think that one day I'd..." His voice trailed off. She could tell this wasn't going to be easy. She turned the sobbing Panther around and hugged him, the biggest display of regard she'd ever given her feline ex- boyfriend in their entire long history.

"It's okay." she assured him. "If I had anything against you, I wouldn't have come." She held the jungle cat there for a few minutes while he calmed down. Finally he wiped his face on his sleeve and sniffed.

"Thank you, Kursed." He took her by her shoulders and gazed in a kind way down at Krystal. "I don't deserve your forgiveness, but thank you just the same. You're truly remarkable." Something strange crossed his face. "You know, you remind me of another vixen I used to know." Krystal's ears perked a little. He was comparing her to herself. Krystal his once great love. More than a little flattered, Krystal smiled and fingered the button on his pants, gazing back into Panther's eyes and sending lustful impulses to his mind. She felt his old self resurfacing, and asked suggestively, "So— Are we doing this?" Panther's swaggering grin returned to his face and he began leaning down to kiss her.

Seizing her cue, Krystal moved her hand to his chest and bending all her energy into a tight energy ball, sent a jolt through his body. Panther gave a sharp jolt and collapsed onto the floor. Krystal picked him up and began dragging his limp form towards the bedroom. This was going to be a close one.

So there's the next chapter! Hope it was worth the wait! Leave a review!