Smugglers Cove (Love2write and Silence)

Killian walked to the end of the road and he turned with Claire and Star toward the first tunnel. It was the far North and he figured that it was the furthest from the meeting place. He'd already put his votes in ahead of time. There was some warning that he should be careful. Some folk blamed him for the death of their loved ones and maiming of others. That one day that he started the uprising and killed Dougal had been a factor that was playing out in disastrous measures ever since. True they were about to become free, but half the people hated him for the things he did. What if they just ended up in limbo between the two different councils? All things considered he wasn't quite sure that he wanted the new council to win. If they did he knew that Kavis would still cause problems.The man wasn't fond of having a new way of life.

Everything was quiet for nearly half an hour. It was about time that the tunnels of folk put their votes out and Killian took his to the one gathering them. Kavis was sitting with his council facing the others that were running. It was time for the count now that all the folks had put out their vote in secret. There was no need for anyone to feel intimidated. At least that was the thought behind doing it this way.

Even while Anna sat on her seat across from the Chippeqouti council she couldn't help feeling that they were indeed far more dangerous that what she had anticipated. So far they had been completely compliant with the demands of the people. Still she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe Kavis had something else planned. Perhaps he was one step ahead of them again. A Chip didn't seem to be likely to just give up and yet here they were fully accepting of what happened. Looking up at Kato she saw that he was still worried and yet nothing had happened. Maybe the damage done to their population had been enough.

The vote took several hours to count and all the while it was peaceful. When they began to tally up the numbers Anna reached over and squeezed Kato's hand. Finally the man announced, "People of the colony have voted for the new council." A round of cheers went up and the Chippeqouti quietly clapped. Today was full of tension and it was the perfect time to carry out one last step that would ensure that this new council divided or that it would prove itself to be corrupt immediately after they were voted in. As the people were allowed out of the tunnels Kavis stood. "We are willing to live under the new rule of the council. I have seen the error in our way of life if we are to share a planet equally with humans. I must ask for one case to be put before the council and the people this day."

At first all the people waited as if stunned that Kavis would subject himself to the council and yet none of the other Chippeqouti protested. They must have admitted their defeat. Anna couldn't help feeling that this was a trap of sorts. Since none of the others spoke she nodded. "We are fair and we will hear all sides. What is this matter?"

Bowing a little lower the Chippeqouti showed his respect and continued. "It is a matter of murder. One named Killian Laulorin killed in cold blood a Chippeqouti and as a result many of your children, wives, husbands, and friends have suffered. Many died on both sides because of his choice." A murmur began to roll through the crowd. He knew that the many of the humans would agree. They hated and feared Killian more than the Chippeqouti did. "I demand on behalf of the murdered and maimed that there be a trial held."

Anna almost caught her breath. Already they were faced with an impossible decision. One that she knew divided the people. Very few trusted Killian and the rest of them seemed to side with Kavis. It was doubtful that Killian had an argument good enough to save him from their justice and if they did not hang him or shoot him then they would expect that all other murderers would be kept as well. All the council understood the predicament and Anna raised her head after they spoke for a short time. "Then we will have him arrested until the council may hear both sides of the case and make a decision following." She felt badly knowing that Star would be heartbroken. It made Anna sick to her stomach. She knew that the Chippeqouti were far more harsh in their punishments.

Whatever the vote for the council turned out to be Killian was sure he would hear about it later. He went home with Star so he could work on a few ideas for the cabin in the mountains. A knock at the door sounded and he set the book work aside since Star was taking a nap. Glancing over at Claire he winked and then pulled the door open. Several guards stood outside and Killian's heart nearly jumped into his throat. "Hell no!" He couldn't get the door closed fast enough as the guards forced their way in and one of them hit him with a stun gun.

Quickly others of them began to cuff his hands behind his back and drag him out the door. Claire sat on the floor screaming. Even if she didn't understand what was going on the baby knew they were hurting her dad. Putting her little hands in the air she almost seemed to be begging to be picked up and comforted. Killian grunted as he was pushed out the door. He barely caught sight of Star coming out of the room and Claire crying from her place in the sitting room.
 
Star awoke to her baby screaming. She dashed out of the room just in time to see Killian being dragged away. She grabbed a gun and raced after the guards. "What are you doing!? Let him go!" She screamed at them, aiming the shotgun.
One of the guards shoved Killian down into the snow and they turned toward Star. "It is required by the council. He has been accused of murder."
"The old council has been disbanded! You're no longer under their authority!"
"It is by order of the new council." The guard kept his gun up and the others made sure Killian stayed down in case they had to open fire and they couldn't have him causing trouble. "Now put your weapon down or we will shoot."
Star paled slowly lowered the weapon. The new council was demanding his head. If they were going to put him on trial...he would lose...there was no argument that would save him. "Killian, I'm going to get you out." She calls to him, trying not to break down at the moment she needed to be at her strongest.
One of the guards waited behind to watch Star while the others pulled Killian out of the snow and continued to force him along. Peering over his shoulder Killian looked at Star. This was something that had been long coming and he knew it. Eventually someone was going to come for him only he didn't expect it would be here. His vest had come unsnapped near the top and a little breeze pushed it open slightly. The breeze was cold and unforgiving. Shivering slightly he turned to face the wind and lowered his head slightly.

Star rushed back into the house and picked up the sobbing Claire. "I know, baby. I know. So much for our life here after all." Star looked around the house. Killian had no hope of winning that trial. At best they could vote for a sentence of several years of community service or exile...if they bothered to take his saving the chippequoti two years earlier into account. She doubt that would weigh in much. Star put Claire in her crib and the babe continued to cry. She grabbed the suitcases from beneath the bed and began to pack. She was getting Killian out, one way or another...and she needed to have an escape plan ready just in case things went more south than they already had.

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There was a pounding on Anna's door and a pissed off Star stood on the porch. "You'd better damn well tell me what's going on." She demanded, holding the whimpering Claire in her arms.
Anna pulled the door open to find herself confronted with Star. It was not surprising or comforting in the least. "Kavis acknowledged the new council and immediately asked for a trial. The people are backing him. We had a choice as a council. Show ourselves corrupt and choose to turn away from the fact that he murdered Dougal and many died on both sides because of that, or we can have a trail. I will do what I can. We both know he's going to end up guilty and the people will demand his life. If we choose to spare him it will only be for Killian to be in prison or maybe exiled at best."
"I know." Star's eyes narrowed. "I've already packed up the house and prepped the ship. You'd better make sure to push for exile. Don't forget to remind them of how he saved their damn lives from the nobles two years ago. They owe him that much."
Nodding a little she peered into Star's eyes. "I will do what I can. Forgive me for whatever happens. I cannot guarantee any result no matter how hard I try to present it. As a council we represent the people not ourselves. Those of us on the council know exactly who and what he is."
"And what's that, Anna?" Star demands lowly. "A murderer? Maybe...but so is Dougal. Need I remind you he tried to kill me...he did kill Wittick. By your own justice system, he got what he deserved...just in the wrong way."
Anna knew this was the wrong time to talk about it. Still Star was pushing. "He is a warrior. Killian doesn't have time for politics and he never did. We both know he does what is necessary. Star he is a man made for war and times of unrest. Such men cannot live in society peaceably. They do not understand civil law."
"Wow...Sh** you sound just like the chippequoti." Star glares at her. "You have no idea the hell he's been through that has made him "socially unacceptable". He's turned out amazingly well for someone who has been through the life he has. Not that anyone cares what he's sacrificed and done for them." Star was so angry she could barely stay calm. "You know the worst part, he thought he'd finally found a place he could call home. A place he could settle down in peace and make friends."
To be accused of sounding like the Chippeqouti was as great an insult as she could have gotten. "I don't know him that well Star and neither does anyone else. They're afraid of him and I have to acknowledge that. I'm part of the council. If I were not I would stand by you through the whole thing and fight for him tooth and nail. As it is I cannot afford to takes sides until the trial. Give me time to think. I will do my best to help you."
"There's not much of point. His fate is already decided." Star huffs. "If...you can't convince them to choose exile over execution I'm going to need your help to help him escape. Will you at least do that?"
Star calmed ever so slightly and nodded, Claire still whimpering on her shoulder. There was tired hopeless look in her eyes as she turned to leave. She probably wasn't going to ever see Anna again after the trial and this felt like a sucky way to leave things. "Thanks..." She murmured. "I hope this doesn't separate us forever."
"It was hard decision for us all." Anna quietly closed the door and leaned against it with her eyes closed. This was far worse than anything that she had anticipated happening. If the old council had revolted it would have been so much easier and Killian would have been cleared in the people's mind by virtue of the fact that he would have died defending them or done everything in his power to win. Instead the council gave up and immediately threw their nasty little plans into effect. This caused far more damage for the people as a whole society.
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Star put the sleeping Claire in the carry-pack on her chest. She put on a heavy coat and wrapped a blanket under her arm before trudging to the building serving as a temporary prison. She walked straight up to the guards and opened her coat to show she didn't have any weapons. "I demand to see my husband."
The guard looked at her. "Only if we accompany you. There is no touching allowed and the child cannot be in the cell with you." They didn't have any bars. It was just an empty room for now. No windows and just the one door.
"He's not going to threaten his own daughter." Star sneered at them. "Besides, what am I supposed to do with her? Would you like to hold a 40 pound screaming child?"
"Children are not allowed in the cells. You may leave her with friends before you enter the cell." The guard was not going to allow for her to leave the child with them.
"Fine." Star sighed and hurried to Anna's to drop Claire off then hurried back, blanket still in hand. "Now can I go in?"
Seemed that the woman was horribly determined to see Killian and the guard held his hand out to take the blanket. "Can't accept anything from the outside. If you stay here I'll come get you when he's ready." Walking down the long hall he took a turn and his footsteps continued to sound for a few seconds more. The man pushed the door open and he held a tazer gun. Behind him the other guard stepped in and handcuffed Killian. Both men stepped out and the one outside his door stayed there while the other returned to get Star.
She followed the guard to where Killian was being held. She wanted to scream at them to take the handcuffs off but she knew it wouldn't do any good. "Hey, Killian. You ok?" She wanted so desperately to hold and hug him
Killian took a deep breath when Star stepped in. The guard stood off to the side and watched them like a hawk. Clenching his jaw he nodded. Still he couldn't help the fact that he was nervous. This trial wouldn't have to be rigged. He was guilty and that was it. "You'd better make sure whoever you pick next takes care of that girl."
"He will, cause its gonna be you." She says determined. "Don't you dare give up hope yet. There is a chance for exile. That's what we're going to push for."
Looking at Star he shook his head. "They're gonna kill me Star. I'm gonna plead guilty cause there isn't a damn thing I can do to change the fact that they all saw what happened." Peering into her eyes he spoke almost gruffly "I love you and I want you to know that."
"No way in hell they're going to kill you." She had to be careful how she worded what she had to say with the guards listening. "When you plead guilty, be sure to remind them of everything else you did for them. Remind them how he tried to kill me...how he did kill Witteck, and everything else. Whatever else. If you give up fighting so help me I will dig you out of your grave and kill you again myself." Star says adamantly, tears shining in her eyes but a determined fire in her voice.
Killian sighed. "We never got proof that it was him. I killed him because I thought it was. That won't help anything." Turning to the side rested his head on the wall. "Just go."
Star reached out to hug him but the guard stepped in the way. "Let me hug my husband! I don't have anything on me!" She demanded angrily.
The man shook his head. "No. There is no physical contact allowed. Stepping near her he reached over and knocked on the door for the other man to escort her back.
She was forcibly backed away. "Kilian, I love you. You're getting out of this...I promise."

The door shut in her face and she nearly screamed in frustration.

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Star couldn't sleep for the next three days. The bed was so empty without Killian. She just kept staring at the picture of them, terrified she wouldn't be able to help him escape. Terrified he'd actually be killed for real this time. The house was practically empty. She'd put everything on the ship and locked out all but herself and Killian to fly it. There was no guarantee she'd get him out...and she had to think about Claire as well.

The bright morning rays peered through the window and Star gathered up the last of her belongings, taking them to the ship. She fed Claire silently and put the little girl in her pack. She joined the rest of the crowd at the corral, looking for Killian to meet his eyes.
 
The council quietly took their seats. Anticipation from both sides was thick in the air it was like a blanket ready to suffocate the colony. "We will hear the testimony of the defendant first." One of the other council members took over the main roll for this. He was someone that was not well known to either the Chippeqouti or Killian. It was to maintain all fairness in the trial. He had been a fair an honest dealing man in the colony. One that no one had known to take sides and he was well trusted within the community. So it seemed that he would be the most logical choice.

Slowly Killian walked to the front and faced the council, but they motioned for him to face the crowd. Talking in front of this many people and they weren't just listening to a talk. This was supposed to save his life and he doubted it would work. He took a deep breath and nearly jumped when one of them behind him asked if he had any defense and Killian nodded. "I-I uh plead guilty." Taking a long moment he glanced around the corral and he spotted Star with Claire. Lowering his gaze he continued. "I thought Dougal ordered Witteck and Star to be killed while I was ill, for that I killed him." Star had wanted him to remind them all that he had rescued them, but it seemed like such a futile effort. For her he decided to say it. "I would like to remind all of you where we came from. Could any of us could be considered any better than murderers? There are some here from the games and others from the mines. Because I hated the nobles and I wanted to dismantle their power you were the objective." Turning once more to the council he was then given the order to return to his place.

Kavis then stood up and took his place at the front, first facing the council and then turning toward those gathered. "Dougal was a man of impeccable character. Most of all what I want to remind all of you of is the reason that he rescued you. It was not out of the goodness of his heart. Even as a proposed leader he wanted to build our fleet and arm the citizens. We would have become a warring state and his murder of Dougal nearly accomplished that. Dozens of us, the people died because of his actions. You're family was destroyed, maimed, and broken because peace was too much to ask. Killian Laulorin plead guilty to the charge of murder and by his mouth confessed that he rescued you to fight the nobles. Need you anymore evidence? I humbly ask the council and the people of this colony to consider what they must do with this man." Kavis turned to face the council again and he bowed before returning to his seat. There seemed to be plenty of folk that had nodded in agreement with his statements.

Rising from his seat the council member leading the trial stood. "There is no debate whether Killian Laulorin is guilty. The council taking this into consideration has eliminated a choice of freedom. One guilty of such a crime cannot be allowed to go without punishment. We will hear from both sides what we are to do with the accused." Seating himself again he motioned for Kavis to step forward.

Returning to the front the Chippeqouti bowed to the council and turned toward the crowd again. "My people are dying out. We grieve the loss of our blood. Our ways and customs are failing. What we may preserve together is justice and justice demands his life. Killian Laulorin, the last of his name must be put to death as it is only just. He responsible for the deaths of many that could not be here today. Do not ignore the cries of their blood." Kavis returned to his place with a somber expression. This needed to be done and yet he had tried to hard to use the Laulorin blood to renew his people. The betrayal of his people so deep that Kavis could not justify fighting for his life any longer.

Speaking against such eloquence was going to be difficult. Killian almost couldn't speak when he got to the front again. Nervously glancing at Star he could see she was begging him and pleading with him through her eyes to speak well. "Uh..." No matter how hard he tried to make it sound good it couldn't. "I gave all you freedom and now I ask that you exile me." With nothing left to say he clenched his jaw and he was immediately ushered out of the room and back to his prison. He wished in some ways that Star wouldn't have gone to the trial. She should have left as soon as he was accused. They both knew he couldn't win this case. Inside his cell he leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor.

The council member rose again and he nodded to the crowd. "Those who would see Killian Laulorin executed stand on the left of the room and those who would see him exiled stand to the right." It seemed the numbers were relatively close and so the man nodded. "It is a decision that the council will take into heavy consideration. Before dawn there will be a verdict." Excusing themselves the council rose and filtered out a back door and down the road till they came to a small building that looked more like a shed.

It was being deliberated and yet Kavis had thought that he solidly won this case. Obviously there were still enough humans remaining that hated him to split the vote. If it had fallen heavily to his side he would have won. Yet there was one more way to win this. Surely Killian felt the same. Writing a quick note he had it carried by one of the guards to the prison.

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"It looks that the council will not rule in your favor." A voice hissed from the door as a new guard took over the watch. "I was sent to give you a message." Sliding the note under the door the man waited.

Killian squinted at the note. He didn't know anyone's handwriting well enough to know who wrote it, but they identified themselves as a friend. A friend that could not identify themselves for fear of the plan to escape being uncovered. Star had told him she would get him out no matter what and the situation had not seemed to be in his favor. It told him that the guard at the door would escort him through the back and free him. A ship was waiting. It was worth a try and Killian knew the council would have him killed. Anything to get back to Star would be worth it.

Knocking gently on the door he waited for it to open. On the other side was a Chippeqouti. There were a surprising number he heard that had voted for the new council and so this one must have been one of them. Killian followed the Chip down the corridor in silence. It was good to have his hands free and he barely stepped out the door into the dark when he felt a bullet tear into his back. The exit wound in the front of his chest was much wider and he felt another bullet hit before he began to stumble. Drawing a knife from his belt the Chip stabbed the escaping prisoner several times and grabbed him by the hair to lift his head so he could slit his throat when he heard a noise. Rolling the body into a ditch he stabbed the knife into the ground to clean the blood off and shoved it into his belt again. Racing to the backdoor he returned to his position and stood there as if nothing happened. No one would care to ask about the prisoner until the deliberation had finished and if it was in their favor then it was done and if he was to be exiled at least it was permanent. Either way, they could say that he escaped and the guards would be looking for him. Eventually when they found his body it would be a story of a skirmish and that would be the end of it.

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Finally the council came to a verdict and they returned to give their decision. The corral was still packed and they sat down before the one stood. "The council has decided to exile Killian Laulorin with his return being under pain of death. It was carefully considered that though the motives to begin with may not have been in the best interest of the people he had no doubt saved all of us from certain death and now the debt is paid." Taking his seat again he gave a nod to the officer standing nearby. "You may facilitate the prisoners departure."

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It was black outside and a little pale man found the body dragging it into the caves a small group of them gathered around the stranger. It was one that they recognized being from the mountains. What business this creature had here they didn't know. Still they would show their good will to the kind woman who had gifted them many times. For now they would return him to the mountains. Where he belonged for the last several months.

Hulking the body into an underground train they ran it at hyper speeds across the planet and then drug the body outside near the home. It was so quiet looking. Still they were familiar with the bear that stood guard over it. Yet another oddity of this creature. This one had befriended a large animal that it should fear. As soon as the bear came lumbering in the men scattered, but not before putting a bracelet on the creature's wrist so that his female would know they meant no ill will.

Cin sniffed the air and smelled the blood. It was a thick distinct smell like the one he considered his mother. Grunting a little the bear nudged Killian's body and licked the wounds in his back as gently as he could. There was not a smell of death on him yet, but the injuries left him susceptible and Cin settled to lay over top of Killian. Occasionally the bear would get up and sniff the air if it sensed there were other animals prowling, but it always returned to lay back over the body.
 
Killian was gone. The cry rang through the colony and guards were sent searching through the woods to retrieve the escaped prisoner. He'd escaped already? How? Star waited for him, calling his name on the ship many times before realizing he'd never boarded. Where then was he? Was he running through the woods for his life, hoping she would find him? Perhaps he was headed to the cabin...that was the only other place both of them knew about. But he'd never make it there on foot in the snow. Maybe he'd gone to retrieve the ship she'd left deep in the forest when she'd first come back home. They'd left it there for emergencies and she'd almost forgotten about.

Either way, she had to find him. Star took the ship she'd packed up into the air and began to scan the edges of the forest, looking for the one life sign that would alone as all the guards had gone off in pairs of two. After an hour Star found nothing...no sign of him. She needed a different tactic. Landing the ship again, she raced to the prison, evading the eyes of searching guards in the dark. She'd put some drops under Claire's tongue to keep her asleep lest the babe's cries betray her.

She went to the prison which was unguarded now due to all the guards searching for Killian. He wasn't in his cell, but she caught a wiff of something funny. Like blood. Her eyes widened and she searched every inch of the building finding a door with blood splattered across it. She turned on her flashlight just to make sure, almost gagging at the thought. She pushed open the door, finding more blood in the snow. "No, no, no..." Someone had tried to execute him prematurely. She followed the trail of blood down into the ditch and up the hill on the other side. It went on for a while. Someone or something had dragged him away to a cave at the top of the hill. By the time she reached the cave she was shivering badly from the cold. Claire, lucky, was bundled up enough to protect her for the time being.

Star shuffled into the cave wearily, finding the blood still continuing further into the cave. This much blood loss...how many times had they shot him? As hardy as he was she began to fear for his life. She rubbed her eyes, following the trail all the way into a miniature city. Eyes began to light up all around her and she backed away a step, covering Claire with her hand. The pale gnome-like creatures slowly began to approach her, surrounding her and chattering in another language. One of them approached her and held up his wrist with a bracelet on it. Now that was close, she noticed they all wore bracelets, though of a huge variety of colors,..and she instantly understood what they meant. Only her's was back on the ship. So how was she going to show she was friendly?

Star dug through her pockets and found a candy bar. She opened it and set it on a nearby rock. They swarmed the rock sniffing it, licking it, and passing it around to one another. The made happy chirping noises and one of them offered her another bracelet which she put on. She then knelt down and gestured to the blood on the ground. The group before her chattered to one another before surrounding her and pushing her deeper into the tunnel, she could only hope towards Killian. They put her on a strange looking train which took off down the tunnel. She had to crouch down so as not to hit her head on the ceiling. Still she was amazed by the ingenuity of it all.

Twenty minutes later the train came to a stop and the group guided her to back to the surface. She instantly recognized the waterfall and the river. They'd taken her to her camp. Again, those same bloody drag marks appeared on the ground. "Oh Killian...don't you dare die on me yet." She raced up the hill following the drag marks to none other than Cin. Peeking from beneath his body was Killian's legs. "Oh god...Cin! Cin, move!" She waved her hands at him, hoping he'd obey and not straight out attack her.
The bear lifted its head again when another familiar scent came along. Hunkering down over the body the bear waited until Star arrived and it flinched as she waved her hands. Groaning the bear stood and nudged at Killian. Standing by defensively the creature watched her with a wary eye.
Star approached slowly, one hand on Claire and one hand gently extended. "Easy, Cin. I'm trying to help...not that you can understand." She watched the bear warily and slowly began to kneel beside Killian.

There was nothing quite so terrifying as having a 600 hundred pound bear standing over you on its hind legs. Somehow Star managed not to panic. There was so much blood it was hard to tell what had happened. She ripped away his torn shirt and wiped away enough blood to see the multiple stab wounds and at least two gunshot wounds. Star pulled out her datapad and called Kato. "Kato. Listen to me very carefully. Go to the landing pad beside the prison. Take the ship and fly it to the cabin. I'll transmit the codes. Bring medical equipment for gunshots and multiple stab wounds. And please hurry...Killian is dying." She put the device back in her coat then flipped Killian over onto his back. It was going to be a battle getting him all the way up the hill. She looked up at Cin. "Too bad you can't understand me enough to help." She looked back down at the cave. But maybe they could.
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Kato hung up the datapad and hurried to Anna. "Anna, Star found Killian. He's at the cabin. He's been shot and stabbed multiple times. I'm going to go help." He said grabbing his coat.
"Oh my gosh!" Anna ran to the room and started to pack some things for Kato. "I know I have to stay here. Just be careful. They say he tried to escape, but being stabbed doesn't sound like an escape. Sounds like a set up. If you can try and get the story from him. It might be enough to reverse the decision of the people. In the case this is a set up it will prove that Kavis was guilty and so was Dougal."
"Doesn't matter at this point if he dies." Kato gave Anna a quick peck on the cheek. "I love you. I'll call you when I can." And he raced out the door.
"Of course it matters!" Anna almost hissed at him. "It matters to Star, do everything you can." Calling to him as he raced toward the door she shook her head and watched him run outside.
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Star had wrapped Killian in blankets as tightly as she could and was trying feed him some broth. The more fluid he had in him, the better chance he had of surviving until Kato could get here. They didn't have the supplies they needed here at the cabin to help him. So trying to keep him from bleeding to death was the best she could do. Claire slept soundly in her crib, oblivious to the fact her father was quickly dying beside her. A spring storm had started, and icy rain had begun to fall. Despite her nervousness about Cin she'd let him inside the cabin where he currently lay on the living floor by the fire.

Killian nearly choked on the broth and she lifted his head to try and help him. "Please hold on, Killian. Don't you dare die from something as stupid as this." Kato burst through the door only to be stopped in his tracks by the massive bear who snarled at what seemed like an attack. Star burst out of the chair and yelled at Cin. She'd anticipated this and grabbed a bucket with some frozen fish in it. She placed herself between Kato and Cin and tossed the bear the fish, distracting him and encouraging him to lay back down by the fire. "What the...why is there a bear in your living room!?" Kato demanded.
"Cin saved Killian's life. I couldn't let him stay outside in that freezing rain. Now, please shut up and save Killian." She pulled him to the bed side and Kato got to work.
 
Killian woke in the cabin. He didn't remember getting here. Last he remembered was trying to get away after the guard shot him. The blankets wrapped around him were barely warm enough feeling. Moaning he tried to move and his entire back lit on fire. "Agh..." Lifting one hand to his face he rubbed the side of his head as if it should help. His eyes had started to roll into the back of his head again when he saw Star. "Ugh...W-w-what?" He didn't even have the energy to ask her a question and then he saw the spoon of liquid in front of his face. The broth didn't sound good at all. Still he opened his mouth and let her attempt to feed him. By the second spoonful most of it dribbled out the side of his mouth.

Listlessly he gazed ahead with the next few bites. Wincing he turned his head away from the next bite and she managed to get it into mouth anyway. His coughing wasn't all that productive and he gasped for air while she lifted his head. Laying back in the bed his breathing was sporadic and heavy. Almost crying he tried his best to turn in the bed. When the mask came toward his face Killian showed almost no sign of recognition. His attempts to fight were barely more than moans and an attempt to feebly slap the hands that kept reaching for him.

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Groaning, Killian tried to move in the bed. The whole room smelled like medicine and he wasn't wearing his clothes anymore. A great snort sounded and he squinted his eyes shut when the bear forced its way over to his bed. A small nudge made Killian cry out. Almost instantly the bear withdrew its massive head and snuffle at the injuries. Sticking its head in the air the creature sniffed a few times and then sneezed all over the floor next to the bed. Killian barely managed to get one of his hands out from under the covers and he got a fist full of the bear. "Go play." Cin happily trundled to the door way and almost ripped the door off before someone let him out.

"Star?" Somehow he thought he remembered seeing her around and he tried to push himself up in the bed. "Where's Star?" Falling back into the bed he whimpered.

"Hey, I'm here." She came to sit by his side, dark circles under her eyes. "Don't move. You'll tear the stitching." She smiled kindly, putting a hand on his cheek. "Told you, you would get out....just...didn't think you would try and escape before the verdict and get yourself stabbed."

Killian moved his legs a little to compensate for the fact that he didn't dare move his back even though it hurt badly enough he couldn't help writhing some. "I didn't do it alone. One of the guards gave me a note." Groaning he moved his legs a little more. "Ugh....My vest pocket. What was the verdict? They said it didn't look good and then they tried to kill me."

"What?" Star narrowed her eyes. "They voted for exile. The guard must have been working for Kavis or something. Damn that man!" She pulls out the note and looks it over. "Maybe Anna can do something with this. "I'll have Kato take it back to her."

A thin line of sweat broke out over his lips and he nodded. "Ok." Killian closed his eyes and continued to move his legs for a few more minutes. As pathetic as it sounded he didn't want to be left alone at this point. "Star can you sit with me?" Wincing he reached for her hand and held onto it until exhaustion took over and he fell asleep.

Star held his hand, long after he'd fallen asleep, grateful he was alive and wondering if this note would change the council vote. Either way, it would probably be safter for them to leave anyway. Which begged the question...where?

When Killian woke up next he could hear Kato talking to Star about some of the injuries. Again his bones saved him and his body had started the regeneration process. Apparently it was an odd finding from the records that Witteck kept. There were booster shots that he was leaving with Star to help the process and it sounded like the first few weeks would be the most difficult. Claire had begun to fuss and his eyes watered some. His poor little girl. He hadn't seen her since the day at court and even then it wasn't much more than a glance. Killian wanted to hold her or pat her on the back, but it was impossible at this point.

Killian didn't know if Kato left or if he was just out in his ship running samples or something like that. He felt the covers peel away from his back and he shivered a little. Each bandage was carefully lifted and a little cream was put over the wound before the dressing was put down again. "Gah..." Taking in a sharp breath he met Star's gaze. "Sorry. I couldn't wait for the verdict. There wouldn't have been time to escape. They would have killed me at dawn and it was already late." Moaning a little as she treated the next wound he could feel the muscles in his back tense slightly. "Had to get back to you." The cream seemed to ease some of the immediate pain in the area and he set a hand on her leg. Killian left his hand there for what felt like a long time and then he felt her little fingers. "Maybe later I can see Claire." The massage on his hand was relaxing and his breathing gradually got slower and heavier till he fell asleep again. Almost every two to three hours Killian woke up. He hadn't asked Star to stay with him the whole time, but he still felt her hand and he would go back to sleep.

By the second day Killian decided to ask Star to share the bed with him. It would be easier on her and he figured she would be careful not to hurt him. "Why don't you just share the bed. Wincing a little he moved to one end. "I don't move much and you'll be careful anyway." He cringed when she sat on the bed and it shifted slightly. "Just try it for a nap. You look like you need one."

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Anna stared at the note. It was certainly formed strangely. The only ones she knew to write their T's like this were the Chippeqouti. They had their own native language which was rarely used and from what she gathered it was written as well. It would all point back to the loyalists. "I need to talk with Sooni." Looking at Kato she got a slightly worried expression. "You got the note and the story. Is he ok? Is Star going to be ok?"

Kato nodded. "He'll be laid up for a while but he'll live, long as we keep that Cabin a secret. As for Star she's tired. Hasn't slept much since this whole thing started but she's alright now that Killian is. The ship that she had me grab had all their supplies and living necessities packed in it already. I unloaded it for her with some extra supplies so they'll be set for a couple weeks."

"Keeping it a secret is the hard part. I don't have any hard evidence until now that this may have been an attempt to kill him. Even meeting with the council could be risky at this point." Anna got a worried look on her face. "Kato the Chippeqouti have been making more frequent trips into the forest and surrounding area. They're looking for him."

"That Cabin is a week's journey on foot, but you're right, once they start sending out ships time is going to quickly run out. Either you need to prove the corruption of the old council and how they tried to kill him, or we need drop off a ship and help them escape the planet."

"I can try, but we need to get them off the planet. Is he in condition to travel? Can you move him?" Anna was starting to feel worried. It was already a few days and the Chippeqouti guard had not given up looking for the body yet. They were hunting him because he was exiled and supposedly out there. It was making sense now, because they didn't want to be discovered. Perhaps the blood covering part of the note could be identified as his. Now that they were under a free council some may be willing to testify that had not come forward before.

Kato shook his head. "He's in no condition to be traveling right now but Star and I can carry him and the bed into the ship if need be."
 
Sooni was home alone that evening as Perrin visited friends. She looked over from her cooking as a knock sounded. Wiping her hands on her apron she opened the door. "Anna? Good evening. How are you?"
"Not at the moment, no. Perrin is out with friends. What is this about, Anna?"
Pushing the note into Sooni's hand she waited for her to read it. "Someone had that note delivered to Killian that night he supposedly tried to escape. They've been especially desperate to find him since then."
Sooni looked up at Anna. "How do you know this? Did you see him? Do you know where he is?" She almost demanded.
"He was found by someone. Sooni he's too ill to testify or even move right now. Barely got this to me." Anna didn't want to give away the fact that she had Kato treating him.
"You realize how much danger you're putting the council in doing this. We're supposed to be upholding the law." Sooni sat down and studied the note. She cocked her head and pulled out a pad of paper and a pen and translated the note into quoti. She showed Anna the comparison. "This is most definitely of Chippequoti design. See the "T" and "O"...they carry the design as chip letters. "Whomever gave him this was most definitely a chip and since Killian has no formal chippequoti education, he couldn't have written it. Furthermore, the style of handwriting is most definitely Kavis. I recognize it from my time as council serf." Sooni's expression hardened. "You understand what this means?"
Anna nodded her head. "I do understand what this means. It means that Kavis was very possibly the one that conducted many operations that we don't know about. It means there should be a re-trial for Killian after we hold a trial for Kavis."
"Kavis is still very influential. One little note is hardly enough proof to bring him down." Sooni warns. "We must not shake this bee's nest lest we are guaranteed the honey."
"Then how do we stop him?" Anna looked at the woman. "This is ridiculous. I need to get Killian off the planet now. He's exiled and because they tried to kill him he can't get off. They will make that their excuse to kill him."
"If you aid him you will be forfitting your position as council member." Sooni warns. "This must be done the right way lest we show ourselves easily corrupted as well." She looks back down at the note. "This is enough to grant a vote to put him under house arrest and search his belongings . We can send an order to all guards not to kill Killian if he turns himself in willingly for a re-trial."
It was terrifying to think that they would allow the guards to catch up with Killian. "And what if that means Kavis explains all this away and the people decide to kill Killian? What do we do if that is what they choose and we know now that isn't the case? How do we know the guards won't kill him? He can't even resist if they try to take him." Anna couldn't help herself from wanting to help Star. She knew the woman wouldn't approve of the guards transporting Killian back here now.
Sooni looked at her sympathetically. "Do you trust in the council you helped form...or do you not?"
Taking a deep breath Anna looked at Sooni. "I do, but I'm also afraid for them."
"Of course. As any good friend should be. So, help me find evidence to bring Kavis down...the right way. If worst comes to worst, we'll have at least two votes towards maintaining his current punishment of exile. Encourage Killian to come in peacefully. If he is as injured as you say, he can receive proper medical treatment here in the colony while awaiting the trial. His wounds could also be part of the evidence if we find the person who did it and interrogate him."
Anna almost threw it all out the door right then and there. "2 votes out of 8. Sooni whatever you find better be good."
Sooni smirked. "Lucky for you. I know right where to look."
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"Kavis, by order of the council you are under house arrest due to suspicion of conspiracy in aiding a convicted criminal to escape." An official of the court announced as guards surrounded his house and more guards began searching through his belongings.
"This is ridiculous! What proof is there!?" Kavis demanded.
"A note written in your hand writing with your dna on it, Sir. Now please, remain calm or we will take you to prison." The official warned.

Sooni oversaw the entire operation and within two hours of word spreading of Kavis' conspiriacy, people began lining up to testify against him. The most renowned of which was Dr. Quill who claimed Star's claims had been true and that he'd conspired with Dougal to have her killed, though she hadn't known it at the time. That in conjunction with the evidence they'd found in a safebox under his desk in his office gave them enough evidence to warrent a swift guilty verdict. Now all they needed was Killian.

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Star didn't leave Killian's side except to tend to her own needs and Claire's. During the day she tied a rope around Claire's waist and let her roam around and play without the boundaries of the rope so that she could tend to Killian without worry. During the night she either napped in the chair or slept on a thin mat beside his bed, holding his hand on her chest as it dangled over the bed. She was just grateful he was alive. Three times a day she gently rubbed the salve on his wounds and fed him. Once a day she changed the catheter and the bandages.
Three days later he was stroking her leg as she rubbed the salve on his wounds yet again. He invited her to nap with him, but she worried she'd accidentally hurt him. Still he insisted, even inching his way to the other side of the bed. Claire was napping so she relented and lay down beside him, holding his hand in her own. "Thankyou for not dying." She whispered, before closing her eyes and falling asleep.

She didn't wake again until Claire started crying. She gently rolled out of the bed and went to tend to the babe who had a filled up diaper and an empty stomach. After taking care of Claire Star brought a basin of warm water over to the bed and gently cleaned each of Killian's wounds again then refreshed the water and gave him a bath. Between the injections to help him heal faster and the pain medication he wasn't awake for more than a few minutes at a time. Familiar feeling.

It was midday the fifth day after Killian's near death experience when Star heard a ship fly over. She raced to the window, relieved to see that it was further away that she thought...but still far too close for comfort. If they ran life scans over this area they would be seen, without a doubt. Star sat down at the table and opened the datapad, calling Anna. "Anna, a ship just flew over head too close for comfort. Killian and I have to leave. Can you and Kato bring us a ship?"
 
Anna's pad started to bleep and she looked at the name. Star was going to be so angry with her. "Hi..." It seemed that they had likely been found and no one had been informed of his condition in the guard. So they would likely land a ways off and sneak up on the house expecting Killian to come out guns blazing. "Star I can't do that. He's a key witness in a case against Kavis. The colony has recently discovered information thanks to the note that he was linked to Witteck's murder and the attempt on your life. We need him."

"What!?" Star nearly screeched. "He was nearly sentenced to death and almost killed and you want me to bring him back!? Convict the bas*** without him. We need to leave."

"If they already flew overhead they'll be there in a few minutes. You need to get him ready to move." Anna couldn't help the worry on her face. "You stay on the pad with me and I will speak with the commanding officer when they arrive, then you give the pad back to me. You trusted me before, now please let me help you. Where could you take him that the nobles wouldn't kill you right now? Any doctor might turn you in and he needs help."

Star looked panicked. "Can you 100% guarantee he won't be killed?"

"No I can't." Anna pursed her lips.

Star shook her head. "Then forget it. I..." The sound of gunfire sounded and Star yelped, dropping the datapad on the floor as she dove to the ground. The datapad continued to transmit as Claire began screeching and she army crawled to the girl and lay on top of her. "Stop! There's a child in here! Stop shooting!" She screamed. They paid no heed and she could only guess it was Kavis' loyal soldiers here to finish the job. She rolled with babe and shoved her under Killian's bed. "Stay down, Killian! Protect Claire." She reached under the bed and handed him one of their guns. A massive roar sounded along the men's screams and more gun fire. Star peeked up through a window and shot one guard. Then another as they were distracted by Cin who was tearing them apart with frightening ferocity.

Anna heard the gunshots and she dropped her pad. They didn't have time for this. She was going to leave the council if she had to. Her and Kato were going to get to that house and do what they could. There was enough evidence now that the colony would take care of Kavis.

The first shot sounded and Killian moaned a little in his sleep. He could barely move as it was and the dreams only made it worse. Star began to yell and he pushed himself to lay on his side. Almost trembling with the pain he grasped the gun that Star gave him. "Just let them take me if they break into the house." He didn't want her to get herself killed and yet it seemed that Star was going to ignore him on this subject. After a few minutes of the shooting outside he had to lay the gun on his bed and he wiped the sweat from his forehead. Claire had already begun crawling out from under the bed and Killian grabbed her leg. It was lucky the little girl had tried to escape on his side of the bed. Pulling her toward himself he bunched her shirt up in the back and lifted her toward himself. Crying out with the effort and strain on his back he held the baby on the bed.

It took a moment for Killian to realize that the baby and gun and him in the same area was a bad mix. Holding her against his chest he cringed as he rolled onto his back and put her on the other side of himself. Groaning he turned back to his side and grabbed the gun again. His eyes had watered some and he shook as he held the gun ready if they broke into the house.

One of the guards turned the shoot the bear, but it swiped at him and roared in pain as they shot at it. Cin opened his mouth and roared at the remaining guards. Between the shooting from Star and the bear the men had to flee. Enraged by the shooting the bear gave chase.

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

Anna burst into the clinic and pushed past the nurses to get into the back. "I need my husband now." As soon as she yelled she could see his head poke out from one of the various little room.

Kato had Shanti take his place and pulled off his gloves and mask. "Anna? What's wrong? Is Jacob ok?"

The little woman shook her head. "The guards attacked. Those bastards and we need to go verify the evidence or pick them up ourselves if they survived."

"What? Anna, slow down." Kato took her arm and walked her out of the ship. "The guards attacked who? Star and Killian? What do you mean if they survived?"

Anna walked next to him and began a quick brief. "The council opened the investigation on Kavis and we have enough to condemn him now, but we tried to get Killian cleared at the same time to verify the note that we have from him. Star called me cause a ship flew overhead and during the call shots were fired. If those guards got into the house they might have killed Star, Claire, and Killian. We'll need to collect evidence if they did and if they didn't we need to get them out."

Kato paled. "I'll fire up the ship."

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

The cabin was pock marked with bullets and the windows shot out. There was blood all over the ground outside and some on the side of the house. "Oh help." Desperately she prayed under her breath that they were ok. With so much shuffling around in the immediate area around the house she could barely make out bear paws on the ground. "This is Anna Jones. Council member and I demand you let me in." If the guards were here they would have to shoot her and explain this away, they would all stop what they were doing, or hopefully it was Star and her family.
 
Star lowered her gun as the shooting ended and the remaining guards fled. She hurried back to Killian who was barely staying conscious through the pain. She gathered up Claire who was crying hard. "Its ok. I'm ok. Anna should be on her way with transport out of here. We just need to hold out a few minutes longer." She was sick and tired of this: of being shot at and hunted, their baby constantly in the middle of the danger. There was a shuffle outside the window and Star went into fight mode again. She lay Claire by Killian's side again and snatched up the shotgun. She peeked out one of the many bullet holes around the house. And saw a terrified looking guard coming out of the outhouse and looking around. She stepped forward and shot him twice in the face. "That's for attacking my family son of a..." She growled at him as he slumped to the ground. Even a chippequoti couldn't survive a bullet to the brain that went through the eyes.
She looked around for any other guards then returned to the house. She spent the next 30 minutes on edge, watching for the guards return. Finally another ship arrived and Anna rushed towards the house with Kato. Star pushed open the damaged door, a relieved exhausted look on her face. "We're ok...damn bear saved our lives. Help me get Killian."
With a sigh of relief Anna stepped inside with Kato. They left the baby in his crib on board the ship. "I would have never thought that bear would come to use." Walking into the room Anna grabbed Claire first since Star and Kato knew more of what they were doing.

Claire's face was bright red from constant crying and exhausted from the entire situation. She whimpered as she lay on Anna's shoulders. Kato brought in transportable medical bed that had anti-gravity capabilities. He lowered it to the level of the bed and grabbed the sheet underneath Killian's upper body as star grabbed the sheets beneath his lower half. "One three. One, two, three, lift." Kato and Star half drag, half lift Killian onto the transport bed. The hard part done Kato pushed him onto the ship while Star grabbed their bags. "Are you coming with us or staying here?" Star asked Anna as she brought a handful of belongings onto the ship.
Killian winced when they moved him. Many of the wounds in his back had begun to ache after he'd rolled onto it. Despite his best efforts not to moan he did anyway. All the while Anna couldn't help wincing out of sympathy and she held the baby close and kissed her head. "It's ok." Gently petting Claire's back she walked behind them toward the ship and Anna looked at Star. "I will take pictures of this real fast and send it to Sooni. We'll leave together. Then I'll send her an official report of the findings with Kato as my witness and I'll also send her a letter of resignation from the council."
"Are you sure?" Star had expected her to say no. "This is your home. "You have friends here. You don't have to leave just cause of us."
Anna glanced at Kato. "It would be too dangerous for us to go back. Once Kavis and the loyalists find out I've been involved in all this they will come for Jacob, Kato and I.'
Kato didn't want to leave the clinic. It was so understaffed as it was. But he knew Anna was right and he didn't want to risk leaving them in danger. He nodded. "They don't know we're involved yet. We could pack up what we can without drawing too much notice. Save us the trouble of a major shopping trip. "Almost everything Killian and I own was destroyed or left. We'll have to go shopping anyway." Star sighed and reached out for Claire. "I can take her now. Thankyou for coming after us."
Stopping at the village seemed to be risky enough that Anna wasn't sue she wanted to do that. "Kato unless you have something there that you need I wouldn't want to go back." Anna peered over at Killian. "Would you mind if I took pictures of your back? I'll try to get it at a distance so they can see it is your face and then...Star if you peel the bandages back I want to make sure we get a few up close. I'm going to send a video of your testimony instead of having someone talk to you from the council at the planet."

Star nodded and with prompts from Anna began to tell their story. "My name is Star Laulorin. I swear that everything I'm about to say is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Kavis is guilty...and this is why."

***********************************************************************************************************
Three days Later:

"You know...if we ever shared our story with the galaxy. No one would ever believe us." Star says sipping a cup of coffee early the next morning with Anna in the kitchen of the ship. Both men and babies were still fast asleep, giving them some alone time. "We've seriously had the most unbelievable bad luck in the universe. Its like something is purposefully trying to kill us or make our lives hell...you know what I mean?"
Anna looked at Star and shrugged. "I don't know what to say. It's like you really do have the worst luck since you met him." It wasn't meant as a negative thing, but it kind of sounded that way. "Maybe there is something to their belief about cursed blood. Not like he even seems to have control over half of the stuff that happens. Even when he makes good choices it goes bad."
"Maybe we need to go see a shaman at our next stop." Star smirked. The navigational computer began to beep. "Speaking of which. Looks like we reached our stop. Telros...just a regular old boring planet with good shopping around the docking bay." Star downed the rest of her coffee. "Should we get the boys up or just take care of the list ourselves?"
A slight smirk came to Anna's face. "Hmmm...You really think your going to get Killian up?" He'd barely moved and it seemed the entire ship knew if he had to move half an inch. "We could get a few things done. Maybe get a nice breakfast to go and bring it back for them and then go out shopping."
"I am liking that idea." Star nods. "Let's go."

The two women get up from the table. Anna left a note for Kato in case he woke up before they returned and two head down to the surface. It felt good to be away from the chaos of their last home and on a new planet with a new future ahead of them. They had no destination except for maybe making their way to another solar system where nobles weren't looking for them. It was early enough that most shops weren't open yet and street vendors had just begun setting up shop. The ladies stopped in a restaurant and Star ordered what looked like pancakes and fruit. Anna got whatever looked good for her and Kato.

They sat in a nearby table as they waited. "You hear that?" Star asks, then smiles. "Nothing...silence. Wow...its so nice. No crying babies, no crying men, no screaming guards, no growling bears...just...blessed silence. I could get used to this."
 
Anna couldn't help that she was almost thrilled to get off the ship. It was now 11 days since the trial and Killian was starting to complain. Probably a good thing since it would indicate that he was a little more lively than just laying on the bed moaning incoherent words while he slept. Stepping into the restaurant Anna stared at the menu and she almost grinned. "Oh they have a nice waffle breakfast and a side of fruit with yogurt and syrup. I think that would be something my honey would eat. I'm gonna have a breakfast steak. What are you two gonna eat?" Star got something similar for herself and Killian to what she'd ordered for Kato. Personally Anna had never been much of a breakfast eater. She liked lunch meals. A breakfast steak was therefore the best food. Otherwise she adored muffins.

Taking a seat at one of the tables with Star she smiled. "You noticed." It was mostly sarcasm at this point, but she still had to poke fun at the situation. "How in the world have you survived this long? Over the last few days you've told me a little about the times before I arrived and it's crazy."

Star nodded. "I'm thinking about writing a book. I could get millions. Except I'm too busy trying to keep my family alive to have time." She shrugged. "Maybe wherever we go next will be more...peaceful."

"I'm gonna aim for someplace peaceful." Anna grinned. "See if that lasts with our current luck."

Star laughs. "Maybe we should upgrade our weapon stockpile while we're here. And teach Kato to shoot while we're at it. Something tells me he's got a gun phobia. I've never seen him touch one. And with our luck...he'll probably need to use one someday soon."

"Oh I wouldn't say he's never touched one. Might be gun shy after I shot him that one time by accident. It was ricochet. You know he's really quite peaceful in nature." Anna decided to move back to a more pleasant topic. "You know about that book. Are you sure you'd want the millions? I mean...you'd have thousand if not millions of women pining after Killian and wanting to see all his scars. Then the men...good lord they would be on your trail like blood hounds."

Star blinked then shook her head and made a face like it was the most ridiculous thought in the world. "Yeah, right...no one would want to be within 10 feet of us the way we seem to attract danger."

"Hah!" Anna laughed. "You wouldn't believe the rich snobs that would.......Oh my gosh I have an idea."

Star raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure I'm going to like this idea."

"You will." The little woman thanked the waiter that brought the bags of food to them. Rising from her seat she started back toward the ship with Star. "We will go to planet I'm originally from. There are women there that would love to house the two of you just to hear the stories first hand. You have no idea how famous you are."

Star shrugged. "I'd rather deal with rich women then men with guns I think. Tea, cake, spa days, massages...how soon can we be there?"

"Give me about a day to hear back from my father and then we'll bring you two in and Killian the best treatment he can get. A week tops." Stepping onto the ramp of the ship Anna noticed a strange little tracker on her ship and her eyes widened. "Oh my gosh. The colony knows we're here."

Star groaned. "Are you freaking kidding me? Smash that thing...guess we'll be going without amenities for another couple days till we can reach the next supply stop."

The little woman handed her bag of food off to Star and she began to climb along the edge of the ramp and then she stood on the railing to remove the tracker. Grunting a little she moved over to try and pull it off the ship. Anna's hand barely caught it and she slipped from the railing. With all her body weight dangling from the tracker she dropped to the ground with it.

Leaving the tracker where it was now on the ground she dusted herself off and winced a little with the first few steps. Just as Anna came into the ship she could hear Star waking Killian up. In many ways she still felt terrible for what happened to them. It was about time something in their life became easy. Taking herself back to where she and Kato had been staying she kissed him gently on the lips. "Hey honey we've got a little change of events here."

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Anna's father had been more than excited by the prospect of her returning. With it now being approximately 2 weeks since the trial Killian was able to sit up in the bed and he even walked some though it was with obvious pain. That morning Killian pulled a pair of pants on over his boxers and wrestled his way into a shirt. He had started to notice the hole in the front of his chest a little more since the back was healing and he rubbed it gently before he took himself to the navigation bay to see where they were.

The ship was just coming to the edge of the city and he felt a little nervous. "What are we doing here? Half the nobles here in this city I've stolen from in other systems."

Peering behind herself the little woman heard his question and Anna smiled. "Oh it is the rule of 7's. If you haven't stolen anything or committed any crime against them here in 7 years than you are considered a changed man. You haven't done any smuggling of their goods or stealing from any of them have you?"

Killian shook his head. "No not in over 10 years now." He'd been too busy fighting for his life and trying to survive the many attempts. The only other time that he had been so close to death's door was when he was poisoned. As they landed Anna went excitedly to the front and she peered back at the others. In her arms was little Jacob who she had dressed up like a little gentleman in his suit. They needed to look their part, her family if they were going to be treated as fellow gentry. Killian and Star she didn't bother to change. He would draw plenty of attention dressed up like a smuggler. Just the way he was and Star needed to be comfortable.

"There is your benefactress." Anna nodded toward a plump elderly woman. Her entire frame seemed to look like a thin layer of jello had been put over her bone and muscles. It made for a friendly face and well rounded smile. As she was made aware of Killian's condition she had a shuttle nearby to haul him and his family to her home.

Staring at the benefactress Killian almost couldn't believe his eyes. If he imagined a grand mother she would have been it. Her gray hair and soft brown eyes. Slowly walking with her to a ship he got into the back and winced with almost every bounce on the road. Finally they arrived at her estate which turned out to be a massive home. The woman was so delighted to have them that she took them to the apartment within her building herself. With a slight nod of her head smiled. "I hope its enough for you." Then looking at Killian she added, "I have a doctor coming to here to treat you. No need to move around. You just make yourself comfortable and he will assist you with whatever needs you have."

Killian nodded. He was mute since they arrived here. Overall he found the homes and people to be intimidating in their own way. He pulled his shirt off and went to the bed almost immediately. By the time he felt settled a knock came to the door and a doctor came into the room with scanner and a box with several outlets and wires connected to it. "Hello I'm doctor Bellringer." Setting the box on the side table he frowned a little when he pulled the sheets and blankets away. There were still a few wounds that had been covered. No doubt there were some complications. "I need to remove these." Taking the dressing off he nodded and began to place the electrodes just to the side of each wound. "Its a miracle you're alive." Taking a quick prick from Killian's finger he ran it through a slot in the side of the box and he adjusted the knobs on it before locking the settings and turning it on. "All this does is send sound waves through your body that stimulate healing. It is a painless and effective way to hasten the process."

It was a new sort of treatment that Killian never used before and though the tabs were all over his back he couldn't feel anything that they were doing. Just the idea of how it worked almost made him laugh. "You got anything for pain in that little set up?" He wanted to know if there was any help for that. Though he'd tried not to complain too much his back still hurt constantly.

"I do." Carefully the doctor withdrew a little wand from the side of the machine and taped it to Killian's upper arm. "It might feel like lots of little stings to start with and that is an electrical current that will muddle the pain signals in your brain. Since most patients move around too much with their lessened pain I only do the treatment in combination with a light sedative. It will just help you relax."

Within a few minutes Killian started to drift to sleep and he had no frown or wince, there wasn't a single grunt of pain or any other symptom that would indicate discomfort. Turning now to Claire and Star the doctor smiled. "Would you like me to check over the girl or yourself? I hear that you will be meeting with some women for tea tomorrow and the lady doesn't want you to suffer any discomfort during the first tea together."
 
Star looked up from Claire to the doctor who'd now turned his attention to her. "I'm alright. Maybe give Claire a quick look over. She'd been through alot recently." Star held the fussing Claire on her lap while the doctor did a brief examination. Claire had been fussing alot recently. Star guessed it was because Killian hadn't been able to hold her in a long while. She could have also been going through growing pains. Lovely combination.
When Doctor Bellringer gave her the all clear he looked at her again. "Are you certain you don't want an examination?"
"Do I look like I need one?"
That ended that and he left. Star shook her head and lay Claire down to nap. With some coaxing and a lot of patience Claire finally fell asleep and Star was able to get an hour to herself to soak in the bath and explore their new temporary home. It was a good thing she wasn't sentimental. Everything she owned had been replaced several times over. Had been that way since she was a kid. Even now the only that was a constant in her life was Killian, Claire and her journal. That thing was a book in itself though far less eloquent and filled with far more rants and bursts of depression or anger than happiness.

Star looked in the mirror as she brushed her hair and paused, realizing why doctor might've wanted to check her over. Those burn scars on her cheek, throat and arm were still there though significantly faded and her eyes looked tired even though she didn't feel it. I don't look that sickly...She grumped and promptly put on some make up. He probably wasn't used to examining patients who'd actually lived through a hard life and bore the scars of it. By the time she finished prettying herself up Claire was awake from her nap and Killian was sleeping completely peacefully for the first time in a long time. It was good to see.

Star lifted the girl out of her cradle who immediately wanted to be set down again. She lowered the girl to her feet and she remained standing, holding her mother's leg for support. "Soon you'll be running around tearing into everything...little cub." She smirked as Claire toddled away from her and straight for daddy. She snorted down a laugh as the babe hit the bed and slapped Killian in the face. "Ok, little terror. Let's leave, daddy alone." She guided the baby towards the door and followed her out into the hallway. Baby leash-adding that to the list of needed supplies.

The little girl toddled straight for the most interesting looking thing in her path which happened to be the stairs. "Oy...you're just like your father...running straight for danger." Star snatched up Claire's hands and gently bounced her down the stairs, much to the toddler's extreme delight which came with many happy squeals and bubbly laughs until they reached the bottom step. Star looked up just in time to avoid running into their benefactress. "Oh, sorry...Mrs. Charis. I hope her noise isn't bothering you." She lifted Claire back into her arms.
"On the contrary." The woman held her hands out toward Claire who promptly slapped them and giggled. "I was never able to have children and I'm quite intrigued by yours. She is half Chippeqouti?"
Star nodded. "Yes. Gets her green eyes and desire for danger from her daddy. Hmm?" She pokes the girl's chest drawing more laughs.
The woman smiled. "We have been completely unaware of the Chippeqouti as a whole until the games. Suddenly there was a surge and it seems all the nobles wanted one for one reason or another. Do you think they really have a desire for danger?"
"Not really." Star shrugs. "Its more like...a deep desire for adventure and an inate need to prove they are stronger than anything else they meet. At least that's how most of the chippequoti I've met are."
Aurora almost frowned while she thought of the statement. It was an odd, but truthful statement from what she'd read about them. Many were curious about the Chippeqouti and Star was now very famous for her marriage to one. "You must forgive me for asking. There was rumor you tamed him, I would like to know the truth before I introduce you to any of my friends. I am an avid researcher of histories and peoples. It would be my preference to be as accurate as possible before you have tea with us. Some of the women may want to meet Claire as well. She is a beautiful child."
Star smiled lightly. "No, I didn't tame him. I just coaxed out his softer side, as all women do for their husbands I think." Star settled Claire on her hip. The babe was getting heavier everyday it seemed. "Honestly, he's not much different from any human. He just happened to have been born in a chippequoti body."
"Yes thankyou. Killian is in the least amount of pain that he's been in for a while. I know Kato would be fascinated by your doctor's techniques." She chuckled lightly. "Thankyou also for letting us stay in your home for a while. We really appreciate it. If there is anything I can do in return..."
Pleased with the report Aurora nodded enthusiastically and some of her extra weight seemed to jiggle right along with her. "Oh all I want is for you to live here as if it were your home. I will observe from time to time so that I will see how you actually live and then I would like for you to pick a few days and events that you would like to do. Preferably little things where a few women and myself could join. At some point they would like to meet Claire and Killian as well. It is important that you do this at a time and place that is the least stressful. We're hoping to start a relief society for the refugees."
"That will be very much needed for sure." Star nodded. "Well, I'm looking forward to the tea tomorrow, though I am a little nervous. Don't really know much about etiquette and all that."
"Don't you worry about etiquette in the least." The woman had a constant smile on her face. "Just use the manners you know and watch me for the rest. They know you're not one of us. All I ask is that you attend and talk about what really happened. Not what we hear in the news. Hopefully we can have a larger event that your entire family will come to. I'm trying to minimize the stress to begin with considering all that has happened."
"Thankyou, its much appreciated." Claire forceably wiggled her way out of Star's attempt to hold her and slid down her leg. "Oy, this kid. She needs to get some energy out. I'm going to walk her around for a bit. See you around." Star waved at her and Claire led the way.
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Star smiled at Killian as he woke from his second nap of the day. She'd brought up a large plate of food for him and figured he was probably hungry after sleeping most of the day. She knew it was the first time he'd gotten decent sleep without pain in a long while. It hadn't seemed like he'd had any bad dreams either. "Hey, love." She sat beside him on the bed and offered him the plate of food. "How are you feeling? You look better."
All the little wires moved slightly as Killian moved to sit up. It was amazing. The wand taped to his arm had done a heap of good. In fact he felt incredibly hungry which he hadn't for several days now. "I feel so much better. Too bad they can only leave it on for 5 hours and then let the body adjust and heal for the next 10." Taking the plate of food he still tried to be careful so he wouldn't feel all of this when the treatment was done. His movements were far more fluid. "You and Claire ok? Is the lady nice?"
"Aurora Charis. She is very nice. Curious...but friendly. Respectful. I'll be meeting with her and some of her lady friends for tea tomorrow. I'm supposed to share our stories. Is there anything you want me to avoid, aside from the obvious painful details but..."
Sounded like it was all good and yet he still felt uneasy about it all. Killian just nodded. "Yeah, I don't want them to know about my parents, and I don't want them to know anything about the games. If they ask just tell them I was there and no more."
Star nodded. "I kinda figured as much." She chuckled as he continued to scarf down the food. "Glad you got your appetite and energy back. Its been a nerve wracking couple weeks."
"I know. There wasn't much I could do about the stress." Pushing another bite of food into his mouth he ate like it was last meal. "Haven't you eaten anything?"
"Yeah, I've had breakfast and lunch already." She smirked and kissed him, taking the plate and standing. "Want me to get you more or are you good? There is plenty around here."
Killian took a deep breath and he almost laid back, but he remembered that his back wasn't going to enjoy that later so he sat up straight again. "I'd eat a little more. Maybe more than little."

Star laughed. "Sure thing. Be back in a few." Five minutes she came back up the stairs with another plate for him and a muffin to snack on herself. She handed him the plate and sat down beside him. "Any ideas where we should go after we've stayed our welcome here?"
The plate was almost full again and that was just about right. She knew him well enough to know by now that a bit more than a little usually meant a good sized helping. "Thank you." Taking the first bite he almost hummed. It was so good and he still felt slightly hungry. "Haven't really thought about that yet. Can only think about 2-3 things at a time and uh...well the last few weeks I haven't been thinking so much about where we go so much as I was focusing on you and Claire. It was the only reason I hung on as long as I did."
Star's expression became a bit more serious. "Yeah, Cin saved your life. If he hadn't laid on you all that time..."
"What?" Killian looked at Star for a moment. "Cin was laying on me? I thought you found me and took me to the cabin."
"No." She chuckled and shook her head. "Remember those underground creatures? Well, they found you in the ditch and used an underground tram to bring you all the way back to the cabin. Maybe they knew that you belonged there. They tried to take you to the cabin but Cin stopped them and lay on you for the duration of the time. Kept you from bleeding out or freezing to death. I didn't find you till at least three hours later."
Killian blinked a few times and he seemed to remember a moment. "So uh...Cin was actually in the cabin with us at some point? You actually let him in?"
Star shrugged and gave him an awkward look. "It was pouring freezing rain outside, and he was wining at the door so...I figured letting him sleep inside was the least I could do after saving your life." She laughed. "He almost ate Kato when he came in though. Oh my gosh, you should've seen his face. Thank god we had some of that salted fish still stored in the freezer."
"Oh..." Chuckling a little he remembered the way Kato squeaked about the bear walking up behind him. "Yeah he's kinda scared of Cin."
"Killian, I think you and Claire are the only ones not scared of Cin." She shook her head.
"She has good instinct with animals. Don't trust them completely, but you can have an understanding with them. I uh...I don't think Cin ever gave you reason to worry. If he really wanted to eat Kato he would have and fish wouldn't have held him off."
"Having a 600 plus pound wild creature around a helpless babe is enough to make most anyone worry." She shrugged. "Still...after saving you...he has my approval."
Chuckling he nodded. "Aye I would leave him with a baby either. He's too big for the house though. All I remember is trying to grab him to get his attention and tell him to go play. That darn bear thought nudging me would wake me up and it did. He's a terrible nurse."
"Oh yeah. I remember that. No matter what I didn't I couldn't get him to leave after the storm passed until you told him too." Star finished her muffin. "Yet another story I'm certain the nobles will love to hear."
"You just tell them all you want about that darn bear. I kinda hope he's ok." Killian knew there wasn't anything he could do now, but he still felt bad leaving the bear like that. "They might hunt him and he'd be an easy target the way he thinks he needs to guard the cabin every night."
"I'm sure he'll be fine." Star pats his arm, uncertain herself. "I'll let you get some rest. But I'll be close by if you need me."
Killian shook his head. "You're a horrible liar. We both know he's gonna get killed." Finishing the last of his food he set the plate aside and settled into the bed again. "I don't think I'll need you. Doctor will be back in an hour so I'm gonna sleep while I can."
"Ok." She kissed him again, picked up Claire and let him sleep.
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The following day Star came down the stairs for tea in a light blue summer dress, her pink hair combed and styled. She readjusted her glasses for the umpteenth time and smile nervously at Aurora as she touched down on the final step. She wasn't sure why she was nervous...but she was. She couldn't help but feel there was alot of pressure on her to be everything these women were hoping for. She could see the women gathered in the living room already, all chattering eagerly. She clasped her hands in front of her to hide the slight tremble. The tremors had mostly faded, but from time to time was she nervous or stressed they came back. "How many are here?" She questioned, peering beyond Aurora.
 
Aurora happily set out a few plates to help the kitchen staff have the luncheon set. She had more than enough for the guests, but she also knew that the baby would like some of the sandwiches and more than likely Killian would to when he woke up. It seemed that the treatments had been very effective and the effects lasted long enough for regular oral pain medications to take effect so that he could rest a little more. Sleeping was crucial to the healing process and since he had been travelling and lacking all the needed medicine it had made some of the recovery difficult. However, it seemed that by the second treatment he was already greatly improved.

As the first rounds of guests arrived the butler was busily opening the door, bowing, and showing the women inside. Smiling at her guests Aurora nodded and she beckoned to them. "Lets get the luncheon part started shall we? I think she must be putting the little one down to nap." Star was slightly later than she had thought that she would be. If needed there were plenty of polite little excuses she could make. Being rich she had learned the etiquette of all the polite lies and ways to say no. Finally, she spotted the edge of the light blue summer dress and then the dash of pink hair. Making her way over she smiled at Star. "Ooh I've only got about 30 women here. You needn't worry. Most of them are my age though we have a few younger ones here that have become part of our organization. Will you be ok?"

"Wait...30!? I thought this was supposed to be a nice little gathering of 3 or 4." Star clenched her dress. She had not been expecting that.

"I'm sorry my dear. 30 is a small gathering around here. Shall I make an excuse for you? We started with the luncheon part of tea first and they won't be asking you many questions. You can just relax for that part." If nothing else she figured that she could tell the women that Killian was not well and Star was attending to him. Not many of them knew he was injured quite badly before coming here. Those that did would understand and it would be true. The Chippeqouti was not well even if he was improved.

Star took a breath. "No, I'm ok. Just...taken off guard." She managed an awkward smile. Why is this so much more terrifying than shooting people. Now I know how Killian feels. "Let's go." She followed Aurora into the living room, fighting to keep her heart calm and the nervousness from showing.

Stepping into the room Mrs. Charis smiled broadly at her friends. "I have here with me Star. If we could all keep chatter among ourselves for the moment I'm sure she would be pleased to hear about you while she eats. Remember we all know each other and she has yet to learn of us." Most of the women seemed to be pleased with the thought and so they politely kept their conversations quiet and those closer to where Star sat with Aurora quietly talked about their more recent charity funds that they had attended. Gradually the chatter died as it seemed that Star was finishing her meal.

All of it fell quiet and the women waited for Aurora to start. She had taken the time to forewarn them that Star might be shy or a bit more reserved at the least. Now that they had all eaten it was time to begin with a few questions. The woman smiled broadly at her friends. They remained seated as it was an informal event. "Its so good to see all you ladies here today. As you know I recently took interest in the refugees from the nobles on the other side. It seems the Gillick's have taken a particular interest in certain races and they have been especially cruel to humans. I was contacted to be a host for Star and her husband. If you are not aware she is the first woman to have married a Chippeqouti. Her husband is unable to join us at this time. He was severely injured before coming here. Also, I couldn't help myself and I asked her the first burning question we all have. Did she tame him? I think you'll find her answer as amusing as I had." Motioning to Star she let her start with answering the first and a somewhat easy question to break the ice. After that the ladies were likely going to have a few of their own questions.

"Uh, well..." She cleared her throat and smiled. "Killian is like any other human out there. He's go the same heart, same passions, just has a bit more of a desire for adventure and penchant for getting into trouble then most men. As his wife, I simply coaxed out his more tender, loving side. The part of him passionate about protecting what he loves at all costs. Those of you who are married know what I mean. If that's what you call taming...then you all you married folk are doing it too."
"Do you really have a half-chippequoti baby!?" One of the young women exclaim. Star nodded. "Yes. Claire. She's beautiful, but she's napping right now. Maybe you'll meet her later."

A round of chuckles sounded in the room and Aurora beamed. So far it was going quite well. An older woman nodded approvingly and then decided to ask a small question that she had often thought about. "I have read about you a little. Seems that many on the other side are interested in gaining the Chippeqouti, but you have proven to be quite a prize. Most interestingly you're not afraid of the Chippeqouti as it seems most humans are. Is there a reason that you're not afraid of them? Many pamphlets and bits of information almost make them inhuman like their cousin race of Gillick."

"I think it helped that when I first met Killian we both thought that he was just an extra large human. We didn't find out until almost after 6 months of dating that we was actually an alien. After that, most chippequoti seemed human, just from a different culture that emphasizes strength and the domination of the weaker. That one difference is what makes them seem so monsterous in the eyes of the rest of the galaxy...but...when you get to know them...they really aren't that different."
"How many other chippequoti have you met?" Another questioned. Star looked at her. "Almost 200. One of which became another friend." The women murmured in shock and wonder.

One of the women thought for a long moment before she decided to ask. "Some of us heard that you were sold on the slave market. How is it possible that you both found each other? Planets apart and some of us never find a person again if we are on the same planet, but different sides of it."

"That is a long story. But...the short of it is our former crew rescued us. Before we were sold off, a kid I'd befriended put trackers in all of us so that he could find us later and save us. Without his quick thinking, we might've never seen one another again." Star replies. The more she talked, the more comfortable it became. "Is it true that your husband is the same Chippequoti known as the Beast from the games?" One of the women asked incredulously. Star nodded. "Yes. But that's a painful time neither of us really like talking about."

There was only so much that they could know about the woman. Most of it had already been covered and the rest had been news of a colony that was supposedly missing and they didn't want to risk it being discovered or destroyed so it was best not to talk about it. Finally a shy middle aged woman spoke up. "I-I would l-like t-t-to know if there is a s-story you like telling." She took her time and tried not to stutter so much. It was a horrible habit that her father always criticized and she tried not to speak much since it embarrassed him.

Star smiled kindly at the woman. "Well, my husband adopted a bear and made it a pet. He named it Cinnamon, Cin for short. Now I know what you're thinking, who the heck keeps a bear for a pet? But he did, and it ended up saving his life." She told the story avoiding as many of the details that could risk the colony as possible. She got several laughs by sharing about how the Bear would go after certian plants in her garden, or insisit on sleeping inside for the first several days Killian had it. She ended with how it had saved Killian and then herself and Claire from the people trying to kill them. "That is just one of many...but he's probably my favorite story thus far."

Already the conversation began to turn away from the life she had as the women figured that more would come out later now that they knew a little about Star. "Do you like gardening then? Next week we're going to walk through the gardens at the park and I always try to get ideas for my own when I go there each spring at the grand opening."

Star shrugged. "I more so did it out of necessity but I don't mind it with good company. I'd be glad to join you."

The women continued with the conversation and let it naturally progress from there. Most of them had been warned in advance not to pepper the woman with too many questions and they didn't know a whole lot else. A first meeting was a bad time to ask certain questions anyway. Aurora stood up as the first of them began to file out and politely thanked the women for coming. "You will come with us to the gardens next week and bring Claire." With a wave the woman tottled out the door with her friends and the gaggle of women twittered all the way out.

Killian got up since it was about time that he started moving again and his back was currently feeling about as good as it could. Slipping his shirt on he went over to the crib to check on Claire. He wanted to pick her up and hold her. Yet that wasn't going to happen for at least another 2 weeks. Instead he began to wander for the stairs and he couldn't quite remember which direction it was to the main part of the house. It had to be a left.

A ways down the hall and a few more turns found him in a random room that wasn't anything like the one he was trying to get to. Mansions like this were like walking around in a maze. You could tell where you were in a ship by the sound it made. Here it was all the same. Every time he walked into a hall to see if he could remember which door he pushed open to walk through he would find himself guessing so he pushed another one open and now he was even more lost. "My gosh..." Grumbling a little he figured that wandering aimlessly was about as good as trying to actually find his way back to their small apartment. Eventually he came across a room with a couch and he sat on it for a while. It was better to stop wandering now and hope somebody found him. Otherwise his option was to drop out the window and walk to the front door.

It felt like hours of sitting on the little couch and he finally decided that he'd better drop out the window and walk around to the front of the house. At any rate they were all gonna figure out he got lost. Thankfully the drop was only about 20 feet. So if he dangled himself out the window he wouldn't fall too far. "Oh hell." Sprinklers were running and the ground was probably soaking wet. Still it was better than sitting here for whoever knew how long. He couldn't imagine servants visited the spot since it was so quiet.

One of the maids squealed when she saw a dark figure drop from the second floor of the house. Killian felt the jarring hit run into his spine though it was only momentary as he lost his footing on the wet grass. Twisting on his way down he landed on his side and growled. He knew deep down that was probably what was going to happen and it did. Pushing himself up off the grass he started to limp toward the front of the house. It was closer than the back door. There was a fence and he would have to climb that too. "This is stupid. Why do they need a fence when they're already in a safe part of town." Grabbing the fence with a wet hand he yelled. "Owow!" His entire hand had about cramped from the electric shock and he thankfully could pull it away. Shaking his hand he started to walk for the back door. That was going to be his best guess since apparently the fence was electric. Killian rubbed the sore hand through his hair and sighed. "I don't get it." In fact there was very little that he got about this life.
 
"Killian? Killian..." Star wandered around the house after going up stairs to check on Claire. He not been in the room when she got there and now he had seemed to have disappeared. No doubt he'd gotten lost looking for the kitchen. This place was massive. "Have you seen Killian?" That was the question she asked the servants for the next 15 minutes as she searched for him. Seriously Killian are you playing hide and seek or something? She heard a scream and Star could only imagine why.

A maid rushed to the top of the stairs. "Thief! There's a thief around the house! He just dropped out the 2nd story window!"
"What did he look like?" Star called up to her.
"Tall and dark...terrifying!"
Star shook her head. "That would be Killian." She wandered to the front door and called for him. No answer so she tried the back and met him at the door. She put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot at Killian as he limped in the door. "Why are you dropping out of windows when you're barley healed?" She demanded in an even tone.
There was no way that he could have kidded himself. She was gonna find out. "I got lost."
"Figured as much." She shook her head. "You couldn't just yell like a normal person instead of dropping out of windows?"
Killian smirked. "I didn't think of that. Waiting on a couch for a while and then I decided I'd better help myself."
"Oh Killian." She sighed and smiled lightly, taking his arm and walking with him back to the bedroom. "You are covered in mud and you're limping again. You jarred your back, didn't you? Tsk....Lets get you cleaned up..."
Yelling would have been far more simple. Wouldn't have done much for his pride, but neither did this. "Yeah, I might be a little sore." Snickering he leaned a bit closer to her and kissed her on the cheek. He tried not to get her dress dirty. "Yelling was such a simple answer. I must like jumping out of windows. Done it a few times since we've met."
"Have you? I only remember this time."
Wincing a little he peered at her. "Oh I did with the Bippens. I guess that was a balcony. Eh well. It doesn't matter." Once they were in the room Killian started to strip his clothes off. His shirt hit the tiled floor with a slap and he poked at the one bullet hole that had gone clear though and to his chest in the front. "I think that one hurts more than the rest even in the back." It was believable considering the depth. "How was the tea this afternoon?"
"It was fine. They just asked me a bunch of questions. Apparently we're famous." Star chuckled. She looked over at him. "Take a shower and I'll put some more salve on."
Killian nodded and he stripped down the rest of the way before heading into the shower. By the time he finished the shower he was starting to feel a little bit more of the drop. Wrapping a towel around his waist he walked over to the bed and laid on his stomach. "Ok I'm ready."

She sat beside him and gently massaged the salve in and around his many wounds. "You know I dont' think I've ever been so glad in my life that you're chippequoti. Any other man wouldn't survive half of what you manage to survive."
"Only reason I lasted as long as I did in the business. Most smugglers got killed or caught in about 5 years." Chuckling a little he turned his head so he could look at her. "Used to just think I was lucky. Now...not so much." A broader grin came to his face. "I know I'm lucky. Who wouldn't be if they had their own little Star to hold."
She smiled at him. "I love you too."

She finished putting the salve on him then collected Claire and let him play with her a bit. He couldn't do half of the roughhousing he normally did but at least she was getting some much needed daddy-daughter time.
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Kato had become obsessed with the new medical technology he'd observed the doctor use on Killian. He'd spent every moment that he wasn't with Anna or Jacob or asleep researching it and seeing if he could purchase some for the ship. Every time Anna came in to see him he had something new to share about it. He hadn't been this excited about anything in a long time. "The possibilities of these sorts of treatments are unlimited! Its so incredible!" His favorite phrase of the week.

As Anna came in the room, after the luncheon and tea, Kato turned in his chair towards her. "I still haven't taken you shopping for supplies, have I? We should do that soon. Maybe tomorrow if you like." He offers.
If she let Kato do the research the shopping would always be tomorrow. Anna just smiled at him, "Don't worry about it." She'd taken care of it by the second day. It was obvious that he was going to study the effects of the treatment on Killian and want to learn how to use it for himself. "So have you done anything besides research today or are you going to turn into a little fish in a bowl." Sometimes he reminded her of one anyway and she made fish lips at him.
"A fish?" Kato looked up from the datapad long enough to raise a questioning eyebrow at her.
"Mhmmm." Quickly changing the fish lips to make her face more serious she pointed to her clothes. "If you weren't so busy looking into the research you might have noticed that I've already done the shopping."
"Oh...well, well done. I still need to make a trip though to see if I can get one of these electro-therapy modulators myself." Kato turned in his chair again. "Oh, uh Jacob was fussing again earlier. I tried set him on my lap and bounce him but he didn't like that. Tried changing him, feeding him...he's healhy...just grumpy...possibly teething. I gave him some drops to help him nap."
Anna nodded and stood. "Then I'll leave you to it." Wandering into the baby's room she found Jacob was still fussing. Rolling her eyes she picked the little guy up and stuck a pacifier in his mouth. That seemed to do the trick for now. It was probably as good a time as any to go for a walk, or make a call on Star and see how things were going over there.

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Star put on pants, colorful shirt and comfortable shoes for this outing. Claire sat buckled in a stroller that Charis had gotten her. It was proving to much less strenuous on her back with the toddler in something she could push. "I'm glad you're coming with me this time, Anna." Star said with a relieved look on her face as they approached the gardens with Aurora. "I know I'll be a whole lot more comfortable with you and Jacob there."
"Oh its not a problem." Anna smiled at Star. "The Lady Charis is sweet. It's why I called her and asked if she would like to be your host."
"Thankyou. I really appreciate it. That does bring up a question though, um...Charis mentioned something about doing a seminar or something. What's that about?"
A seminar? Anna was trying to think if she had heard mention of any such thing. "I would think a fundraiser would be more her style. She would probably have you and Killian talk a little bit about what happened and then the rich would donate money to see the refugees relocated to safe areas. You would represent the needs of humans and he would probably represent the Chippeqouti. You haven't been here very long so I wouldn't worry too much about it yet."
"Oh, I see." Star nodded and laughed a little. "This whole situation is just too weird though. I never, ever imagined I would be popular around nobles."
Anna tried not to sound too irritated at the thought. "Because they're bored, Star. Haven't you noticed how nobles do almost nothing? They sit around and talk about how they should use their money to help others and never bother to get their hands dirty. You are a form of excitement and you're relatively dangerous and yet a charity case. Killian was sick and he wasn't healing. This was one way to make sure he got the best medical care available. Just keep them interested for a while."
"Is this why you left home? Cause you were bored with the noble life?" Star questioned.
"It is. That's how I got hooked on drugs and in with all the wrong men too. It was exciting."
"And now where do you get your excitement...well, stupid question. You get plenty just being around me and Killian."
Anna chuckled. "I make my own excitement if I must. You and Killian do provide a certain element, but I've tried not to rely on you two always getting in trouble. Someday you'll get a hang of things and it won't go so rough. Here there is no possible way to get in trouble or hurt yourself."
"Oh no...now you've jinxed it, Anna!" Star groans. "Whatever could possibly go wrong is going to now...thankyou very much."
"Well I wouldn't have to anyway. Even if you sealed Killian in a neat little box with all the things he could possibly need he'd find a way to mess it up. Probably break out too. Just enjoy this while you have it. I don't think he'll do well in this setting for long." Anna could only try to imagine what might happen. Rolling her eyes she let out a long breath. "He's an ex smuggler or dear god don't let him steal anything."
Star laughed. "He's not that stupid." She went serious for moment. "Well...maybe he is sometimes..."

Star took a breath as they entered the garden. There seemed to be more ladies here than had been at the luncheon if that were possible and all of them were immediately enthralled by Claire. Star hoped she'd enjoy the attention cause she was about to get alot of it. After being asked 20 different times if they could hold her and Star saying no she almost wrote a sign: "No, you can not hold her. She's very heavy." She tried not to laugh too hard as Claire snatched one woman's wig right off her head and held it with an iron fist. It took her several minutes to coax her to let it go. She handed the wig back. "Sorry 'bout that. She must've liked the color."
 
Killian had a whole week of the treatments and he felt well enough to be up and walking around almost all day and the doctor cleared him to hold Claire. Healing was a lot faster than he had though it would be with this treatment. It was apparently enough that he was invited to one of the little luncheon things. He hadn't really done much shopping for clothing and Star only had one of his vests that he liked to wear and his cargo pants. Otherwise the rest of it was jeans and button up shirts with a few t-shirts. On the side he noticed a suit and he grimaced. They were horrible uncomfortable.

Grabbing the vest and cargo pants he prepared to put them on and Star gave him a disapproving look. "Oh fine." Instead he took the green shirt he put it on with a pair of jeans and snatched the baby. For whatever reason at the base of the stairs he always wanted to turn left. A hand on his elbow reminded him and went the other way, took another right and found himself just outside the kitchen and then to the left was the living room. Leaning to the side he peered into the space and his eyes got wide. "I can't go in there."

"Its ok. They're harmless." Star patted his lower back gently, knowing full well how he felt. "Its easier after about the first 10 minutes."

"Like hell it is." Killian held onto Claire like she was the lifeboat. Maybe they would all pay attention to the baby. "You know I don't like talking to people."

"I know. Just come in long enough to say hello and answer a few questions. Then you can leave. I'll try and do the majority of the talking."

"I-I..." Killian complained as he felt her push on his back gently and he rounded the corner reluctantly. It felt like they were in a tiny space like a prison. Nervously he walked past the women and sat down on a chair that creaked loudly. Probably because it was so quiet it seemed the chair was practically screaming. Even as he settled onto the chair he couldn't help the feeling that it would break at any second. Claire only made it worse when she turned in his arms and squeaked loudly while trying to bounce out of his grasp.

"Uh, Ladies, my husband Killian. Killian, these women are here to raise funds and awareness of the refugee cause for both the humans and the chippequoti." Star introduced. Several awed faces stared back in return.

Taking a deep breath he pulled Claire a bit closer to himself and tried to keep her under control. With the introduction he gave a sheepish grin. Almost immediately one of the younger women piped up. "You used to be a smuggler. How did you get into the business or crime ring?" Killian shifted Claire since she insisted on peering over his shoulder. "Uh...I killed a crew and took their ship. I really don't know what this has to do with the refugees."

Star patted his arm. "They just want to get to know us." She says gently. Another young woman leaned forward. "Did you really not know you were an alien growing up!? What did you do when you found out you were born from a such harsh race?"

Never was it quite so tempting to be anti-social as now. Killian nodded like he had an understanding though he was irritated with the understanding. "I'm not an alien." Almost growling the word he realized it only sounded worse combined with the follow up question. "No, I didn't know growing up that I was Chippeqouti. There wasn't a lot to do when I found out. She got worried about corresponding body parts and I told her it would work just fine. Obviously it did considering the baby here."

The hostess couldn't help chuckling a little herself though it was more out of shock. She'd never had a chance to talk with Killian and it was more than clear that he wasn't a well groomed person in the way of manners. While she'd never spoken with a criminal she imagined he sounded like one. Another question arose and Killian glanced at the woman briefly. "Those that I know of are about to die as a race." He would have shifted in the chair, but it groaned and he nervously looked over at Star. This felt like an interrogation and he really didn't want to sit here with these women any longer. Some of it was partly due to the fact that he'd never guess what would come out of their mouths and he felt obligated to answer.

A lady nodded and decided to pose a question of her own. Perhaps something a little more comfortable. "So when did you both decide that you liked the other?"

That question made Killian smirk. "Well she got my attention when she pointed a gun at my head and when she started making deals to keep me from throwing her off the ship....I was starting to think she might be interesting. What I really liked was her cooking."

"You boys were literally starving to death on dehydrated ship food." Star leaned forward to tell the tale. "See I was being chased by the military police in our home galaxy. I stowed aboard his ship and tried to force him to tell me the code to ship so I could steal it to escape. It didn't work out for me too well and i ended up getting knock out by a fellow crew member and shoved in a cell. So a bargianed with what skills I had. When he let me out I cooked a meal and forced him watch me eat it, then offered him a plate...but wouldn't let him eat it until he promised to add me to the crew. You know our first date was to this sketchy bar then to the ship hanger bay where we lay in each others arms and stared at the ceiling." She grinned.

The women got a strange expression on their faces. None of them knew what to make of it. Didn't sound romantic or even likely that the two of them would be together. Finally an older woman decided to move onto a question that would be more likely to make sense. "What do you two think should be done with the Gillick nobles?"

That question didn't take much more than a second worth of thought. "Gut the bastards." Killian said it with a grin on his face while he made a face at Claire who squealed with delight. She had no idea what her father was talking about, but it had to be wonderful by her standards because he was smiling at her.

Star squeezed his arm in warning. "What he means is they need to be dealt with swiftly and harshly. We've suffered alot at their hands. Until their entire gillick noble network is dealt with they will continue to hunt and enslave humans, Chips and whomever else they can get their hands on. Though, what specifically needs to be done. We're not sure. The last time we went head to head with their armada, we barely survived and we're not eager to repeat the experience."

If they were willing to help then Killian really didn't see why he shouldn't say what he thought. The correction from Star was a little frustrating even if it did make sense. "Yeah she's really good at making my short phrases sound more sophisticated."

There was still an odd silence in the room and Aurora took a breath. "I uh...It sounds like you're certainly a man of action. You live up to your reputation for sure. What would you think of an anti smuggler task force? A few have talked about recruiting you for the knowledge that you could possibly impart in capturing the smugglers."

Killian's eyes almost lit on fire and he looked up from Claire. "No I wouldn't join. Most those men are there because they make a better lives for themselves than they do serving anyone else. Some took to it because it was step up in life from the streets. Let em run long enough and they'll get themselves killed or caught like they do anyway. Any man dumb enough to get killed deserves what he gets, but I'm not going to help put em behind bars or hang them."

Star shifted in her seat awkwardly. She could feel the tension in the room, the excitement quickly turning to a hesitant caution. Only Claire was unaffected, squealing happily in her father's lap and banging on the table. "Uh, are there any other burning questions?" Star asked pleasantly, trying to hide her growing anxiety. She couldn't help but wonder if Charis was beginning to regret hosting them.

The Lady Charis looked at the other women and she smiled softly. "Yes...I never realized there was so much trouble that drove men to become smugglers. What sort of programs do you think would be useful to prevent it from happening? Perhaps it would be a better approach than creating a task force."

At least the question wasn't about subduing more people and putting them under thumb. Killian sighed. "Well you could start with helping the kids on the streets. That's where I came from and an entire other crew I knew about. A kid I trained to be a smuggler cause I didn't have any other damn skill to teach him. He got killed trying to do the right thing, saving folks. If you really want to help try opening schools to teach the kids something besides crime and offer a meal. Maybe some clothing and they'll make the rest for themselves."

Star nodded. "There are alot of kids trapped on the streets, abandoned by parents who can't or won't take care of them. All they want are homes and families. Give them that and that alone would drop the crime rate significantly."

Many of the women started to whisper among themselves and they finally nodded. An older woman that seemed to be some sort of leader spoke up. "It is something we were never aware of. I would like to talk about this another time. Perhaps find out a little more from you about what it was like growing up on the streets. For now we'll end the immediate discussion and we can carry casual conversation." It seemed that was the cue that meant Killian could leave and he wanted to leave very badly. Standing up from the chair he heard it give a nearly relieved sounding squeak.

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

After the guests left Aurora Charis called Anna on her tab. "We had our first meeting with the family. He needs some serious charm lessons before we go into any meeting larger than this. Her husband is so intense."

Anna listened to the woman and smiled. "Oh I've got just the man for the job. Kato needs to get his head out of the research projects. I'm going to ask you if I can talk to your doctor. I need to know which machine he thinks is the best on the market and I'll get one for Kato so he can stop drooling over them." She knew that Killian was in some ways a disaster waiting to happen and yet it seemed that Charis and her ladies were willing to still work with him. He was an oddity and they were probably appropriately nervous and excited by his intense nature. It was also amusing to know they were sufficiently shocked when they really should have been.

Early the next morning Anna got up to see that Kato was still busily typing away. It was starting to irritate her. He was so stuck on his research...that wouldn't be for long. Without saying a word she snuck out to meet with the doctor that treated Killian. Anna sat at a coffee shop with Jacob. He was old enough to get a little cup of juice and he was loving it.

While she sipped on her coffee she waited for the doctor to show up. A wiry man walking at the pace of a snail entered the shop and he sat down across from her. "So you wanted to know which machine I recommend? There are portable versions and ones that cannot be moved."

"I'll go for the portable. We don't have any place steady right now. Maybe write down the best machine that doesn't move too. Just in case." Taking the note she glanced at it and smiled. "Thank you." Anna typed it up on her pad and called the manufacturer as soon as the doctor left."I don't care if it is for doctor's only. I'm married to one and he needs me to purchase it. He's too busy right now." Seemed that the salesman was being impossible on the other side of the line. "Fine do you have a price that you will forget it's me whose calling?" That finally got where she wanted and the machine was to be delivered to her temporary house within the hour. Hanging up she growled. "What doesn't money buy? Only Kato's attention. He will love that machine to death. Not until after he learns to appreciate being with me again."

Anna rushed home just in time to see the box being set at the door. Quickly signing for it she stepped into the house. "Kato!" There was no answer and she took it to the room. "I got one of those machines for you, but first...." Now that she had his attention she walked over to where he was and kissed him. "I told Lady Charis you would give Killian charm lessons. He needs to be ready to talk to a large forum of nobles within a month."
 
Star lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling after putting Claire in her crib. "Well, that went badly today. You were far too blunt with those women. You need to learn how to say things in a way that doesn't sound rude or freak people out."
Turning over on the bed Killian grunted. It still hurt, but he needed to be on his other side to look at her. "I tried to be nice."
She turned towards him and smiled softly. "I know you tried. And you did really well for the part about the kids. But everything else..." She wasn't even sure how to teach social cues to someone who had no sense for them. "Ok, basically topics to avoid, sex, violence and crime. If they bring them up, try to not answer in a way that makes it sound like you are approving of violence or crime and you should be okay..." Star made a face. She knew it wasn't really helping. Honestly she just knew how to be polite, Killian didn't even really know that much.
Narrowing his eyes slightly he gazed at her. She couldn't be serious. "Those are the 3 most interesting topics. Well the ones that everyone seems to encounter or at least have in common." Killian sighed after a long moment. "Alright...I'll try not to do that. So what do I do if they ask about the games, or pretty much anything else in my life?"
"Be vague on the actual details of the violence and focus on the situation. For example: freeing the men from the games. Concentrate on the fact that we hacked the ships, we opened the cages and after some fighting we got them to the ships and took off. Avoid saying things like, 'I killed dozens of men before escaping or I shot someone in the heart' etc. Make sense?"
"I don't say that sort of thing." Killian almost sat up. "Those are not the kinds of things that I say!"
"'Tear their guts out..." Star narrowed her eyes at him. "That sound familiar?"
"Oh." Killian chuckled a little bit nervously and he got a sheepish grin on his face. "I uh...I said I'd gut them. Essentially the same thing just fewer words. I can't help it. If they're dumb enough to think I don't have those kinds of feelings than they deserve to know."
"Ok, no they don't, Killian. They arn't interested in how much we hate them. They're interested in how they can help. They are interested in the adventures that we have had together. They want to hear stories that they can tell to their friends that full of intrigue and excitement. That sort of thing."
Letting out a long breath he settled into the bed again. "So they don't really want to help. Its about scratching an itch they have and if we do that they might give us money." Killian rolled his eyes. "That's kind of a shit way to go about things. I can try though."

"That's all I'm asking." Star leaned over him and kissed him.
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"I told Lady Charis you would give Killian charm lessons. He needs to be ready to talk to a large forum of nobles within a month."
Kato blinked at Anna like she was crazy. "Charm lessons? Anna I am the last person to be giving anyone charm lessons, much less Killian."
The woman raised an eyebrow. "You'll learn to be charming. Besides...don't you want to go to the fundraising with me?"
"What fundraising?" Kato asked, completely clueless.
"That's the point." Anna walked over to where he was sitting and flicked his pad off. "You don't even know how to turn the damn research off. Didn't come to bed or anything else. So I'm helping you learn a few things. First of all...Killian is very attentive to his wife and he's good with his baby. Jacob doesn't even miss you. It might be a clue that something is wrong."
Kato sat there with an expression akin to a child being reprimanded and not understanding why. "I'm...sorry? I don't get excited about very many things, but when I do I suppose I can get a bit carried away. Besides you've been out and about most of the time anyway. I don't really know what to do with myself in this environment. As for Jacob...he's a baby. There's not much I can do with him at this point accept making sure he's taken care of."
Kato blinked at her sudden anger. "Of course I care." His lips pressed into a thin line. "I'm sorry I upset you. What do you want me to do?"
"Well if you have something like this you should give yourself a time frame. 2-3 days maybe a week or a month, but tell me!" Anna couldn't help raising her voice some. "It's like you just shut off and you probably don't realize that you stink cause you haven't showered, barely ate your lunch and you've been in here for a week. I want you to be excited about things, but you have to make limits for yourself. I'm not going to sit here with a baby and wait and wait for your day to be over. I'm angry because I waited for days all day for you to say something, to spend time with us and it was for nothing. You sat there like a lousy lump old toad." Anna took a breath and tried to calm herself. "Kato if you don't know what to do around here that is one of the lousiest excuses. You know darn tootin well I do. So please don't even try that on me. Right now you're going to teach yourself some charm and go help Killian cause I'm so angry that if you don't get out of here I will strangle you."
Kato listened to the rant with a stunned expression. He'd been completely oblivious to her rising anger. It was true he'd hardly noticed the days go by. Now that he was done he wasn't sure what to do, though it sounded like she wanted him out and gone from her presence until she calmed down. He felt guilty now that he'd heard how selfish he'd been and hadn't even noticed. "Sorry." That was all he knew to say before hurrying out the door to try and figure out how the heck he was supposed to help Killian.
**************
Kato spent a good portion of the afternoon after fleeing from Anna trying to read up on how to be more charismatic and "charm people." He felt himself sinking the more he read. How was he supposed to relay this to Killian if he barely grasped the concepts himself? But if it was what Anna wanted, it was what he was going to do.
Kato hesitantly knocked on Killian's door. This was not going to be pleasant.
She stared at him a moment. "Ugh, I suppose I will." She stood up and opened the door. "Kato? Whats going on?"
"I uh, Anna told me to teach Killian to be more...charming. So....here I am." Kato offered.
"Oh, well...this should be interesting." She opened the door. "Killian, you hear that? Kato is going to teach you charisma."
Pushing up from the bed he looked over toward the door and chuckled. "Oh really?" He couldn't tell if that panicked look on Kato's face was one of seriousness or him trying to hide a joke. "I hope I'm not learning charm from you."
"Unfortunately, yes." Kato nodded and swallowed. "Is uh, now a good time?"
"I guess. We might as well get it over with." Killian got off the bed slowly and walked over to the small sitting room. "And what might this first lesson be?"
"Well, uh..." Kato sat across from him. "Do you understand the concept of how to be polite?"
Kato nodded. "Yes, pretty much. I hate it as much as you do. I really do, but uh...its necessary. So, I suppose I'll just ask you a few questions that may or may not come up and you try to answer as politely as you can and I'll correct you if its not quite appropriate. That sound good?"
"Yeah sure." Killian grumbled a little and put his hands behind his head. Closing his eyes he waited for Kato to start.
"Killian...its not appropriate to not look at the person while they are talking to you."
Opening his eyes a slit he frowned. "Now I'm looking, is that good enough?"
"No. Copy me. Lean forward. Eyes fully open. Be attentive, engaged...as if your life hangs on making a good impression. Also, maybe try and smile pleasantly. As if you were talking to Star."
Leaning forward he looked at Kato and tried to smile, but it looked like he was in pain. It was bad enough he knew he couldn't keep it up. "You know what forget the smile. I'll just stare at you."
"Oh, lovely." Kato coughed. "So, Killian. Where are you from?"
It was a dumb question and a boring one. "Heuth."
"Usually people want more than a one word answer. Remember you are curious because you're a chippequoti raised as a human...so if they ask that question, they are probably really asking how did you end up as chip in a human city. Try again."
Killian took a deep breath and tried not to get irritated. "My parents abandon me on Heuth."
Kato's head dropped into his hands. "Oh, we have so much work to do..."

*******************************************************************************************
Anna woke the next morning to gorgeous flowers in a vase by her beside, petals scattered across the bedspread. On Kato's pillow she found his research datapad with a note attached to it. "For you to keep until you feel fully loved by me again. With deep Love and deeper regret ~Kato." The door opened and Kato peeked in with breakfast on a bed-tray. "Hungry?" He asked, almost hiding behind the platter lest she were still angry at him. He'd accidentally fallen asleep in the library reading again, trying desperately to figure out how to help Killian.
Her entire bed smelled like flowers and Anna rubbed her eyes. "Good lord." He was crazy about all this. Just as she was plucking at her wild blonde waves of hair Kato stepped into the room with breakfast. She hadn't even read the note yet. "I'm a little hungry." Grabbing the pad she set it aside, but not before reading the note. Anna dropped it into lamp table drawer and patted the bed next to herself. "Sorry, I was a little over the top yesterday."
Kato sits next to her and puts the bedtray over her lap. "No. You were right. I was completely unkind to you and to Jacob. Completely getting lost in research and not even bothering to check on you or come to bed with you. I am sorry. Truly."
Leaning over she smiled at him. "I missed you, but I still expect you to figure out the charm. You're a smart man and I think it would be fun to
see if you could learn some of it for yourself. You've definitely got the romance part down."
"Oh, romance is easy. There are certain things you do and things you say, details you remember...for some reason its much simpler than actually trying to charm someone non-romantically." Kato shrugged. "But I'm reading...and I'm trying. Really." Kato looked at his hands. "Listen about Jacob.. my father...he never really 'played' with me. I grew up learning to research, read, and study at a young age to entertain myself and be connected to him. I knew he loved me when he shared details about his work and when we studied new things together. That's why I was trying to tell you about everything I'd discovered...but I could tell you weren't interested in the slightest. I'm sorry, Anna. I just don't know how to connect with Jacob in any other way than what I'm doing now. I'm not even certain how I've managed to stay connected to you. I'm not Killian, and I wish you would stop comparing me to him."
Anna sighed. "I'm not comparing you to him. Just saying that you have a lot of things you could teach him and there are a few things you could learn from him to. Not like Killian had a father to relate to." She couldn't help feeling a little guilty about his work not being interesting. "Kato honey, I try to listen to your work, but I don't know half the terms you use and so it just sounds like a run on of gibberish. Maybe if you could slow down enough to explain it all to me like I was a dumb person it would be more interesting. I might actually know what you're saying."
Kato smiled lightly. "I could try that, or I could just try finding another hobby we both enjoy."
"We both need our alone time to stay sane, but I wouldn't protest to finding another hobby we could together...." Anna smirked and set the food on the night stand. "You know something besides this." Kissing him she pulled Kato a little closer to herself. "I don't think Jacob is awake yet and I can eat when he's up, but this has to be now or it'll be way later."

Kato chuckled at her. "Now...I choose now."
***************************************************************************************************************************
The two couples with their two babies sat in the living room across from one another. "I can't teach Killian how to be charming in conversation unless there is an actual conversation going on between multiple people." Kato, the facilitator of this particular meeting explained. "Star and Killian, since this meeting is going to be focused on you two, me and Anna are going to take the role of the audience and try to interact with you how they would. I'll start..." Kato cleared his throat. "Star, how would you describe the refugee crisis to those who are unaware of it."
"Well, I'd start by telling you of my own experience. Human settlements are a prime target for slavers so that humans of all ages can be sold either as slaves or fighters in the games. Killian and I experienced both sorts of hells before managing to escape and in turn rescuing others. Those of us who have escaped the grasp of the gillicks remain on the run from former masters. There are few places left in the galaxy for us to hide. We need the nobles help to end the slave trade of humans and prevent another arena being built. We need the human nobles to stand up to the gillick nobles and create a place of refugee where fellow humans are free from the threat of slavery."
Kato nodded. "Wow, that was good. Ok, Killian, how would you describe the plight of the Chippequoti and how the nobles can help them. Also, is there even a point considering how they are just going to die out in a few generations anyway?"
 
"Well..." Killian thought for a moment. "The Chippeqouti make a good ally and if you want to see the Gillick's destroyed they'll be one hell of asset. For the uh...Dying out isn't anything we can help, I'm not gonna be their little breeding bunny. They can mingle with humans from what I've heard. One of the doctors found that out when they did some tests on Claire." He got a semi hopeful expression on his face. Maybe that was good.

"Good. Mostly. I would leave out the "be their breeding bunny" part. That isn't necessary and it could be considered impolite." Kato corrects and looks over at Anna. "Anything you'd like to add or suggest?"

"If the entire conversation was revolving around killing the Gillicks it would be great." Anna smiled. "So....do you have any other compelling reason to keep the Chippeqouti around? Maybe something about them that would make humans want to marry one."

Killian frowned. "Fine...The uh Chippeqouti are honest as long as they aren't trying to stab you in the back."

Star and Kato did a sigh at the exact same time. "Killian...what did I say about violence? Try again." Star encourages him.

"Chippeqouti are loyal. If you can talk them into giving you a transplant you could live longer. Potentially...Maybe there's some unethical research you could do on Kavis to see if modern medicine can benefit from our kind." Personally he added the last sentence just because he was feeling frustrated.

Anna couldn't help smirking and she shook her head. "The uh loyal part was good. Rest of it had a tinge of uh...jaded cynic."

Killian sighed. "Alright I get it. Can we go to the next question now?"

Kato shrugged. "One more, and if you answer well we can be done for the day." Kato took a break. "Some say you and your wife are no more than criminals and shouldn't be trusted. That your fight against the gillicks is just going to cause more harm than good. Why should they support this cause?"

Expanding was always the dangerous part so he started out cautiously. "Well once their done doing their thing...all matter of violence in our half they'll come here and I won't give damn." Looking at the group he realized it might not have come out right so he decided to modify. Killian really wanted to be done. "If you help us I would care and I would find a way to help you."

Star clapped and kissed him firmly on the cheek. "Now you're getting it! See, that's not so hard."

Even if it was highly modified Anna was still slightly concerned. "Ooh ok. As long as we don't lose that progress we might make a nice conversation with you...someday."

Giving Star a little grin he couldn't help shaking his head. "It was hard."

She puts a hand on his arm. "Well, we have a month, so...we have time to perfect it."

Taking on the role of skeptic Anna sighed. "Yeah and lets hope they don't ask something that you just fly off the handle over. Killian, you need to watch your temper in regards to certain circumstances and try to think of a more diplomatic way to say things instead of just blurting it the way it is. People don't like cold hard facts and even the last one was improved. It still sounded like an indirect threat and direct or indirect people don't like to be threatened. Maybe you should tell them why the Gillicks would come for them."

Killian was slightly taken back. "Good grief. How many wrong ways can I say one thing? Excuse me if I'm not good at pulling a nice sounding statement out of my ass."

"Killian the only thing Charis asked in return for us staying here for free is that we talk a bit. The least we can do is do that to the best of our ability. This is for the refugees we all worked so hard to save."

Rubbing his head he looked at Star. "I don't have any responsibility to those people anymore. They kicked me out and what happens to them is their own fault now. I'll try to be nice for the lady here, but I don't care what happens to the colony."

"What about Lisa, Frank, their twins, Sooni and the other people who were kind to us?"

"They should be smart enough to get themselves out." Killian growled a little.

Anna wasn't going to hear it. "You should be ashamed!" It wasn't taking much lately to get her riled and it might have been the stress. "Listen to yourself. Your friends, people that worked to save your life and Star's and you would just leave them there. What is wrong with you? Are you just too darn scared to get emotionally involved with people or something? Get a grip. In fact while we're talking about this let me remind you of something. Everybody needs a little help. You weren't smart enough to get yourself out and Star has saved your sorry ass how many times since you've met her?"

"Ok, Anna. He gets it." Star tries to calm her. "I think we could all use a break."

Killian leaned back in the sofa and watched Anna's hair shake on top of her head. It was like watching an angry bumble bee. "Hmmm....Yeah I get the point. You're offended. That's ok. So am I." Getting up he followed Star to the kitchen to get some water glasses for everyone. "Anyone want poison in theirs? I'd be happy to oblige."

"Killian...enough." Star shook her head at him. "Maybe I'll just tell Charis you aren't able to do the meeting in a month. That way you don't have to worry about it."

Meeting her gaze he tried not to be as upset sounding as he was. "I'm angry. Isn't that a more diplomatic way to present instead of just hauling off and hitting someone?"

Star put a hand on her hip and a hand on the counter and looked at him. "Why are you angry?" She asked calmly.

"Because she just called me an uncaring scumbag in a lot more words than that." Killian grabbed one of the glasses and started to fill it. "I'm not. I might actually care a little bit about what happens to those people, but I'm still mad at them."

"I know you care." Star put a gentle hand his shoulder. "But the way that you talk to everyone else, the way you talk to them even makes it sound like you don't. You tend come across angry and uncaring when you talk to people even if your heart is in the right place. Learning to communicate better will help keep mis-understandings from happening."

Killian sighed. "Ok..." It was almost out of exasperation and then he glanced at her as he grabbed the second glass to take back to the other two. "I'm not apologizing and you'd better give them the glasses your carrying. They would trust you not to poison them I hope." Stepping out into the living room Killian watched Star hand the other two glasses to Kato and Anna. The small group was pretty quiet for the rest of the sitting. Overall it wasn't entirely awful. Just he and Anna had a serious clash over some stuff. No matter how angry he was, he knew that in part Anna was right and he would have to work on some of it. Talking was apparently a very complicated game of chess in which folk had to gauge human nature. It was something that Killian was more than familiar with. Humans were selfish, and nasty brutes. Yet they determined sophistication by how well they lied and what their clothes and houses looked like.

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When Anna got home she sighed. "I'm sorry Kato. I know I blew up at Killian to. Maybe its just me being at home." Wandering into the room she pulled the datapad out. "Honey I know you love me. How about I trust you not to overdo it on this. You need to make a reasonable schedule for yourself and go knock yourself out with that great new machine." Utterly exhausted she flopped onto the bed only to hear Jacob crying again. "Nooo...I'm a crabby mommy."

Eventually she came back to the bed and Anna laid down. "I'm so disappointed." It didn't matter if Kato was in the room or not. "I worked so hard to lose all that weight and Jacob ruined my body. All I had to do was quit exercising for 3 weeks and I was on that lousy ship. Gained weight, my stomach is a little pudgy. Baby hormones are gonna turn me into a fat, ugly, momma." For whatever reason she felt extremely emotional and she started to cry. "Oh I can't believe what a bitch I was earlier." Almost moaning into her pillow she cried a little more and eventually fell asleep.

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After a week of visiting Killian and Star it seemed that Star was off to a good place to just help Killian refine his public speaking and basic conversational skills. Anna was still having a hard time not snapping and she couldn't lose the weight no matter how hard she worked at it. She had been weening Jacob and then she realized something. "Oh no." Right in the middle of giving Jacob his green beans she dashed for the bathroom. "I missed my period like 6 weeks ago." Being approximately 10 weeks along meant she was really not paying attention and that would be the reason for being moody and gaining weight. Clenching her fists she stared at the pregnancy test and it glowed a perfect pink. "Agh man!"

Now that she knew she threw the test in the garbage can and wadded some toilet paper to throw over it. Kato didn't dig in garbage cans. He was too worried about disease and it sometimes amazed her that he wasn't afraid of having sex. Jacob had of course liberally applied the green beans to himself and everything else in his reach. Taking the baby out of his seat she wiped him down and took him to his crib.

It was time to tell Kato that they were expecting again. Stepping into the room she sighed. "Honey I know this is your research time, but I have something very important to tell you."

Kato immediately set the device manual down. He'd learned his lesson the first time. "What is it? Are you alright?"

"I don't know." Anna teared up. "I'm pregnant again."

Kato stood up. "Already?" He walked over to her and sat her on the couch. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Anna sobbed. "I missed my period six weeks ago and I didn't even think about it."

"Oh, Anna." Kato didn't know what to say. He felt worse that she was so distraught about it. He knew he hadn't been doing all that well with Jacob and he felt somewhat responsible for her current demeanor. "Hey, its alright. We can do this. I'll step up more. I promise."

She was less concerned about him as the father at the moment. Grabbing his shirt she pulled him closer and cried into his shoulder. "That's why I'm fat."

He blinked as he held her. "That's what you're upset about? Getting...fat?"

"Yeah...I just thought I lost all that baby weight." Anna peered up at him with her teary eyes. "I couldn't put my yellow skirt on for a few weeks and then I worked harder and got fatter anyway." Breaking into tears she gripped his shirt a little tighter. "I'm gonna look like a cow."

Kato couldn't help but laugh. At least she wasn't upset about the baby itself. "We'll get you another favorite yellow skirt with an adjustable waistband." He hugged her. "You never looked like a cow. You are beautiful. And if possible, even more beautiful when you're pregnant."

"I'll just look like a deformed banana." Despite the trauma of it all she did laugh a little at herself for that comment. "Kato, I have buy all new pregnancy stuff and I want to make sure I get a lot of dresses this time."

"Of course. Whatever you need." Kato promises. "We can go shopping tomorrow."

"What's your schedule look like? Maybe I could have Star and Killian watch Jacob."
 
Star lay in bed with no ambition to get up. She wasn't sure why she felt so off, maybe it was the argument between Killian and Anna. Maybe it was the fact she was kinda out of her comfort zone with these nobles. Maybe her cycle was coming up again. She wasn't sure. It had been a bit erratic since the prison. Despite the beauty of this place and safe atmosphere she couldn't help but feel like something was wrong and out of place. Killian had already gotten up and was getting ready for his day. Usually by this time she'd be up with him helping with Claire or breakfast or any other number of things, but not today. Today she was determined to stay in bed as long as possible. "Bring me back some breakfast." She calls to Killian as he heads downstairs. "No, I'm not sick...well, maybe I am. If it keeps me in bed the rest of the day...I'm sick." She called back, laughing at herself. She felt like a child, burying herself in the pillows and blankets, refusing to get out of bed.

Star peeked out of her covers as a little voice called her. "Mama!" She grinned at Claire who was bouncing on her legs at the edge of the bed, stretching tiny hands up to be held. Star obliged. "Girl day in bed? I'm all up for that." She chuckled and set Claire beside her, playing peek-a-boo in the covers and getting loud shrilling laughs in return. "Where's Claire?" Star hid her under the covers and Claire threw them off with a screeching laugh. "Where's Mommy?" Again the screeching laughs. Star laughed along with her and pulled her onto her chest for a hug. "You are getting to be such a big, beautiful girl...yes, you." Star ran her fingers through the mass of black curls hanging around Claire's ears. Star played with Claire until her daddy came in then all attention was immediately redirected. "Welp, she got her mommy time. Now she wants daddy."
"Da-da!" Claire stretched out her arms, opening and closing her little fists.
"Have fun. I'm going back to sleep after I eat." Star declared trading Claire for the plate of food.

Star was true to her word, going back to sleep after eating and not getting back up until past noon. It was glorious, being completely and utterly lazy. No meetings, no friends, no taking care of Claire or Killian, no worrying about life or death or anything like that. Just blissful, unadulterated rest. Eventually though she got tired of laying in bed and finally got up late afternoon. After taking a long shower she shuffled downstairs to find Killian with both babies. They were screaming and laughing in the middle of the living room while he chased them around. If Killian was babysitting that meant Anna and Kato had probably gone off for some much needed couple time. Which meant her and Killian could be next. Star dropped onto the couch beside him, chuckling at Jacob and Claire wrestling. "Careful she doesn't hurt him accidentally. She's much heavier than he is." Star warns with a little smile. "After Anna and Kato get back, its our turn. I want a nice dinner, with wine and dancing."

She looked up as Aurora Charis entered the room with a chuckle. "Good morning...or afternoon." Star blushed with embarrassment. She'd spent most of the day in bed but didn't care in the slightest. She quickly pulled her feet off the couch and sat up so as not to be rude. "We are doing really well. Its really relaxful here. How are you?"

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Killian waited for Star at the bottom of the stairs after she made him promise to take her dinner when Kato and Anna got back from their day trip doing whatever it was they were doing. Star didn't care...they needed some couple time. Now it was her's and Killian's turn. She'd gone all out for him with Charis' and Anna's help. Her hair had been re-died to a beautiful reddish-brown color. Earring hung from her ears which complemented the slim fitting red dress that hung down to her manicured toes. Her red lips turned up in a bright smile as Killian spotted her. She bunched up her dress so as not to trip and glided down the stairs to him. "What do you think?"
It had been a while since they went to dinner together. Killian waited for Star and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. Occasionally he would walk down the hall one way and then the other direction. He leaned against the wall, rested his head on the handrail at one point, sat on the stairs, and began pacing again. How long could it take a woman to get ready? She had him in his suit and he had to brush his hair even though it hadn't done a bit of good. Finally, Star stepped out of the room and she stood at the top of the stairs. Killian's eyebrows raised slightly and he grinned. "Wow."
Star laughed. "Wow is good." She took his arm and stretched her head up to kiss him. "It's been way too long since we've gotten to do this. Almost a year I think. Let's make it count." She grinned and rushed him out the door. The place she'd chosen was one of the top 5-star restaurants in the city, and boy was it grand. It was two stories tall, built around an immaculate dance floor overlooking a lake in the middle of the city. It was much richer than what they were used to with waiters and waitresses in nice suits and glassware that looked too expensive to touch. "Let's try to not break anything." Star giggled as they were seated.
At first it was a little confusing. Killian wasn't sure who was taking who out to dinner. Seemed that Star had it all picked out and the setting was almost unreal. He had never been to a place this rich and even the Lady Charis had fancy things, but she didn't use them for everyday use and dining. In many ways that had been a comfort to Killian. Now he was staring at delicate glasses and plates. A waiter stood behind him and he peered over his shoulder as he moved to take a seat. The waiter had scooted the seat in for him and Killian felt incredibly odd. Glancing at Star he nodded. When it came time to ordering drinks the waiter rattled off many different choices, none of which Killian was familiar with. "How about the first one you listed. Sounds just fine." He had no idea what he was getting and neither could he read a single item on the menu. All the words were far too complicated.
While the waiter brought the wine Star sat close beside him and explained what she recognized on the menu. "Uh this is a type of fish in what looks like a chili sauce, This this is a veggitable only dish, oh look...they have snail on here too." Star laughed. "You'll probably like this best. It's basically steak and potatoes...just...fancy."
Killian chuckled a little. "Well they didn't have to get so fancy naming it. You know I think I'll eat the fish." He felt slightly adventurous though not quite enough to eat the snail. "How about you?"
"Mmm, I think I'm going to try this lemon chicken." They place their order.

As they waited for the food to be brought out Star grabbed his hand and walked him to the dance floor. She stood close to him, relishing the feeling of his hand on her back. "I love this. You and me in such a peaceful place. Not in danger, not being hunted. It feels so weird." She chuckles.
Killian wasn't expecting Star to grab his hand and haul him to the dance floor. Now that they were in the middle of the floor he felt a little self conscious. Still it wasn't all bad. "I like this too." He wasn't as practiced with the slow dance stuff, but he could manage to make it seem somewhat smooth. At one point he noticed her feet were about to get trampled and he tried to side step without causing too much damage. Instead it was just more of an awkward wobble before they corrected. "How about we walk on the way back instead of taking on of those little cab things?"
"That sounds nice. It's not too far of a walk, and I have been super lazy all day." She chuckled. When the dance ended they sat back down and sipped their wine. "Killian, I know this isn't really your environment. When you get to that point when you're ready to leave and go somewhere else just let me know, alright? I don't want you to feel like you are trapped here."
The dance was thankfully not that long and he he felt a little better when they sat down. "I'm going to try and learn how to live here. You're happy here. Maybe we could settle down and you wouldn't have to worry about us getting chased or hunted anymore."
That statement surprised her and smiled lightly. "I do like it here. And I would love to settle down...but, are sure that's something you could do for the next 20 years or so as claire grows up?"
"I'm sure I could figure out some kind of merchant ship or something. Maybe they would let me run routes that are known for smugglers since I could probably get the cargo through." Killian wasn't really sure what other skills he had.
"That's actually a really good idea." Star nodded approvingly and leaned forward to kiss him. "I'll start researching more about this planet and see where we should live." Star's eyes had lit up so bright. "We get to choose a house! And put permanent things in it! Paint Claire's room!" She was getting so excited.
Killian nodded slowly. "Yes." It seemed to be such a strange and distant idea. This was something that had always seemed so far fetched and yet here he was contemplating this and doing an 'honest' business. At least one that was honest by all standards and not just to a specific community. "What do you suppose we should start to do to get ready for this kind of living?"
"Well the first thing is location. I'm thinking a more middle class area, more relaxful. We need to look at our funds and see what we can even afford. Find a place by the school we want to send Claire too." Star smiled at the waiter as he brought their meal. "Oh, Killian. Thankyou. I'm so excited about this."
It sounded kind of like going into debt again. Killian had never been in debt until the council and that was the worst feeling. "I uh..." Their funds were limited. He could get some money if he found the black market bankers here. They weren't millions by any means. However, he had amassed a modest amount in all the work that he had put out by himself at the mines for those months. Especially since he didn't have to pay for the ship after the initial collapse of the Chippeqouti power. "I don't know how much it cost to even make a payment on a house, or schools or anything like that."
"We should make sure we have a couple hundred thousand dollars in the bank for everything." Star deflated slightly. "I dont even know how much we have."
Killian coughed a little and then shook his head. "Holy shit...I've never had that much in life. Is that just to get started or is that what we'll need to buy everything outright for the next however many years?"
"If we want to buy the house ouright, that alone could be 2-3 hundred thousand by itself unless we do a payment plan, then that would be less. School is a couple thousand a year. Maintaining the ship also a couple thousand, so...we'd need that much to start while leaving a buffer in the bank for other things and future emergencies." Star deflated more at his expression. "I just scared you away from this...didnt I?"
Killian had gradually started to frown. He had no idea it cost this much to live. Raiding was far easier in many ways. "Well, almost." Rubbing the side of his head he stared at the drink in front of himself. When the waiter arrived with the food he leaned back in his seat until the food was set down and the waiter left. Taking a deep breath he looked at Star. "Guess I have some serious incentive to sound good at that fundraiser. Maybe I'll get someone that would pay me enough to buy those things for you."
"It's ok killian." Star put a hand on his hand. "I am content living in a ship with you. Maybe we can just make that a future plan and save up for it." She shrugged, though she felt like she wanted to cry.
"I'm not afraid to work." Killian looked at her. "Let's just see what kind of work I get and I'll find out what it will take to get my money into a legitimate account so you can see the ledger."
Star nodded. "Ok. Now, let's enjoy our dinner."
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Star forced herself to smile and laugh the rest of the dinner though inwardly she wished the topic had never come out. Her hope and been put so high only to be crushed by a simple expression and the annoying necessity of credits.
She slept with her back to Killian so she could weep silently into her pillow. In the back of her mind she reprimanded herself for being so emotional about this, but she hadn't realized what a desire it had been in her heart until it had been put before her and then just about taken away.
 
It was a little odd and perhaps upsetting that Star didn't want to get up. Still, Killian decided to go get her breakfast like she asked. Wandering back in he found Claire was taking time to terrorize Star. That ended about as soon as he walked into the room and he was handed the baby. Claire squeaked and tried to make a mess out of Star's food so he took her downstairs to play in one of the rooms that they were allowed to use as a play area for her.

Killian was barely set up to play with Claire when a knock came on the door and Kato came with Anna and Jacob. Apparently they figured he was going to watch the little guy. "Um...alright." Already the little boy was growling. It was as if he remembered that this was the person he got to be around playing monster with. Now that he had two little children he set them on the floor together and laid down to growl at them. Mostly he wasn't feeling all that ambitious. However, that didn't last long since Claire promptly decided to crawl on his back. "Ugh....Ow." Killian turned to his side and she fell off with a thud. Reaching with a meaty fist for her head her little eyes were bright and clear then she scrunched her face and turned red with the effort to cry. Watching for just a moment he shook his head. "You're not hurt. Get up." Since he wasn't giving the appropriate response Claire looked around at Jacob who wasn't sure if he should cry for her or not.

From there the afternoon progressed with Killian crawling around on his knees. By the time Kato and Anna returned both kids were sleeping soundly on the couch with Killian flopped out on the floor. Star sent Claire with them and then she got this idea that they were going to dinner.

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After the dinner Killian wasn't so sure he they should have talked about this stuff. Despite his efforts to talk about other things he could sense that Star was pushing to make herself enjoy the rest of the night. Even on the way back for the walk she was unusually quiet. Killian put Claire to bed and he changed out of his suit. Flopping it all over a chair he figured he could leave it for the night. Apparently not, because it would be wrinkled so he decided to put it on a hanger. Star had her back to him and he hated that. It was a complete mystery why Star would have been upset.

For a while Killian stared at her back since he could look at the wall or her. It was still uncomfortable to lay on his back. Finally he couldn't stand it any longer and he wrapped an arm around Star. Pulling her against himself he kissed her gently on the cheek. "You're upset about something."

Star's lip quivered again. "I'm trying to be fine. I kinda got my hopes up about the house and then I saw on your face you kinda give up on the idea." Tears began falling afresh and it was frustrating. Her shoulders shook as she began to cry harder. "I just want us to be safe. I want us to be in a home and not having to worry about being hunted, or arrested, or killed. I just want to live a regular life, you know? But I also don't want you to have to stress about trying to provide that if we can't afford it."

"I didn't say no." Killian tried to make it better and instead she cried harder. "Star...No no." He was never sure what to say when she started to cry like that and he really didn't think he'd reacted that bad when she told him the cost. It was just that he'd never had that much money at one time in his life. At least not at the right times. "Look I told you that I'm going to do my best to see what kind of work I can get here. We can have the house. It's just going to take a while and some work. I don't mind working."

Star nodded and turned towards him, her face wet from the tears. "I know...I know. I love you for it. I don't know why I'm reacting so badly. I just feel good. Maybe I'm getting sick or something. I'm sorry. I'm trying not to get upset..." She lay her head on his arm, her cheek on his shoulder trying to stem the random tears. "Sorry, don't worry about me."

"If you don't feel better by tomorrow afternoon I'm going to get the doctor." Killian gave her a gentle squeeze. "When you wake up in the morning start looking for the area you want to live in and I'll figure out a way to pay for it."

Star nodded. "Ok." She whispered and snuggled closer to him.

At least she settled down and that made Killian feel better. "I'm gonna leave in the morning to see if I can get the banking thing sorted out."

"Why didn't you just put your money in an actual bank?" She asked, with a few sniffs.

"Because I was a smuggler and the government would have confiscated my earnings." Killian smirked. "I thought you would remember that."

"No, I do...just...I don't know. Its late...I'm tired." She yawned.

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The next morning Killian got up early again. Star was still sleeping late so he decided it was a good time to see if he could find out what money he had. He could take Claire with, but that would be down into the shady part of town and he doubted that Star would approve of that even if the girl was with him. Anna and Kato certainly didn’t need to know where he was going so he changed her diaper and gave Claire a quick breakfast before putting her in the play pen with a few of her toys.

Star would be able to deal with the baby for a few minutes if she needed help. After last night he was determined to make sure that Star got that house and Claire got to school. There was no reason now that he had this opportunity to throw it away. Potentially this was the first society to consider him having a clean slate.

Oddly enough the rich found the poor intimidating and he couldn’t see why. Mostly they did their best to make a living and occasionally they would turn to drastic measures. Typically a more drastic measure was a response to the dire circumstance. Wasn’t like anyone woke up and decided being poor and having a criminal life was a great sounding idea. Everyone wanted to have money and an easier life. When he reached the docks Killian walked till he saw the little yellow sign. That meant they were the bankers for the underground. Confidently walking up to the counter he waited for the man to take notice and then he put his finger on the box. Most of them had to get a fingerprint cause they couldn't sign their name and didn't have ID or anything like that.

"How much did you want out?" The man glanced at Killian.

This was a big step and Killian couldn't help being nervous. "All of it."

"You want all 80?" Usually the smugglers didn't pull so much at one time. He was a little skeptical though there wasn't anything that they could do about it. Seemed that there had been some lucrative business going and perhaps this was a larger investment. If there was a smuggler that was going to make it big it was likely going to be this one. Though he hadn't seen much of him, he had seen the money in the account record growing over the past several months.

Patiently Killian waited for the money to be counted out and then he stuffed it into his pocket. Quickly he walked out of the poor side of town. Now he needed to get to a legitimate bank, where they would ask a lot of questions and he wasn't sure what sorts they would ask so he wasn't going to tell them what he had for money till he knew the process. In many ways it felt strange to be on the right side of the law. Where he would be the one protected by the authorities. In fact he wasn't sure if he could trust them. Seemed that the authorities only showed up after the trouble was over.

Nervously sitting across from the banker he waited while they handed him the packet for opening an account. "Hmm...So I will need to have an ID with me?" He'd never got one unless you considered a mug shot an ID. Had plenty of those from when he was a kid. "I'll have to go home and get my wallet."

The woman gave him an odd look as if she thought he should know that. Only thing he didn't have was the ID, so he went to the nearest court to get one. Of course he had to pay for it and then tell them that he didn't have any permanent residence yet. With that they did issue it, though it was grudgingly after they made a call to Anna who confirmed his identity and assured them that she would be willing to be his reference in this case. Thankfully pads made it easy quick work. Killian didn't get home till nearly mid-afternoon and he was tired out. Signing all those papers. The bank did open an account for him and he wanted the most basic kind of account.

Once he was back to their room Killian handed the deposit slip and the papers to Star. "There we have an account with 80,000 in it. Made quite a bit of money off my last few runs of Chromium Triethylide." In some ways he was tempted to go back and work on selling more despite the risk. If he worked there for 2 more years he could easily pay for a house and ship. Then it would only take a few months every year to make what it would cost to get Claire in school and then a few more months and he could put a little aside. As it was she needed a house sooner and she didn't want him running out like that. "Suppose if I get a good job it would be enough to make a down payment for a ship and a house?" Claire wasn't quite old enough for school so that would give him some time.
 
I am definitely sick. Star groaned as she woke up late the next morning. She sat up only to be hit by a wave of intense nausea. She lurched out of bed knowing if she didn’t move now she was going to lose it all over the floor. She made a few steps towards the bathroom when everything began to spin. "Ooh..." She groaned and held onto a nearby dresser for support. "Definitely, sick." By the time she made it into the bathroom the nausea and dizziness had passed. Claire began crying and Killian was no where to be seen. Maybe he was downstairs. Annoying. She was not up for taking care of Claire at the moment but, she had too.

Star washed her face and hands thoroughly before collecting Claire and taking her downstairs. She found Anna and Kato in the living room with Jacob, but no Killian. "Hey, you guys seen Killian? He's not upstairs." Sounded like they hadn't so she sat down with them, setting Claire on the floor to play with Jacob. They growled and wrestled eachother and Kato watched like a hawk to make sure neither were hurt.

Star chuckled lightly and looked over at Anna. "We're going to get a house. Killian is ready to settle down, find a school for Claire, got a good legal job. I'm going to start looking through houses this afternoon. I almost can't believe he's really willing to do this."
In a way Anna was surprised. That must have been why she was here watching the baby. "Oh..." She giggled a little. Now that is odd. He really wants to settle down? I just never pegged him for that sort of guy. I mean good for you."
"He knows how much it means to me, especially the aspect of staying in a place like this where the danger is minimal." Star sighed happily, wincing at another wave of nausea. "Mm, how about you two? You guys going to try and settle down to or keep moving?"
That was where Anna wasn't so sure. Staying here or moving on. Really she would rather not stay, yet at the same time it was better to find a spot where Kato could settle in as a doctor and he was intrigued by the medicine here. "I don't know. Maybe we'll stay here for a while and he can study at one of the institutes to get up to date with a few more of the practices here. Have a chance to master them and talk nerdy with people that know what he's saying."
Star chuckled. "And while the boys work you and I will go to parties and events. I'll work on my book and raise Claire...and you...what will you do with your spare time?"
Sighing a little Anna patted her belly. "Get busy making another baby for now."
"Really? You want to have another kid so soon?" Star questioned.
"What!? Anna! Congratulations!" Star hugged her then sat back. "Oh wow...two babies to raise at the same time...I do not envy you. Maybe I should be giving you my condolences instead." She teased.
Since Kato was in the room Anna figured it was best not to say too much. "You need to keep up." It was best to crack a joke at this time instead of being serious. "When are you going to have another one?"
"Uh, hopefully not for a long time. As much as I love Claire, I am so not ready for another one yet." Star shook her head.
Anna got a funny grin on her face and she peeked behind herself to be sure that Kato wasn't attentive enough to hear. "Neither was I. Never intended to start, but now I might as well have a litter."
Star glanced at Kato who was trying to push Claire off Jacob which just made them think he was playing and they started climbing on him, much to his chagrin. She looked back down at Anna with a concerned expression. "Are you ok, really ok?" She asked in a near whisper.
"I don't know." Anna shrugged. "Just kind of hard considering he's not that great with kids and I don't like babies."
Star looked at her sympathetically and held her hand. "Let me know if there is anything I can do, alright?"
Chuckling a little the woman shook her head. "There isn't anything to do for this." In a way she felt bad because she had made her own choices and now here she was with the consequences. A husband, and children. They were all good and noble things. Anna was just terrified of being stuck as the little unassuming house wife in a rich estate. That was the worst possible thing to happen.
Star pats her arm. "We can talk later about it if you need."
"Uh, Star...some help with Claire...please..." Kato was poorly fending off both babes and Claire had taken to biting his arm. Star shook her head and stood up, gathering Claire in her arms. "I haven't fed her yet. Little carnivore. Sorry about that, Kato." She smiled at Anna and walked to the kitchen to feed Claire.

Star felt bad for Anna. The woman was obviously trying to be cheerful about it but looked like she'd just got sentenced to prison. She'd have to make a point to talk with her more about it, see if she could cheer her up when Kato wasn't around.

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Star flipped through photos of houses on the market in two potential neighborhoods. One was by a river and a middle-class school and a bit pricey. The other was right by the school she really wanted to put Claire and was the same price. So many choices. She sipped a soda to help with the bubbling nausea as she marked homes that she would look through again and trashed options that she hated. She looked up as Killian came through the door of the room and handed her the papers. "80,000? That much!?" She looked through the papers. It was much more than she'd expected. Everything was legalized and there was even paperwork for his new I.D. "Awe, you even got an i.d. That's awesome. You are awesome." Star smiled at him. She would've kissed him but didn't want to pass whatever bug she had onto him.

"Want to see what I picked out for houses?" She scooted over on the sofa so Killian could sit beside her. "Okay so these are located on a river's edge...very pretty neighborhood. A good school nearby and there are lots of shops within walking distance. The other list of houses are located in a more suburb area. The school I would really like to send Claire too is here, but its not as pretty as riverside and you have to drive at least 10 to 15 minutes to get to the nearest store. The prices of all these are in the 200,000 credits or less range."
Killian sat down and looked at the list of houses that Star was pointing at. "Hmm..." Killian didn't know enough about this place to know what the benefits were. All he could think about living by a river was the amount of bugs. "So do you like to be eaten by bugs during the warm seasons? Which spot is safer?"
"Oh, i hadn't thought about bugs. You're right. Um the suburb would probably be the safest bet. So, scratch the riverside property." Star swiped away that list. "So I was thinking, when we get settled...I'm going to write a book. Considering how popular we are with the nobles, we could get thousands for it."
Briefly he paused. "A book about what?" In a way Killian was still a little bit afraid of having to talk to people about himself and his thoughts. "What if they decide they could make an exception for the rule of 7's. Star, this is the first place I've ever been that I get to start with a clean record and I have a chance to settle in and live a life better than I could have hoped for. Before this I planned to amass enough wealth to build a home in the slums so the officers would be too scared to touch me and go into mob business. It was a step up from smuggler and all the better I could hope for. Just make sure this won't ruin it."
Star listened to him seriously. She nodded. "I will be careful. Promise. I could even change a few details and no one would be the wiser. I'll even be sure to read it to you before anyone else ever sees it. Just in case." She held his hand. "Thankyou for what you're doing for us. I know its not easy, but I promise it will be worth it."
"Ok." Glancing down at his hands he took a deep breath. "What are you going to say do you think?"
Star shrugged. "I was thinking about telling our story. Minus the smuggling bit. How we met, things we've gone through and accomplished together. The war in our last galaxy and how we survived. Meeting the chips for the first time, minus the part about your family, meeting the bippens, minus the cannibals...things like that. Is that ok with you?"
"I know the games are unavoidable, but uh...try to put enough detail that people won't be curious." Killian knew it was an odd request. There was a reason for it though. "Don't want anyone to ask you or me about it."
Star nodded. "I'll focus on the noble's role in it. The things they made you and the others suffer, without going into detail about you specifically."
Giving a brief nod he sighed. "That's good enough." Killian took a few deep breaths before he said anything else. "That day at the colony that the fight broke out. I knew what to do because of a dream and I was so scared that it would happen like it did at the games."
Star scooted closer to him and put a hand on his leg. "What do you mean? What dream?"
"I still couldn't save you and Claire." Letting the breath out he glanced at Star. "In the dream I finally thought of a way to get you out. I crawled over top of you and Claire, but they still shot you in the head. Star that day it was like the games were playing out in my head. I...I crawled with you to the edge and I kept waiting for them to shoot you. Even after you were on the outskirts I was afraid."
Star looked at him in concern. "Oh, Killian...why didn't you say anything." She held him.
Getting an almost confused look on his face he pushed her away from himself. "I just did."
She frowned as he pushed her away. "I mean why didn't you say anything weeks ago when you first had to the dream, or at the very least after it happened in the colony?"
"I wasn't ready. Don't remember when that dream came along. Star they're just nightmares. Things I was always afraid would happen." Killian grabbed one of her hands and held it gently. "Sometimes I do better, I can wake myself up some nights before it happens. I'm getting better."
Star relaxed a little and smiled gently at him. "Thankyou for telling me. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but I'm really glad you're getting better."
"Don't have a choice do I?" Killian teasingly pulled her closer to himself. "You're too stubborn to let me go crazy anyway."
"You know that's right." Star chuckled, resting her head on his chest. "You know Anna's pregnant again."
"That's good news isn't it?" Killian kept still while she rested her head on his chest. It had been a long while since he could hold her and he was enjoying the moment.
"I don't know. She seems torn. Don't say anything, but apparently Kato is having a really hard time figuring out this fathering thing. Maybe its your turn to give him a few subtle tips."
"Tips?" Killian laughed. "What the hell do I know about fathering? Letting my kid fish in the toilet with tampons and smear makeup on the toilet rim." Almost scoffing at the idea he looked at Star and chuckled. "Besides he still thinks I'm barbaric at the least."
Star chuckled and looked up at him. "I doubt he thinks that anymore. But, you know how to make Claire laugh and smile. She adores you. Poor Kato barely knows how to hold the kid. I dunno..." She shrugged. "I just know Anna's worrying about it a bit. I feel for her."
"I can't give him lessons if he doesn't want to learn. Not really a science that he can study either." Killian winked at Star. "Have to say I like to study you. All the things that remind me of you...the color red, cocoa, looking at docking bays. Those are some of my favorite things to see, because I think you."
"Awwww." Happy tears sprang to Star's eyes. She chuckled. "I love learning about you too. Your sense of adventure, your way of making a ship a home, cooking your favorite meals. I'll never be able to look at bears or rocks the same again, that's for sure." She laughed. "Those green eyes on Claire make me think of you every time I see them."
Sometimes he wasn't sure exactly what to say to Star. This was one of those moments where Killian sort of locked up. "I uh...Well you've got green eyes too."
Star laughed at him. "Yes, but not as green as yours." She stood up and pulled him towards the bed. "Well, I've had enough talk for one evening. Let's do something instead." She winks at him mischievously. "I'm feeling better than I did this morning, so it must have just been a little bug or something."
"Oh is that right?" Killian rested his hands on her waist and kissed star a few times before gently helping her onto the bed. "You sure you don't want me to get the doctor for you tomorrow? I will if you feel sick again."

"I'm sure. We don't need more doctor bills for something minor like feeling a little out of sorts." She tugged his shirt, gently pulling him closer and kissing him again.
**********************************************************************************************************
A few days later Star was still narrowing houses down. The nausea came and went and she was beginning to worry in the back of her mind that it was pregnancy sickness as well. She hoped it wasn't. She wasn't ready for another kid and while it might be hilarious to be pregnant at the same time as Anna, she couldn't help but feel it would be a bit annoying as well. If the nausea persisted a few more days, she would check, but for now...she was going to hope it just passed.

Charis had another event at her house and it started in just a few minutes. Star trotted down the stairs, having to grip the railing hard half way down as a wave of dizziness caused the world to spin. She took several deep breaths and closed her eyes, waiting for it to pass before venturing down the rest of the way. Tea was the same. Starting with casual talk, then questions which became a little more personal each time. She felt irritated throughout the entire thing. Between the nausea, dizziness and irritability she was about to tear someone's head off by the 15th question. Thankfully Aurora somehow managed to sense her distress and ended the luncheon early.

Star thanked each person as they left, forcing the smile to stay. By the time the last person had gone she was feeling light headed. Charis put a hand on her shoulder. "You alright, dear? You look pale."
Star swallowed and nodded. "Yeah. Just haven't been feeling very well. I'm going to go lay down." She hurried away from her, wanting nothing more than to be alone and to sleep. She kicked off her heels and slowly trudged back up the stairs. She pushed open the door to her's and Killian's room, black spots dancing in her eyes and the pressure in her head rapidly increasing. She saw Killian on the floor with Claire. "Killian...I don't feel..." was all she managed to get out before fainting.
 
Killian was more than glad that they weren't going to have him do another tea event for a while. While Star got ready he took are of the baby. Claire was being especially rambunctious. Looking over at Star he frowned. It looked like she wasn't feeling all that well and yet she hadn't said a word. After all this and they were finally on the right track. He was scared to death that maybe she was dying. What if she had some sort of disease. When she got back he was going to ask her.

The tea didn't last nearly long enough and Killian looked up from where he was at on the floor just in time to see her pale face and for Star to begin tumbling to the floor. There was no way he could get to her in time so he pushed the pillow out from underneath his chest and extended himself so that she face planted into the pillow. At least she didn't break her nose. "Star...Star..." Moving the rest of himself closer he rolled her to her side and checked her pulse and breathing. Keeping Star on her side he reached for the pad and called for the doctor.

It wasn't very long till Star woke up and it still had Killian concerned. "Whoa." Gently grabbing her shoulders he steadied her. He didn't know if he could pick her up yet, but she needed some help. With a grunt he slipped an arm under her shoulders and behind her knees. Killian set her on the bed and stared into her eyes. "I called the doctor and you're going to see him."

Star nodded wearily, not protesting. "I think I know what he's going to say." She looked up at him. "I might be pregnant again."

"Really?" Killian sat on the edge of the bed now and grabbed her hand. "You're sure?"

"No." Star shook her head, regretting it instantly. "But I've been nauseous off and on the last several days. I havn't had my cycle in at least a month, maybe more. And..." She looked down awkwardly. "I've been having some dizzy spells. I was hoping...still am hoping I've just got a virus or something."

"A baby is a best case scenario." He grinned. "Lets not get carried away thinking about virus' and babies. We need to wait for the doctor." Killian was summoned away from the bed by Claire who was trying to pull the dresser drawers out and use them as a ladder to get to the top."No." Grumbling he walked over to Claire and snatched her off the dresser just in time for the doctor to show up.

The man came over to Star and took a few vitals before he did a quick blood draw. "You seem to be healthy enough." He watched the machine and then he grinned. "Ah well...That explains it all. You're pregnant."

Star groaned, her head dropping into the pillow. "Claire just started growing up! I'm not ready for another!!"

Quietly the doctor exited the scene. There was no reason to stick around for the conversation he had a feeling that would be coming. Killian waited to hear the door click and then the sounds of the footsteps walking down the stairs before he walked over to the bed with Claire. "I'm ready for this one. Won't be running off and getting new people to bring back to a planet. Nobody here is gonna try and kill me. Star I'll work to get a job before the baby and we can move into the house before you give birth."

Star nodded with a soft smile. "I suppose there is that. I can at least kinda enjoy this pregnancy now that I'm not freaking out about the baby...but..." Her forehead wrinkled as her hand rested on her stomach. "Killian...there's...something..." Tears sprang to her eyes and her throat closed up. She couldn't even look at him. "On the uh...prison planet...I miscarried...twice. There's a possibility I won't be able to carry this one either."

Taking a deep breath he reached over and patted her on the leg. "You were sick with those weird tremor things. It might have uh...I don't know how it would have worked, but I heard someone say once if you got sick like that you might not carry a baby. We'll just keep a close eye on you and be ready to call the doctor."

"Yeah." She took a breath. "Oh man...Anna...she's gonna flip."

"What did you do?" Killian had no idea why Anna would flip unless Star did something to her. When she changed conversations like that without warning he was lost.

"Cause she's pregnant too, remember?" Star laughed in spite of herself.

"Oh..." Killian shrugged. "So?"

"So...we're going to be pregnant together. Two extremely emotional, hormonal, women pregnant together. Its like this is some horrible comedy flick."

Almost grimacing he started to remember some of the extreme emotional swings. "Oh yeah."

Over the next few days Killian wandered the docks looking for what kind of work there was. Most of it didn't pay well and he was starting to wonder what he could do. They weren't going to have that much time to get a home and Star was scrolling through the homes and areas that she liked almost obsessively. She was really excited about this and he had a promise to deliver. After he'd wandered the docks Killian decided to take himself to one of the large companies and apply. Sitting down at the console he put his finger on the screen and typed in his information. It was an arduous task considering he didn't write well and the system was continually correcting his errors.

By the time he finished the application Killian felt like a miserable failure. If that thing recorded his errors it would likely be automatically rejected. This meant he would have to put in more time reading too. Slowly walking to the doors of the building he pushed them open and started outside when a voice called for him to stop. Instinctively that meant run and he looked over his shoulder at the official looking man in a suit and tie approaching him.

"You're Killian Laulorin?" The shorter red headed man peered up at Killian.

Carefully he nodded not sure if this was a good or bad thing. Almost immediately the man beckoned for him to follow and Killian started slowly into the building again and then to the elevator. Killian stepped out from the elevator to find that he was facing a desk with an older man sitting at it.

"The job proposal intrigued me. I want to hire you as security for my shipments. You would know how the smugglers work and I pay top bracket for security officers. Work can be dangerous, but I don't think that its something you would question. I'll have you home every night of the week and we're using gates to prevent the smugglers, some of them have still been getting us at port."

It was about as good of luck as Killian could hope for. "What do you pay?" He had no idea what top bracket was.

"Hah! You don't waste time and I like that. 10,000 credits a week. That figure for you?"

Killian nodded and he promptly signed the contract. "I don't need to read or write reports for this do I?"

The man frowned. "I forgot about that. We'll pay for you to go through the sky faring academy. If you can pass that, then we'll consider this contract complete."

By the time Killian got home it was mid afternoon again. These things took a long time and he walked up behind Star. Wrapping his arms around her he growled gently. "If I can pass the academy I have a job that will pay 10,000 credits a week. Think we could live on that?" He knew they could more than live on that, but it was still exciting to tell her. "Only thing is that I'd be security on a trade vessel."
 
Kato was determined. He was going to figure out this father thing if it killed him. And as always research was his number one go to. He found several ideas he could do that didn't involved wrestling or rolling around on the floor. Before Anna got up that morning, he rolled out of bed and got dressed. Jacob was just starting to wake up so Kato picked him wrapped him in a blanket and held him on his shoulder, patting him gently as the babe slowly woke up from his sleep. He took him to the changing table and changed his diaper, tickling Jacob's belly and getting a few smiles.

After that was done he took his son down to the fridge and warmed up a bottle for him. He was usually not very attentive when he fed Jacob, choosing to multi-task instead of just sitting down and...watching. But apparently that was what they needed. So he was going to do it. He sat Jacob on the couch and watched the boy's face. He lad in turn watched him, his little eyes seeming to pierce into his soul. So trusting, so free, unburdened by the weight of the world. Pure innocence in its most beautiful form.

When the feeding was done and Kato was sure the food had settled he grabbed the baby pack and strapped it on. He rarely wore this thing, opting for Anna to carry him the majority of the time unless she was tired or hurting. He left a note for Anna to let her know the boys were going for a walk and would be back. Kato turned on his datapad and let some classical music play as they walked. Classical was supposed to help increase brain function in babies. As they walked he started talking. According to the research the baby needed to hear his voice normally as much as possible. If the child had no idea what he was saying, then he could talk about anything. Medical research seemed the easiest to just randomly talk about, so he did. For the next hour Kato walked and talked with Jacob, giving the lad a chance to observe the trees, pulling leaves and petals off of plants for him to feel and play with while listening to Beethoven and Bach in the background.

He finally returned to the house feeling much better about himself and amazed that he'd had the babe for an entire two hours and not once had he cried or fussed. That was completely unlike Jacob. Maybe he'd finally found something to bond with him over. Something as simple as walking outside and talking. Kato pushed open the door and smiled at Anna and Star who were sitting on the couch. They had funny looks on their faces and it concerned him. He put a hand on Jacob's back, the music still playing. "What?"
***************************************************************************************************
Killian had gone off again to find work. His persistence in getting a good legal job made her heart happier than she thought possible and after narrowing down the houses to three possible choices she was getting even more excited. Now they just needed to go see the house in person. Star took Claire downstairs finding Anna in the kitchen. "Good Morning Anna." She looked around not seeing Kato or Jacob. "Where are your boys?" Sounded like they had gone for a walk. Good for Kato. Taking the initiative finally. "How are you feeling. You have that sensitive nose again this time around?"
"No I don't think everything stinks. I do feel like a witch. Get so darn crabby and I think he took Jacob on a walk to get away from me." Anna sighed. "I hate being pregnant."
Star smiled at her sympathetically. "Well, at least you won't have to go through it alone." Star gave her a look.
"That's true." Anna smiled gently. "What about you? Anything going on in your life? Killian has been running around like a mad man all over the city. There must be something going on."
Star chuckled. "Thats uh, kinda what I meant. Apparently...im pregnant too. We are going to be pregnant together."
"Hmmm." Nodding a little Anna continued with her tea making and then she turned around abruptly. "You are! Oh that's great we need to go shopping for the babies together."
Star gave her an awkward look. "Sure...just, maybe not for another month or two."
"You want to wait for so long? Why?" Anna was a little surprised that Star would be one to put off a girl's day and shopping. "It is a great excuse to get away from the guys. Besides Kato isn't that interested in shopping. I had to go do all the shopping for the family when we got back. He had his nose stuck in that darn research."
"I don't know if this one will survive..." Star replied sullenly. "I almost didn't tell you but," she shrugged, "you're the person I can talk to about everthing."
"Oh Star." Anna finished pouring their cups of tea and took them to the table. "Have you told the doctor? He might be able to do some extra screening and prevent a possible abortion. Did you tell Killian?"
"I havnt told the doctor yet but I did tell Killian. He didnt look worried. Just said we would keep an eye on things." Star looked at her cup. "I want to be excited...but I don't want to get my hopes up."
Anna took a deep breath. "He's a little dense when it comes to social cues. You could tell him that you are really worried and he should be to. I'm gonna bet for all he knows he doesn't know squat about how a woman's body functions besides sex."
Star chuckled a little. "Yeah, pretty much. Maybe I will...but...his naive optimism is kinda nice as well sometimes. And the last thing he needs to be worrying about is this while he's working so hard to find a good job so we can have a house before the baby arrives."
"He's actually looking to buy a house for you?" Anna couldn't help the obvious surprise in her voice. "Wow...I guess that's the difference. You know him and I don't. So what are some of the houses you want to look at?"
Star smiled at her. "I've already narrowed them down to three. One right by the school, another one a little further away but with a pool. Another closer to town and varios activities and it's got a very nice backyard. Im going to take him to see them sometime this week."
Sounded like Star had it all figured out like usual. "I would go for the one with the pool if it was me." Anna couldn't help the smirk that came to her face. "I love swimming and I wouldn't mind if Kato joined me from time to time."
Star chuckled. "Yeah, that's kinda my vote as well, but I want him to have a choice too." Star sipped her tea. "So, we're alone. I know you are even less excited about your pregnancy than I am. So, what's going on in your mind?"
Taking a deep breath Anna leaned back. "I almost lost the first baby. They say it wasn't related to any drug abuse, and then I don't like babies. Kato doesn't seem to know how to relate to babies and I tried to tell him to watch Killian and just take some ideas from what he does and Kato got all offended. He wanted me to stop comparing him to Killian and I don't. Personally....Well not to offend you, but I could never be with a man like Killian. I just want Kato to be able to play with Jacob instead of being so...so bland. Babies want more than that and I want Jacob to grow up loving his father and I want him to want to be like Kato. Jacob shouldn't be looking for someone else to imitate cause they're more exciting or seemed to care more about him."
Star nodded and touched her freind' s hand. "I'm sorry, Anna. I wish I knew how to help."
"Oh well..." Sighing she looked at Star. "I could say the same thing. Wish I could help you to."
Star smiled softly and looked up as the man of the hour trotted inside the door.
********************************************************
Star was trying to cook food that didn't make her stomach flip. So far that meant this without any grease or extensive spices. Killian came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She relaxed in to his arms smiling as he excitedly told her about the new job. She turned to him, resting in his arms. "That's awesome Killian. I really am excited for you, for us. Security is something you can enjoy and be excited about and it's not that dangerous. 10k a week is an enormous amount." Her forehead knit together somewhat. "Uh, how long are you going to be gone for?"
"Well I'm home every night. They're running us through the gates to minimize the travelling. I would get uh...3 days off a week." Killian handed her the paperwork and the part about the academy. "I'm gonna have to do more work on my reading and writing."
"Every night!? Really?" Star looked almost more excited than him. "Oh, Killian this is awesome!? Any time you want some help practicing just let me know."
Somehow he was surprised that Star wasn't upset. "You know if they pay that much it isn't without reason." Still if she was ok with it Killian was going to do his best to get the job. "Should probably start tonight after Claire is in bed and then tomorrow."
Star smiled and kissed him. "I will do everything I can to help you. I'm glad you found something you can enjoy. I'm still going to be worried, but you have proven yourself more than capable. You are going to be the best security ever."
"I was going to fail academy if you didn't approve." Killian grinned. "I uh...already signed the contract contingent on my passing."
Star shook her head. "You are the best husband ever, Killian."

*********************************************************
Kato was determined to show Anna he could be a good father. And while he disliked Killian's way, he had to admit Jacob never got more excited than when he did with Killian. So he went and bought a handful of dinosaur toys. One of them was two times larger than Jacob. It had a long tail and neck and when turned on it would rock and make noises. Kato set it up in the baby's room. He picked up Jacob and put the little boy on the dinosaur and turned it on. It began to walk and make noises, with Kato holding the toddler to make sure he didn't fall.
Jacob streaked in laughter and kicked his legs on the toy dinosaur. It turned its head back and forth and Kato chuckled as the lad reacted to it. He knelt by the boy pointing to the dinosaurs eyes. "What are those? Are those eyes? Is that a nose?" He pointed out different aspects of the dinosaur, grinning every time Jacob laughed or squealed. He hoped this counted as play. It felt playful to him.
 
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