Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

When night fell Star was still asleep. Killian pulled Clair out of the little pack and changed her diaper. Before heading out he shoved a little food into her mouth and encouraged her to eat as fast as possible. Grabbing the rag from the sink he quickly wiped her face and dabbed the tips of her fingers before he pushed her back into the little carrier. She seemed to be perfectly happy to let him haul her around like this. One time he remembered Star saying that when Claire was fussy she wanted him to hold her more often. Something about a man's touch and he always thought it was bunch of bullshit that she would use to get him to take the baby when she didn't want to deal with a fussy kid anymore.

It was just dark outside and he figured that the meeting had already started. Killian could hear Cin groan a little and the bear toddled behind him. There was nothing quite like having a baby bobbing on the front of you chest and a bear grunting as it trundled along. He was starting to feel more like a walking nursery. Coming to the edge of a clearing he could see the fire.

There was a serious debate going and Killian waited for a while. He wanted to hear what they were saying. This wasn't really the supremacist meeting he had thought that he was being warned about. Instead it was simply a meeting about who they would follow. Killian wasn't about to let them just sit there and split up. Right now division was a dangerous thing. Living in a little district of their own to practice life as they felt comfortable was one thing and then there was the danger of being divided. If they lost their strength of numbers now it would be far too easy to see the colony destroyed. The humans needed the Chips and the Chippequoti would not be here if it wasn't for some human cooperation. Lowering himself to a squat he listened from his place away from the group for a while. One or two others got up to talk about the merits of either himself or Kavis. It had drug on about long enough for Killian to think that he had heard almost everything he wanted to in both favor and criticism of his leadership and yet one more stood up.

"If we follow Killian there will be war. Its no secret that he has the blood of a restless one." It was how the Chip's described those who had wanderlust and or those that were challenged in staying with a partner. "Born of a male and female who abandon their class and partners for a forbidden relationship. They suffered the consequences and while he was under their protection he should have been killed as well. Instead he was allowed to thrive among a foreign race and now we have a cursed one leading us. Strong blooded, capable, intelligent, and an able liaison; all things we should consider, but we cannot ignore his roots. There are elements of both races and it cannot serve the people for the better." This man was a much younger zealot. He had talked with Kavis several times and he drew his own conclusions as many. "There is an order and because he was allowed to live to adulthood now we must accept him as our own. The order is even worse. He cannot claim that he didn't know our way when he chose to marry the human. Killian has persisted and even gone further in his restlessness than his parents. It is a disease and now he bears a half blood. Can we trust one under a curse to lead us?" Having stayed at the fire longer than some of the others he stepped down sweating though it had drawn the attention of many. They were all well aware that Killian had not married Star before he reached the Chippequoti. There had been a chance for redemption and he continued with his crooked ways.

Finally, he'd had enough and Killian stood up. Walking quietly to the group he stepped into the circle and stood by the fire. "Aye...So I was born of restless ones." That was something he'd caught and he figured that to speak with them he may as well use their own language and terms. "I did choose not to marry my own and I don't know much of my people." There was no way to deny those things, but he could make the most of what he had. "No matter that these things set me apart from the Chippequoti, they also set me apart from the Humans. Perhaps I know of their customs, but I do not abide by all of them and I am learning from Kavis of our own people." Taking a breath he turned slightly to see his bear watching from a distance as it was not fond of getting too close to fires or large gatherings. "You may be concerned for my lack of experience. Then give me a council. Choose among yourselves those that are wise in war, and customs of the people. I have earned my place as the leader and I will continue in that position. If you fear for your way of life then teach me."

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Getting out of bed Anna shuffled into the kitchen. It smelled like pancakes. "Mmmmm." Taking a deep breath she smiled sleepily at him. "Smells good." Anna sat down at the table and pushed a bite into her mouth. "I feel like an overstuffed bear." Putting a hand on her stomach she frowned. "This is pathetic. I don't even show the baby yet and I feel fat." The little woman brought her legs up on the chair so she could kneel on it. Grinning she reached for Kato's hand and put it on her stomach. "See, it doesn't even make a lump hardly. Makes me think you'll have to roll me around when I get really big. Who knows the baby might weigh too much for me and then I'll just flop over when I stand up."
 
There were many nods of approval to Killian's words. Including Sooni's and Perrin's. He spoke like a chippequoti despite not having been raised with them. He was showing a willingness to learn while not apologizing for his choices. Sooni smiled lightly. She wondered if he simply spoke from his heart or if he understood the full impact his few choice phrases.
The older chippequoti who'd spoken on behalf of Kavis stepped back into the middle. He gave Killian a stern look. "Teaching you will not change the fact that you've already chosen to disregard one of our most important customs by marrying a human and bringing that...thing..." He pointed to Claire, "into the world. Its an abomination. Not to mention you are young and restless. What happens in a years time when your blood begins to boil from lack of traveling. Will you abandon your leadership to travel the stars once again?" He gestured to the air. "Teaching you will change nothing except your level of ignorance."
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Kato laughed. "Hardly. Look at Star, she had a full half-blood and she was able to carry it just fine." He kissed Anna's hand and tickled her belly. "You will be amazing. You have nothing to worry about."
It was still hard to believe that something so big would come out of her. "I can't even think about the end of this." Anna's stomach curdled slightly. Then he tickled her and she giggled some and pushed his hand away. "Do you suppose men would be excited about babies if they had to push something that big out?"
Kato laughed. "I suppose not as much...but your body is incredible." He exclaims with passion, holding her sides, his thumbs on her belly. "Your body is growing a little life inside of you and all you have to do is wait! And then your body knows how to practice for labor and when to to even start labor and..." He catches himself from going off on another medical tangent. "Well, you're just amazing..."
While he was busy gushing about the amazingness of pregnancy Anna's eyebrows rose in increments till they were at full mast. "Uh...Well I don't know if it will feel as amazing as you make it sound." She was a skeptic when it came to birth and that entire process. "I'll say that I would rather you deliver the baby than anyone else though."
Kato smiled and sat back up, picking up his fork. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He took a bite of his pancakes. "So, we have two more days before we reach your father's planet. Did he seemed pleased to hear from you?"
Things took a rather awkward turn and Anna stared at him for a long moment. "I contacted him only this afternoon and..." Anna sighed. "I don't know what to make of his response. He sounds a little upset and happy all at the same time."
"I can imagine. Not having heard from his daughter in several years. I might be a little upset too. But, I'm sure it'll work out and I'll be by your side the whole time."
"I can imagine. Not having heard from his daughter in several years. I might be a little upset too. But, I'm sure it'll work out and I'll be by your side the whole time."
It sounded logical the way Kato put it and Anna felt badly, but she had been afraid for so long about her father sending the investigators again that she hadn't dare contact him. "I just want my dad to be ok with me the way I am."
Kato took her hand. "Well, I can't speak for him...but I do. Fully."
"You'd better." Anna widened her eyes and then chuckled before getting serious again. "I don't need you to fix it. Just wanted to tell you. Kato not all of my problems can be solved by you or the love that you have for me. Some things are different. This is one of those things.
Kato nodded. She was right, and he hated it. He didn't want her to suffer or be in pain...ever. He wanted to do anything necessary to resolved any problem that arrived, and it killed him when he couldn't. "I know. I'm trying not to be over protective. I just...don't ever want to see you in any sort of pain."
"That's nice, but sometimes our own choices put us in ugly places." Anna gazed into his eyes. "We both know that and you can't save me from all of them and I won't try to save you from all of those things either."
"I wouldn't expect you too. But...I am your husband. Its my purpose in life to protect you. And to try even though I can't succeed."
Taking one of Kato's hands into her own she scooted closer to him. "You'll kill yourself if you always try to succeed where you cant. Pick your battles and live a longer life for me. Ok?"
He chuckles lightly. "I'll try."
"You'd better or I'll kill you myself." Smirking, Anna finally got off her chair so she could go sit next to Kato. "My mister better live a long life cause I plan on living to be an old little lady."
"And you will be the most adorable little old lady ever."
 
An older man took the center with him and Killian thought it would have been easier to just fight him instead of having to go through a new process of approval. Seemed that the older man took a rather harsh stance and he thought that Killian would abandon his leadership. "I have roamed the stars and I am restless." How they kept picking at either immutable characteristics or weaknesses that he had was annoying. A few of the things were obvious some of them he didn't even know they knew. "What many fail to see is my dedication to my crew and now my people. This colony is my people and I left the Chippequoti those years ago because of my crew. They were afraid that they would suffer mistreatment and you are aware that human blood made them only good for slaves, a life none of us would choose for ourselves. I left for my crew. You will receive the same commitment."

"That still does not guarantee you would be a good leader. Have you ever resolved conflicts? Acted as a judge over complicated cases? Have you ever had to decide someone's innocence or guilt? Running a society is a far cry from running a crew, young chip. Do you even understand the full implications of what that means?" He paused a moment, talking more to the crowd than to Killian at this point. "A good leader must be able to put his the well being of the town above his own...and even that of his family. A leader must be able to facilitate arguements and judge over complicated matters. A leader must be able to inspire his people to do what is best for the entire colony and punish though who work against that good. A leader must take in account the will of all and ignore the will of one. It is a task that requires expertise...and Kavis is far more suited in that matter."

Killian found the man to be one sided. If he was going to argue with him he would have to be one sided as well. At this point he would be his own best advocate. "A council is better than one mind to judge a decision. We are a mixed people in the colony. To consider one man able to understand the needs of both Chippeqouti and Humans would be ignorant and foolish. I will judge in favor of the colony because I will have both Human and Chippeqouti council. I am willing to risk my pride, myself, and sacrifice what I must for the better of those here."

Perrin grinned and Sooni smiled. She'd seen few who'd stood toe to toe with Horis. "This matter, I think, would be better resolved with a spoken duel." Perrin suggests stepping forward. "Killian and Kavis. Three days time. Since this is a struggle about who will lead the colony, we shall receive questions from the entire colony, not just the chips. Killian, are you willing to accept the spoken duel?"

It seemed he passed one stage and now it was the next. Killian really didn't want to do this, but he had a feeling if he gave it up to Kavis that the Humans would be in greater danger than they had been before the Chips came to the colony. There was going to be a delicate balance to maintain with something like this. "I accept the challenge." Stepping away from the fire he could feel that little Claire was a bit too warm and the pack had overheated both of them. Now that he had said his bit to the Chippeqouti he wandered back toward the house. Once more the bear lumbered behind.

Claire fussed a little in the air since it felt cold after being so close to the fire. Holding his hands over her legs Killian tried to walk a little faster though his head was hurting and his eyes even ached a little. Inside the house he put Claire into her crib, took his shoes off and collapsed next to Star with the baby pack still on himself.

The next morning he woke to an odd pulling sensation on his chest and he lazily opened his eyes to see Star was trying to get the pack off of him. "I'll get it off in a minute." Groaning a little he sat up and helped her get it off before he flopped into the bed again. "Took her for a walk last night." Killian dozed off again until Star was trying to wake him up for the second time. "Ok..." Killian got up and lazily followed her to the living room where he found the couch and laid across it. "I'm tired that's all." Star still wanted him to be more lively and he sat up reluctantly. "What?" Apparently they were going to have visitors that he'd never met before and he needed to shower and get into something clean to wear before they came over. "Alright."

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Now that they were here at the planet Anna was worried. What if her father didn't actually want to come to her wedding? What if he thought she contacted him only for the money? She had way too many questions and not enough answers. There was only one way to get them and she wasn't sure she wanted to do that. Looking at Kato she swallowed. "You ready for this?" Taking his hand she took a deep breath as the door to the back of the ship came open.

On the docks stood a silver haired man and beside him guards. His hands were stuffed into his pockets and his suit jacket bunched at the sides because of his hands in the pocket of his pants. In front of him stood the familiar little woman that he lost all those years ago. Still the same vibrant brown eyes and her blonde hair. She looked different somehow and he wasn't sure why he had expected her to be the same. Of course she wouldn't be. Last anyone had seen her she was on the streets and high as a kite. Then the long spells between contact. After all this time he hadn't even been sure that she was alive. Finally, his little girl came home to ask him to her wedding. For what reason she would return he didn't know, but he had to take the chance to see her.

Letting go of Kato's hand Anna walked toward the old man slowly. "Dad I..." She didn't know what else to say so she wrapped her arms around him and held onto him tightly as she could. "I'm so sorry. I was ashamed of myself for so long. Couldn't even come back or show my face. I was afraid you wouldn't approve of me and I waited and kept waiting till I thought my life was sorted out. Please..." Rubbing his back she lifted her face to peer into his. "Please would you forgive me?"

The old man hadn't been sure what he would say, but it was all coming to him much easier now. His little girl had come back, his only precious child and she wanted his forgiveness. Returning the hug he kissed her gently on top of her head. "My Anna...I've waited a long time for this day. You didn't have to stay away for shame. I would have taken you instead of waiting all those years wondering if you were even alive." Deep down inside he was angry and yet overjoyed. So many emotions, but for now it was relief. "Introduce me to this man your going to marry eh?"

Releasing her father from her grasp Anna nodded. Looping one of her arms with his she walked with him over to where Kato was still standing. "This is Kato, he's my fiancee and a doctor. Kato this is my father."
 
Sooni knocked on Star's and Killian's door. "Hello, Star." She smiled as the door opened.
"Sooni! What a pleasant surprise. Come on in." She lets the chip woman inside and closes the door behind her.
"You have a pet bear on your porch..." The woman notes as Star leads her to the kitchen.
"Yes...Killian's pet. For some reason Cin likes him. Can I make you anything? Tea, Cocoa?"
"Actually, I'm here to speak with your husband."
"Oh?" Star gave her a questioning look. "What about?"
"His spoken duel. He'll need to understand the chip culture if he's going to succeed." Sooni noted Star's confused look. "He...didn't tell you?"
"He's still sleeping so no...he hasn't had a chance. Uh, why don't you come back in an hour. I'll have him up and ready by then."
Sooni nodded "Very well. I'll see you both in an hour then.

When Sooni came back Perrin was already at the door. "Perrin?"
"Sooni. Hello. I suppose you're here for the same reason I am?"
"If you mean to instruct Killian on his heritage then yes."
Star opens the door again, raising an eyebrow. "Brought a friend?"
"I am Perrin. I invited myself."
"Hello Perrin, I'm Star, the wife. I suppose...come in? Killian! They're here!" Star calls from the living room. "Sir, I'm Perrin. I spoke on your behalf at the meeting last night."
"And I am, Sooni." The female replies. "I helped care for Kato and Anna while they were sick.
He'd barely finished his shower and got himself dressed when Star was yelling for him. Killian stepped out of the room with his hair still damp. At least he had boots on. If he had a choice he would always have his boots on before he talked to anyone. Looking at them both he nodded and then glanced at Star. He had no idea what these people were here for. "Is there something wrong in the colony?"
"Apparently they are here to help you prep for some sort of spoken duel?" Star says with a raised eyebrow. "At least its not a physical duel this time. I'll get everyone some water and check on Claire." She heads to the kitchen and Sooni looks at Killian.
"You need to understand the Chippequoti culture if you're to have any chance of convincing the chips in the colony to follow you."
Perrin nodded. "You did well standing up to Horis...but that was just the beginning. If you'll let us teach you, we'll help you prepare as best we can. Neither of us want Kavis as leader."

Killian noticed the raised eyebrow and he already knew that meant he would have to talk to Star later. He'd forgot to tell her this morning and last night she was sleeping and he didn't want to wake her up. Glancing at the other two he motioned to the couch. "Then I would be grateful for your teaching." Taking a seat opposite the two he waited for them to start.
"I guess the first question is...how much do you know?" Perrin asks.
"More specifically...what do you know?" Sooni clarifies.
Sooni and Perrin glance at eachother and sigh. "We have alot of work to do." The two tag team the conversation, starting with the strength of the blood and that being the basis of everything else in their culture. From there they defined the classes and choosing mates and how the council decided that after which they described the council and how it worked. The council being the main authority on planet were in charge of everything from marriages, to trials, to managing bloodlines and even determining the level of position that a chippequoti could go into depending on their class. In fact for the chippequoti, it was a strange thought to have just one leader, but since that was how it had been done up to this point, they were trying to reconcile it with how they knew their culture to be run.

"The fact that you mentioned leading by council was intriguing to alot of chippequoti especially since we see no semblance of a council here." Perrin says. "I have no doubt that question will come up again. If you could have a vision for how you see the colony being run by a human and chippequoti council, I think it would help ease the minds of alot of chips who want to follow you but are unsure of your qualifications."
"Well...." Killian glanced between the two of them. "If I had a council it would be made of 4 Chippeqouti and 4 Humans. The council would be elected by their own kind to be sure that they are the best representatives of the people. I would only make a decision if the council were split evenly. Otherwise what they direct will be fine. I'll find a way to get the funds or whatever else we need to make it work." That was in a way when it got scary. Killian didn't like to think that they would all agree to split apart, but that may not happen considering how well they worked together. "Chippeqouti council will handle matters that deal with Chippeqouti only and Humans will operate likewise. The council will only work together when it is a matter that concerns the entire colony. Otherwise it is better for the two to have governance over themselves in private matters. Again I will be present for both Human and Chippeqouti when the council of 4 in either is divided equally on a matter. That way if there is anyone to blame it is me and not the council."
"That would work, if all the chippequoti wished to remain under the laws of the chippequoti." Sooni replies. "However, many of the chippequoti laws and ordancises have to do with the weak bloods serving the strong bloods and who can marry who and what jobs we are allowed to have and more. Some of us, me included, like the way humans govern themselves better though we are uncertain of all their laws. What then would you suggest in the matter of Chips ruling only chips?"
Killian looked at Sooni and frowned. "If there are enough of you who prefer to live as Humans govern themselves then you should be able to elect a few of your own council members to represent you." He didn't have any other solution. "I can't have Humans telling the Chippeqouti how to live their lives and neither would the Humans accept a Chippeqouti telling them how to live. It is a delicate balance and I can't risk division at this point. That is all I can do for ones such as yourselves. Are there many who would rather live as the humans? Enough to elect even 2 leaders to balance out the council?"
Perrin and Sooni glanced at eachother. "I don't know. If there are, most are probably too afraid to say it for fear of appearing weak." Perrin replies.
"We can discuss this topic later. There are still many other things we should cover." Sooni interjects.
Since he was curious Killian decided to ask one question. "Chippeqouti seem religious or superstitious. What do they believe with this curse thing that I heard about?"

"Like the humans the Chippequoti have many different faiths, beliefs and superstitions. The most widely accepted one though is the curse of blood." Sooni begins. "Oaths are held in the highest regard, above all other things. If you make an oath it is made upon your very blood. If you break that oath, you and your bloodline become cursed."
"Everyone knows of your family, that your mother bore a child outside of the oath made with your father. Instantly she was cursed as were her children from then on. That is what Horis was reffering too. And the fact that you had a half-blood child, far below the rank of being weak...it is considered a double curse. Another reason many would argue you are not fit to lead us."
"Oh. Not much I can say about that." Killian shrugged. "I can't beat something like that. They're going to believe what they want if that's the argument. Anything else I should know?"
"That is probably enough information for today." Perrin notes. "But we will return tomorrow and do our best to fill you in on anything you're missing."
Killian nodded to them. "Thank you and be sure to get as many Chippeqouti prepared for the duel. They should know that they will need to elect a leader and it may determine how they live. If there are as many as you suppose that are afraid this could be their only chance to see a change."
Perrin stood and nodded. "We will."
"See you tomorrow, Killian." Sooni exits with Perrin.

Star enters the living room as they exit. "So, a spoken duel huh? Sounds like there's alot at stake."
Killian met Star's gaze and he turned a very slight tint of pink at the tips of his ears. "Yeah...I uh...Didn't want to wake you up last night and then I forgot this morning."
"Its fine, Killian. I'm not mad." She laughed lightly. "If anything I'm glad that this is how they are proceeding and not forcing you to do another duel."
"If they tried to force another duel I wouldn't accept anything less than a fight to the death. I don't think I could win another wrestling match, but I could kill them if I had to and I would stand a better chance." Soon as he said it he winced. That was not going to sound good to Star.
She gave him an exasperated look. "Really, Killian? That's your first thought?" She shakes her head at him. It was like trying to get through a brick wall with a spoon. "Good thing they aren't challenging you to a real duel then." She turned away and left to attend to Claire.
"Uh yeah that was my first thought." Killian took a deep breath and he stood up to follow Star. "I really wouldn't do it though. Not without talking to you first."
"And what would you expect me to say to that, Killian. Yeah, sure...a duel to the death...sounds perfectly great and logical, go for it!" Her voice dripped with bitter sarcasm. "But you would do it anyway no matter what I think because its the logical thing to do. So really, whats the point?" She gathered the fussing Claire up in her arms. The poor babe had begun to go through another series of growing pains.
Killian scratched at his head cautiously. "No I'd expect you to throw a fit and then we'd probably have a fight and I would think of something else. Maybe pack up with a few folks and run or start a coup.
"Start a coup?" Star raised a eyebrow at him and smirked. "Killian...you are the current leadership. I don't think starting a coup against yourself is a very good idea."
"No if someone else took over." Killian couldn't see how she got that from what he said. Then again he knew that she didn't always follow his train of thought.

Star shrugged. "Either way, we're not running and we're not fighting anyone to the death. Let's just concentrate on making sure you with the spoken duel thing."
"Well not yet." Killian doubted he would win the spoken duel. "I'm still gonna do my best at the spoken duel. I don't plan on losing, but we need to have an agreement on what action I take if I lose."
Star shrugged. "I don't know, Killian. If you lose that means the majority of the people didn't want you as a leader...and considering that a majority of the population is human...I find it very hard to believe you would lose. No human wants a chip they don't know leading them...and it sounds like a portion of chips don't want Kavis leading them either."
"I'm still not sure that Humans want me either." It probably didn't help that he was a bit of a recluse and hadn't really spoken to anyone. Still it was a bit unnerving at times. "What if Humans propose their own leader since I'm Chippeqouti?"
Star shrugged. "What if they do? They'd probably choose Frank. I'd trust him."
"Oh..." Killian smirked. "I guess that's not so bad. They should elect Frank. I don't want to do this."
Star sat on the bed. "We'll figure it out Killian, no matter what happens. One step at time."
Walking over to the bed he sat down on it and moved a pillow so that he could lay down on it next to Star without making her move. "I'm gonna go back to sleep. My head hurts."
"Baby." She teased and kissed him very softly on the lips. "Good night."
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Kato stepped forward and extended a hand to Anna's father. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir. I'm very glad you've agreed to meet with us."
 
Anna's father took Kato's hand and shook it gently. He was not accustomed to such greetings. Those of his class did not engage in contact with those of lower status or each other unless it was family. Still he was aware of customs besides his own and he complied when it was necessary for relations. "I'd like for both of you to join me for lunch and then we may leave." There wasn't any time to lose and he had prepared to spend this short holiday with his daughter. While it was perhaps a little shorter than what Anna planned for time here he would rather have the extra day with her where she lived. He wanted to see the kind of place that his daughter had chosen to live and examine for himself if it was as primitive as he imagined. Something about the wild and primitive had always fascinated her since he could remember and yet it seemed that she had chosen a man that could a bit primitive or perhaps better suited to have been a gentleman. He had yet to discover that.

Giving a little smile Anna followed after her father. She glanced at Kato and shrugged. Obviously her father had other plans. So perhaps it was better to go with what he said. She knew better than to cross the man. Stepping into a large building connected to the landing pad she glanced around. "You changed the pain color."

"I did." Smiling at his daughter the man continued along the hallway. "If you remember that, then would you know how to find the dining room? The inner dinning room." A little specification would help and he was glad to see that she hadn't completely cut this life off. There was yet a chance to convince her to come back and live here, to take over the family business. She needed to take over the family business and he didn't want to see it all go to the trustees.

Anna grinned. "Of course I know how to find it." Slipping her tiny finger's into Kato's hand she led him down the hallway, through a door, around a large fountain, past a garden and through another set of doors. Catching her breath she stared at the massive table piled with the fruits, and vegetables that she loved the most. A wild theedy plant stood as the centerpiece. The plant was carved open to reveal the thick flesh and the sweet aroma filled her nose. "Oh my favorite. It's been a long time since I've had one of those." Setting a hand on one chair she smiled at Kato. "That's your seat. It's where a guest would always sit at the table." Taking the one next to him she grinned. "And I always sat by the visitors so I could learn to be a better conversationalist."

Taking his seat at the head of the table the older man briefly glanced at the two of them and then nodded for the servants to begin filling their plates as each directed. Once he had his plate he nodded at the two of them. "Now, I want to know a little bit about how the two of you met and how your experiences brought you to that place. I don't want you to keep the ugly parts from my old ears. They have heard every imaginable tale."

Nodding politely Anna began. "I got caught on a planet of laborers after I fled. So I disguised myself as a man and I worked on the ships. Learned to adjust wings and turned into a good engine man. War broke out in the system I was in and so I lost my job. Getting close to the end of my money and near to joining the alliance or running again I happened to see a smuggler that was working for the rebellion. He had a bit of a reputation for taking care of his crew and a few other things. Still I thought I had good chances with him so I joined the crew and I met Kato there." Looking over at her fiancée she nodded. He would need to be brief. Her father hated long drawn out tales. Usually the man wanted the facts and that was it. Unfortunately Kato was a bit more of a gushy person and she hoped he could keep it short.

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Killian woke up later on that evening when Star got him up for dinner. "So if I'm not the leader anymore that could mean a lot of things." He'd thought about it while he tried to fall asleep and woke up thinking about it. There was a certain level of attractiveness involved in someone else taking the leadership. "If it was Frank and he adopted the idea of the council that would work great. Chippeqouti could do what they had to and Humans would be happy. Nobody would have to worry about me being corrupted by some sort of curse and I could just be me."

Somehow he wasn't sure if she understood what he meant. "Well..." Rubbing his head he winced. It was starting to get to the point where it itched and he figured that mean that that his skull was healing and it was probably the reason that his head still hurt. "One of the Chips accused me of getting boiling blood and abandoning the colony. If I wasn't the leader I wouldn't have to stay here all the time." In a way he could see their point. Killian had always wandered the stars by choice and he loved it. There was nothing better than roaming the galaxy and a ship still felt more like a home than a planet. "Star I would lie if I told you that I love it here more than I love my ship. I want to go and see more than this."
 
Kato had noticed that Anna's story had been extremely brief despite the fact she hadn't seen her father in several years. Even stranger was the fact that man nodded and seemed satisfied with it. So, he was the sort not interested in small talk or unnecessary details. Kato looked to him. "I grew up on Tristian. My father owned a small clinic in the middle of the city and I inherited it when I was 17. 10 years later circumstances forced me to flee the city on the only ship available...a smuggler's vessel where I tended to the crew. Anna joined a few months after and I have done my best to protect her ever since." He hoped the explanation would satisfy him. The last thing he wanted was for Anna's father to dislike him and make things more difficult on her.
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"Star I would lie if I told you that I love it here more than I love my ship. I want to go and see more than this."
She nods. "I know. I knew when I married you that was in your heart. If you go, I will go with you." She smiled lightly. "Honestly...I've been getting a little itchy myself. I thought settling down in a house with a garden and a community was what I wanted but...now that I've done it for several months...I'm kinda ready to start exploring again soon." She looked at Claire. "The only thing I'm worried about is Claire. Its nice having the security of doctors around who knows her, and the security of being on the ground in a house. Feels like she's safer, you know?"
 
As soon as the meal was done the man had his servants load a few of his belongings into the ship that his daughter flew. He knew there was a risk to going with them, but it was a risk that he was willing to take if it meant he could have a few days with his only child. While Anna was busy making a room up for him, Landon Travoy took Kato aside. "Why would a doctor have to flee a city?" It made him wonder what kind of doctor this man was.

"Ah well. See, the city I was in was in the midst of a gang war. Both sides came to me with their injured. One day, a group of gang members brought in their boss. He was lethally wounded but they told me they'd kill me if I failed to save him. He died on the operating table, but I made a clever story and put him stasis, claming he simply needed a new heart and he'd be fine. It wasn't to difficult getting around their defenses and slipping away, but I knew I'd never be able to return if I wanted to keep my life." Kato shrugged. "But that was nearly 10 years ago now. "

Landon stared at Kato for a long moment. "Was the smuggler ship any better?" He was beginning to think that this man was hardly better than a black market doctor. "What kind of material did the smugglers transport?"

"I never asked. I did not want to know. I was there by necessity. Then..." Kato hesitated. "I, thought I had fallen in love with the woman on board before Anna came. I would have left, but...she was a kind soul and I wanted to try convince her and the young boy with her to leave as well."

The more he heard the more skeptical he grew. "And you didn't leave with this woman and child because?" There had to be a reason that the doctor stayed beyond necessity. In fact his claim to necessity couldn't hold if there was a way to get out. "Was the child hers and how did a child come to be aboard a smuggler's vessel?"

Kato chuckled lightly. "The tale in its entirety is a long one, Sir. If you truly wish to know perhaps we should sit with a cup of tea, but...if your true intention is to get to know me...then please, ask anything of me that you wish and I will answer honestly."

Getting to know him was much more than just asking. However, he'd humor the man and ask about him to see if the description was similar by account of those that he would ask later. "I fully intend to know the man that thinks he will marry my daughter. Tell me, when did you know her identity? Did you know who she was when you met her?"

"Honestly, Sir...she did not even tell me that she had a family until after I proposed. She never spoke of them and I assumed they had passed away. All I knew when I first met her was that she had skills as an engineer and I thought she were a man. My mind was fixated on the other woman for the longest time, so it was not until a period of separation that I realized I'd begun to develop feelings for her. Even after we began dating, we never spoke of her past...it was a thing of some pain for her so I never pressed the issue. I only care about who was and is in this moment." Kato leaned forward. "Even if your daughter was the poorest woman on earth, I would still marry her. I love her. And in truth, nothing you say or do will change that. She is my world. I only hope you will accept me for her sake."

The fact that he had never received a ransom note was good enough for now. "I believe you that Anna didn't reveal her identity." It was something that he'd had a hard time uncovering after all these years. "Even if she won't let me a father in all the ways that I had hoped to be I will still do what I can. I consider it my job to talk with the man that she chose to marry and determine if I should intervene or not."

Kato's heartbeat increased slightly. Exactly what sort of power did this man have that he thought he could intervene. He'd have to choose his words very wisely from this point forward. Kato leaned back in his chair. "I love your daughter, Sir. And I would give my life for her if necessary. Continue to ask whatever you feel necessary to ease your concern. You may even look me and my family up if you wish. Kato Jones. I assure you I have nothing to hide."

"I don't need to look you up." Landon looked the man over and nodded. "I also love my daughter and I would give my life if necessary to protect her." It was his old fashioned way of putting the proper fear in a man that sought his daughter. He could easily have his private investigators pull up plenty of information on Kato Jones when he had some time to himself. The old man wanted to be sure that he had verification of information on the man from his investigators before the wedding and by tomorrow evening he could have a file on the doctor. "What sort of life do you plan to live with her?"

"A good one. A peaceful one. I work with three other doctors in a clinic run out of a ship in a newly formed colony of a couple hundred people. Its quiet there and safe. I will ensure all her needs are met and see to it we accomplish as many of her desires as possible. I want to start a family and grow old with her and love her every day of my life."

Nodding his head again he smiled. "Fine ambitions." About that time Anna came out of the room. She smirked at her father and Kato. So far even if it didn't sound like it she was pretty sure that her father hadn't found anything wrong with Kato.

Kato smiled up and stood up. "You're father and I were just having a very pleasant conversation. I can see that he cares for you immensely. I am glad." He moved towards her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

Giggling a little she rolled her eyes. "Oh I know he does. Don't be surprised if by tomorrow he knows everything about you and more." She remembered several things about her father. "So you'd better have told the truth. I never got away lying to my dad."

The older man smiled. "A father has his ways of knowing when his little girl is lying." He studied her face and it seemed that his Anna was genuinely smitten by this man. Only one other had caught her eye like that, except the man wasn't worth his weight even in dirt. "If you don't mind I'll get myself settled in the room for the journey to your colony."

"Of course." Kato nodded. He breathed a light sigh of relief once the older gentleman was out of earshot. "He's a tiny bit intense."

"Because I was always wild." Anna couldn't help the growing grin on her face. "Kind of like getting the I'll kill you talk was it?"

"Mmm, no. More like the "if i don't like you I'll do everything in my power to make sure you don't marry her" kinda talk. Honestly, that is far more terrifying."

"Oh." Anna nodded. "Well you know just cause he's an old man doesn't mean he doesn't have teeth. It's a little story about the Travoy's. None of us seem to be all that dangerous to start. Inevitably someone ends up finding out down the road that we're not quite what we seem."

"Well, he won't find anything that should make him suspicious about me. I told him the truth about everything he asked. I'm not all that worried." Kato shrugs and pulls her in for a kiss. "Whether or not he accepts me does not matter...not to me. I'm still marrying you."

Anna stared at Kato for a moment after the kiss. "If he doesn't approve of you I would be afraid to marry you."

Kato gives her a look. "Oh?"

"He's a good judge of character and if he disapproved there would be reason for it." Anna took one of Kato's hands. "Even if I would want to marry you still he would probably find a way to make sure it never happened. My dad is a very powerful man and he didn't get that way from being stupid. There was more than one reason that I wanted to make it right with him. When I stopped moving he would have eventually found me. I love my father, but I was also afraid for your life if he didn't know to leave you out of the picture."

"I see." Kato nods. "Hmm, well, even though I have nothing to hide, I can't say I'm not feeling a bit more nervous now. When will we know if approves or not? Its only a three day trip back to the colony after we spend the day shopping here."

"This is the only way I know to keep you and the colony safe. If he knows this is where I will live and you turn up to be who you said then...it should be fine." Anna smiled and wrapped her arms around Kato to give him another kiss. "If its not I'll pull out the baby card."

Kato smiled lightly and held her close. "I love you..."

In a way the waiting felt like forever. Anna could tell that Kato was nervous a little bit off and on while the two of them were finishing up shopping for the things that couldn't be bought at or near the colony. One of the most important things in Anna's opinion was to be sure that she had a box of protection. They needed to be sure that there wouldn't be anymore surprise children after this.

The first night on the ship was quiet and dinner was eaten in almost complete silence. At the end of the night she went with Kato back to their room and she caught a disapproving look from her father. He never thought it was right for a couple to share a room before they were married. Still she was grown and there wasn't anything that he could do about. By the second night he was starting to wonder what this Kato had in is past. It was taking the investigators longer than it should for them to find what they normally would only take a day to find on a doctor or ordinary type of person. Landon opened his pad and stared at the information. So this man had a serious disease and implants to slow it. Last recorded work was some kind of failure that had been going on. Did his daughter know that her husband to be was dying? The rest of what he found had been just as Kato said. Other things were details beyond the man's control, such as his father's illegal activity with black market organ transplants. More than likely some of that paid for the implants for his son.

Landon decided he was going to ask Kato about the disease later on in private. It would be after they reached the colony and then he would talk with Anna if the man wouldn't do it himself. There was no reason to deny the the wedding with the disease as a single exception. He hated to see his daughter's heart broken, but it was her choice if she still wanted to marry him.

It was the last day of the journey and he stared at Kato for a long moment before he spoke. "I've received you're information from my investigators. I will only have one other question for you before the wedding. You have my blessing."

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Killian shrugged a little. "I don't know if its any safer here than it is on a ship. We could still fly to a planet on most systems and get something for her. Maybe they wouldn't know the part about half blooded, but it should be fine. If the human treatment doesn't work I could call and ask what we would use for a Chip." He was still more worried about the upcoming duel. "Star I'm really nervous about this....the duel."

"Because of Kavis? You're worried he'll win and put the colony in danger?" Star clarified.

"A little." Killian almost fidgeted as he continued. "I don't want to talk in front of all those people."

Star paused, then tilted her head forward as is she couldn't believe what he'd just said. "Wait...your...you have stage fright?"

"How many times have you seen me just volunteer to talk?" He didn't know where anyone got the idea that he should be comfortable talking to folks. "I can yell and growl orders, but this is something else."

Star wanted to laugh but knew this wasn't the appropriate time. "I'll be there the entire time. Right up front. Just...keep your eyes on me and pretend you're talking to me...and me alone. Ok?"

"That only works if you're the only person that I can see." Rubbing his head he paused for a moment and frowned. "You got that half smirk. You think its funny!" Killian's voice rose as he accused her. "I'm not good at talking and I know that. Why would I want to talk in front of a whole bunch of people?"

"Cause you're a leader...and that's what leaders do." Star smiles. "Think of it logically...they can't hurt you, they don't want to hurt you...they are just there to listen."

Killian rolled his eyes. "It would be easier if they wanted to fight me. At least I know what to do."

"Speak from your heart. Use your logic. You've done it hundreds of times with me. You can do it with them."

"You know how long it took me the guts to even try talking to you nicely?" Killian almost got a sick look on his face. "I'm too damn chicken to even talk with folks. I talk to make a deal or business. Just talking to talk is a little scary. What do you say?" Then he got an idea. "Ok never mind. This isn't so bad. I'm not talking. Just answering questions and its not a conversation."

"Exactly." Star nods. "And if you get nervous just look at me and Claire."

"I won't get nervous. Its not a speech." Killian chuckled a little. "Just as long as its not a conversation I'm fine. You know it took me almost 3 years before I could carry a conversation with Mike."

"Aww." Star smirked at him. "My little Killian is shy about conversation. It's so cute." She laughed. "Sorry, I can't help it...its just the last thing I expected you to get nervous about."

"Mike was the first person that ever tried to talk to me." He didn't particularly enjoy her laughing. "Yeah I know. Everyone thinks I'm an asshole cause I just say what I think. That's what conversations are anyway. You're just saying what you think."

Star shook her head. "Eh, kind-of. Not always." She kisses him on the cheek. "You're going to be great, Killian. Just answer the questions the best you can."

Taking a deep breath he nodded. "Ok. Just don't try to help me. I'd get too distracted if you tried to give me prompts or anything."
 
Kato looked at the man as he finally said that he had his blessing aside from one more question. "What is it, Sir?" Kato asked.
"Have you told her that you're dying?" He stared at the doctor with a serious expression.
"Oh, that old thing." Kato laughs lightly. "Yes. I told her. Almost two years ago in fact. She was so determined to make sure I didn't die that she found an experimental treatment for me and it worked. I am a whole man again and I will age at a normal rate."
"Is that so? It must have been a very special experiment because my men didn't find anything on it." He was slightly skeptical of the actual procedure though it seemed to have worked since the man looked his age. "Then there is no objection from me."
"Thankyou, Sir. I am glad there are no issues between us. May I tell, Anna?" He asks, his eyes lighting up like a child's.
Landon nodded. "You may. I assume that anything I say will be repeated at some point unless I ask otherwise." Though whenever he asked it was more an order than a pleasantry.
"Of course." Kato nods and sprints off to tell Anna. "Its all good. We have his blessing." He lifted her off her feet, spinning her and kissing her deeply. "Ah, its good to have that weight of thought off my shoulders."
Giggling a little she met his gaze. "Well I thought it would be fine. I got really good at picking out losers and I knew you weren't one of them."
"Yeah, how'd you know that?" He asked cheekily. "My good looks? Or me being a serious stick in the mud?"
"Because you were a stick in the mud and....you weren't creepy." Anna smirked. "Nothing about you said that you belonged on that ship."
Kato nods and releases her reluctantly. "Well, we should probably go back and entertain your father. He didn't come with us to sit by himself the whole time."
"You'd be surprised." Anna chuckled a little. "He doesn't always have a lot to say. More of an analyzing type. You feel comfortable being watched and scrutinized?" Still he was right so she went back with him to the room.
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Almost everyone from the colony had gathered in the stands and around the edge of the Corral to listen to Kavis and Killian talk about their plans for the colony and make their case for being the better leader. Star sat on within sight of Killian, holding Claire on her lap. She smiled encouragingly at him as Claire babbled. Even Lisa and Frank were there, with Lisa looking very, very pregnant.
Kavis took his place beside Killian and in front of the officiator of this spoken duel. In his hands was a data-pad with the list of questions he would be asking them this day. Kavis gave Killian a look. "There is no shame in stepping out now, cursed blood." He says quietly. "I assure you I will make a far better leader."
 
As tempting as it was to just give it all to Kavis, Killian knew he couldn't. There hadn't been any humans that stepped up. It left him as the only one to run against Kavis. Star had a point. Human's would always outnumber the Chippeqouti and so it wasn't likely that Kavis would win unless he had bullied folks or somehow sounded so much better. Still it made Killian nervous. He didn't want to be stuck here and this could possibly be the end of his traveling around. On the other hand he was responsible for the people that he rescued and brought here so he should be one to argue for all sides. Glancing at Kavis he shook his head. "I'd rather stay here and win or lose with honor."

As the two of them turned toward the crowd Killian felt his guts start to twist into a nervous knot. So many Humans and Chippeqouti. Of course right in front was Star with their little Claire. He already knew what the Chips thought of her and it made his blood boil. He was gonna win this argument for her. Claire didn't need to grow up with folks calling her cursed. Despite his own childhood he never was called cursed and as a adult it was annoying, but for his little girl that could be detrimental.

The officiator glanced at the two of them and nodded. "My first question is from the people combined. Chippeqouti and Human's alike want to know how we will be governed and if we will have equal voices. We will start with Kavis answering the question first as he is the challenger."

“This colony is a combined colony but it does not mean all are equal. The chippequoti have far more knowledge in creating sustainable societies built on strength, respect and honesty. However, all will have a chance to speak and voice their opinions and the human’s way of life will be kept in perspective as we form this new government. But at the end of the day the council will be the voice of final authority across all inhabitants, allowing for fair and equal judgement for all in the colony for the safety and benefit of all.”

No matter how he cut this Killian knew he would lose some of the Chippeqouti, but if he could get nominal support it would help. If they felt threatened he imagined that the Chips would make trouble in their own way. "I agree. The Chippeqouti have a great deal of knowledge and they are a people that we can all learn from. Some have said I don't know much about them and it's true. This is why I want a council that will reflect both Humans and Chippeqouti. There would be 4 of each race on the council and I would act as the tie breaker if there is one needed. While the Chippeqouti are lesser in number they will receive equal representation to be sure that Humans do not become overly powerful and it will be the same for the Humans having equal say to ensure that the Chippeqouti do not become overbearing."

The officiator glanced between the two of them and sighed. "Are there any rebuttals?" Kavis shook his head and Killian didn't seem to have anything to add either. Slowly scrolling through the pad to the next question the man couldn't help thinking how odd it was. Humans always had a rebuttal for their opponent and this could be relatively short if both of them kept at this pace. They stated their points and simply called it good. "I will ask you another question then. This one I will have Killian answer first. What is your experience in leading and how will it improve how we live?"

Killian shifted on his feet. "My experience is limited. I became captain of a ship at 17 and I led a crew. I've since that time led an operation under advice of previous crew members to make a raid on the games. Part of my leadership in the colony involved counsel from those close to me and I leaned on the Chippeqouti for their strength. I know they are a hard people and skilled in survival. It is a strength to recognize the abilities of those in our colony. I want to see the Chippeqouti and Humans enter a mutually beneficial partnership. Oddly we have proven to be compatible races and we will stand a far better chance against the nobles if we can adopt one another as equal citizens."

Kavis smiled ever so lightly. “I am 135 years of age. I have lead dozen of raids against our enemies. I have sat on the council for the last 10 years and helped vote on laws and decisions that would affect every chippequoti on the planet. I am well respected and well known for always speaking openly and honestly as well as listening to the concerns of others, whether or not they were viable concerns.

Right now our colony is dying out of some very basic needs that have yet to be set up. We need a system of government, with laws and guidelines for all. We need a system of authority to deal with those who break the law and to deal out the appropriate punishment as well as fortify this planet from any attacks we may experience in the future. We need buildings, supplies, and for every person to have a job and be pulling their own weight. We need to reinstate a financial system in order support the job system and supply our needs. The last thing we need to be worrying about are the nobles. Our main concern should be on us and on our survival and growth as a society here. All these things and more I can have organized within a month of being chosen as leader of this colony.”

Once more the officiator nodded. "Very good. Do my contestants have any rebuttals before we continue to the next question?" Killian didn't have anything he could say. It just made him wonder if he lost. Kavis had a good head on his shoulders and if Killian won he wanted Kavis on the council. "None from me." Turning his gaze to the other Chip he waited to see if Kavis had anything more to add.

"I have nothing more." Kavis smiled lightly like he knew he'd won.

It was still the same as before and the officiator smiled. "Then I'll move onto the next question. Kavis you will answer first. What do you propose for social reform if any and would you allow for citizens to maintain weapons of their own, equal representation, and what is your stance on religion of the people?" This was the loaded question as it combined many concerns. Sitting back in the chair he waited for a response. He didn't even have to moderate as both of Chips had been very civil in this argument.

Kavis took a bit longer to answer this one. “The chippequoti will remain as they always have been. I have no intention of changing our way of life simply because we are cohabitating with humans. However...I am aware humans have a different way of life, and it is something the council would take into account as we form the government and the laws of the colony. As for weapons, I do not believe it wise for each person to carry their own and would see that they are locked away so that only members of security would be equipped. For religion, we do not care, so long as that religion does not endanger the well-being of others.”

Killian took a deep breath and started. "I'm still concerned for the safety of the citizens and I think that every citizen should be trained to handle weapons and bear them at all times for self defense. It should eliminate most threats and deter crime. As I stated before I believe in a balanced representation to reflect both Chippeqouti and Human. Each will have a single vote and the council will handle the difficult matters and I will see to it that they have equal numbers of each race to ensure there is not a bias in the decision making. A tie would be broke by the leader." The final question about religion left him wondering what he would possibly say about it so he just went on the same as he had with the rest. "Religion is something of little consequence in my mind. If it does not endanger those around your or their property then I think that the religion is acceptable."

"That is all for the questions." The officiator knew that it had been relatively short in question from the people and this seemed to cover the majority of their concerns. "I do have a final question in regards to economics. This is a question that I would consider a bonus if anyone can answer it. How will you manage the finances of the colony? Killian if you could go first on this one please."

A question of money. That was a difficult one and he wasn't entirely sure how to manage money outside of the ship. So he was going to try his best idea. "I would like to transition most of the financial concerns to that of the people. We will maintain our fleet as a joint effort of colony and individuals. Any raids will focus on the primary need of citizens and an additional stipend will be offered to the crews in the ships to offset the loss of time at home and possible injury. In time members will be encouraged to buy and maintain their own private ships to begin trade outside of the colony and I will put a service charge in place to pay for the defense of the colony. There would be no other form of taxation. Leaders and council members will serve the people. It is not a paid position."

“In any stable society there is a reward system based on work to encourage the population to do their jobs and do them well. Over the course of the next month I would determine exactly how many chips we have as a colony. I would take 3/5ths of that and make sure each member had an even number of chips to begin the formation of a healthy economy. The other 2/5ths would go to the needs of the community as a whole. At the beginning of each month there would be a small tax to go to the needs of the community and to the members of the council who will be paid just like anyone else who has a job to support their families and minimize the risk of bribery. We would work together as a council to determine appropriate starting amount of costs for various services and items. For those of you who have begun their own little businesses you would decide on the cost of your own goods. Raids on other planets for the benefit of the colony would be up for a vote.”

The officiator smiled and nodded to both of them. "I will ask for the two candidates to take opposite sides of the corral and each member of the colony present will choose one side or the other. After there is none left to decide we will take count of all adults to determine the winner."

Anna glanced at Kato when it came time to vote. There were many good arguments from both sides. She could see Kavis' opinion of not having weapons readily available and having a solid form of government. Unfortunately she knew that Killian was always going to be a wild card. He didn't have the kind of steady pace that a leader needed for the long term. Hopefully he didn't mind. Anna stepped over to where Kavis was and stood in his group.

There were still a good number of folk that stuck with Killian. In a way he felt some better after the debate. Sounded like Kavis had quite a bit of knowledge and Killian respected the man and even now he couldn't help thinking that Kavis was the better choice. Claire would be alright. Maybe...Killian was still afraid for her. She was considered cursed blood and Kavis had not let that go. Perhaps it was an insult to see if he could get a rile. As it came closer to the end of the line of people choosing who they would vote for he felt his heart rate rise a tiny bit. This was it, the moment when they would come to know who won. Being so few in the colony it wouldn't take many to sway it one way or another.

Finally, the officiator raised his hand. "We've finished the count. Kavis is the leader. He has won the vote by 35. It is approximately 7.6 percent greater."

Killian sighed in relief and winked at Star. "I guess I don't have to be worried about taking care of things from here on out." He did his best and that was all that counted. While he was relieved he was slightly disappointed. Losing was always disappointing, but Killian didn't want this as much as he wanted to be free and Kavis sounded like a good candidate. Kavis had earned Killian's respect the night they fought and he figured it was likely mutual.

No sooner had he started out of the tent than he was met by an unfamiliar face. One that was none to happy to see him. "You're the captain of that ship my daughter became part of the crew on." Landon Travoy was only aware of one smuggler captain named Killian and he had wanted that man dead for a while. Ironically his daughter fell in with the very man himself if he wasn't mistaken.

The little woman's eyebrows raised. She didn't know that her father hated Killian so much. It was probably best that Killian didn't win the vote if her father would support them in anyway.

"Aye...You're uh...I didn't know she had a father." Killian frowned a little.

"Do you know who I am?"

"No." Looking at the old gray haired man he tilted his head to the side ever so slightly. "Have we met?"

Nearly turning red the old man shook his head. "No, but now we have. You've stolen millions of dollars worth of my merchandise, sold it for unfair gain, murdered several of my security officers, and smuggled goods to men that violate my copyright on products. I've put out millions of credits on your head and it still wasn't enough. Now I'm here and I have half a mind to haul you out of here myself. No good smuggler, murderer, and thief. You ever lay a hand on a Travoy good again and I'll be sure they find your miserable carcass." Turning toward Anna slightly he sneered as he glanced back at Killian. "The only reason I'll forgive you this once is because you took her aboard as crew and its the only reason she wasn't recruited into the war or killed."

Obviously his daughter hadn't told the smuggler her name or he imagined he would have received a ransom note from the smuggler. Landon Travoy looked over at Kato. "And you..." He took a few mores steps with Anna's arm wrapped around his. "I understand you much better now. That smuggler should have been shot years ago."

Killian was stunned to have found himself face to face with a fiery old man. While Anna walked with Kato and her father toward their house Killian remained frozen in place. Travoy? "Anna was a Travoy all this time? Star we could have made so much money if I would have ransomed her all those years ago."
 
Naturally Kato had gone to stand by Anna. He wasn't too sure about all of Kavis' views but he was definitely proving to be a far more informed and experienced leader than Killian. Afterwards Landon approached him seeming to have found a heightened level of respect for him, for which he was glad and he walked with the three back to the house. "Well, that was certainly interesting." Kato notes. "I wonder how things will turn out with Kavis in charge now. I certainly hope he respect us humans and our culture. "

Star had stood protectively beside Killian, as Landon approached them, with their daughter in case the man tried anything. As much as she hated how Landon had spoken to Killian, she knew it was well deserved. He had a right to be angry for the things Killian had pulled as a smuggler. Another reason she had no desire to enter back into that life. She glared at Killian as he mentioned ransoming Anna, unsure if he was joking or being serious. He sounded serious. "Not everything is about money, honey." She sighed and shook her head. "I'm just glad that whole thing is over with." She looked up at him. "Maybe you and I should go somewhere for a bit after Kato and Anna's wedding."
Killian sighed. "Well maybe not everything is about money, but it sure as hell makes life easier and I like money." More than likely it was another one of those moral things that Star was going to be talking to him about later on. "I agree. Lets go someplace and make a raid."
"Not with Claire we're not." Star gives him a look.
"Oh yeah..." Killian frowned. "So we taking her with us?"
"We have to. I'm not leaving her here alone." Star says, holding their baby close to her chest. The little girl babbles happily, trying to eat Star's hair.

Some things with children he never understood, but this one made sense. "Hmm...Guess I didn't think of that."
Star raises her eyebrows at him in shock. "Didn't think...of what? That its stupid to take her on a raid or that we can't just leave her on her own."
"Both." Killian got a sheepish grin on his face. "I've never had a kid before. How was I supposed to magically know something like that?"
"Its kinda common sense..." Star shakes her head. He was so ignorant sometimes. "Try and think about these things, Killian. I don't want to be scared to leave her alone with you." She says while walking back to the house.
Like usual Star managed to come up with an infuriating statement. "Common sense is stuff like not letting her play in the toilet or put her down near the bear. As long as I'm there she's fine."
Like usual Star managed to come up with an infuriating statement. "Common sense is stuff like not letting her play in the toilet or put her down near the bear. As long as I'm there she's fine."
"Well it seems to me common sense is not taking her a potentially life threatening raid with us. Or leaving her with people who can't care for her more than an hour or two at a time."
Killian rolled his eyes. "Its not like she's still breast feeding."
"No, but she is part chippequoti. She's quite heavy now if you hadn't noticed. Too heavy for Lisa to manage and Kato and Anna are busy with the wedding." This conversation was going no where.

"If you want to go on a raid, Killian, then go ahead and go. But maybe wait until after their wedding in a few days."
"I want you to come with." Killian looked at Star with hopeful green eyes. "And...I won't go on a raid cause we need Claire with us. We need to decide where we're going or we could smuggle stuff as long as it doesn't belong to that guy."
"And what would we smuggle? We have half the galaxy out looking for us...for you and me specifically right now." Star says. "Its dangerous enough work without a bulls-eye on our heads."
"Well, it is a big planet. I'm sure there is lots to discover here. Resources the colony could use." Star replied.
Killian's eyes lit up. "Oh if Anna and Kato weren't your friends I would pack up and leave right now."
"They're your friends too. To an extent." She smirked.
Grunting he looked at her. "To an extent. I don't know Anna very well and I still don't get along with Kato. He's taken to thinking he can tell me all about the stupid things I do. Only you and Mike had permission to do that. Kato is just...he doesn't even ask if I want to know."
Star smirks. "What sort of stupid things?"
"Are we talking about when you got into that fight with Kavis. Cause yeah, that was stupid. I'm glad he got on your case for it."
"Yes!" Killian was already getting flustered. "I knew it was stupid as soon as I said yes. Then he had to tell me all about how to treat you and...Well only Mike could do that. Kato just thinks he knows all about women and the only one he caught practically threw herself at him. He couldn't see past his nose when it came to love. How can he not see all that stuff and then think he's got all my problems figured out. He doesn't know half of the problems."
"What half does he not know about?" She asked curiously. It was no shock to her that Kato disliked Killian. He'd never like him. Never thought him good enough for her. The fact that he was getting on Killian's case about it was a bit annoying. She'd have to talk to him.
"I don't remember what he said. Just Kato was saying something about the way I treated you. Something about my head injury and you having to deal with me." Frowning some Killian started to simmer down. "Maybe you said some of that stuff. I don't remember what he said. Ummm...I don't know. Can't remember exactly what happened."
She took his arm. and pats it. "Its fine. Don't worry about it. He doesn't get to talk to you about us. You're right...he doesn't know." She smiles lightly up at him. "We're still going to that wedding, but after...you and I will grab the ship and just go...explore the planet. Chart it. Camp at pretty places. We'll stay away as long as we want. Just the three of us."
Killian took a deep breath. "We're taking the bear with us right?" Cin wouldn't do very well if he was left all alone. "I'll just put him in his room and make sure that Claire stays with us."
Star almost protests but decides against. "Yeah, sure. Whatever. Let's bring the guard bear."
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Almost every single human and dozens of Chippequoti came to lake for the first wedding in the colony. The space had been decorated so beautifully with lanterns, flower petals, streamers and more. Old Man Tim had made plenty of cider for the after party and a dozen other women had pitched in to help make the meal and desserts in celebration. Everyone was dressed in their best, for most that was the cleanest shirt and least wrinkled dress. Several musicians had gotten together with their instruments and had practiced the wedding march song the day before. They played it now as Kato took his spot at the top next to the minister. Dr. Witteck and Star acted as the best man and woman, with Frank and Lisa, Sooni, Shanti and a few other friends filling in the places of bride'sgrooms and maids.
Kato adjusted his tie nervously, holding a beautiful gold ring with intertwined hearts engraved into the band. Star chuckled lightly at him then looked down the isle as Anna appeared...and she was gorgeous.
 
Anna took a deep breath as she stood near the back of the corral. Her dad winked at her from his place and she grinned sheepishly. Somehow she hadn't expected to be this nervous. Peeping around the corner she saw Kato was standing up at the front looking nearly as nervous as she felt. "Oh my gosh dad." Widening her eyes slightly she stared at him and then took a deep breath. Her tiny fingers reached for his hand and she squeezed his hand lightly before stepping into view at the back of the corral. It was more like getting married at a stadium, but she didn't mind too much. All she had to do was keep her eyes on Kato. The little woman's blonde hair curled and waved like it always did though she had some help calming it today.

Though she had the dress altered to fit her short legs and body she felt like a queen. The lace was almost paper thin and the layers beneath it the same off-white tone. Walking slowly up the aisle with her father the light danced through her hair and shown with the little bit of gold glitter that she had sprinkled in blonde hair and the tiny specs that fell to her face and the tops of her shoulders. Anna blushed beneath the veil as she got closer to the front of the corral with her father.

At long last they stopped near the front. Taking a deep breath she slipped her hand from Landon's and lifted the edge of the dress so she could step up on the platform with Kato. Where she had come from there was no ceremony for the father to give his daughter away. He only walked her to the front and that was it. Anna wanted so badly to move the veil away from her face and once she nearly crossed her eyes while trying to blow it away from her face. With the lip gloss it had tried to stick to her face and she finally got it loose after several attempt though it wasn't without some help from Kato. While she was busy making faces he gently pulled the end of it so that it would come loose from her lips. A grin came to Anna's face. She had been so busy trying not to move her hands from his that she forgot how much easier it would have been to just pull the veil away from her lips for herself.

When her turn came for the vows Anna decided to go a tiny bit off script. Who wouldn't on their wedding day? "I promise to be your lover, companion and friend, your partner in parenthood, your ally in conflict, comrade in adventure, consolation in disappointment, and your accomplice in mischief. This is my life with you from today forward." Grinning a little she thought that she spied some surprise. He of course had stayed on script and that wasn't too surprising so she felt the need to add her little element of surprise and then continued with the regular vows.

*****************************************************************************

Claire had begun to get a little restless and Killian did his best to keep her from getting too noisy. Most of the wedding he was distracted with trying to keep her entertained. Off and on he would bounce her on his lap and then he would turn her around till she decided it was time to bite his shoulder or slap his face. Just as the minister finished giving permission for Kato to kiss the bride Claire squealed loudly. "Whaaaaaaa!" For the time it felt like the entire crowd looked at him and he smiled sheepishly. There was nothing like a kid making the moment.

It was almost impossible not to laugh. Anna could hear the baby and she knew which one it was. Grinning even bigger she watched as Kato lifted the veil. By the time he reached her lips she was so nervous and giddy that she couldn't help giggling. When they released from the kiss she grabbed his hand and started to race down the aisle with Kato. She wanted to get off the stage and to the party. Half way to the end of the aisle she remembered to keep a more moderate pace and she chuckled a little to herself. Who cared if they beat the music to the cue. Outside there were several tents set up with food and drink. All of it her father insisted on paying for and it was a lot bigger and far more decadent than she had originally planned. However, she and Kato had bought their own rings and that was what was most important to her. "After we eat we get to do the fun stuff." A bright look came to her eyes. "I've got just the game in mind."

Waiting with Kato at the main food tent the two of them smiled at all the guests. Anna grinned especially big when Sooni came up. "You'd better be the one to catch the bouquet." Just the look on the Chip woman's face made her want to laugh.

The meal had been relatively quiet except for the times that the human friends and mainly Dr. Witteck tapped on the table and started the rounds for the two of them to kiss. Anna happily complied and she even found it funny that Kato's fellow doctor would be the main instigator. Dr. Witteck had always seemed to be more of the quiet type. When the meal finished they rose to progress to the next tent that had the cake and dance area. "Before we start the dances I'll have the bouquet toss and then Kato will get to toss the garter."
 
Kato's heart seemed to stop beating for a moment as he caught sight of Anna. "Oh...." She was stunning. Absolutely stunning. He had to remember to keep his mouth closed as she walked up that aisle in the beautiful gown and that adorably nervous smile. He almost laughed as she began making faces at him, trying to get the veil unstuck from her lipstick. He pulled it off, wishing he could lift it right there and give her a kiss. He barley heard the voice of the minister speaking, his eyes fully engaged with her own, her beauty, his wife and soon to be child. He just barely caught his cue to repeat his vows after the minister and he just barley managed to do that. His eyes widened slightly then he grinned as she went off script and added her own flavor of vows. He loved it.

He barley heard the child scream in the background. All he could think of was slipping this ring on her finger and holding her tightly as they began a committed life to one another. And then the time came. He lifted her veil and kissed her, ending up with red lipstick on his own lips...but he didn't care. He grinned, too happy to care about anything except her.

The reception was a blur of activity from so many congratulations, speeches and well-wishes to Anna tossing her bouquet and Sooni accidentally catching it, having no idea why the human females around her were frowning or cheering. Then the garter which Kato apparently had no idea about. "Why is it on your leg?" He asks confused to but pulls it down her leg and off her foot anyway. It was a bit awkward but it seemed to please her so he tossed into the crowd, not certain who it hit.

Finally it was the time for their dance, and Kato took Anna to the dance floor that had been built for the festival. Lights and flowers hung from the arbor covering the floor. He took her in his arms, slowly dancing with her to her favorite love song. "The first time we danced, I proposed." He grinned. "And now, I'm dancing with Andy Anna Jones. The name kinda rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?"
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Kato had their bags already packed in the ship and all the presents sent over for them to open on their way back to her father's planet. He had plans for their honeymoon and he had yet to tell her what they were. The moment the reception was done for the evening he carried Anna up the ship's ramp then set her on her feet. He kissed her, not really wanting to let her go. "I'm going to put in the cooridinates and get this bucket of bolts flying. Don't go anywhere." He chuckles, then closes the ramp behind Landon, trotting off to navigation.
 
Anna couldn't help the grin on her face when Kato asked about the garter. "I scooted it way up there so you'd have to work for it." She smirked a little when he had to lift the edge of her dress so he could see what he was doing. "At least I was nice and didn't say you had to pull it off with your teeth." Momentarily she felt his hands pause and she giggled a little. "Just a little further up." While he was busy digging up the dress Anna made a few pretend shocked facial expressions. He had no idea what was going on cause he was too busy trying to complete the awkward task while she goofed off.

When it came time for the dance Anna grinned at Kato. This was her favorite part of a wedding. All the fun started here. Peering deep into Kato's eyes she smiled while they danced. "Its a good sounding name. I like sharing it with you. Figured we should since we already share pretty much everything else." Despite all the eyes on them she was comfortable with the dance. Anna knew that this was what the wedding was all about. Now it was public and she actually felt much better about the whole relationship in general. Instead of leaving the dance floor she announced loudly. "Next song is for all couples to dance to." Though it was not nearly so formal a style as some dances she figured that it would be more relaxing for some of the folk and she loved the song herself.

For this song Killian grabbed Star. They could still dance with the baby strapped to the front of him. Winking at her got a little smile back from her. "I haven't told you yet today, but I love you." Part way into the song he was so busy looking into her face that he lost track of the steps and nearly bumped into Frank and Lisa. Those two were thankfully good natured about it all.

There had been enough of the romance to go around and everyone seemed to be getting to complacent. Anna grinned a little and nodded to the guy handling the music to play the next song. It was almost as if Kato's whole face contorted with horror or shock. She couldn't tell which. "Oh it's just the chicken dance. C'mon." No matter her prompting she could see that he wasn't about to partake in the dance so instead she chicken danced around him till the time for the wheel and then Anna jumped in with the rest of the group. Star seemed to at least enjoy herself and she was laughing almost uncontrollably. At first Anna didn't know why she would be laughing so hard till she spotted Killian.

He was lost from the first move. First they were flapping their arms and then wiggling rear ends clapping hands and now doing some sort of wheel thing. Claire giggled and coo'ed with the song and her little arms flapped appropriately as she tried to enjoy it to. With a baby strapped to the front of himself Killian was pretty sure the dance wasn't going as smoothly as it could.

As soon as he got over the fact that it was just awkward in general he did much better. For the most part he noticed that many of the Chippeqouti were not participating in the dance and it didn't matter. Killian wasn't their leader so he was going to do what he wanted and right now the chicken dance was it.

Since it seemed that Kato was too mortified to dance with her on this one she changed it to something more classic for the next several songs and even had Stand by Me so that it would draw a few others had previously been too nervous to dance. Almost anything was dance worthy. Anna was determined to be tired out by the end of the day and she still had plenty of energy left. After she and Kato danced to Besame Mucho Anna decided to step it up with a final song before they closed out the night. (song) A wide grin came to her face. She didn't know if he would dance to this one or not, but it could be danced by yourself too.

Killian's stroked Claire's little back with his hand. The baby had been getting heavy enough that for the most part Star let him carry her around. Seemed that Claire was beginning to make Star's back and shoulder sore if she carried the baby for much more than a few hours. The last song had him jerking his head up and he looked over at Star. "Now this is a good one. We should get out there. She'll fall asleep again right?"

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By the end of the night Anna's back had begun to hurt. There was an over exertion of the muscles and the surrounding tissue to the spine. Walking a bit slower than Kato wanted she winced a little bit when she was sure he hadn't been looking. Anna caught her breath with surprise when Kato swooped her up and carried her into the ship. "Ooh Mr. Jones you planned something?" Biting her lower lip she chuckled a little and let him set her down just inside the ship. "I'll wait right here."

Anna shifted impatiently on her feet and eventually she walked over to one of the benches and sat down. Her father had already gone to his room and she was pleased to be getting a little time with just Kato tonight. They probably had a few things to talk about and she would definitely need help getting out of the dress. A few minutes later he came out of the navigation room and she smiled at him."So Mr. Jones what do you have planned for your woman tonight?"

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Those that had done the catering had finished the clean up already and Killian stayed only long enough to help load a few smaller things since Claire was sleeping soundly on his chest. It was late by the time they got to the house and he almost tripped on the ledge leading into the house. "Augh..." Catching himself on the sofa just a few steps inside he laughed a little. Normally he didn't drink that much either. It wasn't enough to get him completely washed up, but it had been enough to affect his coordination slightly and he was a little more prone to laughing. "After she goes to bed can we?" Star gave him a disapproving look. "Oh I didn't have that many drinks. They can't hurt my head anyway. It's hard as a rock."
 
Kato picked up Anna again and carried her to the bed room. "Oh, I was thinking maybe some non-alcoholic champagne then open all the gifts we got..." He set her down on the bed and kissed her. "Then, something more intimate. We have three days till we drop your father off, then the real fun starts."
***

HONEYMOON STATION- Four days later

It was a small station compared to the many others in the galaxy, but this one was famous for activities directed specifically towards honeymooners or other couples. Spas, arcades, cinemas, the theater, gambling, wining and dining and many other fun activities. Kato had booked them in the top floor suite. It was three times the size of their house and a hundred times more grandiose. There was even a hot-tub inside the enormous bathroom. Kato smiled as he opened the door for her, his own mouth dropping at the sight of their room. It was colored in gold and blue, with those blue flowers Anna loved on the table and scattered on the bed. "Like it? Or is too much?" He asks nervously. He wanted her to have the greatest time of her life these next few days before they had to switch gears and start focusing on the baby.
Anna's jaw dropped and she stood in the doorway as if she were stunned. "Kato what....What is all this?" She wasn't entirely sure how to react. "I...What do I say, it's just amazing."
Kato smiled in relief and closed the door behind her dashing over to the table. "I had them bring your favorite flowers up, and I ordered some non-alcoholic beverages and champagne for us. We have tickets to the spa which includes hot tubs and a couples massage. There is a flyer here for all the shows in the theater if you want to go see one of those. Or we could do a little gambling or anything you want really." He put a hand on her shoulder. "I just want you to have the best time ever."
He was so busy rambling on about all the things that he and she could do that Anna wasn't sure what he'd just said. "If you slowed down I might have a chance to hear what you were talking about. All I heard is that you love me and you went all out on the honeymoon."
Kato chuckled and repeated the options more slowly. "I've booked us for three days...so...we have plenty of time to do whatever we want."
"Then lets do it all starting with a massage." Anna grinned at Kato. "I think you'd need one after all that stress. You get worked up over these things and you should know I'd love it because I know you were thinking of me."
"Well, just because I was thinking of you doesn't mean this is exactly what you'd enjoy but...from what I know about you...I think I got it right." He gestured hopefully.
Humming softly she peered up at Kato. "You hit pretty close to the mark. A great looking party setting and what I like the most is right here." Pulling Kato a little closer to herself she placed her hands on his shoulders so she could stand on her tippy toes and kiss him. "That's what I enjoy most. You're all I want. I don't need these other things."
"I know you don't need them. That's what I love about you. But...they are nice to enjoy from time to time." He took her hand and grabbed the tickets to the spa. "Well, let's go then! We have a whole station to explore and three days to do it in."
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"Seriously, Killian! You're recovering from a head injury. You're not supposed to be drinking any alcohol while recovering from that." Star declares exasperated. "It slows your progress way down and could in fact harm you. Don't you remember that from trying to care for me?"
Killian rolled his eyes. "I didn't even drink enough to make me black out. I'm fine and no I don't remember drinking being bad. Kato just didn't like it when you had the wine with me. He had his head up his ass like usual."
"Alcohol making a person more susceptible to seizures ring any bells?" She asked nearly crossing her arms at him.
"Didn't drink enough to a get a seizure." Grumbling a little he sat down on the couch and started to unstrap the baby from himself. "You're just all about killing the fun lately. What's up with that?"
"I'm not trying be the kill-joy here, Killian but you're not being smart lately. Taking on a fight with Kavis with a head injury..." She started listing off on her fingers. "Considering taking Claire on dangerous raid or leaving her for who knows how many days, drinking with a head injury...I know you're still recovering but all these things should be common sense not to do."
"I don't want to be sick or always end up being treated like I am." Pulling Claire from the pack he held her to his shoulder with one arm. "I didn't know that stuff about babies, didn't remember the drinking thing, and the fight with Kavis I already admitted to knowing that was dumb." Walking with Claire to the bedroom he set her in her crib and got a mischievous grin when he turned around. "Maybe I've done a few dumb things the past few days, but I haven't had any dreams and I think that means we should have another drink." It was a bad joke, but it was worth a shot to see if she would catch on.
"I'm glad you haven't had any dreams lately, but no more drinks. The last thing I want to be doing is taking you too Witteck cause of a seizure when we should be celebrating. Or packing." She says, her tone lightening up on the last statement. Star was looking forward to exploring this planet, as long as Killian quit being stupid.
Killian walked over to the bed and flopped on it. "I was joking." Looking up at her from the bed he groaned. "Ooh have mercy I think I'll have a seizure now." Chuckling a little he sat up again and started to pull his boots off. "I vote we get up first thing in the morning and go."
"I like that plan." She finally smiles.
A little growl sounded and he stood up. "Good." Walking over to where Star was he ducked and flopped her over one shoulder. "Now you get in bed cause I know you won't want to get up in the morning." Since she was getting carried potato sack style he gave her rear a playful swat before he flopped her onto the bed. "I got one more idea before we go to sleep and it wasn't sex."
Star yelped as he lifted her up, swatted her then dropped her on the bed, hovering over her. Her heart pounded a bit from the surprise. "After that its hard to think what else you have in mind."
"I wouldn't object to having a little adult fun... but first." Getting up off the bed he wandered over to her dresser. "I was gonna fix this for you so it comes open easier." She'd been complaining about it and he had been avoiding fixing her dresser for her. Pulling the drawer open only a few inches it got jammed like usual and it allowed for just the tips of her fingers to reach in and grab socks. Killian pulled the drawer out from below it and almost forced his shoulders into the space so he could see. A little thunking and finally a ripping sound and he came out from under her dresser and put everything back to order. On the floor was a cartridge size box. "Drawer is fixed and what's in the box is for you." Being a smuggler he had little hiding places that he'd created all over the house too. This chocolate he'd traded a few things for, but he got a good brick of it for her. Taking the box to the bed he flopped it in front of her. "Tell me if you like it."
Star looked up at him in surprise and delight as she broke off a piece of chocolate and tasted it. The tight lines in her forehead faded and she smiled happily. "Mmm. Killian..." She smiles up at him. "Thankyou...this is an amazing surprise."
"Had it hidden in there for uh...How long has your dresser been broke?" He grinned a little bit. "Figured you'd rather that then discover random holes and compartments in the walls."
She laughs. "Yes, this is much better." Star sets the chocolate aside and pulls him down for kiss, smiling gently up at him. "I'm looking forward to getting away, just the three of us. Then, maybe when things have calmed down out there, we'll just go and explore again."

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The wedding meant nothing to Kavis and his personal council. If anything, it was just another example of the waste of finances that could be used helping the colony and instead they were going to things like this. So far only two or three humans had even expressed interest on sitting on the council. Perhaps if he ignored them long enough the request would fade and they'd forget about it. There were a total of five counsel members thus far. Himself, Old Chip Horis as his main counsel, and three other strong-bloods he trusted with his life. Each of them had experience and were capable leaders in their own right. They were also the ones who'd promised their loyalty to him the moment they had landed on this planet.

The weaker-blooded Chips were already concerned about not having any weak-bloods added the counsel, but he didn't care about their concerns in that matter. The weak bloods and humans had their place...and that was below the strong bloods. "Our first order of business must be the ranking and classification of all chip-bloods here. Any mate couples must be brought before us for evaluation and approval." Kavis begins. "People will become to free if this self-approval of mates is allowed to continue."
"And what of the humans?" Horis asked, brushing back his silver hair.
"For now, leave them as they are. We will integrate them into their appropriate place in society after everything else has been dealt with. But for now, we need their assistance in building the colony up to the place it needs to be."
"The humans here are stubborn." Another council member notes. "And many sided with Killian. If we do not approach their integration carefully, they will revolt."
"I am aware. Which is why our 2nd order of business must be the formation of the guard. We will integrate a handful of strong humans into the guard but the majority must be chippequoti. The most loyal chippequoti will be given instructions on how to deal with a human rebellion should one occur during this process."
 
One of the Chip's on the council looked at Kavis and nodded. "What will we do about Killian? He is easily swayed in favor of the Humans. That woman he has chosen to partner with was rumored to be the one that tamed him. Anyone can see plainly that he is captivated by her. Do we make him a guard of sorts? Will she die of an accident? He cannot properly match as long as he is with her. There are still many females that would be in his class. There are not many high enough in class to partner with those that we have here. If the human woman dies he is released from that bond."

A few of the other Chippeqouti nodded. They needed the strong blood and he could very well help to create a stronger class that could marry some of the stronger Chippeqouti when they got old enough. Just like the old days they would marry younger with older till they had a good mixture of blood. Potentially they could become great again if Kavis was willing to work even with the cursed blood.

Kavis tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully while nodding. "I have experienced his strength for myself. He would be an invaluable asset and a much needed addition to our bloodline, despite his cursed past. With so few of us, we cannot afford to be as picky as we once were." He leans back in his seat. "What would you all recommend?" Horis looked up at him. "Remove his current mate and cursed half-blood from his responsibility. But it must be done in such a way he does not suspect us. Then we should appoint a strong female to step in and comfort him in his time of grief for the purpose of becoming the true mate that he needs to help continue our bloodline." Horis looks at the other for any other input.

The older man nodded carefully. "I think that it would have to be done very carefully. He is a strong Chip. Much stronger than he should be at that age and he would be the first of his mix to survive childhood. Too much strong blood. If we do not succeed he would turn against us and never choose from our women. Is there one that you would have in mind? Could she learn from the Human's so that we might know what he has learned to be attractive and desirable?"

"Yes." Dougal glanced between Horis and Kavis. "She will need to be cunning. I know one that would be willing to learn the Human ways. Appear to sympathize with them and study their ways."

Kavis nods. “Very well then. We’ll give Killian a position of authority in the Guard. Gain his undivided loyalty towards us, his kin. Then, once everything has been settled in the colony, we remove the human mate and send in one of our own who is loyal and strong blooded as well.” Kavis looked over at Dougal. “You will be in charge of making a census of the current blood we have in this colony and choosing a loyal mate for Killian. Taloon, you will be in charge of organizing the guard and putting someone loyal at the top who will obey all orders. Horis, I’ll need your expertise in distributing our colony’s current funds to the appropriate places.” Kavis stood. “We have a lot of work to do gentlemen. Get too it.”

Dougal smiled. He knew exactly how to carry this plan out. A woman named Thiza would be perfect. She was tall, dark haired and violet eyes. A fine specimen and one that he wouldn't mind having himself, all except her blood. Thiza didn't have the quality that they needed, she was the highest level that they dare give to Killian and that would be more than enough. Together they would breed Chippeqouti children strong enough to mate with many others that were currently without mates. It would be the lost blood of Laularin's restored and it would remove some of the curse. These were desperate times and even cursed blood could be of use. Immediately he sent out a request for maintenance check on all Chippeqouti blood. It states that there would be a need for them to be checked for a dormant virus found in one of the men. Of course Chip's were always horrified with the prospect of a disease or virus so it brought them all in throngs.

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Anna rubbed Kato's arm gently. It was their last morning at the honeymoon suite. "You know I'm starting to get a little curious about the baby." No matter what she tried Anna's feelings had flipped and flopped on anything related to the baby. Sometimes she was scared about the baby and other times she was excited. "Thought I would have to tell my dad so when my doctor gives me the due date he'll know when to expect a picture of the baby." Pulling a tablet up she started to type out a message. "So when do you estimate I'll have our little one?"

"Well, You're probably about a month pregnant by now. You should give birth in about 8 months, but we can have an ultrasound picture as soon as 4 or 5 months."

"Oooh." Anna smirked. "So I should expect to be holding all your hard work in a few months."

"He or she will be all of your hard work" Kato smirks. "I had the fun part."

Anna chuckled. "Oh I don't know. I got you sweating a few times." Her same mischievous grin spread across her face and she scooted a little closer to him in the bed. "I think you'll have a bit of work to do before I get to go into labor."

"Yeah? So do I." He put an arm around her waist, pulling her even closer. "I'm going to make sure you are as ready as possible. Even paint the house if you'd like me to. Whatever you need, I'll do it." Kato says earnestly.

"Paint the house." Snorting she met his gaze and shook her head. "I think all I need right now is for you to calm down and relax. This is our last morning here."

"What? I am relaxed. Believe it or not I enjoy working." Kato chuckles. "In a way, that's just as relaxing for me as being with you is."

"Because relaxing is a hard thing to do when you're stuck in the mud." Teasingly pulling his face closer she kissed him and then felt the pad vibrate. "Oh I forgot to tell my dad we're about 8 months out. Don't worry he already knew you slept with me before we got married. He probably didn't approve of it, but tough luck."

"He can't do anything about it now, we're married." Kato smirks., tickling her sides as she tried to type back to her dad. "I'm going to show you just how much I'm not a stick in the mud today." He chuckles

Anna peered up at him and paused in the middle of her typing. "Really? I dare you to surprise me." Quickly she typed out the last of her message and clicked send.

**********************************************************************

Early the next morning Killian woke up. He was somewhat surprised to have another full night of sleep. His skull felt mildly tender, but there weren't any blinding headaches either. Just a few days of decent sleep had him thinking that he was next to being completely healed up. "Hey Star let's get going." Sitting up in the bed he nudged her gently. "I'll get myself packed and a few things for you. You get Claire ready and then make sure I got all your stuff."

Packing had gotten easier since he started counting how many articles of clothing a woman wore. He got it down to 5. One more than he had to wear cause Star had all those bra's and he didn't mind packing the ones he liked best for her.
 
Kato took the dare seriously. He was going to show Anna he knew how to have a good time with her. He knew he'd kinda blew it at their wedding with the chicken dance, but he'd been so petrified he couldn't do a thing. He started the day with a hearty breakfast before taking her down to the theater to watch a show they'd been wanting to see, followed by trip to the arcade where they fought side by side against some sort of strange looking alien in the machine. He got far less points than her, but he didn't care, grinning happily at her. He took her gambling and did rather well at black jack. They visited a few other places, but the last stop was a fun little karaoke and dinner den. He had two full glasses of wine before the nervous jitters began to fade and he stood, grabbed her hand and suddenly trotted them both up to the stage.

He typed on the datapad which song he wanted and the music began to play. "If you don't know this one, I'll be disappointed." He smirks then holds the mike to his lips. The speakers began to play "Ain't No mountain High Enough", and Kato sang like he'd been singing his whole life, with a smooth tenor voice that held the notes perfectly, most of the time. He winked at her during the song as if to say "did I surprise you?"

*********************************************************************************
Star laughed at Killian as he grabbed all her skimpiest bras. "So I guess you have other plans than just exploring the planet this week." She smirked. Claire was laying on her blanket next to Star and slowly began to roll.
A look like he'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar came over Killian's face. "I uh...Well I like these." He grabbed one or two of the more supportive bras and threw them into the bag.
Within a minute Claire had rolled herself straight into Killian's leg and peered up at him with those playful green eyes. Her mouth opened in a wide smile, revealing two tiny white specks peeking up through her bottom gums.
"Alright. I think that's everything." Star bent down, zipped up the suitcase and rolled it towards the door while Claire attempted to climb Mt. Killian.
"So..." Glancing down at his leg he noticed Claire grinning up at him broadly. The little girl had begun wanting to be picked up almost all day everyday. It was like she wanted him to hold her. "What's this?" Smirking at Claire he picked her up. "Should I just drop you in there to?" Setting her in the extra bag he zipped it up and then unzipped it and Claire burst out laughing. Zipping it up again he only opened it a tiny slit and she squeaked.
Star came back in time to see Killian playing with Claire. She leaned against the doorframe, smiling at the two. Claire was a daddy's girl. That was becoming clear even with her being only 7 months old. "You are a great dad, you know." Star says sincerely.
Suddenly hearing Star he unzipped the bag and started to pull the baby out. "Um...We really got to be going." Claire giggled and squealed again. "Got everything you need?"
"Everything but the kitchen sink, but I'm pretty sure there is one on the ship." She smirks. "Let's go."

Star took Claire once they were on the ship so that he could navigate. She sat beside him in the copilots chair making sure Claire didn't touch anything. She breathed a sigh of relief as they lifted up out of the colony. It always felt right, just the three of them. "Think we'll find any inhabitants?" She asks. It seemed strange that they had been there for a few months and no intelligent life had come to check on them.
 
Once they were in the ship Killian handed Claire off to her mother. No matter what he thought about kids before he was finding that he liked having Claire and she was a pretty good little baby. Taking his seat at the navigation's station Killian spun around on the seat and started to flick the controls on. He noticed that Star was doing a good job keeping Claire's hands off the controllers. Killian grinned at Star. "Oh who knows. We might get to see someone around the planet. It would be odd to think that we picked two planets that uninhabited and considering how nice the one is we've landed on I'd be concerned about why it doesn't have life on it. There would have to be a reason."

The flight was mostly quiet. It wouldn't take long to get to another part of it. Providing the fact that they were not familiar with the land he didn't want to end up setting coordinates or putting the ship on autopilot. "So you think that adventuring is safe for her? What if we meet cannibals?"

"We fly elsewhere...obviously." Star gave him a look. "Before we land, just do a life signs scan. If there's nothing bigger than a deer, we're good. If there looks like there's another colony, lets make a note of it in ship, but maybe try and avoid them for now. Just in case."

"Awe what's the fun in that?" Killian smirked at Star and turned in his seat. "So you gonna run those scans or do I have to do it all?"

"I can do it." Star shrugs. "Just let me know when you see a place that might be good to explore and I'll run a scan." Claire smacked her in the mouth and Star drew her head back. "Ugh, I liked it better when she was too small to move much."

"Nonsense. I like it now that she can move. I've almost stepped on her a few times now." A smirk came to his face. "Anytime is good. We're already about 300 leagues from the colony."

Star touched the screen and started a scan of the area. "Fresh water, trees, minimal animal life but no other signs of life. Good a place as any I suppose." She looks at him.

"Sounds good." Killian smiled at her. "Do you know how sexy it is when you use that scanner. I uh..." Looking at his screens again he lost track of what he was going to say and hooked one foot under the bar while he pressed down on the pedal for the dampeners. "Star I was thinking we could maybe start with a hike or...Um..." Pausing again he frowned deeply. The ship rumbled as they came close to the ground. "There....."

She gave him a strange look. "You ok? You usually don't have that much trouble talking and landing at the same time."

"No I'm fine." Killian glared at her. "Just having a hard time concentrating is all." He hated it when she got those looks on her face. It was like she was worried. "Was a little distracted by you. I don't normally have you in the navigation room." Winking at her, he got the baby pack and started to strap it on. "I know you don't like to carry her for too long. How heavy do you think she is these days?"

"23 pounds about. I weigh her every month and she gets heavier with each growth spurt." Star helped him out. "Good thing she has a big strong daddy to help out...yeah..." She tickles Claire's nose, grinning at her. Star looks back up at Killian. "I'm gonna get my hiking shoes on. Meet you at the door." She trots off to the bedroom and hurriedly slips on her sneakers before jogging back out to them. She took a deep breath as they stepped outside. "Mmm, the air here is sooo much better than that last planet."

Killian noticed Claire smiling so big. It was like the little girl knew what was going to happen. "Eh...you know don't you?" Smiling at Claire he rested a hand on her back while Star got her strapped in. "All those little curls." Bending his neck he nibbled at the top of her little curls and Claire reached up with her hands and started to grab at his chin. "Proper indignation for a girl. I'm messing your hair up."

Wandering outside with Claire he waited until Star arrived and took her deep breath. "Hmmm...Well you know." Killian chuckled. "This is the same planet as we've been on for a while." He knew what she meant and he dodged her playful slap.

The two of them started out for the first hill. "So I think we could try for the cavern over there." Killian stopped near the top of the hill and looked back. She was still a few paces behind him. All along the outside of the cavern were various drawings and some of it was painted. "Looks interesting. What do you suppose it is?" Shrugging he started into the cave anyway. "Should be interesting."

*********************************************************************

Anna jumped up on the stage with Kato and shook her head. "You'll have to be disappointed." They were both from opposite ends of the scale growing up. His voice was beautiful though. "Now that was surprising." Sneaking a little closer she pulled him away from the stage. "Do you know how lucky you are?" A broader grin came to her face. "I'll save my serenade for later. Finding it doubtful that you would want me to sin to you here."

"I would love to hear you sing." Kato says sincerely, taking her arm. "I can't believe you know the chicken dance but not the mountain song. Its a classic!"

"In front of all these people? You want me to sing the songs I can sing with any kind of skill?" Anna's eyebrows raised slightly. "Umm...I could try singing something besides Underneath Your Clothes." She was starting to wonder if he even remembered that. "I could sing Whenever Wherever."

"Or we can just wait till we're alone again." He flushes brightly, pulling her away from a potential disaster and back to the table. "Well, we have about 12 more hours before we have to leave this wonderful place. Any other activities you'd like to get in before we go to bed?"

Chuckling a little bit she followed him without even so much as a protest. "Oh I've got a few ideas for what to do and the first one involves some rappelling."

He raises an eyebrow at her. "Rappelling? Like...on a climbing wall?"

"Mmmhmmm." Anna smirked. "I could sing to you if you get too far behind."

"And what if you get behind?" Kato asks leaning forward on the table.

"I don't know. Can you sing when you're climbing?" The grin on her face grew. "You might have to try something you've never done before."

"I've never been a very active person in terms of climbing or hiking, but for you I'll give it a try. Just maybe don't sing anything...embarrassing." He asks hesitantly.

Giggling a little she leaned across the table to meet him and kissed Kato. "I'm not mean. That's why I forewarned you before taking the mic and starting." Her brown eyes lit up a tiny bit. "I could just sing Happy Birthday very loudly."

He nodded and shrugged. "That'll work." He kissed her back then called for the waiter to bring them their ticket.

Anna had barely got back to their room and changed before she had a good song in mind. Why hadn't she thought of it while they were at the karaoke earlier? Oh well she was sure she could sing a little bit on the climb regardless of who was ahead. Besides it wasn't a race. Almost dragging Kato to the wall she helped him get strapped into the belt and tilted her head all the way back to see how high it was. "I hope you're not afraid of heights." Getting into her own belt she smiled and put her hand on the first rock. "How about we just keep the same pace. I don't want you scrambling up the wall ahead of me. I'd rather have some time to talk." Part way up the wall she looked over at Kato and winked. "I just had a good song come to my mind." At first she started out quietly and then she increased her volume. (Song)

***************************************************************************

Inside the cave there was an odd smell. Killian sniffed a few times and wiped his nose. "Ugh..." Only a short distance into the cave the reason for the smell became obvious. There was a fire burning in a pit filled with old dried out moss. "Stare you sure there wasn't anything on your scan? Does the scanner pick up anything under the ground?"
 
Kato grinned as she sang. She had gorgeous voice and it was good to listen to when his ears weren't busy turning red. Someone below found the song on the datapad and began playing it loudly over the speakers as they climbed. Kato found the wall strangely easy to climb with his new found muscles and soon began to outpace her even though he didn't mean to. He reached the top but before hitting the bell he reached down a hand and pulled her up close to him. He let her hit the bell, signaling they'd reached the top then raced her back down to the floor. "Well, that was actually quite fun. I could probably do it three or four more times." Then he got that worried look again. "How's your back?"
Anna enjoyed watching her husband get into the sport of climbing. She raised an eyebrow. "You might feel like you can do it 3-4 times more today, but I guarantee you that if you don't do this much you'll feel it tomorrow even having done this once." Of course he immediately got worried about her back and she nodded. "It'll be ok. It hurts anyway and I keep thinking if I get it in shape before the baby makes me fat it should be better."
She smiled a little. "Oh the hot tub is a great idea. We don't have one of those so we might as well enjoy it while we can."
"What's wrong?" He noted that she wasn't as exuberant as before. "Was it something I said? I'm trying to be less of a worry-wart, stick in the mud, truly..."
"Ok. Whatever you need." Kato took her arm, walking her back to the room. He could feel her muscles tightening with every step. Either she was in pain or something else was going on and she was trying very hard to hide it.

He couldn't help but feel she was getting annoyed with him worrying over her but he couldn't help himself. "Are you certain you're ok? You're...stiff..." It was the only way he could explain what he was feeling from her.
Him talking out loud like that only made it worse in some ways. If someone was watching them the last she needed was for Kato to be advertising her alertness. "I'm uh..." Wincing a little she reached for her back with her other hand and faltered slightly with her step. Leaning more heavily into Kato she let out a shaky breath. "Honey, I think I threw my back out."
He went into doctor mode in single breath, sweeping her off her feet, and carrying her down the hall towards the elevator. "I'll rub some salve on it when we get back to the room." He pressed the button with his elbow.
To keep the show up a little longer Anna whimpered when he swooped her up. "Ah..." Wincing again she leaned into his arms, but she did stare out of the corner of her eye. She thought that she spied a man watching them from a distance. It was going to be a 2 minute packing time. Inside the elevator she moaned softly and clutched Kato's shirt firmly in her fists. As soon as they were in the room and the door closed she wiggled out of his arms." We need to go now."
Kato was clearly confused by the sudden theatrics. "What..." His forehead furrowed. "What's going on? Are you in pain or...?"
"No Kato I'm fine. You were just advertising the fact that I was aware something was wrong." Throwing as many thing of theirs that she could gather into one spot she shoved their bag near the end of the bed and began to scoop it all in. "We've got about 30 seconds to be leaving before they beat us to the ship, plant a tracking device on it, figure out what's really going on, or they try to stop us from leaving."
Kato began helping her pack but he was still confused. "Who's they? How do you know that someone is trying to stop us?"
No matter how fast he thought he was moving, Kato was always methodical. Taking everything she could out of his arms she shoved the bag into his arms. "I don't have time to explain this right now." Standing on her tip toes she kissed him. "Just trust me and do what I say for now ok?"
Kato nodded. Was her past coming back to haunt her? Even all the way out here? He was suddenly getting worried that a repeat of what happened to her a few months back was about to happen again. He planned to stay as close to her as possible.
"You head out to the ship with this bag and get the engines started. We can't be seen heading there together." Anna peered into his eyes. "I know you don't want to do that, but you have to or you won't be any help to me. It could get us both killed if you don't do this."
"I can't leave you. What if you shot again?" His face paled at the thought. "There has to be another way..."
Anna was starting to lose patience with him and she glared. "I will if you don't hurry up and do something. Please just listen to me!" Pulling a pair of Kato's sweatpants on over her clothing she pulled on the drawstrings to be sure that they kind of stayed on. She'd kept a few of his things out including a gray hoodie that she pulled on and then Anna smeared a bit of oil on her skin. With the hood guarding her face she smirked. "You leave, I scream only a few seconds later and you come back to the room. Drop the bag on the floor and follow me out the window. I'll just look like a thief."

He still looked exceedingly concerned. This was the life of his wife and unborn child on the line. "Ok...." He picks up the bag and heads out the door. Out of the corner of his eye he notes two men looking a bit more suspicious than the others coming down the hall. Sure enough he hears the scream drops the bag and dashes back into the room and to the window.
For just a moment Anna laid on the bed. She needed to be sure that the scream sounded like it came from that part of the room. Letting out a high pitched blood curdling scream after he'd been gone long enough to get part way down the hall she then scrambled out of the bed and pushed a window open. Before she could get out of it all the way Kato came bursting into the room. Hopefully he could remember to close the door. Dropping out of sight she landed on the ground almost 5 feet below and she winced as she hit the ground. Still Anna wasn't about to slow down. Dashing for the docks she weaved along the way to be sure that she was as confusing to those watching as possible.
Kato climbed over the ledge of the windowsill and lowered himself down to the ground a bit slower than she had before sprinting off after her. He hated that he couldn't see her, that he couldn't keep an eye on her. But he had to trust she would be ok. He sprints the entire way to the ship, breathing heavily as he reaches the hanger. He takes a moment to catch his breath before hurrying to enter the ship.
Darting up the ramp of the ship Anna slammed the button impatiently a few times till it started to close. She had heard the engines start and that was all she needed from him to get done. "Kato you ready to lift off?" Jogging into the navigation room she grabbed a tablet and started to scramble their transmissions. "We'll need to get a clean run out of here. Nobody can know where we're going and so far we should be good on ownership. I have changed it to say that a Mr. and Mrs. Smith own it. This is ours with the clear title from the planet thank god. Nothing like a stolen alliance ship from the wars to make stick out like a sore thumb."

"I'm not even going to ask how you know how to do all that." He shakes his head, undocking from the bay and taking her back out into space. "Bummer of a way to end our honey moon. Who were those people? What did they want?"
Anna leaned back in the seat and she breathed in a few times before nodding at him. "It could have been worse." Still it appeared to have shaken him up a bit more than she thought it would. "I'm pretty sure they were noble spies and they want to know where I've been harboring all the escapees. Would probably like to know where I get all my money too." The look on Kato's face made her want to laugh. "You poor man. We weren't that close to getting caught and you look like you've seen a ghost."
"I damn well feel like it." Kato wiped the sweat from his forehead, trying to concentrate on flying. "If anything had happened to you...our child...I..." He stared at the controls. "I felt so helpless to do anything. I was slowing you down while I was supposed to be protecting you. Damn useless in these sorts of situation..." He murmurs the final sentence.
Getting up from the seat she nodded. "It does feel that way at first. You provided a good out. Played the part of my husband packing things up since my back hurt and coming back to save me, chased the thief like any good man would. Kato you got the engines started and warmed up. If I had to do all that by myself I would have taken a lot longer. Maybe I would have had to wait till night or at least a few hours to see if they found my ship or if I would have to steal one and try to lose them. I'm not involved in the business directly anymore, but the mole probably ratted all of us out that he could figure by identity and I'm pretty sure he got a look at me when I tried to escape."
"Then we shouldn't leave the planet again. Not for a long while." Kato replied.
Anna smiled gently at him. "Well I still loved the honeymoon." She didn't want him to feel like it was failure because it wasn't. "I still enjoyed what we got to do and it was only cut short by a few hours. Nothing serious."

Kato smiled back at her. "I loved it as well. However I'm thinking there is one more stop we should make before heading back to the planet and settling in for the long haul." He looks at with an excited gleam in his eye. "We need baby supplies."
"Oh after all that you are adventurous." Anna knew it would be safe though. "Don't you think we ought to know if its a boy or girl before we go crazy buying stuff?'
"You're a little over a month in. I can do a special blood test to determine what gender the baby is right now. If you want."
Anna shook her hips a little bit. "Mmm. Yes please Dr. Jones. I'm an impatient woman."
Kato shook his head at her. "You're the only one who can make Dr. Jones sound dirty." He put the ship on autopilot and took her to the med bay for the test. A few minutes later they were watching the screen intently for the result.
"That's a good thing. I'm a jealous woman too." Smirking she looped her arm with his and walked with him to the medical bay where she pulled the hoodie sleeve up and let him draw the blood. After what felt like forever she saw the screen blink with a signal. "Does that little blue stripe mean its a boy?"
"Yes...yes it does. We're having a son." Kato looked thrilled. "Excited?"
Anna smiled at him. "Oh yeah!" She nearly leaped from the little bed. "We need to buy all sorts of little blue and green things for him. Then we need a name and I like Jacob."
Kato nods. "I like Jacob too. Jacob...my son...Jacob." He grins at her and picks her up off the table, spinning her with a laugh. "Let's make this trip count. We may not be able to safely leave again for a while."
"Alright then." Before she could say anything else he swept her off the bed and she squealed some. Holding tightly to Kato she breathed almost heavily though it was mostly for the fact that he surprised her. "I-I agree."

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"I'm thinking cavemen." Star teases upon reaching the entrance of the cavern and noting the paintings on the front. It was hard to tell what they were signifying. They went into the cave, exploring a little ways before an unpleasant smell hit them. "Uh, not really. Not unless its something major. You think there are people in here? Living like this?" Now she was curious, but she was also worried for Claire and Killian was still recovering even though he'd been doing tons better. "Maybe we should go."
"What?!" Killian turned around and stared at Star half in disbelief as she was already hinting at leaving. "We just got here. Besides if there are people hiding under the ground how do we know they aren't on our side of the planet too?"
That thought was even less assuring. She finally relents, reaching into her backpack and pulling out her gun. "Fine. But I'm going first cause you have Claire." She stepped forward, gun in hand, but pointing at the ground. She wasn't taking any chances.
Of course he got stuck behind cause he had the baby. "Naturally you would do that." He was starting to think that maybe they didn't want to find these people. If anything happened to Star he didn't know what he would do. "Well I'm going to have mine ready too then." Slowly they progressed till the lights became more frequent and then he heard a little clattering and he pushed up against the wall.
"There is definitely something down there." She whispered and looked over at Killian. "Last chance to go back."
As much as he wanted to go back he wanted to have just a quick peek for documentation sake. "Are we close enough to see any of them?"
She shook her head. Then started down the corridor again, rounding the corner before Killian.
Walking as tightly as he could behind Star Killian peered over her shoulder. He wanted to see what was down there so badly and yet it seemed they had to go deeper till he heard something behind them. "We'd better start back now. I think they might know we're here."
Star looked up at him. "Yeah, ok." She turned around, gun still at the ready.
A little figure darted in front of them and Killian reached out to grab it. Grabbing the figure was more instinct than it was thought at this point. Almost as soon as he had a hold of it the little thing turned and bit him. Growling he stepped forward and pushed it against the wall with his knee. "You got a flashlight?" Taking a light from Star he shown it in the creature's face. It was a little gray skinned man with large ears and pale white eyes. Both Killian and the man stared at each other and Killian released him. "Do you think he understands us?" The creature murmured in a strange tongue and started to back away before it screeched loudly and ran out of sight. "Ok we should probably do the same."
"Yeah, move. Hurry." Star pushed him forward, watching their backs. She could almost hear the rumbling of hundreds of little feet charging them. Or maybe it was just the planet rumbling. Either way...she didn't want to stay and find out.
Star couldn't move fast enough so Killian picked her up with one arm and held her under it. "You just run with your feet when you can." Daylight was almost in view and he twisted slightly to grab her under her legs and he jumped for daylight. Hopefully these things didn't like the daylight. "We might want to keep our ship suspended in the air tonight."
"Agreed. We may want to leave this area too...just in case." Her gun pointed at the entrance to the cave, as she held onto his shoulder with one hand. She briefly noted how she missed having him carry her around from time to time. Now Claire got all the attention, though she did need it. "I don't seem them coming from the cave. We may be in the clear. Set me down, I can run with you from here."
Nodding to Star he took up a jogging pace. That was usually running for Star. The two of them stayed at that pace till Star began to drop behind slightly. Killian slowed to a walk and he looked over at her. "Well now...I'd say that's a disturbing discovery. What if they're under the town and they roam all night long? Haven't you had your garden patch ruined a few times? Why would Cin want to eat your squash?"
"There are other animals in these woods..." Star says, catching her breath from the run. "But if they are there and haven't attacked us in the three months we've been there...they must be relatively peaceful."
Killian was feeling a little paranoid. "I think if we go out walking along the hills we should have Cin come with us. I'll go get him out of his room."
Star chuckles at him. "Can't hurt to have a guard bear. But lets get out of this area for the time being and find another place to camp."
Nodding he agreed with her. "Next time we go out you're carrying Claire." Killian stared at Star for a long moment. "I don't like you going in front like that."
"Oh? Well, now you know how I feel." She smirks at him.
"That's different." Killian protested as he sat down to unstrap the baby. "I'm the guy and I'm more experienced doing that kind of stuff. You should be holding the baby or something like that."
Star chuckles. "Maybe. But that same feeling of worry you had for me...I have for you constantly. Especially when you do stupid things like get into fights with a busted head." She teased him.
"Yeah but..." Killian stared at her. "I'm not supposed to be hiding behind you and I'm sturdier than you are."
"I'm not saying you should." She took his hand. "But just remember its a whole lot easier putting your own life at risk than the life of someone you love. Every time you enter a dangerous situation or want to go on raids and that sort of thing...just remember I'm at home worrying , so you'd better damn well come home each time."
Killian nodded a little more seriously this time. "I never plan on getting hurt or killed." Still he didn't like how it felt watching her go in front. "Lets just talk about this later. You remember, you're carrying Claire and I'll walk with Cin in the front when we land at the next place. You got one scoped out yet or are we gonna land at random?"
"There was a place with a waterfall pouring into a lake that looked pretty. I'll que it up." Star stood and kissed him then went over to navigation to direct the ship.
 
Anna let Kato massage her back a little and she accepted a small injection to help with the inflammation that had started. Sometimes she wondered if she would have permanent back pain from the bullet. Most days it was alright though after she jumped out of the window it was a little less than ok. Early the next morning she felt like she was cramping and she threw the covers back. It was probably just her body having fits over the back pain. Ignoring the pain for the time she got started on the morning routine and returned to the bedroom to get Kato up. He had been so stressed out that she wasn't surprised he needed the extra sleep. Gently rubbing his head she grinned at him. "Hey, time to get up."

They were only about half hour away from preparing to land. Anna took every precaution and buckled herself into one of the seats for the landing. She knew that Kato didn't want her doing anything even halfway risky. As the planet came into view she was getting more excited. They could buy a few little things for the boy and she wasn't entirely sure what all they would need. Kato knew and she was going to be relying on him for that.

Inside the first shop they bought the boring things like diapers, wet wipes, nursing pads, bottles, extra nipples for the bottles, pacifiers, diaper rash cream, booger syringes, and more. When it started to get to the stuff like blankets, boppy pillows and toys for the baby it was far more exciting. Anna smirked. "You saved the best for last on purpose." He probably knew that she wouldn't want to do the rest of it if they did the fun stuff first. Anna began to browse through the crib area and picked out one then glanced at Kato. "We need this one and he's gonna get a lot of dinosaur stuff." Since she'd always found dinosaurs to be cool her little man was going to get all the dinosaurs he wanted and more. Even the toys she bought for him were little fuzzy green lizards and other creatures that were supposed to be intimidating. "They still have that planet that they call Primordia. Got dinosaurs on it and here we all thought they were extinct. Apparently that was only in some systems and I want to go there someday. Maybe just fly over so we don't risk getting attacked. Don't you think it would be great?" Mostly mumbling to herself she went along and collected some dinosaur slippers for the baby Jacob.

"He's gonna be as cute as a bug." That only spurred more ideas and Anna drifted over to the clothing section and started to pull out all the cute baby boy shirts and pants that she could find. Nobody had any baby boys recently on the planet. It was an excuse to buy and abundance of things. "You know we could always keep this stuff or pass it on to other babies later on. Somebody will need them." The excuse somewhat worked for now and Kato pushed the giant overflowing cart a little closer. "Like everything else I need you to ok it first."

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It was the first morning back at the planet and Anna had helped Kato move all the boxes and bags of baby things into the house the night before. Waking up late she gave a stretch in the bed and giggled at the mounds of stuff that she saw piled outside their bedroom door in the living room. She hadn't really thought that she went that crazy. "Kato do you think we got enough?" Snickering again she got up from the bed and winced. Her back was not behaving. Anna figured it wasn't anything surprising considering the baby and then the work.

Heading into the bathroom she sat down on the toilet. Then she saw the little bit of blood in her underwear. Hurrying her business as quickly as possible she rushed back to the room. "Kato!" He was being lazy this morning, but he did come awake with the tone of her voice. "I'm bleeding. It's not much. I need you to look." Anna didn't care if it was here at the house or if he wanted to take her to the clinic to do it. Anna just didn't want to lose the baby and they had barely got started. By now it was about 5-6 weeks along and that was still the danger zone for losing a baby.

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Killian got the ship off the ground and the three of them flew toward the waterfall. Just for fun he landed the ship atop the rocks that the waterfall spewed out of. While Star got Claire all strapped on he wandered over to the bear's little room and opened the door. "Cin." The bear had grown some more and it was getting larger all the time. Even though it was just a few months older than when he got it, Cin had grown from a tiny cub to half the size of Killian. "Lets go." At that phrase the bear rushed for the door of the ship and started to grunt and snort with anticipation.

The group of them went outside and Killian watched the bear run down the hill toward the water. It was a good thing that the one room for Cin was just an empty box with some bedding for the bear. Cin was going to smell like a wet animal by the end of this. There wasn't much outside here that seemed to be so different until he came across a rock.

It was a strange rock with a green hue and it almost felt slimy by itself. "Hmm...almost like a serpentine." This was a very unusual place to find it. Typically that kind of rock didn't just lay on the top of the ground. Seeing more of the green rock in the water he holstered the weapon that he had drawn and wandered over to the edge. Before he risked sticking his hand in the water he glanced at Cin who was having a glorious time bathing and catching oddly colored fish. Killian sniffed the water and then stuck a hand in and grabbed one of the rocks. Even the water had a nearly smooth oil like feel to it. Very soft water and probably packed with minerals. "I want to take a few samples." Opening a pouch he dug out some vials. "What we need in the colony is some sort of lab for me to find out what all this stuff is. We could be using it if we knew what it could do."

Glancing at Star he thought she had a funny look on her face. "You know I like exploring. This is just part of it." Filling one of the vials with the water he waited for it to stop churning and watched for any settlement or debris. "If I had something to help settle the elements I might be able to take the deposits from the water and see if it's linked to the rock or if the rocks are covered in something else."

For the next several days Killian started to carry Claire again and he climbed over rocks and through trees though he did occasionally feel the urge to climb a tree and pull a little bark off of it. There were so many elements of the planet that you couldn't see with the naked eye. So many that could be potentially very dangerous or useful. Killian was still bothered by those people underground. What if they really had a network that ran through the entire planet? Would they really be under the colony?
 
Kato tried to keep the worried expression of his face as Anna showed in him the bloodied underwear. He set it aside and took her hand. "Bleeding doesn't always mean a miscarriage. Let's go over to the clinic so I can do some thorough tests though." He put a comforting arm around her waist and walked her to the clinic. Thankfully he had a few more days off. He had her lay down on the scanner-bed and rubbed a cool gel over her abdomen before sitting down in the chair next to the scanner and starting the scan. He was silent for several minutes as the scan went back and forth over her pelvis and stomach. Finally he takes a deep breath, that look on his face saying it before he could.
"It is the beginning of a miscarriage...but...I may be able to save him." Kato stood and took her hand. "I'm not a certified baby doctor, but I swear I'm going to do everything I can. Its going to be ok." He kissed her forehead.
Anna's eyes welled up. Just the look on his face said it all. "Ok." Holding one hand over her stomach and allowing Kato to take the other she almost seemed to wish that just holding the baby would keep it inside. "Let's do what we have to."
"We're going to start with complete bed rest. No movement or walking except for going to the bathroom and taking baths. I'm going to do some research to see what I can do...because I know there are treatments...but we have limited supplies here and not enough time to go shopping for new ones. Then I'll get to work. Um, I'm going to want to move you to the ship for the time being to limit movement and to better monitor this. Tell me what you need and I'll get it."
"Bed rest?" Anna sniffed a little and looked at Kato. "For how long?" It could be a horribly long time if she had to wait for the next 8 months to pass while she laid in a bed.
"A couple weeks. Just until the risk of miscarriage has passed. If the treatment works it shouldn't be more than a month." Kato stroked her hair tenderly.
"Ok." Anna made sure to remain laying down for fear that the baby would be lost even in these few moments. "Kato, I don't want to lose the baby. I just got used to the idea of the little guy being in there."
"I know. Neither do I. But I'm going to do everything I can. I'll even get Witteck and see what he knows." He held her hand tightly. "Modern medicine is amazing...I know people who have been on the verge of having miscarriages before and managed to prevent it. There is still hope. Lots of it."
Nodding a little Anna waited for what seemed like forever for the other doctor to come in. Witteck was more of a researcher than a doctor at times, but it provided him with a completely different base of knowledge than most of the others here. "Well my dear." Walking over to the bed he looked at her face and studied her eyes for a moment before he looked at the chart that Kato had made up. "We've got everything to try from a basic pill to help shift your body's response to a plug. Basically that's what it would be. Something to force your body to hold on for a few days longer till we could replace it with another gradual release plug that would help wean your body off the immediate need. In your case it is early enough the pill may work."
Kato had barley let go of her hand since bringing her here. "For most women it makes the pregnancy symptoms two to three times worse than normal for the duration of the treatment, but...it'll be worth it if it saves him. Still, there is no guarantee." He looks at her with that tender worry. "Its your choice of if you want to try it."
"I'll do it." Anna wrinkled her nose. "Just means you're gonna smell like a skunk."
Kato chuckled lightly. "We'll get you nose plugs. How about that?"
"I won't be able to breathe then." Anna flared her nostrils a little. "What you gonna do, stuff tampons up my nose when you come to visit?"
Kato rolled his eyes at her. "I suppose you'll just have to suffer me smelling like a skunk then. I'll try and get more of those incense sticks from Shanti and put them in your room here." He gently lifted her off the scanner bed and carried her to the main bedroom on the ship. He gently lay her down on the bed and handed her a datapad. "Write a list of what you want or need for the next couple weeks and I'll get it" He sat next to her, brushing her hair with his fingers. "You know this isn't your fault right? Miscarriages happen all the time for no discernible reason."
At least Kato had started to catch onto her sense of humor and he didn't turn red when she made her little comment. Taking the data pad she began to write out the first thing that came to mind. "Lots of underwear, socks, a few bra's, mostly dresses cause I don't plan on staying in this hospital gown forever." While she wrote out the things on the pad she said them aloud as if she would forget them. "Some of my giant fuzzy pajama pants and shirts, toothbrush, toothpaste, and ...." Finally she handed it back to him. "That gives you the general idea. Just the same kind of stuff I'd pack for a vacation."
Anna stared at Kato for a long moment after he gave her the semi comforting statement. "How do I know it wasn't from when we were running or maybe it was all the drugs when I was younger. That stuff could make it harder to carry a baby."
Kato nodded. "Maybe...there is a 20% chance that could have attributed...but 80% is unrelated factors." He put a hand on her stomach. "Whatever happens...I love you, and I don't blame you...so don't you dare blame yourself."
"20% is still a chance." Anna peered into his eyes. "I'm going to keep this baby and we'll get to meet little Jacob. Just quit worrying. I do enough of that for both of us anyway."
Kato nods and smiles, kissing her forehead before taking the datapad. "I'll be back soon."
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Star stuck her tongue out at Killian with an "Ew, gross" look as he picked up the slimy rock and began taking samples of the water she'd originally been hoping to swim in. So much for that idea. She held Claire on her back, which was much easier than carrying her on her front now that she was getting heavier. The babe would not leave her bun alone even with other toys at her disposal.

It was fun watching Killian act the explorer. Carrying Clare around as he gathered samples and had her write notes down in their "exploration" journal. She wasn't as enthused about the whole gathering samples thing but at least he was getting some of that exploration bug out of his system. They sat by a fire 10 days later as darkness fell over the forest. "You know I've been thinking about those creatures. What if there really is an entire civilization beneath our feet, with tunnels that span the entire planet? That would be an amazing discovery. We should try and find out for sure so we can let the colony know."
Killian looked at Star and thought for a long moment. "Well how do you propose we do that?" He hated the idea of doing what they had first. "I could go down there with Cin, but I don't want you and Claire in the way."
"There are couple ways without going down ourselves." Star nibbles on piece of meat they'd cooked over the fire. "We can send scanner bots down into one of the tunnels, see if we can get pictures and a general idea of the tunnels look like deeper in. We can also modify the ship's scanners to look beneath the soil to see if we can pick up just how far the network stretches."
"Hmmm.... We could do both." Grinning at her he picked up one of the rocks and started to rub it. "We'll want to see how far they've built underground and then get some ideas of what it looks like under the ground. Who knows I might go exploring in the tunnels again one day." Killian loved the idea of exploring the tunnels after he knew better what to expect. "They might know more about the rocks and water than we do."
"It would be good to make contact but...they may not understand us and consider us a threat. Our first interaction did not go so well."
She had to bring that up and he frowned. "Well no...but I think I would be just fine if I waited a few weeks to go down there."
"Let's see what we can find out about them first. Then...maybe in a few weeks you can take a peace offering. If they really are the ones raiding my garden, the vegetables might be the best thing to take."
"Of course they would be the ones raiding your vegetables. Cin wouldn't do that." Killian looked over to see his bear picking berries off a plant and carelessly sitting on another one behind himself. "He might if you tried to grow berries."
"Now I have two reasons never to grow berries." Star replied. She sighed and stretched out on the blanket, laying her head on Killian's leg, her ringed hand on his knee. "I like this...just the three of us. You know that you're pretty adorable running around like a passionate kid, gathering samples and drawing things."
Killian looked down when Star rested her head on his leg and her hand rubbed on his knee. A gradual expression of disdain came to his face. "I'm nothing like a kid. That's what exploration is about. You draw what you can't take with and since I can write now I describe what I find and then I take samples to test later on. What if there are useful or harmful minerals that we didn't know about?"
"Relax, Killian." She sighed. "It was supposed to be taken as a compliment. I only meant you looked like you were having a good time without a care in the world."
"Oh..." Sometimes he didn't know where girls got the idea that a guy was adorable or cute. "Well then I guess I'll take it as a compliment." Smirking a little he leaned forward so he could see her face a little better. "You have a strange way of complimenting people you know that?"
She chuckles. "Maybe you just have a strange version of what a compliment is." Star turned and lay on her back, so she could look up at him with that smile he loved. "Would you have liked it better if I said something like, 'You really looked like you knew what you were doing out there'."
Having to consider he might be the odd one made Killian think for a moment. Then she got that grin and he loved it, but he also knew that meant Star was about to get mischievous. Gradually a grin came to his face and he nodded. "Uh huh. That sounds better. See, all it takes is a little practice and compliments come out so much better. You're never mistaken about my compliments. They're easy to figure out."
She nods. "So straight forward compliments...none of the comparison kinds. Got it." She smirked at him and put a hand on his chest. "How about this? I love how strong and big you are...and sometimes I wish I was Claire so that you could carry me around all day like that."
"Straightforward is always the best way to do it." Killian figured the conversation was over so he turned his head to see where the bear was at and then he felt a hand creep up his chest. "Uh..." Getting a serious look for a moment it shifted to a cautious grin like he was expecting her to say or do something wild. It was unexpected if anything. "That's kinda weird." Chuckling a little he shifted so he could move Star off his leg. "I get the idea you'd want me to carry you to bed more often." A smirk started to grow on his face. "You know what that does to me."
Star shrugged with a light smirk then stood up. "I'm going to bed. You going to stay out here for a bit or join me?
Groaning a little he pushed himself up off the ground. "I don't want you to go to bed alone. Could be dangerous." A smirk came to his face. "What if I carried you to bed?"
"I think I'd like that." Star grins up at him.
Killian growled playfully and scooped Star into his arms. Kissing her on the lips he chuckled a little. "Its a good thing you like that."
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Kato was as attentive as possible of Anna during the course of the next several days. Though he had to return to work, he worked right there on the ship and sat with her every-time he wasn't with a patient. He was getting better at hiding that look of worry with a tender smile or a soft laugh. He made sure she was as comfortable as possible with plenty of pillows, good line of sight to the t.v., easy access to water and food and anything else she needed. He slept beside her every night, perhaps being overly cautious in the way that he held her. So far, the plug had kept the miscarriage from happening, and the pill was working to repair whatever damage had been done to start this in the first place.
 
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