Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

Andy pulled at Star's zipper in the back of the dress. "Don't be ridiculous. It's a party and I'm dressed up to." She'd even bought suits for all the men. "We're all dressing up and that's all there is to it." Noticing the burn scars were causing some discomfort for the woman Andy grabbed a blue scarf that matched the dress. "Here." Draping it gently across the front of her neck she let it flow down her back. "Now that's elegant looking." Turning around she put her back to Star. "Zip me up." She was almost giddy. "The treatment worked. We got the confirmation." Searching the other woman's face she finally realized that Star probably didn't know or hadn't remembered. "You told me to go after him a few years back and I was too chicken. So I decided to say something only a few weeks back. He had some disease that was killing him but, we tried an experimental procedure and it worked. Kato isn't going to die nearly as early as he thought." Prancing about the room with the sheer ecstasy of it all Andy finally slipped into her heels. "We need to get down there. I've still got to set all the food out."

Staring at the different parts of the suit Killian grumbled. He didn't know what the giant colored band was for. It was a pretty blue but, it didn't make sense and he couldn't tie the bow without it falling sideways and looking stupid. The vest he could figure out and that was alright. Suspenders were self explanatory. "I feel like a penguin." Cursing under his breath he fumbled with the cuff links.

Mike could see that Andy was almost ready and he still didn't know where Killian was so he wandered up the stairs. "Killian!" All the younger guys had already gotten some help from Mike to get their bowties on and figure the suits out. "What the hell are you doing in there?"

"I don't know!" Yelling back through the door Killian waited for Mike to open the door. "Which order do you put this on?" He couldn't figure out where the band went with the whole suit. Finally it made sense though it still made his side a little tender feeling. By now it was just bruised feeling. Once he was sorted out and the bowtie actually stayed the way it was supposed to he walked down the stairs very carefully.

Andy insisted on at least 1 dance with every guy at the party. She knew that neither Killian nor Kato would be up for much dancing with their recovery going along. Still it was great to have food and a good time. Even Star looked like she might have enjoyed the night. Coming over next to Star she saw her watching the guys all fidget nervously in their suits. "I'll admit Killian looks good all dressed up. Never seen him like that before. You know you could get him so flustered. It was actually funny to watch you. I remember one of my favorites was the time you decided to lay his head on your lap. It was surprising he didn't fight it. Always such an independent person. He was actually a little embarrassed to wake up and discover he drooled all over your leg in his sleep." Andy chuckled and handed her a little punch. "Its non alcoholic, but if you pretend it is you could always go bump into him."

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Andy finished her last drink of the night. Giggling a little bit she weaved across the room toward Kato through the various streamers and other decorations that had littered the house. Sneaking in underneath one of his arms she leaned lightly into him while they walked up the stairs together. On the way she swayed almost to a beat of her own while she softly sang a little tune. When they reached the bedroom she pushed the door open and pulled him in with her. Still half mumbling the song she leaned up to kiss him and then fell back on her heels. “Don’t you think it’s silly that the guy always has to serenade the girl? Well I’m gonna sing to you instead.”

That mischievous grin came to her face. Loudly she started with the chorus of one of her favorite songs. “Underneath your clothes there’s and endless story. There’s the man I chose, there’s my territory and all the things I deserve for being such a good girl…” Hooking one finger in his belt she pulled the doctor closer and kissed him again.

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Killian was almost asleep in his room when he heard Andy bust out in song. “Aaagh!” Turning over in his bed he pulled the pillow over his head. Despite pulling the pillow over his head he could still hear the words she was singing at nearly the top of her lungs. “Good grief.” That lady was just plain crazy sometimes and he didn’t even want to know why she was singing that song. Then it occurred to him that the only two people still up when he went to bed were Andy and Kato. Making a frown he shook his head. “Really? Those two?” Only few seconds more and he pulled the pillow tighter. “Ugh!”
 
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Star smiled at Andy as she retold the story of Killian falling asleep on her lap and drooling on her. She remembered laughing at his awkward expression after he'd woken up and seen the drool spot. Then Andy encouraged her to go over to him. She wasn't sure if Killian would like that. He'd left her room rather suddenly the last time she'd talked to him and he hadn't returned. Not that she blamed him. She had tried to kill him. But Andy's joy and playful nature was rather intoxicating.

She glanced over at Killian who was shifting awkwardly in his suit. A final little push from Andy started her walk to him. She came up from behind him and slipped her small hand into his as it hung at his side. Immediately she felt exceedingly nervous and self-conscious and stared at the floor to avoid his eye contact. Was he happy with this? Was he annoyed or angry? She didnt want to look up and risk seeing rejection. Despite how anxious she felt, she hadn't expected the simple act of holding his hand to be so comforting.

Timo prodded Mike in the side with his elbow and gestures to Star standing beside killian, holding his hand. He watched curiosly, wondering what was going to happen next.
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Kato woke with Andy Anna by his side. He sighed happily, turning on his side he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. He noted the age spots on his skin had begun to fade and his body was feeling stronger. The treatment really was working. He kissed her neck as she shifted under his arm. "Morning, beautiful." He whispers with a smile. "That was a fun surprise."
 
Standing in the crowded little room was a bit nerve-wracking. They were all milling about. In the ship he was either alone or they were always in eyesight and that made it far more tolerable. Turning his head one way and then another Killian was almost ready to go back himself into a wall and just watch from there. While he was debating making a small effort at hiding a tiny hand slipped into his. At first he froze and waited for the hand to pull away again. Almost every nerve in his back had begun to tingle with the anticipation of getting hit.

It only took Killian a few seconds to get his heart to slow down. Carefully he began to close his hand around hers and looked over at her. Star's head was hanging low as if she wasn't sure that this was a welcome expression. Even if she wasn't quite the same if he was going to be fair he wasn't the same either. Killian was still apprehensive because he didn't know if she would change her mind but, there was only one way to find out. Pivoting on his heel he turned himself to be directly in front of her. "Hey..." With his other hand he gently lifted her chin. "I'm still here and I still love you." Searching her face with his eyes he tried to read if there was anything going on at all. Sometimes it was hard to tell if she could hear what he was saying or if her brain was still chasing Kafus.

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"Eee..." Giggling a little bit Andy Anna playfully tried to escape. She still tried to be careful so she wouldn't hurt Kato. Anna looked over her shoulder at him and then pulled away again when he kissed her neck. "Quit...I'm ticklish." Twittering a little more she shifted in the bed so that she could face him instead of having her back to the doctor. "Mmm." Planting a little kiss on his lips she grinned afterword. "Oh I've got lots more surprises for you. Can't have you acting like a stick in the mud all the time." Pushing herself up in the bed she kissed him again. "I need to get up and check on Killian." Andy couldn't help that she would rather stay here though. "I'll be back in a while."

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There was more than enough cleaning to get done around the house. Anna started with the living room. Easiest thing to do was start off with scooping all the streamers into a pile and picking them up. Since her garbage can was full the little lady took the rest of it out to a larger bin across the alley. It all seemed nice and quiet until the growl sounded behind her. Slowly she turned her head.
 
Star's eyes welled up with tears. "Me too." She whispered. The feelings for Kafus were still there, but fading. Her fear for Killian still lingered but the love that she'd written about in her journal was growing. Her hand slid out of his as she took a step forward and hugged him, her ear resting on his chest next to his heart. This...this felt right.


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Kato bemoaned Anna's leaving and slid out of bed, pulling on his clothes and grabbing his cane. He wanted to either make her breakfast or take her out. Whichever she wanted. He grimaced as the walk down the stairs jarred his sensitive bones. At least he was getting stronger everyday. He even felt like some of the wrinkles had begun to fade slightly. Or perhaps that was just his hope.

He limps into the kitchen, noting that she'd already begun the clean up for the day. He moved around the house, helping fill a new trash bag with the rest of the trash. It had been several minutes and there was neither sight nor sound from her. "Anna?" He called. Hearing no response he went to the door. Had she gone to her garden for something? "Anna?"
 
At first the little step forward made Killian tense. He wasn't sure why she was letting go of his hand and moving in closer. Then she wrapped her arms around his waist. The Chippequoti held his breath temporarily. With a few seconds he gradually got used to the pressure on his side and rested a hand on her back. They weren't separated by bars this time, but it was a different kind of separation. Killian could sense a little bit of Star's problem and then there was his own. If she could pull through he was going to have to. After a moment he rested his chin on her head and just stayed that way till she started to pull away.

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The growl of the engine was becoming slower and heavier sounding. It was headed for her house! She knew that maybe they would come for the crew. Still she couldn't let them be found. Her property was her own and it couldn't be searched. The ship was hidden by a shield in a nearby bay. Not like folk just dropped a ship in the backyard. So they had to think that as the princess she was connected to this mess.

Racing back to the house she quickly located Timo. "You're going to have to be my slave. Get the others hidden in the cellar...Quickly." She would have to pretend to be deaf or hard of hearing anyway. Didn't have her little ear buds right now. Swinging into the house she grabbed Kato by the arm. "Just don't say anything." He hadn't been seen so at least he was safe. What mattered was getting the rest of them out of the way so there wasn't any sign of them. "Go sit down and let Timo do the cleaning."

Killian heard the knocking on his door and Mike burst in without waiting for a response. "We got to go. Get in the cellar. The little secret one in the bottom room of the house." Instantly the ex-captain thought of Star. They had to get her down there first. Kafus showing up now would be the worst thing for her. Scrambling out of the bed as fast as he could he grabbed the cane and began hobbling for her door. Knocking he waited for a response and then opened the door while Mike hurried past with the rest of Timo's crew. Only ones left to worry about was Star and himself.
 
Timo didn't like having to pretend to be a slave, but for the rest of the crew, he was willing to do it. He ordered the other boys to follow Mike and stay quiet. He took Kato's spot cleaning up the mess and Kato took his place at Anna's side. He grabbed her hand, feeling nervous about the safety for them all. Kato didn't want to sit down, leaving her vulnerable. He'd protect her with his life if he had too.

Star was still sleeping when someone knocked heavily on her door. She groaned with sleep laden eyes and glared at the door. "What?" Killian threw open the door, speaking urgently about them needing to hide in the cellar.
"Why? What's going on?" She slid out of bed. She was wearing only a thin tank top. Electric burn scars covered her back and shoulders. Even darker scars circled her entire neck. She grabbed a jacket from off the chair and slid it on, hiding them away. "Seriously? We're hiding and we don't even know who it is?" She asked as he escorted her to the door to the cellar. She paused in the doorway, suddenly panicking. The memories of everything that had happened in Kafus' basement flooded into her mind. She shook her head, eyes wide. "I'll hide upstairs..." She began to back away.
 
Killian couldn't help noticing some of the scars. Seeing that made him angry. He wanted nothing more than to charge after the Gillick and rip its head off. Right now it might even be worth dying for. "Yes we're hiding and we don't know who it is." Limping along the way to the cellar the two of them barely made it and Star began to back off. "No..." Whispering at her, he reached out and grabbed her arm. "Star you have to come with. If they're from the games or anyone else they can't find us here." Rumor had it his first buyer wanted to get him back still and he wasn't wanting that. For the first time in his life he had to admit that he was afraid of being caught by these men. They were purely evil.

Pulling the little woman into himself he backed into the cellar with her. Killian held a hand over her back while they waited. Cells had mixed feelings for him. Partly he hated them and yet they had a safety to them. As long as you were in a cell you weren't expected to rush out and kill anyone. Many kinds of abuse happened within cells but, at least it wasn't killing. Gently he stroked her hair. "What color you gonna put in your hair this time?" Maybe it would keep her from being too panicked over the situation.

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If it wasn't for the fact that Anna was supposed to be deaf she would have jumped when the first knock came to the door. Instead she pretended not to hear and held onto Kato for a moment longer. Kissing him on the lips she smirked as the door was rattled with another loud beating. "Oh I think I might have heard something." Pulling away from the man she walked over to the door and opened it. A few angry looking men stared at her. Anna looked at them and frowned. "What you here for?" Yelling loudly she noticed they winced but, didn't care too much.

"We're looking for a few thieves. Stole property from a man and took refuge on this planet we believe. Order is from Kafus." The man responded plenty loud for an average person to hear but, Anna wasn't pretending to be average.

"What was that?!" Then she shook her head. "Never mind let me try and find my hearing aids! C'mon in while I look for them. Can't hear a darn thing you're saying." She made sure to yell loudly everywhere she went and finally returned a few minutes later. "Sorry I can't find the hearing aids! You'll just have to speak up!" Deep down she enjoyed yelling at these men and watching them wince.

The men yelled back at her. "We need to investigate your home!"

"Oh c'mon and have a look!" Yelling back at them she grinned and started down the halls being sure to yell and let it echo as they went. All the rooms were still filled with the paintings and while the beds were messes she could excuse it as being the party. They could have plainly seen all the stuff laying around in the kitchen still if they cared to look. "Had a party last night. Probably lost my hearing aids then!" Working her way to the basement she continued to yell loudly. It would at least give the others a chance to hear where they were at and give them time to react. Instead of the guards following her down the stairs they stood at the top while it echoed up to their ears. Finally Anna emerged. "Nothing down there. Do you want to see for yourself?" When the men shook their heads she grinned. "Ok! I've still got some left overs from last night if you'd like! I don't get many visitors unless I throw a party around here."

Ushering the guards out the door she waved emphatically and yelled after them. "Have a good day I'll call if I hear anything!"
 
Star's breathing was deep and erratic as she tried not to go into full blown flight or fight mode. She almost attacked Killian as he grabbed her arm, forcing her into the dark cellar.

Cold damp nights and days, heavy chains, an electric prod searing her skin over and over as she screamed. "Call me master, and the pain will stop." Pain overcame pride...she whimpered the words, but he was not satisfied. Her master was never satisfied and burns continued.

It took everything within her not to start screaming or begging to be released. Her fingernails dug into Killian's skin as he held her to keep her from fleeing. If hadn't had that moment with him last night, she may have very well been trying to claw his eyes out.

Star flinched as Killian stroked her hair
Clawed fingers combed themselves through her hair, then tangled within them, providing him with complete control over her head. "Say it." Star fought, trying to pull out of his grip. The collar burned her again until she thought she'd pass out and he wrenched her head back.
"Say it!"
"I'm your faithful hand servant, Master." She cried.


She would've launched out of Killian's arms if he hadn't been holding her, and nearly did manage too. The hyperventilating increased, black spots forming in her vision. She would've screamed if she weren't breathing so hard. Timo crouched in front of her, trying to calm her but she couldn't see him. Just the door. Let me go. Let me go! Andy was yelling from beyond the door, but she didn't hear any words. No more...please no more. She tried to wrench from Killian's again to rush the door managing to get all but her wrist free. Her eyes turned on him violently like a caged animal. If he didn't let go, she was going to attack. She would survive. She always survived. That was all that mattered in this moment.
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Kato sighed in relief rubbing his ears as the guards left. "Wow...nice job, Anna." He chuckled. "I don't think they'll be coming back again anytime soon.
 
Holding onto Star was getting increasingly difficult. She was going to get them killed if the wrong people were there. Suddenly she started to jerk and push around. Killian clenched his jaw and held back the growl that had started to sneak up his throat. Star was pulling him a bit and he had to let go with one arm to spare his side from getting the tender innards torn up again. Still he held onto one wrist.

Mike could see the fight coming on and he would step in to help, but it was already crowded and he couldn't really get in without making it worse. Instead he stood back and tried to get Timo out of the way. Andy was still yelling on her way up the stairs and it couldn't possibly be safe for them to go up yet. Looking over at Killian he wondered if Star was going to actually hurt someone. She was still unpredictable and it was just appearing last night that she might have been trying to get herself together.

As a last resort Killian pulled her back toward himself again and turned a half circle so that he stood in front of the door. A sharp hit to his good leg only made him feel irritated and he reached for her other hand. If it wasn't absolutely critical that they be quiet he would have been saying something to her. It wasn't safe to move till Andy came back. Killian threw a hand over Star's mouth when it looked like she was about to start making noise. His jaw dropped in a silent curse when he felt her bite his hand. Taking a deep breath he pulled her in a little closer and instantly he shrunk away from her spare hand when it began to press into his side. Andy needed to come fast cause it was about to get out of control.

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Winking at Kato she couldn't help her relief. "Hopefully they don't come back. It was a close call. Probably should go down and make sure they all know they can get out of the cellar now." Trotting down the stairs she heard a bit of ruffling and then some bumping into the wall. Opening the door she squeaked.

Killian hadn't heard the little light steps of Anna coming down the stairs and neither did he expect the door to come open so fast. Falling back he landed on top of Anna and released Star. At least they were safe now.

"Get off of me." Groaning from underneath the Chippequoti, Anne pushed on him as best she could. She stared up at him in half a daze when he rolled off of her and offered a hand up. "Yes," grabbing his hand she started to get to her feet "And thank you." Looking at her one hand she stuck her lower lip out. "I think I jammed a few fingers." None of it was serious looking, but she wasn't wanting to admit that her back and one of her knees hurt too. "Why don't you all go upstairs and I'll make sure to have this room neatened up in case we have to use it again. Kind of a mess this time."
 
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Star tore out of the cellar the moment the door open. There was only one safe place around that she instinctively knew of. Her room. The moment she was inside she locked the door. Her adrenaline rushed and her heart felt like it was going to explode out of her chest. Part of her felt like she needed to keep running, the other part was trying to determine if she was safe. She curled into a ball in the corner, tortured by memories she'd been trying to push down for the last several weeks.

A knock sounded at her door. "Star? Are you alright?" Kato had seen her race past. Not knowing what had occurred in the cellar he went straight to the source.
Star bit lips, shaking her head as she held it in her hand. Tears streamed down her face with silent sobs.
"Star? Please answer me? Are you ok?" When she didn't answer again he walked away, to find the others. "What happened? Did she have another episode?" Killian's expression and the way he was holding his body confirmed it without a word needing to be spoken. He could already deduce that she'd probably freaked out and attacked him. Kato sighed sadly. She'd been doing so well. "She'll get there, Killian. Don't give up on her yet." Kato encourages him.

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It was 2 am in the morning. A figure snuck down the stairs and into the kitchen for some much needed sustenance and something hot to drink while everyone slept. Star had refused to open the door for anything, even to eat. She used the small bathroom in her suite for water and a hot bath to help calm down, but that the last thing she wanted was to look into the faces of her former crew. With a cup of hotcoca in one hand and a bagel in the other, she sat in the dim light at the kitchen counter and ate. Alone with her thoughts, the scene replayed over and over. She hated herself for how she'd reacted. And she kept kicking herself mentally for attacking Killian when he'd only been trying to help her. Of course panic had ruled out any logical reasoning...but she was still horribly embarrassed and pissed off with herself. No doubt Killian was about to give up on her now. She wasn't the same woman he'd fallen in love with...and she wondered if she ever would be.
 
Killian headed up the stairs after the others. He was hunched over slightly and holding onto his hand where she bit him. There was a little bit of blood and he had to admit that he was frustrated with her and himself. This entire situation was overly aggravating. The good thing was that his side didn't get too much pressure on it. Just enough to make him sore was all. Like usual the doctor had to show up with his impeccably bad timing. Glancing up at the man he nearly shot daggers from his eyes. "Take a guess." Growling slightly he moved past the doctor and slowly started for the next flight to go up to his room. He had a bathroom in his room and he figured he could wash his hands and then wrap a little gauze around the bite mark. Behind himself he could hear Kato try and make some sort of encouraging statement. At least he assumed it was supposed to be encouraging.

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It seemed that she'd barely finished getting the room cleaned up and Anna could feel her back was getting sore. Sighing she headed back up the stairs. Of course Kato had to be the good doctor and wander about checking on his crew. In a way she wondered if he would be happy staying here with her or if he would want to go back out with the crew. Wandering over to him with a slight limp she grinned and threw her arms over his shoulders. Pulling herself up on her tip toes she kissed him. "So....Have you thought about staying here instead of flying all the time?"

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The older he got the more he had to get up at night. At least that the experience that Mike had. It might have had something to do with having so much water to drink before bed too. He could see a stream of light coming underneath his bedroom door. A light downstairs was still on and he didn't remember Anna leaving any of those lights on. Frowning a little bit he pulled his door open. There was indeed a light on. Stepping into the hall he padded down the stairway in his t-shirt and boxers with his mid calf socks hanging half way off the front of his feet.

Star was sitting at the table all by herself. At first he thought about leaving her, but there was that look on her face. She probably needed somebody even if she didn't think she did. "Well there you are." Smiling tiredly he glanced at the coco. "I'll have one with you, it looks good." He didn't expect her to talk and neither was he going to try and make her.
 
"Hmm. Maybe..." Kato says coyly kissing her again. "Guess it depends on what I'm staying for." He grins at her teasingly. He pressed her back closer to him and saw the slightest wince. He'd also seen her somewhat off balance earlier. His eyes narrow slightly as he uses his implants to check out her spine and legs. There was no spinal damage thankfully. He blinked, resetting his vision. "What's hurting?" He asks seriously.

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Star looked up as Mike entered the kitchen. He smiled her, uncondemingly...unjudgingly. She'd always admired him for that. "Yeah." She stands, and fixes him a mug of cocoa setting it before him before resuming her place at the counter. She stared at her mug. "I'm sorry...about today. I...I don't know what came over me...I couldn't think properly. I feel horrible." She looks up him with sad tired eyes. "How's Killian?" She asks, scared of the answer. "Honestly." She had to know if her recent episode and ruined things between them completely...if she'd broken the last straw.
 
"You'd be staying for me." Anna beamed at him but, winced slightly when he pulled her closer. She caught the narrowed eyes and narrowed hers in return. "You're supposed to wait to use that x-ray vision for other activities." Though she wasn't ever quite sure how it all worked she loved to make fun of it. Kato immediately was turning into the doctor and she suddenly had a half evil idea. "Mmmmm...." Almost whimpering she met his gaze. "My knee hurts really bad. You might want to come upstairs and check it out." Holding onto him she limped up the stairs and laid on the bed. When he leaned in to check she rolled away from him. "I had to get comfortable. Just come to the other side." Patting the bed she waited for him to make his way over to that side and then she rolled over again. "And now you can nap with me."

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If Star hadn't jumped up in his way he would have made the coco for himself. Instead he let her do what she could. Things like this could maybe help her feel useful to some degree. Mike nodded and took the cup when she slid it across the counter to him. Bringing it up to his mouth he sipped at the coco while she started to talk. Setting it down on the counter he figured he would need to be ready to answer her. "Well we all know it might take a while for you to get this sorted out." Glancing down at the coco cup he thought for a moment. It was hard to know what he should tell Star. Would she really be ready to know what was going on?

Instead of throwing the whole story at her he decided to give her a safe portion. "He's a little sore. That side hasn't healed as well as it could have. Too many problems from the start with the treatment at the games hospital." Mike could tell she wanted more than that. "I can only tell you what I've observed. Haven't really asked him anything too in depth. All I've seen is that he's struggling and probably most of it doesn't have to do with you. Staying in that room most of the day isn't him sleeping the whole time. He was right when he told you he isn't the same."
 
Kato sighed at her and shook his head, having to smile at her mischievous grin. "If your knee is injured I want to check...then I can relax and we can do...something else." He promised. Once he'd made sure it was only a sprain he left momentarily and returned with a small jar of what looked like lotion. "This will help the inflammation go down on your knee and it'll keep the muscles in your back from getting tight and sore." He holds it before him and a slight flush comes to his face. "I...uh..." he clears his throat. "I could massage it in for you...if...if you want." He offers awkwardly.

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"Neither of us are." She stares at her mug sadly. "I still love him...I really do. And...and yesterday he said he still loved me...but today..." She shook her head and sighed deeply. "I don't know what to do. I want to promise him it'll never happen again...but I don't know that for sure. I can't even trust my own mind right now." Star put a hand to her head. "What do I do, Mike? He's hurting, I know it...but I don't know how to help him. I can barely help myself. And it kills me..."
 
"So serious." Sighing she finally laid still and let Kato do what he had to. When he returned with the lotion she almost had to laugh at his awkwardness. "A back rub would be nice." It would probably take all the awkward out of the situation if he started with that. Rolling onto her stomach she shrugged the robe down off her shoulders and let the bare skin on her shoulders show and the bra straps. "I'll even let you message my knee when your done and then we'll decide how frisky you want to be." Anna peered over her shoulder at the doctor and chuckled. "Such a stick in the mud."

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Mike sighed with her. "I don't really know. If it was me I would say to just keep offering hope when and where you can. It doesn't take much from a woman to keep a man going." Shrugging a little he lifted the mug to his lips and took a small gulp. "There's a lot of reasons to be hurting and just remember he sees that in you to. Don't dump it all on him but, try sharing a little of your problems with him. Be prepared if you do that for a little weight from him to." This advice Mike had a feeling would work to a degree and then he would turn into the main ear for both of them. With the exception that Killian didn't talk. Still wouldn't speak about anything that happened.
 
"Captain. We need to talk." Curly crossed his arms in the doorway of Timo's room.
"I know. You guys are wondering what we're doing next right?"
Curly shrugged. "Its been a few weeks, so...yea. We're all getting ansy waiting around here. Have you decided what we're going to do?"
Timo cinched up his belt and holster his gun. "I have actually. Get the crew together in the living room."
"Aye, Aye, Cap."

A few minutes later Timo stood before his crew. "I've been doing alot of research these last few weeks and discovered there is a high demand for cheap transport ships, especially those that are human friendly and safe. It wouldn't take much to get certified and the certification fee is affordable. After that we can start transporting people and cargo for a profit. If we use the money right, we can make several upgrades to the ship within the next five years and start charging even more credits. We build a reputation as a human-friendly crew and we'll have access to the thousands of humans in this system who are too scared to travel for fear of being enslaved."
Curly nodded in approval along with Matt and Duke. "Its a good plan. When do we leave?"
"End of the week. Let's make sure we have all the necessary supplies."
"Got it, Cap!" Curly and the rest saluted and hurried back to the ship, glad to finally have something to do.

"You've got a good crew...they respect you." Kato nods at Timo.
The lad smiles at him. "Will you be coming with us, Kato? We could use a medic like you." Timo asked hopefully.
Kato pats the boy on the shoulder. "You don't need me, Son. But...there is someone here who does." He looked over his shoulder to where Anna was cooking in the kitchen.
Timo looked dissappointed but nodded in understanding. "I'll miss you."
"As will I. But I'm certain you'll visist often."
"Of course!" The two embrace then Kato pushed Timo off towards his ship. "You'd better go help them. A Captain never leaves his crew to do all the work."
"Yes, Sir!" The boy bounded off and Kato turned to Anna.

"Hey, Anna? Let's go out to dinner tonight. Someplace nice. I'm paying." He smiles, though his hand clenched and unclenched his cane nervously.
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Star shifted awkwardly on her feet in front of Killian's door. She balances the tray of food she had in her hand and knocks on his door. It had been ages since she'd gotten to cook for him. She hoped he would accept it as a token of her sincere regret and apology for had happened yesterday. "I made you breakfast, Killian." She waited in front of his door, not knowing if he'd open it or if she'd be forced to leave it at his door.

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Kato hadn't skimped on the place he took her. It was a very nice restaurant with a live band and a dance floor. He'd dressed in the suit she'd bought him and had made sure there were a dozen gorgeous blue flowers on the table waiting for her. Apparently there was no such thing as roses in the sector. They talked about everything from art to music to whatever else came to mind. He looked more and more nervous as the night progress and finally desert was brought out. He was clearly at the height of his nervousness as the piece of cake was set before. Written in a thin line of icing was the word, "Girlfriend?"
 
Cooking for the crew had been almost more than enough to drive Anna insane. While she enjoyed having all the company they couldn't stay forever. Stirring the batter for waffles she heard Kato gimping up behind her. "What will the re...." Seeing the anticipation built in Kato's eyes she nodded. "Yeah I'd like that. Get me out of here and let the rest of them figure things out tonight." Sounded like the crew was leaving. Well everyone except Killian and Star who were not part of Timo's crew. It made sense though. Neither of them were really ready to be moving on yet. Perhaps Mike was staying too but she didn't know. "What's the dress code for the occasion?"

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Sitting up in the bed he was staring at nothing in particular. Hey, would you team up with me at least till we reach the center? Stupid kid never stood a chance. Killian started to doze off again but, the images were the same as they had been all night long. This time the guns were exceptionally loud and he woke to the sound of knocking on his door. "I'm coming." Groaning from the bed he sat up and threw his legs over the edge. Walking to the doorway he opened it up and stared at Star almost blankly for several moments. "You gonna eat with me or just watch?" It was usually better if the person ate with you instead of sitting around. Hadn't sounded like she had originally planned to eat with him. Sighing he took the tray from her. "Well if you haven't had anything to eat I'll go down and we can eat together."

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Anna snuck into Star's room. "I need you to help me zip up. Kato is taking me out to dinner." Her excitement was almost drown in anticipation. This would be the first time that Kato had initiated anything and she couldn't help feeling nervous and giddy all at the same time. Picking at her spiky hair with the curled tips she frowned at her image in the mirror. "Ah...." Pulling one hair into order she finally was satisfied.

Starting down the stairs she grinned at Kato who was looking quite dapper in his suit and even the cane seemed to go with it. Her dress was a long dark green with a matching shawl and a gold hand bag. Anna wore a tall pair of gold heels to go with the dress just so she wouldn't trip on the hem and it made her a little closer to his height. Regardless of her wealth she'd never done anything quite this extravagant. Catching her breath she gazed the length of the building and then to Kato. "I've never been here before." Almost nervously she clutched his arm and followed him inside.

The music played in the background and the bar was open. It was tempting to go get a drink and then she saw the table that they were headed for. Holding her breath she kept telling herself that the flowers were not hers. Anna's eyes watered slightly and she took seat when he pulled the chair out for her. "Why'd you choose this place?" Sniffling a little she managed to keep the near flood of tears from coming out. Finally it relaxed enough for her to speak a little more and it naturally turned toward art and some of the paintings that she could do if she used the flowers. They were lovely and inspiring just to look at. It seemed he'd done his research and a nice dinner was prepared without having to even order. It was probably best because she would have likely scanned the menu with a blind eye. As they neared the end of the night a cake was brought out.

A soft chuckle sounded when she saw the word with the question mark. Taking a spoon she scrapped the question mark off. "Absolutely." Scooting her chair away from the table she walked over to where he was and kissed him. "I wouldn't mind if you had ambitions to marry me someday."
 
Star nods as he offers to eat with her in the kitchen. There were still leftover eggs, sausage and juice from what she'd made for him so she serves herself up a plate and sits across the table from him. "I...owe you an apology, for yesterday." She says softly, glancing up at him from time to time, watching his face. "The whole situation...it...it pulled up some uh...some really painful memories and I panicked. Its...its not an excuse...I just wanted to let you know...it wasn't because of you. Its me." She takes a breath. "I know we've both changed...we've both been through alot of really painful things and uh...we both have a long ways to go before we're healed, but I don't want to lose what we had in the midst of it. If...if you're still willing to fight for us...I am too."
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"I'll keep that in mind." Kato smiles in relief then stands. "Want to dance before dessert?" He set his cane aside and offered her his arm. His bones still ached, but not enough to keep him from making the most out of this night. He took her out on the floor and a love song began playing as he twirled her around and stepped with her to the music. "I know I've already said this several times tonight...but...you are gorgeous." He pulls her close after a spin, "And now you're mine." There seemed to be a shift in his confidence since she's said yes to being his girlfriend. Whatever stick he had up his butt, currently wasn't there. Granted he'd downed two glasses of wine by this point and that seemed to have done wonders for his previous awkwardness.
 
Killian held the fork at a mildly awkward angle so it didn't dig into side of his hand where Star had bit him. There wasn't anything he could think to say. No commands to give about taking care of a ship, nowhere to go for now, and nothing exciting enough to talk about. Instead he figured he would be content to quietly eat. Like usual, if he didn't have anything to say Star was able to come up with a conversation though it was an odd one. Raising one eyebrow slightly he peered into her face. Killian's hand hovered over his plate and he stopped everything. It felt like she had more to say and she did after taking a breath.

Carefully he put the fork down and sighed. "Aye...I've got a little fight left in me." Momentarily everything started to fade and he remembered more of the killing fields. Killian heard a little clink of his fork the plate when he moved his hand and he jumped. Drawing a sharp breath he glared at the plate as if it were the one to blame for scaring him. "I need some water." Pushing away from the table he walked over to the cabinets and grabbed a cup.

"Need any water while I'm over here?" Without looking over his shoulder he asked the question. Nodding to her answer he got the water and then returned to the table. "You think you'd want to go outside sometime? Maybe I could ask Andy if there's anyplace she knows of that would be safe."

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Taking Kato's arm Anna looked down at his legs. She wondered if he would be able to actually dance without his cane. So far she hadn't known if dancing was acceptable but, he was the doctor so he knew best. With the heels, Anna was almost as tall as Kato and she grinned when he complimented her again. "I don't mind if you repeat yourself."

A grin came to her face when she felt his warm hands rest on the tops of her hips. Sliding one of her hands down her side she grabbed Kato's hand and twirled out from him and then spun back toward the doctor. "Mmmm. I don't mind being yours so long as I'm the only one." Even if she was head over heels Anna wasn't one to tolerate having more than one person in his eyes. Since it seemed he was more comfortable this time she let go of his shoulder and directed his hand to reach around the small of her back. Forced to get a little closer wasn't so bad. "What kind of rules do you have if we're going to do this properly?"
 
Star watched Killian sympathetically as he stood from the table suddenly after being startled by the sound of the fork against the plate. "Yeah, some water would be good." She'd never known him to be the jumpy kind, nor so uncertain of himself. She wondered briefly what sort of hell he'd been through to wear him down into the shadow of the man he was before. I have to be strong...for him...for both of us. God, if only I could be the woman and strength he needs now. "Yeah. We've been cooped up in this house too long. As nice as it is...some nature might do us both some good." She looked over at the paintings that Andy had done. Some looked to be of an island in the middle of a lake. "Ever been camping?"

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"Rules? Rules..." Kato was taken off guard by the question. "Ah, um...well...I suppose we make them as we go along. Most important for me would be...that this isn't one of those multiple partner relationships. You are the only one I'm focusing on, and I'd hope its the same for you. Honesty...that's very important to me. If something is bothering you...I'd want you to tell me and I want to be able to tell you if something is wrong as well. Um...we've already broken the uh...sleeping together line." His face had gone bright red and his palms had begun to sweat. He avoided her eyes as he stammered. "I...I wouldn't mind doing that more."
 
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