alaurin101

[alaurin101]

Sounds Like a Plan

Hello everyone.....well, I’m hoping there’s still a few people that follow this blog.  So I wrote this thing that’s been in my head this past week.  I’d decided to get back in the SWTOR game and wanted to refresh my memory on the old content so I created some new characters.....and as always happens, a story started to form almost immediately for both of the new legacies I started.  I finally finished hashing out one of them  and am going to share a part now.  Hope you all enjoy!  Spoiler Alert: the following contains spoilers for Smuggler and Trooper Ord Mantell

A tall figure crept into the small room, the dim floor lights reflecting off the plating on his boots.  Not wanting to shock his friend awake, he pressed the switch on the wall and a soft glow began to slowly light up the room.  The Mirialan grinned at the tan skinned Zabrak sprawled on a bed that was obviously too small for his rather large frame.  He noticed a blaster pistol resting next to the pillow, just inches away from that tattooed face.  Then his gaze settled on the vivid scar running diagonally across his friend’s right eye and the soldier’s smile faltered as he was suddenly hit with a sense of deja vu.  He could almost hear the hiss of a lightsaber being activated as the memories flooded him and for a brief moment, he nearly reconsidered waking the other man but decided to press on, knowing the spacer would appreciate settling an old score.

“Drex…..wake up!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Drex…..wake up!” a voice whispered frantically, the command easily waking the bed’s lanky occupant.

“Mik?” the Zabrak frowned, amber eyes narrowing as they focused in on the Mirialan leaning over him.  He tensed at the worried look his friend’s face wore, “What’s goin’ on?”

“Trouble,” Mik answered softly, looking around to make sure the other boys that shared their room were still asleep despite the soft glow now filling the room from the floorlights he’d turned on.  

“Talk to me,” Drex nodded as he sat up.

“I woke up a little bit ago…..had to pee,” Mik began as he sat next to Drex.  “On the way back from the ‘fresher, I heard a couple overseers talkin’ downstairs.”

“And you decided to eavesdrop on the conversation,” Drex grinned, “Proud of you buddy…..usually you keep your nose clean.”

“Wasn’t planning on spying, but I got a bad feelin’ all the sudden.”

“Well, what did you hear?” Drex prodded, knowing that the other boy had a hint of Force sensitivity like most of his species.

“They were talkin’ ‘bout making sure the place would pass inspection,” Mik answered.

“No surprise there,” Drex shrugged, “Imps are due to pay the mines a visit.” 

“Yeah, I know…..but here’s where it gets bad,” Mik continued, trying to keep his voice low despite the bombshell he was about to drop, “Overseers said the Imps were bringing a Sith with ‘em!”

“Kark!” Drex swore, his eyes darting to a bed across the room where a small Torgruta slept on. “I guess the boss decided to report Jak’s little accident.”

“I can’t think of any other reason they’d bring a Sith,” Mik agreed. “We need to get Jak outta here…...Parkaar and Zak too!”

“Zak?!” Drex’s gaze went to the pale green Twi’lek on the bunk above Jak, “He’s only eight!”

“Noticed it last week,” Mik confirmed, “He woke me up in the night…..must’ve been havin’ another nightmare and when I tried to wake him, he pushed at me with the Force.” 

“You never felt it in him before?”

“Nope,” Mik shook his head, “Just Parkaar and Jak…...but it’s pouring off him now.  There’s no way a Sith is gonna miss it.” 

“That’s definitely trouble,” Drex frowned, his mind already working on ideas as he slipped out of bed and got down on the floor, “Any idea how much time we got?”

“Overseers made it sound like they’d be here tomorrow, but I didn’t wanna lurk in the hallway too long so I headed back here before I could find out anything else.”

“Probably for the best,” Drex grunted as he carefully slid under the bed to pull up the loose floorboard, “Last thing you need is to be on their radar….don’t want that Sith looking too closely at you.”

“Nah, I can just sense things here and there,” Mik assured his friend, “I’m not strong enough for that Sith to care about.  Do you have enough credits in your stash?”

“Not for all of us, but should be enough to get those three away from here…...if we can find someone willing to help us.” 

“Who’s gonna to help two teenagers get some kids off planet?” Mik pondered as Drex slid back out.

“Tess might,” Drex suggested, setting the old cigarra box on his bed as he looked over at the other bunks once again to make sure the others were still sleeping.

“The laundry lady from the village?”

“I’m pretty sure she’s sympathetic,” Drex nodded, dumping the contents of the box out.

“You sure you aren’t just thinkin’ that ‘cause you have a crush on her?” Mik teased, knowing that the fourteen year old Zabrak already had a fondness for pretty girls and the busty Human that lived nearby definitely qualified.

“I do love those redheads,” Drex grinned, “And don’t even try to deny that you’ve checked her out before.”

“Okay, you got me,” Mik murmured sheepishly, feeling his cheeks heat up when he remembered the last time he’d been the one sent to drop off the dirty stuff.  Tess must’ve just put stuff in to dry because her tank top was damp and clinging very nicely to her body…..something that had left a lasting impression on the thirteen year old.

“Ha!” Drex snorted as he finished mentally tallying the chits, “Anyways, I’m willing to bet she’d help us if we slipped her some credits.  The boys can have the rest of my stash to get off planet.”

“Think it’ll be enough?”

“Should be,” Drex answered, his jovial features sobering, “It’ll wipe me out though so I’ll have to start all over again…..might be awhile before you and I can bust outta here.”

“That’s okay…...better that we get the boys away before that Sith gets here.”

“Agreed,” Drex nodded, looking pensive as he continued, “One thing in our favor is that today happens to be laundry day…...and preparing for an inspection might help as well.”

“Overseers are going to be too distracted to check the bins very closely,” Mik smiled, thinking along the same lines as his crafty buddy, “and it happens to be my turn to ride along so I can make the deal with Tess while the overseer waits for me to unload the dirty bins from the truck and load up the clean stuff.”  Then that smile faltered, “But the boss is gonna figure it out.  Even if he doesn’t notice Parkaar and Zak missing, he’s definitely going to realize Jak is gone right away…...that’s the whole reason the Sith is coming after all.”

“Laundry isn’t the only thing going out today,” Drex reminded him, “The night shift is supposed to be loading a shipment right now…..heard Parkaar grumbling about it at dinner.”

“They have him loading crates now?!” Mik’s dark brows furrowed, but it didn’t surprise him really.  Despite the fact that the Miraluka was only eleven, he’d recently hit a growth spurt and was nearly as tall as himself and Drex.

“I think they got sick of him having headaches from being in the mines too long,” Drex shrugged, “But that’s actually good…..they’ll assume he escaped with the shipment when they realize he’s missing.  Takes the heat off Tess and if we’re questioned…”

“You know we’ll be questioned…..we share a room with all three of ‘em,” Mik snorted, his blue grey eyes narrowing at his friend, “and you tend to buck authority…..a lot!”

“I come out richer after every beating,” Drex reminded him, his back still a little sore from his last infraction. They didn’t want to risk losing a strong worker though so whenever he got whipped, they’d drag him to the camp doctor to be treated afterwards and he’d be picking pockets every step of the way.   Willing to play the long game in order to get freedom, Drex tested the overseers often.  Thanks to his high threshold for pain and quick hands, he’d amassed quite a bit over the past year.  The other three occupants of the room knew about the secret stash and made sure to look out whenever Drex had to add to the box.  The night shift crew that shared their room was clueless but he’d planned to take Parkaar with them after Mik admitted that the Mirakula was strong in the Force.

“I think both of us are gonna get a beating,” Mik sighed, not looking forward to that.  He rarely got in trouble but thanks to his kind hearted nature, wasn’t a stranger to getting a whipping for stopping an overseer from hurting one of the younger kids.

“Unfortunately, I think you’re probably right about that,” Drex muttered grimly, “But that works in our favor too…...they’ll be more likely to believe us if we snitch after getting roughed up a bit.”

“Good point,” Mik conceded, “We’re gonna need a distraction though.”

“Already planned for that,” Drex assured him, holding up a small smoke grenade he’d stolen a while ago. “I’m on breakfast cleanup this morning…..smoke coming from the kitchens is bound to start a ruckus and bring the overseers runnin’ in.”

“The loading area is near the kitchens,” Mik mused, starting to feel hopeful for the first time, “Should be enough time to hide the boys in the cart…...just need to make sure they’re ready and know what to do.”

“You’ll need to get a controller for the shock collars,” Drex reminded him.

“There’s usually one in the truck,” Mik recalled, “I can grab that while Parkaar helps Jak and Zak into a bin.  I’ll give him the controller when I help him into another bin.  Probably take a couple minutes…..three tops.”

“You’ll definitely have that.”

“Then we’re set,” Mik sighed, stifling a yawn as he stood and glanced at the old chrono on their nightstand.  “Three hours before the morning alarm goes off…….we should try and get some sleep.”

“I’ll set our alarm for a half hour before that,” Drex decided, “That’ll give us enough time to talk to Jak and Zak.  You can fill Parkaar in at breakfast…..hopefully he’ll be able to stay awake after working all night.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Mik murmured, giving into the yawn as he climbed into his bunk.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Drex,” Mik whispered again, this time gently nudging his friend’s broad shoulder, “Come on….wake up buddy!”

“Mik?” Drex murmured, amber eyes opening to see a familiar soldier hovering above him and he was suddenly thrown back ten years.  The only difference was that the green skinned face now sported tattoos and two vivid perpendicular scars that barely missed his right eye.  Also gone was the shaggy mess of black hair, replaced with a military high and tight, but Drex couldn’t blame his friend for not wanting to let his hair grow too long.  After all, Rylen’s camp for Wayward Boys hadn’t exactly been concerned with haircuts and they were only allotted one shower a week.  One of the first things both of them had done after finally being freed from that hellhole was to take the hottest, longest shower possible, then get a haircut.  He had a long strip of hair that ran through the middle of the crown of horns on his head, but he always kept the light brown locks neatly in place with a simple silver clip on the back of his head.  His brow furrowed for a moment when he glanced at the chrono.

“Yeah,” Mik grinned sheepishly, “Sorry to wake you so early, but you’re gonna thank me.”

“I have my doubts,” Drex grumbled as he sat up, “How’d you get in here anyway?  I know I locked that door before I hit the sac.”

“You did, but I convinced the cantina owner that you had vital information to my mission and it was important that I speak to you ASAP.”  

“Only in Spec Forces for a week and already throwing rank around,” Drex taunted, fighting a yawn as he shook out the pants he’d left hanging on the chair last night.  Silently cursing that dirty thief Skavak for the hundredth time, he reluctantly pulled on the pants he’d worn all day yesterday.  At least he had a clean shirt and he’d put on clean boxers after showering late last night.  Unfortunately, that was the last of the clean clothing he always kept in his backpack. 

“Karking Skavak,” he muttered harshly as he buttoned his shirt.  

“I could try to see if I can snag you some stuff from the barracks,” Mik offered, knowing how much it bothered his buddy to wear anything dirty because he felt the same way after surviving three years in the mining camp.

“I’m going to see if I can get my dirty stuff cleaned today, but I could use another pair of pants if you can swing it,” Drex sighed as he pulled his boots on, “Somehow I don’t think that’s why you woke me at the buttcrack of dawn though.”

“Not quite,” Mik snickered, then he looked his friend in the eye, “Does the name Virk ring a bell?”

“As in Corporal Virk,” Drex tensed, anger flashing in those amber eyes, “the piece of bantha shit that got me kicked out of the Military Academy a month before I was going to graduate?!”

“He’s a Lieutenant now, but yeah….that same crooked son of a Hutt,” Mik confirmed.  “And he’s still up to no good.”

“He tryin’ to frame you for something?”

“Worse,” Mik admitted, “He’s been running a bribery scheme with the men serving under him to get easier postings.  A scared Private came to me about it a couple days ago, said his buddy tried to rat Virk out and ended up getting assigned to Mannet Point.”

“Not a good place right now,” Drex replied, “His buddy make it?”

“According to Farn, his friend was KIA the next day.  Now Farn’s worried he’s next but he refuses to pay Virk off so he decided to report it to me.”

“Virk find out?”

“Yup,” Mik nodded, “I told Commander Tavus and Lieutenant Jorgan about it not long after Farn talked to me.  Jorgan said he’d look into it, but I haven’t heard anything yet.  Virk must’ve found out though and stopped me on my way into the barracks yesterday evening.”

“Does he know we’re friends?”

“I don’t think so,” Mik shook his head, “He didn’t seem to recognize me and I was in a different program from you at the Academy so I doubt he ever knew.  A girl I had classes with absolutely hated him though and used to warn us to give him a wide berth.  The only reason I really know him is because of what he did to you…...but now you have a shot at some payback.”

“Do tell,” Drex smiled coldly as he sat back down on the bed.

“Virk told me not to be surprised if I have an accident today so I’m guessing he’s having me followed and plans to ambush me at some point,” Mik explained.  “I could easily report it to Tavus and Jorgan again but then I thought maybe we could set a little ambush of our own.”

“Oh, I’d be more than happy to show that bastard the business end of my shotgun,” Drex agreed, “Count me and my stealth generator in.”

“Good,” Mik nodded, “but maybe wait to shoot him.  I’m thinking the two of you are long overdue for a heart to heart…..away from the fort when my armor cam begins automatically transmitting to HQ.” 

“It would be nice to have that dishonorable discharge taken off my military record,” Drex mused, “and combined with his kickback scheme, he’s probably looking at a decent stint in military prison.”

“That enough retribution for you?” Mik raised a brow.  

“It’s a start,” Drex chuckled as he dug the stealth generator out of his backpack and clipped it to his belt.  He secured the blaster pistol in the holster on the other side and hooked the shotgun to the backpack.  “Let’s grab some chow down in the cantina, then we can head out.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

[alaurin101]

*waves*

Hey everybody.....well everybody that’s still following me that is!  Hope you are all happy and healthy.  We’re all good here but hoping the stay at home will end soon.  At least we got some much needed things done to the house and my kids’ rooms haven’t been this clean since they started walking!  I recently popped back in to SWTOR after a very long time but haven’t done any of the newer content.  I decided to replay the old stuff again but I did make a Torgruta and a Nautolan to do so with.  I’ve even managed to finally finish and post my part for my shared story thread with Kit’ar, Unforeseen Complications, if any of you are interested.  Anyways, happy Friday!!  I’ll try not to wait another 9 months before posting again.....

[alaurin101]

OMG!!

I’m unsure if I actually have followers still since I’ve been absent from tumblr for so long, but if so then hello all!!

Yes, I am still around but mostly as an occasional lurker.  I’ve been busy with my family and work, plus I got a little burned out with SWTOR and all the new content.  Also, it didn’t help that the muse just disappeared......for way too long.  However, the muse has returned and I’m slowly getting back to writing SWTOR fics.  I did manage to update the story thread I co-author with Kitar, Unforeseen Complications, if anyone is interested in reading it.

I’m also working on updating my other unfinished story threads which include something for BH Katrynka and some of the Lauren girls at their family farm.  Also, I’ve begun the daunting task of updating the SFC Prompt Archive and Story Index after my rather long absence.

Hopefully I will have a story or 2 to share here soon but until then, have some pics of the furbabies we’ve adopted over these past couple years:

 1.) Socks helping with the Christmas tree:

2.) Midnight doing what he does best....sleeping on a lap

3.) Rocky in his life jacket, ready to go kayaking

4.) Rocky passed out after a very long walk.....90lbs of doggie takes up a lot of couch!

5.) Socks and Midnight up to no good!

[alaurin101]

Hey I read something on your Cathar Cycle on a fan-fic on Archive Of Our Own. I am wondering if I can use it for a Cathar Jedi Knight ally to my Kallig Legacy? It is featured on Kalliglegacy on tumblr.

Absolutely @grandsonoflightike! I’m always flattered when someone asks to use one of my ideas and this one gets borrowed a lot! If you need more info, I first introduced the Cathar mating cycle in this story.

[alaurin101]

Full Disclosure

So not only did I manage to update my shared thread with Kitar, Unforeseen Complications, but I have a story of sorts to share here.  I’ve been enjoying writing for Kat, Tia, and Val again and this delicious idea came to mind shortly after I posted my last bit for Tia on the SFC thread.  So I give you some rather interesting messages exchanged between Tia and Aric after Doing What Must Be Done.  I’ll play it safe and say spoilers for Trooper Tatooine…..and definitely some innuendo.  These messages will probably make more sense if you’ve read the story I linked, but it’s not that necessary.  Hope you enjoy.

Full Disclosure

Dear A,

I managed to procure a new datapad from an obliging jerk I met on the outskirts of Mos Ila.  Idiot was drunk and looking for a good time.  Unfortunately he picked the wrong girl to harass for it…….at least he has good taste.  He’s alive, but will likely need an ice pack for his nuts whenever he wakes.  Figured I’d swipe his datapad for my trouble so I could let you know I made it home okay.

~T

Dear T,

You do manage to attract trouble wherever you go, but I will agree that idiot had good taste.  Could’ve done without knowing your brand of justice to the poor sap……even if I’d like to kick his ass myself.   Glad to hear you made it home okay though, I was worried about you getting stuck in the desert after Klerren warned me that sandstorms are common on Tatooine.  I’ll definitely be happy to see the last of this sandtrap.  Are you doing okay?

~A

Dear A,

I do have to agree with you about this planet……think I’ll need several showers to get this blasted sand out of my fur!  Again, thank you for the sentiment regarding the aforementioned sap, but he got what was coming.  Are you worried about being on the receiving end of my brand of justice?

~T  

Dear T,

After seeing your friend deliver that particular brand of justice on more than one occasion, not to mention the fact you’ve already made an attempt on me, you bet I’m a little worried.  Can you blame me?!  I think I’d rather you break my nose again then take a hit below the belt.  

~A

Dear A,

Your punishment preference is duly noted.  On a more serious note, thanks for today……your logic and honesty was helpful.  This job gets to me sometimes, but I have to keep the boss happy until someone terminates him……even if it means going outside my comfort zone.

~T

Dear T,

I’d rather not be punished at all!  As for earlier, I could tell the stress was getting to you and I was more than happy to assist.  My offer still stands though…..just say the word and you can have your old job.  It’s been a long day for both of us and I was just getting settled in for the night, but I’ll probably be awake for a little while longer.

~A

Getting ready for bed, eh?  Are you wearing that shirt?

Yes

Did you wash it?

No

That makes me happy.

Does it?  So…….you going to tell me who were you wanting at the time?

I’ll tell…..if you admit you were jealous.

I was.  Your turn.

You.

That makes me happy.

Good.  That last day on Ord…..

You have no idea how hard it was for me to resist your offer.

Oh?  And just how hard was it?

Durasteel

Oh, that is tempting indeed

So the temptress is tempted….that’s good to hear.

You like knowing that?

Yes

Why?

Because it means I’m not the only one.

That last day on Nar Shaddaa?

Just as hard.

This afternoon?

Downright painful after seeing your choice in underclothing…….and that little navel trinket.

I’ll keep that in mind.  What about now?

I think I need a very cold shower.

Me too.  ‘Night Aric……sweet dreams.

Sweet is not the word I’d use to describe what my dreams are going to likely be tonight.

Pleasant dreams?

Definitely.  ‘Night Tia.

Aric re-read the messages, a little shocked at how much he’d admitted to the sultry little vixen.  Then again, she was pretty forthcoming herself, he mused, unable to keep from smiling at that thought.  He knew sleep would be difficult with the state his body was in at the moment, but he didn’t want to risk leaving his quarters for a much needed cold shower in case Dorne was still up. His medic would have to be blind not to notice his rather obvious situation and he certainly didn’t need that.  

With a sigh, he moved the messages into the secure file he’d created on his personal datapad so they’d be with the other written exchange they’d had, then got up from his desk and walked over to the control panel by the door.  Knowing damn well who would be starring in his dreams tonight, he decided to err on the side of caution and locked the door before turning off the lights.  

“Gods help us the next time I’m alone with that teasing little minx,” Aric muttered to himself as he climbed into bed, unsure if he’d be able to keep his hands off of her……or if he’d even want to try.

Author’s Note: Trooper Ord Mantell Spoilers  

For those new to Kat, Tia, and Val’s stories, Tia is a different take on the Trooper story.  At the end of Ord Mantell, she chooses to go along with Tavus and the others so she can help bring the Havoc traitors down from the inside.

[alaurin101]

Hrmmm....

I really want to write and post a story this week......other than updates for my story threads, one of which will be posted tomorrow.  No, I want to put something up here and on the SFC thread.  Unfortunately, I just can’t seem to decide on what or who.  Do I want to dig something out of my incomplete fics folder to dust off and finish or start something new?  I swear I get so easily distracted and I have too many of those damn plot bunnies on the loose.....fidgety little bastards.  Fuck me, I’m not usually so indecisive.....other than when I go to the ice cream parlor that is.

[alaurin101]

Happy Friday!!  Figured I’d say a quick hello to you all.  Life is slowing down with me and the kids being off for the summer.  We are preparing to head out for our annual summer trek to Michigan next week to visit all the family, so good times ahead.....and hopefully a little R and R.  

I’ll also give out a shameless plug for some updated story threads.....yes, that’s right, there’s more than one!  Firstly, my co-author Kit’ar updated Unforeseen Complications last night, so feel free to check that out.  Also, after over 2 years, I have finally updated Kat, Tia, and Val’s thread Driven By the Bonds of Family.  It felt good writing for that legacy again.  Hope you enjoy both updates!!

Have a great weekend and Happy 4th of July for those followers who celebrate the holiday.

[alaurin101]

Happy Friday!

Hey hey!  It’s Friday and I got the prompt posted on the SWTOR site version of the SFC on time!  I still tend to forget about that (thank you Kitar for reminding me when needed).  I even managed to finally get an update posted for Unforeseen Complications if anyone is still interested.

On a more personal note, life and my kids have been keeping me busy, but I’ve gotten back into running and am hoping to drop some of the weight I managed to put on over the winter.  I enjoyed subbing this past year and am happy to be back in the classroom.  I applied for a teaching position even though I wasn’t sure I was ready, my husband encouraged me to go for it anyways and despite knowing it was a long shot for me to actually get the job, I went for it.  I didn’t get the job, but it was definitely a valuable learning experience.  It had been 17 years since I’ve been on the job hunt and the game has definitely changed.  The ‘digital interview’ ended up being my hindrance.  I feel uncomfortable taking a selfie and this required me to record myself answering questions that flashed on the screen.  Unfortunately I sorta froze a little more than once, but oh well…..now I know what to expect and one thing I’ll be doing over the next school year is getting comfortable with recording myself.  

My son turned 12 a couple days ago and is getting ready to enter Middle School in the Fall.  He’s now taller than me, which was a hard pill to swallow, but seeing as I’m a bit on the short side, it wasn’t much of a surprise that happened.  My baby girl will be 10 next month and while I’m proud of how much they’ve grown and matured, I’m a little sad that time is going so fast.    

I’ve been worried about my sweet yellow lab since age is really starting to catch up with her.  Daisy had her 13th birthday in April and sleeps a lot now.  She’s also starting to have the occasional accident on her way to the patio door….almost like she realizes she has to go too late.  Despite that, she still wants to take walks (we go a shorter distance now), play ball with my son, be outside whenever the kids are, and her appetite hasn’t changed one bit…..still wanting to eat constantly.  That gives me hope she isn’t ready to leave this world yet and maybe she’ll make it to 14.

Speaking of pets, I am contemplating getting a kitten.  I was so devastated when I had to say goodbye to the goofy cat who’d been in my life for 16 years last Fall and I’ve missed my furry buddy terribly these past 8 months, but I think I’m ready to open my heart again.  My in-laws have new kittens in their barn and that’s where Cinders came from so I may snag one when we’re back in MI next month.

Enough about me, enjoy the weekend!!

[alaurin101]

Doing What Must Be Done

So my muse paid me a visit and I feel the need to share the resulting story.  I’ll admit this sucker has been in my unfinished fics folder for more than 2 years!!  So have some desert fun with trooper Tia on Tatooine!  The following takes place immediately after A Necessary Risk and contains spoilers for Trooper Tatooine.....as well as some innuendo and risque conversation!

Doing What Must Be Done

The robed figure eyed the two soldiers for a moment, then ducked into a nearby alley as a crowd began to gather.  Several cheers were going up for the Republic Spec Forces squad who’d just saved several lives by diffusing a massive threat, a second wave of tampered droids that was set off to destroy what was left of the complex the first wave hit.  A cunningly cruel tactic that her ‘superior’ had developed…..blow a civilian complex and wait for first responders to show up before setting off a second blast.  Only the explosives were hidden inside common protocol droids, this time at least.  She knew for a fact that the stuff her former squad mate had developed for the Imperials could be put into just about any droid or vehicle.  So many emotions washed over her, anger at Fuse for going along with the Havoc traitors in the first place, disgust at Gorik that he cared so little for innocent lives, fear that she wouldn’t be able to find a way to stop further attacks, but the prominent one was relief.  Relief that she was no longer alone.  Relief that she had some heavy duty backup.  Relief that she could now begin to put her plan into motion.

Banking on Fuse still attempting to make contact with the mayor, Tia decided to leave Anchorhead without making contact herself since her main reason for doing so was to find out when Havoc arrived on planet.  With that already established, she decided not to risk being spotted and snuck out of the city.  Besides, Tia could easily use one of the comlinks she’d pilfered off of a couple pirates who’d made the fatal mistake of thinking she was an easy target to contact Aric Jorgan herself.  That would be a last resort though, since any voice contact could be heard and possibly recorded over his armor cam.  Very few people knew Tia hadn’t really defected with the other Havoc traitors, and for the security of the mission as well as her own safety, it was best kept that way.  It was a big enough risk for her to send him messages via stolen datapads that she destroyed after the fact, but an actual call was pushing it.  However, the first step of her plan required Havoc to make an appearance.   As soon as she got far enough, Tia pulled her rented speeder over and contacted Colonal Gorik with the latest news.

“Sir, I made it to Anchorhead,” she told her ‘superior’ when his image appeared on her comlink, “but bad news on that front, Havoc Squad is here and they stopped the second wave.”

“Blast,” the commander swore, “Why is Republic Spec Forces on Tatooine?”

“Can’t say sir, thought it best I get outta there before I was spotted.”

“Understood Sergeant,” Gorik sighed, his frustration written all over his face.  “I can’t risk them tracing those droids back to the source.  Are you still in the area?”

“I’m just a few kliks outside of Anchorhead, sir.”

“Good, I want you to go to the Geonosian bunker nearby and make sure they’re ready in case of an attack.  I’m sure it’ll be fine, but there’s always a risk with outsourcing labor like this.  Credits have a way of making people talk.”

“That’s true, sir,” Tia agreed, “But Geonosians aren’t ones to make friendly chit chat with other species.”

“You have a fair point,” Gorik conceded, “but it still doesn’t hurt to make sure defenses are fortified in the factory just in case.  In the meantime, I need to figure out what to do about Havoc Squad.  Report back to me after you’ve seen to the factory’s security, Sergeant.”

“Understood, sir,” Tia saluted, “I’ll head there immediately.”

Tia heard her datapad chime and saw that the Commander had sent the coordinates for the Geonosian factory.  She quickly programmed them into the speeder’s navigator then put her datapad back into her pack along with her com.  Thrilled that Gorik was playing right into her plan, a broad grin spread across her features as she started the speeder back up,  Oh I’ll get that bunker ready alright.   A few minutes later, she was racing over the sandy desert back to Dreviad, hoping that droid had kept its promise to watch over her broken speeder.

It didn’t take long before the Geonosian complex was in sight.  Tia parked the speeder near a large cluster of rocks, grabbed the large backpack she’d packed several kilos of detonite bombs in, then walked the rest of the way to the building.  She found the Geonosians inside and quickly filled them in on the recent developments.  Kyvax, the one in charge, asked if they needed to halt production.  Tia insisted the chances of Spec Forces finding them were remote and assured Kyvax she was there to keep the factory secure at all costs.  The tall insectoid looked doubtful, but granted her request when she asked for access to the upper level in order to make preparations just in case Havoc did show up.  Tia instructed them all to keep working as normal while she handled the potential threat.  The Geonosians complied, figuring the Cathar soldier would be at risk more than they were, and went back to work building the bombs, allowing Tia to work without interruption.

She casually walked around the main part of the factory, pausing from time to time to slip a hand into her pack and place a bomb along the way in key, hidden areas while she pretended to study the room.  The small devices blended in with the equipment easily and wouldn’t be spotted unless there was an inspection, which wasn’t likely to happen before she blew the place.  Then she slipped into the back room, which served as the storage area and planted several of the devices inside some of the crates, then took the rest upstairs to plant the rest of her stash, wanting to make sure all the computer terminals in the offices were obliterated.  No way was she going to risk Fuse’s designs falling into any more hands.  For a brief moment, Tia felt a flicker of remorse for the Geonosians, but the she reminded herself that they were fully aware of what they were making and how it was being used.  They didn’t care about the innocent lives that were lost, a few were even amused by that latest attack on Anchorhead and even suggested they look at expanding their territory if the Imperials decided to test the droids on the nearby Republic outpost.  

“They’re just as bad as Needles and his sick experiments,” Tia muttered, biting her lip as she focused on her task.  But who made you judge, jury, and executioner?  She paused for a brief second when that guilty thought popped into her head and wondered once again if she was becoming a monster.  Suddenly Tia wished she had someone to talk to, someone to tell her what to do, but just as with Taris, she was on her own.  Swallowing hard to clear the lump forming in her throat, the young soldier set aside her emotions so she could do what had to be done.  

Tia gave a sigh of relief as she placed the last one, then sat at one of the terminals and pulled a small remote out of her pack.  She turned the device on, smiling when she saw all twelve lights come on…..her little toys were armed and ready to make some noise at the press of a button, which she would do as soon as Havoc was present.   All that was left was to contact Aric so he could make that happen……because if the factory were to blow up all the sudden for no apparent reason, her superiors would wonder why.  However, if Havoc were around, the Imperials would assume the squad took the factory out.  She’d simply tell Aric to contact her when Havoc reached the outskirts of the Geonosian complex, then wait downstairs and pretend to be keeping an eye out for hostiles.  As soon as Tia got his call, she’d slip out of the factory and blow the place sky high as soon as she was at a safe distance.  Thrilled her plan was going to go off without a hitch, Tia dug out one of the stolen comlinks and put in the number Kat had given her while they were on Nar Shaddaa.  She was about to hit the call button when she happened to glance out the office window and much to her surprise, she spotted Havoc approaching.

“Kark me, she hissed as she stuffed the comlink back into the near empty pack and readied the remote, “they got here quicker than I expected……Fuse must’ve contacted them and spilled the beans!”

Not wanting Havoc to get inside the blast radius, Tia jammed her helmet on, activated her shield, and bolted down the stairs.  Dammit, this isn’t going to be fun, she cringed inwardly, ignoring the chittering of the Geonosian workers she pushed past as she made her way through the factory.  Please Gods, let me survive this, she prayed as she sprinted through the doorway, hitting the switch on the remote as she did.

~*~*~*~

“According to Fuse, that’s the factory,” the tawny Cathar pointed at the bunker nearest to the towering cliffs.

“I don’t see any guards at the doors, but there are several small patrols.  What’s our approach, sir?” The blonde human asked, lowering her microbinoculars.

“If Fuse is right, then they don’t have any actual Imperial backup,” Aric replied, “Just their own people and while they can be tough and good with tech, they aren’t nearly as organized in a fight.  Forex could easily distract the patrols long enough for you and I to enter the complex and raze the place.”

“I am eager to do my part in eradicating this threat to innocent civilians everywhere and to crush those Imperial loving insects, sir!”

“Easy Forex,” Aric shook his head, “We’re not here to stamp out a species, just to take out that facto-“

“Imperial soldier!” Elara called out, spotting a lone figure clad in Imperial armor running out the front door, “Fuse was mis-“

Elara’s statement was interrupted by a ground shaking explosion that was enough to knock them both over.  They both covered their heads as the factory they’d been headed towards was a towering inferno.   Unsure of what caused the factory to blow or if there was more to come, a shaken Aric got to his feet and staggered towards Elara.  He cringed at the carnage all around, certain that none of the patrols had survived.

“What the hell?” Aric swore as he helped his medic up, the blast still ringing in his ears.

“Look, sir,” she pointed, shock making her face even paler.

Aric gaze travelled to where Elara was pointing and spotted a figure staggering out of the fireball that used to be the Geonosian factory a moment ago.  Elara was certain it was the same Imperial soldier she’d spotted bolting out the building seconds before the blast and said as much.  They saw soldier pulled off her helmet when she cleared the flames, tossing the smoking thing aside then frantically tried to peel off her melting armor.  Both Aric and Elara immediately recognized the silvery Cathar and rushed over to help.

“Are you frakking crazy?!” Aric barked as he began ripping off Tia’s melted plating, wincing at how hot the metal felt through his gloves.  “Forex, keep an eye out…….for anyone.”

“As always, it’s such a pleasure to see you, Captain,” Tia retorted, tears forming both from the sting of the smoke and the pain she could feel from the overheated under armor she was trying to unzip, “Good to see you are still your pleasant self……I was worried you’d might’ve figured out how not to be an jerk after our little chat on Nar Shaddaa.  Gods be damned, this karking zipper’s melted!”

“You’ll have to excuse me for not being prepared to see you racing out of an exploding building!”  Aric’s hands were shaking as he dug out a knife and began cutting at the very hot, thick material, “I swear both you and your littermate need to read up on how to properly handle explosives.”

“Stars, stop griping at me and get this kriffin’ thing off!” Tia yowled, feeling the mesh weave starting to singe through her fur in a couple of places.

“Serves you right,” Aric snapped as he continued working at getting the silvery minx free from her underarmor, “and it wouldn’t kill you to use the words ‘please’ and ‘sir’ you know.  You might be behind enemy lines, but I’m still your superior.”

As soon as he’d cut enough of the material, Aric jerked it the rest of the way open and discovered yet another thing that would likely be invading his dreams.  His hands shook as he finished helping her out of the hot mesh, itching to tear those purple satin and lace scraps off of her as well.  Tia groaned in relief as she shimmied the rest of the way out of it, kicking the ruined mesh aside as she dashed the tears from her eyes.  When she turned to face him, a glint caught his eye and he spotted a small, violet gem dangling from a small silver hoop that pierced her navel and he felt his body tighten further.   Needing to get control of himself, Aric took a step back before he did something really stupid.

Tia saw his heated gaze and gave a sultry laugh, “I take it you like the view…….sir.”

“You scared us, Sergeant,” Elara intervened before things got ugly and before Tia could taunt Aric any further, she guided the younger Cathar over to where she and Aric had parked their speeders.  She unhooked her medikit from her speeder and began tending to the numerous cuts and burns Tia sustained, pausing when she caught mischief twinkling on those lavender eyes which were currently following their brooding CO who was pacing nearby.  She lowered her voice as she continued to apply kolto to one of the more raw spots, “I seem to recall you making a promise to Val back on Nar Shaddaa that you were going to try to be nicer to Captain Jorgan.”

“No, I merely promised that I wouldn’t do any more physical damage,” she smirked, knowing his sharp hearing was catching every word of their conversation, then winked at a scowling Aric who’d stopped pacing at her comment and was currently glaring at her with those arms crossed, “I never said I’d stop teasing him…….and he was the one who started it this time.”

“Well, it isn’t nice to come on to a guy like that when you don’t really mean it,” Elara chided, “While I can understand somewhat why you are angry, I think you’ve had more than enough payback for Ord Mantell.”

“I can’t help it if I’m the flirty type,” Tia shrugged, willing to bet the other woman didn’t know everything, “and who says I don’t mean it……”

“Do you?” Elara asked pointedly, a blonde brow arching as she looked up at Tia.

“That’s for me to know and Captain Crankypants to wonder…..” Tia taunted as the subject of their conversation had enough and strode towards them.

“So, is there any particular reason you felt the need to blow a building before you were a safe distance from it?” Aric asked in that highly grating, acerbic tone of his and Tia itched to slap that smug look off his face.

“I wasn’t counting on you guys getting here so fast,” she admitted grudgingly as she checked her bracelet over, glad to see it was undamaged.  She let out a sigh, feeling a little guilty for lashing out, “I’d actually planned to be a bit further away when I set it off.”

“You knew we were on planet?” Elara’s green eyes narrowed at her.

“I found out when I arrived in Anchorhead a couple hours ago,” Tia nodded, “I was there when the second wave of droids went off and saw you guys had diverted them.”

“Where were you?” Aric asked, certain he’d have spotted her in any crowd.

“I was standing near the ruins of that apartment complex, but I ducked into the alley before you got too close.”  Tia’s lavender eyes met Aric’s as she continued, “I was in disguise but didn’t want to chance being detected.”

“Probably for the best,” Aric nodded, understanding what she was leaving unsaid.  Elara had been unconscious the last time they’d met face to face, and he certainly hadn’t felt the need to share the details of that explosive exchange for several reasons.  Including the fact he’d come dangerously close to crossing boundaries that he had no right to, but Gods help him, he was finding it a lot harder to resist.  Even though nothing happened, other than her emotional tirade and him consoling her, he’d know her scent anywhere.  “So why were you in Anchorhead in the first place?”

“Officially, I was there to oversee the field test for Colonel Gorik,” Tia replied, gritting her teeth as Elara began to clean out a raw spot on her shoulder.

“And unofficially?” Aric prodded.

“I was going to pay a visit to Mayor Klerren.  I figured he would at least know if Republic Spec Forces was in his city.  I came across a couple comlinks that were no longer needed by their owners…..”

“Do I even want to know?”

“Probably not,” Tia grinned.  “I was going to give one to the mayor and keep the other for the sole purpose of one call to let me know when Havoc Squad arrived on Tattooine.  After I saw you for myself, I didn’t need to visit the mayor after all so I snuck out while the crowd was cheering your heroics.”

“Miss me that much, did you?” Aric taunted, a wicked gleam in his bright green eyes as they met hers again.  He chuckled when she scowled, glad to be giving her a taste of her own medicine for once.

“About as much as the flu,” she shot back, hating the fact that she did in fact miss him a little.  “I needed you guys for my plan.  As soon as I arrived on this dustbowl, I’ve been trying to figure out how I was going to deal with Gorik, Fuse, and those damned bomb designs.  I haven’t quite worked everything out, but I knew that factory had to go and sooner rather than later.  So before I  set out this morning, I packed a few little bombs to take with me.”

“A few?!  That factory is a crater!”

“Okay, more like a dozen,” she looked sheepish, “Detonite.”

“Kark, you really are crazy!”

“It’s not like I had a lot of choices and I’m not exactly an explosives expert,” Tia defended herself.  “So after I left Anchorhead, I contacted Gorik and let him know you’d arrived….”

“What?!” Aric bellowed, running his hands over his head as he stared at the younger Cathar.

“Why would you do that?!” Elara frowned.

“Oh please,” Tia rolled her eyes at them both, “No need to get your panties in a bunch.  It was only a matter of time before word spread that the infamous Havoc Squad saved Anchorhead.  Besides, I knew if Gorik felt the teensiest threat to his precious factory, he’d send someone to help defend it.  I was his best choice since I was conveniently close by.  So he sent me the coordinates and I headed over here.  The Geonosians were expecting me and I was able to arrange my little surprise while they thought I was beefing up security and preping an ambush……just in case.  But…..”

Aric sighed, “But you needed Havoc here so Gorik would assume we destroyed the factory.”

“Indeed,” Tia confirmed, “You know you’re actually smarter than I took you for.  Okay, okay, I’ll stop teasing…….so Kat gave me your contact info and I was just about to call you,  however, I saw you guys approaching and blew it before you got too close.  Luckily I had a pretty good shield generator on me but I think I’m gonna need a new one…..and some clothes.”

“What’d you expect after blowing a building while you were still in it?!  You could’ve been killed!” Aric growled, feeling certain areas of his body tense again at the reminder of just how little she had on, not to mention that navel ring.  It would be unprofessional to mate with your subordinate…….or choke the life out of her…….especially out in the open.....or in front of witnesses.

“Awwww, Captain, I’m so touched by your concern,” Tia purred, sauntering over to him as Elara started digging into the pack on Aric’s speeder, “but hey, at least my bra and panties are still intact……or were you hoping I’d need to take them off too?”

“Here, Sergeant,” Elara called out, biting back a smile, and tossed a large t-shirt to her before pulling her datapad out of her backpack.

“Oh, this is way too big to be yours, Sergeant Dorne,” Tia smiled as she pulled it on, “So it must belong to our grumpy Captain……it’s been awhile since I’ve had to cover my body with a man’s shirt…..and never in the desert.” She fixed Aric with a suggestive look, “Just think, sir, you’ve given me a whole new experience……too bad we’re not alone, I’m sure you could’ve given me a much better reason to be wearing your shirt.”

Tia gave a sultry laugh at the low growl that came from his throat, but Elara piped up before her CO blew a gasket, “Loose clothing is best right now, at least until that kolto has time to dry a little.  So while we’re waiting for that, maybe you could brief us on what else you know or have planned.”

“As much fun as teasing old cranky pants here is, you make a good point and I do have news,” Tia sighed, closing her eyes for a moment as she rubbed her temples in an effort to ease the growing tension the day’s events were building in her.   Taking a deep breath, Tia went on to explain about Gorik’s plans for Fuse’s designs, Fuse growing a conscious and refusing to work on them after finding out the Imperial officer was testing them on civilians, then Gorik throwing Fuse in the brig as a result.  She explained that Tavus found out and sent her in to deal with the situation.  She admitted to being aware that Fuse was trying to contact the mayor and planned to let that continue since it was the best way to give them information and bide her time so she could ensure those bomb designs never leave the planet without blowing her cover.  Then she looked them both square in the eye and told them she was certain Fuse wanted out.

“If he wants a shot at atoning, then I suppose it won’t hurt to let him continue as is,” Aric spoke up after pondering that for a moment, “but are you sure he can be trusted?”

“Honestly, I don’t think he really wanted to defect in the first place,” Tia told them, “In those few days that we were all together on the Justice, he always seemed a little subdued, even a little hesitant.  At first, I just attributed it to his personality……he’s not exactly the talkative type, but after arriving on Tatooine, I think he just went along with the others and now that he’s seen what the Imperials are capable of……”

“He wants no part of it,” Elara finished, “I know that feeling.”

“Exactly,” Tia nodded, “I’ll keep an eye on him and I certainly don’t plan to let him know my real role in all this, but I do think this is the best way for us to take down operations here and get Fuse into Republic custody.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Aric decided, “When we get back to Anchorhead, I’ll let Mayor Klerren know Fuse’s intel was sound and that we took care of the factory.  Fuse seemed to be comfortable talking with the mayor so that’s probably our best way to keep in contact.”

“And I’ll work on an extraction plan and getting those designs out of Imperial hands,” Tia suggested, “Speaking of getting back, I should do so as well before they start to wonder where I am.”

“What are you going to do about clothing?” Elara frowned, “Because you really can’t wear that back to your base.”

“I snatched some stuff on my way to Anchorhead so I could pass for a local or Force user,” Tia answered, “It’s with my speeder a little ways away from here……no shirt though, just pants, boots, and a robe.”

“Do I even want to know where you got that stuff from?”

“Again……probably not,” Tia grinned at the pained expression on Aric’s face.  “But Elara’s right, your shirt has the Republic Military logo on it so I shouldn’t even wear it under the robe......I don’t trust Gorik and the feeling is mutual.  He’s probably going through my stuff whenever I’m not around to see if he can get any dirt on Tavus and this shirt would raise questions I don’t want to answer if it’s found.”

“Do you have anything else?”

“I was just wearing my tank top that I had on under my cortosis, but that’s toast.”

“I have a spare in my pack but it has the same logo as Captain Jorgan’s shirt.  However, the Republic outpost is nearby and I saw a couple clothing stands there,” Elara mused, “If you don’t mind waiting with Sergeant Vleska, sir, I can go get her something more appropriate to wear.  Sergeant, you look like you’re similar size as I am so it shouldn’t take me more than ten minutes…..fifteen at the most.”

“Thanks,” Tia smiled.

“Don’t mention it,” Elara waved as she climbed on her speeder, “Just be nice to our CO.”

“Fine,” Tia groaned, winking at the medic, “I’ll try my very best.”

Elara took off a moment later and Aric checked in with Forex, ordering the droid to keep scanning the perimeter and to let him know if anyone approached.  Then he sat on a small boulder next to the remaining speeder, glancing over at the temptress wearing his shirt as he recalled the last time they were alone together and that brief exchange of messages they had shortly after, cryptic to anyone else, but full of teasing innuendo on both their parts.  He’d honestly never felt so confused or uncertain in all his years, but knew there was little he could or should do about it at this point.  He lowered his gaze, frowning when he saw a patch of angry red skin through the silvery fur just above her knee.

“You okay?” Aric broke the tense silence.

“I’ve had worse,” Tia sighed.

“You look tired,” Aric pointed out, having noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

“Been a long couple of days to be honest,” she murmured, the adrenaline that had been pumping through her ever since she’d spotted Havoc approaching the complex was waning and she was starting to feel exhausted.  She stared for a moment at the flames still consuming the factory, “I could’ve warned them as I ran for the door…….some might’ve made it out alive,” she brushed at her cheek when an errant tear ran down, “But I didn’t.  They’re all dead because I pressed a button without giving them a chance.”  She turned to look him right in the eye, “What kind of person does that make me, Aric?”

“What do you think would’ve happened if you hadn’t blown the factory?” Aric asked softly, even more worried about the mental toll this was taking on her.  Knowing he needed to at least try to ease the guilt he easily saw written all over that lovely face, he went on, “If we hadn’t shown up, they would’ve continued making more bombs.  More innocent civilians would’ve been injured or killed.”

“Who am I to decide what lives have value?”

“All life has value,” he sighed, “But those Geonosians were no innocent civilians.  Would you be this upset if you were part of a strike team that slagged an Imperial Military base?”

“Those weren’t soldiers caught in the blast though,” she pointed out.

“No, but they were willingly working with Imperial soldiers to attack civilians,” Aric countered, knowing he had to keep her focus on the logical part.  “What if you had warned them?  Do you really think they would’ve simply surrendered to us and gone quietly into custody?”

“No,” Tia admitted, “They would’ve fought back.”

“And would be just as dead as they are now,” Aric finished.  “We were going to assault the factory before you blew it…..again, do you think the Geonosians would’ve surrendered without a fight?”

“No,” Tia murmured, still feeling bad about what she’d ultimately done, but realizing that the outcome would’ve been about the same if she hadn’t.  “I just…..I don’t want to become some cold hearted monster that doesn’t give a squat about people’s lives.”

“Would you be this upset if you were in danger of that?”

“No, I suppose not,” she smiled weakly.  “You’re not just making this all up so I’ll feel better, are you?”

“Given our brief history together, has there ever been anything about me that would make you think I’m the coddling type?!”

“Definitely not,” Tia snorted, her smile broadening.  “But I do appreciate your honesty and insight…..maybe I’ll be able to sleep tonight after all.”

“Come back to Anchorhead with us,” he offered, desperately hoping she’d take him up on it for her own sake, “You know where Gorik’s base is so we can just assault it head on…….”

“With what?” Tia shook her head, “Just you, Elara, and Forex?  If I go with you, my cover is blown and Tavus will compensate for that.  We’d be hard pressed to find him, Wraith, or Gearbox after that and I have no idea what they’re doing.”

“Fuse might be able to help and we can put word out that he died in the attack.”

“It’s not that simple,” Tia countered, “First off, I doubt Fuse knows much more than I do.  We weren’t exactly holding group meetings after Tavus sent us all off.  They all had their separate missions, but no one knew the details of the others’.  I was sent off with Needles and neither of us had any idea what Fuse, Gearbox, or Wraith were up to.  Secondly, it’s going to take a lot more than a three man squad to assault Gorik’s bunker…..even with Forex’s firepower.  Thirdly, there’s too much risk of the bomb designs getting away or Fuse not making it out of there alive.”

“I won’t be too upset if he doesn’t,” Aric growled as he stood and began to pace, “He’s the one who chose to turn traitor and serve the Imperials.  You saw the damage in Anchorhead…….that apartment complex was a direct result of his work for Gorik!  The Geonosians may have built the droids, but he’s the one who designed them!”

“Believe me, I’m definitely pissed about that and he has a lot to answer for if he does make it back into Republic custody,” Tia insisted, “but the target wasn’t his choice and he stopped working on the designs as soon as he discovered the truth about what Gorik was doing with them.”

“What did he think they’d be used for?!”

“That’s the thing, he probably wasn’t at first,” Tia agreed, then went on, “Fuse trusts Tavus, they all do…...and Tavus assigned him to assist Colonel Gorik.  But I truly feel with everything in my being that Fuse deeply regrets what he’s done and wants to atone.  If Gorik finds out Fuse is contacting Mayor Klerren, he’ll face a firing squad as fast as one can be assembled.  He at least deserves the chance for the risk he’s taking.”

“How much of this is because you slept with him?” Aric accused, regretting the words the moment they left his mouth.

A sly smile curved her lips as those lavender eyes met his head on, “You’re jealous.  That’s why you’re getting so angry.”

“I am not jealous,” he lied, crossing his arms as he glared at her, “Just concerned that you’re letting your feelings cloud your judgment.”

“You are a horrible liar, Aric Jorgan,” Tia shot back as she stood, getting annoyed by his accusations.  “But rest assured, I am far from compromised.  I was three days into my mating cycle and Fuse was nothing more than a way to scratch the proverbial itch.  It really wasn’t that great to be honest…..I mean he satisfied my needs so I can’t complain, but he wasn’t who I was wanting at the time……so anyways, the point is moot.  We had sex, that’s it.  There was no emotion involved to cloud my better judgment.”

“Oh really?” Aric raised a brow, his mouth twitching in a smirk as he saw the silvery minx start to fidget with her bracelet.  “So Tiannya Vleska, who were you wanting at the time?”

“Why do you want to know?” she tossed back, a wicked gleam in her eye as her voice lowered to a purr.  “Are you wishing it was you?  I gave you a chance back on Ord if you recall that last day……”

Aric had no trouble recollecting neither that particular moment nor how difficult it had been to resist her, but the sound of an approaching speeder spared him from having to utter a response that he was certain she’d see for the lie it would be.  Judging from the husky laughter that came from her, she knew damn well she’d won that round.  However, after seeing how torn up she’d been a few minutes ago, Aric couldn’t begrudge her the victory.  If all their verbal sparring and innuendo helped her overcome the bitterness of her current predicament, it was well worth any slights he might feel…..or any cold showers he’d end up having to take.

A few minutes later, Elara parked her speeder and was handing Tia a simple white cotton t-shirt while Aric went to fetch her speeder.  She thanked the other woman, then spotting Aric driving her speeder back, she slowly, tantalizingly removed his t-shirt, knowing full well he was watching.  She stood in her bra and panties for a moment while Elara checked over the kolto strips and bandages, then carefully pulled the new one on with the medic’s help, trying to keep the bandages from shifting and not to wince when the tighter garment rubbed a couple of the raw spots.

“Hey Captain,” she winked, her lips curving in a seductive little smile, as she tossed his shirt to him, “Just think, if you wear that without washing it, it’ll be kinda like my naked body touching yours….”

Aric gave her a feral grin before he could help himself, then tried to cover it up by scowling at her before stuffing the shirt into his pack, “Just try to keep out of trouble, Sergeant.”

“I saw that…..and don’t worry about me,” she replied, a dark look coming over her face, “I have a few more scores to settle and I’ll do whatever I must to ensure I succeed.”

[alaurin101]

*waves*

Yup, I’m still here.  Life is keeping me busy since I started working again, my 5th grade son has been involved in a lot of extracurricular stuff this year, and my daughter even managed to join the school choir, all wonderful things that have left me little time for anything else.  I’m really trying to be more active on swtor forums and this blog, but the boy just started baseball again so that’ll mean more time away from home.  Luckily his practices don’t require actual involvement on my part (which is good seeing as I’m a horrible klutz) and I can work on fics/catch up on reading fics on the swtor forums and here as well.  

I do miss you all and have been lurking when time allows.  I’ve even managed to sneak in a couple updates to my shared story thread with Kitar, Unforeseen Complications.  I worry that it took me too long to update it though and that people stopped reading it.  Don’t worry if you’re a reader, Kitar and I will still be updating it.  I’m currently working on the next part now and it’s roughly 2/3 finished.  Hopefully I can get it finished and posted by the time my parents arrive for Easter weekend.  Many *hugs* to you all!

[alaurin101]

It's a beautiful day!

Kids off school for a long weekend, 62°F and sunny in the Chicago area, I decided to ignore the muse and take a break from my fic writing to take the kids and Daisy the dog for a walk to the park. Not sure who is more excited, my son who is addicted to Pokemon Go, or my dog that despite approaching her 13th birthday still is eager to go for a walk. It's a beautiful day and we're enjoying it while it lasts.....because you know the cold weather will return at some point.

[alaurin101]

Yup.....

I’m still alive, but have been pretty busy since the school year started and haven’t done much writing.  Writer’s block didn’t help with that either.  The muse is slowly returning though and I did manage to update the story thread, Unforeseen Complications, that I’m working on with Kitar this week.  It’s probably not my best piece, but I’m happy that I finally was able to get something posted.  

I’m also hoping to work on some more stuff, including another update to that thread, over the next few days since my kids (and me since I sub in their district) have a 4 day weekend.  I just hope I don’t end up sick......after subbing in a 3rd grade class today where the teacher went home sick yesterday and 6 kids were out sick today, I’m a little worried.  I used a lot of hand sanitizer...... 

[alaurin101]

The hardest part of being a pet owner is when it's time to say goodbye. It was with a heavy heart that I did so for Cinders the cat this afternoon. He was my buddy for over 16 years and I am going to miss him terribly. Putting up the Christmas tree won't be the same without him.  Cinders was also the inspiration for many of Aric Jorgan’s embarrassing moments during that Nar Shaddaa series I wrote for the Lauren girls.

[alaurin101]

Yeah, it’s been a while.....

Hey hey!  Hopefully I still have a few followers left after my little hiatus.  

It was a very busy, yet fun summer for my family and the kids had a blast camping at my parents’ property in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  They thought sleeping in the tent was the coolest thing ever!  Then for the first time ever, I finally got to see the 4th of July fireworks in Mackinaw City.  We rented a small cabin and could see a total of 4 fireworks shows from the beach and they were beautiful.  We also helped my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary, I became a Great Aunt for the 3rd time when my niece had her first baby......an adorable little girl, my son had baseball again (and much to my husband’s horror his team was the White Sox.......we’re a Cubs and Tigers household), and we managed to make a trip to the zoo.....always a favorite for the kids.

Fall has been busy so far as well, kids went back to school and my son joined band this year....he’s a big 5th grader now that’s nearly as tall as I am (I’m short though so it doesn’t take much).  I’ve been subbing quite a bit this past month.....except for the week I was home sick with strep!  In nearly 41 years of existance, I’ve never had strep until two weeks ago......and I could’ve done without the experience.  Felt like I was swallowing shards of glass!  Despite that little setback, I’ve gotten a wide range of experience.  Having taught in Middle School before I had my kids, I’m most comfortable in that setting.  Elementary is okay.....although the younger ones make me antsy because they cry.  Subbing High School made me realize what an asshole I likely was to some of my teachers......although I’m confident a couple of them deserved it.  

I got some sad news about Cinders the cat a couple weeks ago.  My 16 1/2 year old furry friend has cancer and the vet is only giving him a couple months at the most.  So far he’s still pretty happy and wants lovins, but he’s lost a lot of weight and hardly eats.  He sleeps more and more everyday and I know the day is fast approaching that I’ll have to make the decisions every pet owner dreads.  *sniff*

Fic wise, the muse took a lengthy vacation as well and the writer���s block fairy moved in, which is why I’ve been so quiet around here......didn’t have any stories to share.  However, the muse returned and kicked that naughty fairy to the curb so I’ve been writing again.  To anyone interested, the story thread I’m co-authoring with Kitar, Unforeseen Complications, has been updated a few times these past 3 weeks.  I’m hoping to update Kat, Val, and Tia’s thread and the Lauren girls’ thread as well now that I’m starting to get into a routine of sorts with work and family.

Hope everything is well with all of you!    

[alaurin101]

Why does my muse always seem to wake up in full force while I’m in the shower?!!  It’s a good thing I didn’t have to shave today.....and that I was able to get the kids distracted long enough for me to type out the ideas before they went poof.  It’s also a good thing that my neighbors are at work because I’m sitting at the computer, which happens to be right by the window, clad in a bath towel.

[alaurin101]

back to normal

After spending Tuesday night and most of the day yesterday confined to the family room downstairs, then a trip to the groomers yesterday afternoon, Daisy is a happy poochie once again.  

Our house smells clean once again and Daisy got to spend the night in her cozy doggie bed in Mommy and Daddy’s room.  Hopefully she has learned her lesson from all this and decides to leave skunks alone in the future.

On a side note, I finally got caught up on all the sleep I missed after Daisy got sprayed by that skunk in the wee morning hours Tuesday and was able to focus enough to get the update for Unforeseen Complications edited/polished.  I posted it a few minutes ago if anyone is interested.

[alaurin101]

The face of regret....

This is my 12 year old yellow Labrador Retriever, Daisy.

Daisy is a sad doggie today because Mommy won’t let her in the house.  In fact, Daisy has been outside for a very long time on this warm day (88°F)......since roughly 5:20am.  Not to worry, I adore my geriatric pooch and she has plenty of food and water outside with her as well as several shady spots to lay in.  

Now some of you followers might be wondering.....why is poor Daisy stuck outside?  You see, Daisy is getting older and typically needs to make a trip outside in the night to take care of her doggie business.  Age sucks, I know that so I don’t mind when she wakes me.  This morning she got me up at 3:45am, I promptly let her out and laid on the couch while waiting for her to finish.  After a few minutes I was concerned because Daisy usually likes to conclude her business quickly and get back to her cozy doggie bed.  

This morning however, Daisy was distracted by a little black and white kitty with a big fluffy tail.  Feeling rather spry and a bit frisky, Daisy decided to chase this strange kitty.......problem was, it wasn’t a kitty.  Those of you who are pet owners probably know where this is going.  Those who aren’t, well as it turns out my stupid dog went after a fucking skunk and got sprayed right in the face!  And you got it, I’ve been dealing with the smelly aftermath all damned day!  I have bathed her several times starting with the suggested hydrogen peroxide/baking soda/dish soap mixture, then moved on to diluted vinegar with little result......other than the fact that I was out of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar by 5am.  The local PetSmart opened at 9am and I was right there waiting.  I purchased mass quantities of skunk odor remover....supposedly nature’s miracle.  The lady at checkout took pity and informed me that their store does skunk baths.  I thanked her gratefully and filed that away just in case.  Yeah.....Daisy will be going there tomorrow since the groomers didn’t want to risk skin irritation with too many baths in one day and despite using copious amounts of the skunk crap, Daisy still has a slightly unpleasant odor coming from her snout and right between her eyes.

So yes, Daisy is unhappy today and so am I after spending the day trying to fumigate the house and her stupid ass.  I never did get back to sleep either.....so I’m tired as all hell and it’s my son’s 11th birthday.  He’s having a great day, so that’s a good thing at least.  Me however, bedtime can’t come soon enough.  I love my dog, but if she ever goes after another skunk ever again I will kick her ass!  It has been amusing seeing Cinders the cat’s reactions to Daisy’s predicament and I get the feeling there might be some payback for the cat’s taunting (he can be an insensitive asshole sometimes).

You know, I used to love Pepe LePew, second only to Wile E. Coyote......but after this, if I ever go to a Warner Brother’s theme park and see dear lovestruck Pepe, I have to admit that shit will probably get ugly.