16. friends
The heat has long since fled from the caf before me, sucked dry by the cold filtered air of my new home. No one else is around
at this time in the ship cycle – they are either on patrol or resting or enjoying the company of friends.
Is self-pity worthy of Dae'sharacor's memory? whispers Numa's calm voice. I wince and continue to stare at my reflection in
the cup - so similar, so very different.
"Can I join you?"
Lost in memory, I twitch my lekku in response to Zekk before remembering that he is human and I must speak.
"Sure."
17. enemies
He isn't afraid.
This both amuses and intrigues us. We remember that he is powerful when he is angry, we also remember that he offered us friendship when others were scared to after we were knighted – we have felt his love and his ire.
Somewhere our memories cancel one another out and I can see him with my own eyes.
He looks at me with compassion and determination and I know that he is here to save me or to kill me.
The moment passes and we feel that we will enjoy this challenge. Seducing Zekk will be fun.
18. lovers
"Why do you resist me, Zekk? She cares for you like she cares for her hydrospanner. You are useful to her."
I take another step closer and find his height dizzying and his warmth inviting. My lekku explore the front of his tunic insistently, reminding him that I am most certainly not Jaina.
The walls Zekk hides behind are formidable but every fortress must breathe. The air he held comes out in a ragged rush and I allow my eyes to narrow in wicked pleasure.
He resisted for so long that taking him will be a treat like few others.
19. family
I desired a family once. Children who laughed and sparkled with all the grace of my kind.
That changed the moment Numa died in my arms, her face and my heart melting away into terror. Numa was my anchor and,
without her, I am set adrift in the currents that race between the stars.
The pounding of his heart in my ears is soothing, though, and thoughts of children come to me unbidden. We could never have
children, him and I, but the Nest could be our home. We could protect it as fiercely as parents.
The idea is appealing.
20. strangers
"Who are you?"
His words echo inside my head and I cannot drown them.
"Who are you?"
I am more than Night Herald, I am more than a slave, more than a Jedi, and more than dancer. I am more, except the words don't ring with the truth they once did.
Who am I?
I am less than I ever was before. I am Gorog. No, even less than that, I am Gorog's mouth.
Who is this stranger I've become?
"Go."
"Come with me."
"Go!" I scream before turning to cover his retreat from the assassins there at my command.