Title: Downtime in Las Vegas
Author: Aggy Agheart@lycos.com
Characters: Lisa, Erin (my characters) the Rogues and Wraiths
Category: Humor and maybe ABH
Rated: R (probably not but just to be safe...)
Archive: If you want it, but please tell me if you do.
Feedback: Sure, but please don't ruin my fragile ego  LOL
Disclaimer:  I don't own Star Wars or it's characters (I wish I did)
but I do own Lisa, Erin and the creativity that made this story.  I'm
not making any money but if Lucas would like to pay me...  ;o)

Note:  This section might seem a bit dry, but I'm using it to set up
a series of stories so please be patient.  The basic idea came from
Booky, but she said I could play with it.  Thanks!  Forgive the
typos.  I'm the only one proofreading this.  Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------

Downtime in Las Vegas
Chapter 1--Briefing

Lisa took a deep breath, trying to control the urge to either tear
her hair out by the roots or vaporize the men that milled around
her.  Who would have thought being surrounded by so many handsome
pilots would be a chore instead of a fantasy turned reality?  But
instead of being fawned over by the gorgeous beings that lounged near
their transports, they were asking Lisa annoying questions, griping
about petty inconveniences, and trying to slip into Vegas without
their escorts. 

*Why did I agree to become an ambassador?  What bit of insanity
spurred me into saying "yes?"  I was in my right mind
sometime during my life.  What happened to me?*

"Excuse me," The speaker was a blond farm boy that Lisa
didn't recognize from any of the Rogue Squadron comic books.  She
THOUGHT his name might be Garvin or Gavin or something that started
with a G.  She silenced him with a glare that set him scurrying back
to his transport, ready to return to inviting wastes of Tattooine.

The fact that Tattoine truly existed still amazed Lisa.  Who would
have thought that the movies were, as a whole, based on fact? 
Thousands of light years away, there really had been a civil war
between the Empire and the Alliance.

And that was the reason why Lisa had agreed to become an ambassador. 
After spending so many years watching the movies, she hadn't been
able to pass up the chance to meet the characters that had inspired
the holy Trilogy.

By some strange twist of the Force or luck, a pilot (as expected,
Rogue Squadron was involved) had flown into a wormhole that led to
Earth.  When his squadron-mates followed, they were amazed by the
beautiful azure sphere that had filled the viewports of their
snubfighters. 

The Rogues returned to the fleet with reports of a new world.  Or
more correctly a new galaxy.  Envoys were quickly dispatched to Earth
and treaties were secretly ratified.  As part of the agreements
between the Republic and Earth, certain individuals would be able to
travel between the galaxies, strengthening relations between the
differing governments and affirming the sincerity of each party's
promises.  This clause in the treaty meant that envoys and hosts
would be needed to travel between the galaxies and to help acclimate
the Alliance's ambassador's to Earth customs.

But who would be the needed hosts and envoys?

It seemed that a few individuals, including a certain creator of
science fiction movies, had slipped through smaller wormholes, to
visit the galaxy far, far away. Since the movies and books were such
accurate guides to the customs of the Alliance's universe,
the fans of the Trilogy were quickly recruited.

Lisa was still amazed that the obsession her family and friends had
teased her mercilessly about had resulted in such a perfect career.
Who would have thought spending so much time at the conventions,
memorizing the ever-growing collection of SW books, and devouring
every scrap of Star Wars trivia present on the Internet would lead to
becoming a liaison between Earth and the Alliance? 
Since Lisa was well known on the convention scene, she had been
chosen as both ambassador and as a recruitment officer.  She would
find individuals that seemed to have the knowledge and temperament to
deal with the strange situations presented by the unusual duties
entailed in introducing their visitors to Earth culture.  And their
respective governments would run the needed background checks to
ensure that the person was not a liability to public relations.

After a year of hurried negotiations, all the diplomatic wrinkles
were finally ironed out.  Travel between Earth and the galaxy now
labeled "THX" was more to keep diplomatic relations friendly.
Since Rogue Squadron had discovered the wormhole, they were allowed
to have downtime on Earth to explore the planet they were referring
to as "theirs." 

As on the planets in their galaxy, the Rogues were paraded around as
great heroes, going to one boring diplomatic function after another. 
Finally tiring of the routine (or more accurately, tiring of having
to constantly wear dress uniforms) the Rogues demanded a more
leisurely visit to Earth. 

Which was why Lisa was surrounded by two squadrons' worth of
pilots.  By the time various government officials had finished having
hysterics over the idea of letting the Rogues loose on the
unsuspecting population of Earth, Wedge Antilles was commanding two
squadrons that were distinctly HIS: Rogue Squadron and Wraith
Squadron.  Somehow, the General managed to convince the Powers That
Be that despite Rogue Squadron being the official discoverers of
Earth, the two squadrons were so closely connected that they were one
unit.  Somehow the argument worked, and the Wraiths were given the
same holiday granted to the Rogues. 

*Thank you, Wedge Antilles.* Lisa thought sourly.  *As if dealing
with one squadron's worth of your misfits wasn't bad enough,
you had to gift me with two!*

Lisa had been given a week's notice of the Squadrons arrival,
forcing her to scramble to find a special group of tour guides fit
for the challenge of spending Spring Break with the Rogues and
Wraiths. Most of the fans Lisa had recruited only wanted to deal with
Jedi, making task of finding a group of X-wing experts at such short
notice nearly impossible.

But the Force had been with her.  She had somehow found the needed
tour guides before the first transport landed.  Saving Lisa from
having to entertain any of the pilots during the entire duration of
their stay in Las Vegas. *Thank the Force that Erin knew so many
Rogue Squadron fans.  If I had had to play nursemaid to these
egomaniacs, I would've started an intragalaxtic war.*

Erin…Lisa sighed at the thought of her sister by friendship.  A
year younger than Lisa physically, it seemed that she was twice her
age mentally.  Looking over the edge of her clipboard, she watched
Erin sulk in the shadow of the airport-turned-space station.

The last few months had been harsh for Erin.  College life was
nearing an end and her professors seemed to be taking grim enjoyment
from loading the graduating class with more work than the sadistic
teachers could ever possibly grade.  Erin had absolutely no idea what
to do with her life once she received her diploma.  Despite her
impressive test scores, no company had responded to her resumes and
applications.   While Erin's academic life attempted to suffocate
her, a string of uncaring boyfriends had steadily eroded away her
precious self-esteem.  Lisa knew that Erin was nearing her breaking
point and she was going to try everything possible to keep Erin from
letting her despair get the better of her.

*Looks like I'm going to have to drag her into the fray.*  Lisa
walked over to her friend, waiting until she was almost standing nose
to nose with her before speaking.  "Erin."

The young woman looked up, gray eyes wide with surprise as if she
hadn't realized that anyone was nearby.  *Surrounded by the
heroes she adores and she doesn't even blink. She NEEDS to be
shocked out of this melancholy.*   A wicked grin crossed Lisa's
face. She knew the perfect companion for Erin…or more correctly
the perfect companions to get through Erin's dispair.

Chapter 2--Duty Roster

Erin looked at Lisa, both glad that she was being giving the
opportunity of a lifetime and displeased that she had been forced out
of her self-induced seclusion.  It was so much easier to just hide.
Do the things that others expected of her, ignore the unhappiness,
and pretend that nothing was wrong.  *This can't be any different
than what I've been doing at the University.  Do what Lisa needs
me
to do.  Do what's expected of me, then go back to my quiet little
dorm and lurk.*

Resigning herself to her plan, Erin mumbled a hello, running a hand
through her dark red hair as she eyed the crowd nervously.

"You ready to help?"

Erin shrugged.  "Guess so, but I don't know what I'm
suppose to do."

Lisa watched as the other hosts eagerly paired up with the pilots
that haunted their fantasies and tried not to stare her friend in
disbelief.  *Doesn't know what she's supposed to do?  She
DEFINITELY
needs some fun.*

She caught Erin's arm and began firmly steering her friend over
to
one of the transports.  "I need you to make sure that the guys
you're
assigned to don't get into too much trouble while they're
visiting."

Erin allowed herself to be led until she heard the word
"guys."
 
"Wait a sec, GUYS.  As in more than one?"

"Yep," Lisa answered nonchalantly as she stopped in front of a
transport marked with the Alliance logo. She gave Lisa a pleading
look, but her friend only grinned, showing teeth that looked
suspiciously like fangs to Erin's desperate mind. 

Logically she had known that the visitors were going to be the
members of Rogue Squadron, but it never connected with her.  For some
reason, she never thought she would be given a chance to meet the
heroes.  Here was her chance and she was panicking.  These were the
men she obsessed over…. And now Lisa was going to make either her
worst nightmares or her greatest fantasies come true.

"Really, Lisa," Erin said hurriedly.  *I'm beginning to
babble.  I'm
in serious trouble and there's no way in Hoth she's going to
let me
cut and run.*  "You don't have to do this.  I'll just go
back to the
hotel and…"

"Mope like you have been for the past three months?  I'm sick
of it.
You're sick of it.  So today we correct the problem."

"But…"

"No buts…"  Lisa dragged her eyes away from the very
fascinating
derriere of Wedge Antilles.  "Er…forget I said that."

Lisa shook her head and grinned at Erin.  "Now to introduce you
to
your new friends.  Though how much you've read about them, they
should be old friends."

"Janson.  Klivian.  Front and Center." 

Lisa's voice rang above the swirl of eager conversations,
dragging
the two pilots from the young women they were trying to seduce.
Janson saluted but was barely able to keep from grinning.  Hobbie
looked as uncomfortable as Erin felt as he, in turn, saluted.  Lisa
ignored the mischief gleaming in Wes' brown eyes, glad that Erin
would have to deal with the pranksters and not her.

Then Lisa realized that Erin was hiding behind her.  "Erin,"
she
growled quietly, sidestepping so that the young woman was in view. 
"These are your companions during our stay in Las Vegas."

Erin swallowed hard and forced herself to stop staring at the silver
caps on the toes of her cowboy boots.  She found her courage and
looked up…and realized that the god George Lucas had lied to the
legions of female Star Wars fans.  The pilots were incredibly
attractive, more so than the actors portraying them or the drawings
depicting them in the comics.

Just has he had been described, Wes Janson did not look his age. 
Youthful looking despite his years and his trials in Rogue Squadron,
but he was definitely NOT boyish.  Black hair framed his handsome
face, looking tousled as if he had just pulled off his flight helmet.
Janson's brown eyes reminded her of melted chocolate, which made
her think of uses of the confection that would shock anyone that
thought they knew her well.  His broad shoulders strained against the
seams of his flight suit. Erin's eyes slid down what she hoped
was an
equally well-muscled torso to narrow hips…

Pulling her thoughts and gaze away from Wes, she focused on Kilvian.

Erin had never thought of Hobbie as being attractive.  The books gave
little description of him and he always seemed so dour.  But his
features were almost aristocratic.  His pale hair was slicked back a
bit too severely for her taste, but the idea of mussing it was very,
very tempting.  There were no visible reminders of his many crash
landings except for his skin--*Maybe they SHOULD market bacta as a
beauty aid.  Women would pay a fortune for their skin to look that
smooth.*


The Rogues seemed just as fascinated by her as she was with them. 
Actually the word ogling came to Erin's mind.  She had never
thought
herself the type of woman men would stare at, but Janson and Hobs
seemed to think she was absolutely fascinating.  Or at least certain
areas of her anatomy were absolutely fascinating.  She crossed her
arms over the specific area and both of the Rogues seemed
disappointed.

Janson gave Erin one more appraising look before dropping to his
knees before Lisa.  "Oh thank you, evil overlord, Ma'am,"
Janson
groveled.  He almost kissed her shoes before Lisa jumped away. 
"Thank you for gracing us with this beautiful creation."

"Cut the chatter, Flyboy."  Erin couldn't help giggling
as Lisa said
the famous phrase from the Rogue comic books.  "Your mission is
to keep Ms. Erin Hart from wasting her vacation in Las Vegas in her
hotel room…" Lisa could sense that Janson was about to make some
innuendo what would probably make Erin blush as red as her hair and
hurriedly added.  "In her hotel room brooding."

"But the hotel is not off limits for…other uses?" Hobbie
drawled. 
Erin's eyes widened, knowing what the Rogue was implying and was
shocked that HOBBIE was implying it.  *He's the boring one!*
Almost
as if he could read her thoughts, Kilvian turned his attention back
to Erin. 

Her breath seemed to leave her chest violently as she tried not to
squirm under his scrutiny.  At least she told herself that her
discomfort was from the intensity of his stare and not the erotic
thoughts running rampant through her mind.  *I'm going to be
stuck in
Las Vegas with this pair?  Should I thank Lisa or hit her?*  Then Wes
gave her a grin that promised that this vacation would make her
erotic thoughts seem chaste compared to what he had planned.  *Thank
Lisa.  Definitely thank her.*

Lisa smirked at Erin, knowing what her friend was thinking. "Have
fun, dear.  And do everything I would do."

Chapter 3—Rogue Rage



While the pair picked up their knapsacks, Lisa gave Erin an itinerary
for the week.  Erin almost groaned when she realized how little was
planned for the Rogue's visit to Earth.  A formal dinner tomorrow
night, a few diplomatic functions, but as a whole, she would be the
center of attention for Rogue Squadron's two greatest pranksters.

/Force help me, I'm going to be their target for an entire week./
Visions of stuffed ewoks and the words "Yub yub, Commander,"
filled
her mind. 

Erin glanced over her shoulder to see both pilots grinning
at her like demented fools.  /Wonder what the first practical joke
will be./

Pushing away those thoughts before she had the good sense to panic,
run back to her hotel, grab her gear, and take the next flight home,
she stuffed the paperwork Lisa had given her into her purse.  She
gestured towards the chain link fence surrounding the parking lot.
"This way, flyboys."

As Erin and company passed the Squadrons, a symphony of wolf whistles
was provided by the Rogues and Wraiths.  Erin ducked her head, hiding
her smile behind the fall of her hair, enjoying the attention of the
handsome men she idolized.  When she looked up, Janson grinned at his
fellow pilots and clapped a hand on Erin's rear. 

Without thinking, Erin reacted. 

Within a few heartbeats, the stunned Rogue was flat on his back,
Erin's cowboy boot pressed against his chest.  Whoops of laughter
surrounded her as she blushed brighter than her hair and stepped away
from Wes. 

When she looked up, she found Wedge Antilles grinning at her.  The
great WEDGE ANTILLES was grinning at HER!  Then he began to applaud. 
As did the rest of the members of the other squadrons.  "About time
the great lover was put in his place," Wedge chuckled.

"You're just jealous that I have better luck with the ladies," Janson
winced as he stood.
 
"You call that luck?" Ton Phannon drawled.  "We all know that you
enjoy being flat on your back while in the presence of a beautiful
woman, but we didn't know THAT was how you preferred getting into
that position."

Ton looked straight at her, not hiding the prosthetic that covered
most of his face.  Erin was surprised when she didn't flinch away
from the blazing red light that replaced his lost eye.  He nodded to
her then her attention was diverted by Wes' hand on her shoulder.

"Actually, I love it when a beautiful woman takes control of the
situation."  He emphasized his words with a quick kiss that left Erin
dizzy. 

A gentle nudge from Hobs set her in motion, but she almost tripped
over her own feet when a familiar, voice that sounded suspiciously
like Fozzie Bear intruded into her thoughts.

"Showgirls, I must see," Yoda announced. 

Erin turned and felt her jaw drop as she watched the famous Jedi
Muppet argued with his tour guide.  "But he..." 

Hobbie wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her.  "Lucas
lied. 
Said something about it being more dramatic if Skywalker was the last
of the Jedi." 

A frazzled blonde, gave Erin a pleading look then began arguing with
her guest.  Yoda glared at the woman then repeated, "Showgirls, I
must see!" 

The tour guide's patience was clearly being tried by the Jedi
Master.  "Master Yoda, I believe there are better ways for you to
spend your time on Earth."

Undaunted, Yoda continued his argument, "Vacation, this is.
Funwe
should have."

The woman wrinkled her nose at the equally wrinkled Jedi.  "But
it was an awful movie, Master..."

"No, No, No," Yoda interrupted, striking the asphalt with his
gaffe
stick.  "Refer to movie, I do not.   Women in sequins I wish to
see."  The guide was still protesting as Yoda hobbled over to his
luggage. 

/Glad I don't have her job.  Escorting a cranky Jedi Master. 
Especially one that doesn't look human.  What's she going to
say? She's a ventriloquist?  It's actually the world's
largest
interactive Yoda?/ 

Erin's thoughts of Jedi Masters stilled when she realized
Hobbie's
hand was beginning some unauthorized exploration.  Wes cleared his
throat and she felt herself blush despite the fact that she had not
encouraged Klivan's actions.  "Trying to find the car keys,
Hobs?"
Wes asked dryly.

Erin broke out of Klivan's' grasp, ignoring the tension
between the
two pilots.  /Great, if they're not playing jokes on me,
they'll be
fighting for my attention.  And Lisa calls this a vacation?/

As soon as they hit the parking lot, the Rogues began arguing again. 
Both of the men wanted to drive the sleek black Firebird Lisa had
rented for her.  Erin, of course, said no. She loved the mean looking
little car and the harsh rumble that erupted from beneath the hood. 

Lisa only THOUGHT she had been brooding.  Actually, Erin had crept
out of the hotel and spent the evening racing through the desert. 
She LOVED the car and there was no way in Hoth she was going to let
those clowns take away even a moment of driving pleasure.

"I should drive," Wes announced. 

Hobs glared at him, "Why should YOU drive?"

"Because I'm the better pilot," Wes said smoothly.

Erin arched a brow; keys clutched in her hand and settled herself
against the fender.  /This could entertaining/

"You're the better pilot," Hobbie laughed.  "I've shot down more
TIEs..."

"You've crashed more X-Wings..." That sobered Hobbie for a moment
then he launched into another argument.

She let the boys argue for about ten minutes then interrupted.
"NEITHER one of you is driving," she announced, jingling the keys.
"I'm driving."

They both renewed their arguments, this time both targeting her
instead of each other. She sighed as they listed dozens of excuses
why she should let one of them behind the wheel.  Eventually, she
"won" the argument by pointing out that a) the back seat of a
Firebird could not be as small as the cockpit of an x-wing b) neither
one of them were licensed to drive ANY type of vehicle on this planet
and c) since none of them were Jedi, they couldn't use the "You don't
need to see our identification" trick on any patrolman that might
pull them over. 

Grudgingly, the Rogues climbed into the car; Hobbie somehow being
conned into sitting in the back seat despite the fact that Wes was
the shorter of the two pilots.  She allowed them to play navigator
while she drove back to the hotel.

Bad idea...

Two hours later, they were in the middle of the desert with the
outrageousness of Vegas far behind.  Not that Erin minded.  The long
stretch of flat road was perfect for the powerful Firebird.  But the
company....

/I wonder if they normally argue this much or this is a special
performance just for me./

As they continued to make little verbal jabs at each other, her foot
pressed harder on the accelerator until Hobbie broke through her
thoughts.  "I thought low level maneuvers were illegal on this
planet." 

Erin shook her head and glanced at Klivian in the rearview mirror,
"Huh?"

"If this thing had wings, we'd be flying," he grinned. 

Finally Erin looked down at the speedometer and yelped.  Both of the
Rogues laughed as she began slowing down the car. 

Eventually she turned around headed back to the city, suffering
through the pilots' teasing until she finally commented "Glad you two
fly with R2 units coz you two are lousy navigators."  She smirked as
the pair became silent.

By dusk they had found their way back to the strip and to their
hotel.  Checking in would have been annoying if Lisa hadn't already
made the arrangements.  Instead of having to bluff her way through
explanations on why neither Wes or Hobs had credit cards or any
other form of acceptable identification, the staff at the Mirage
efficiently added their names to the computer and handed over keys to
suites next door to Erin's room. 

They found the Rogues' luggage in their assigned rooms.  /And of
course these clowns would HAVE to argue over who has which room./ As
the debate raged over who should have the suite closest to where Erin
was sleeping, she scribbled a note telling them to meet her at 8 for
a late supper and slipped out of the room to take a much needed nap.

Chapter 4 Adoration


It amazed him that on a desolate Outer Rim planet, such luxury could
exist.  Baen Alis took in his surroundings through covert glances as
he waited for Her to acknowledge him.  Plush red carpet beneath his
knee; a subdued color that was almost black.  A glance left, walls
paneled in rich red-toned wood, an extravagance on a desert planet
such as Tattooine.  A glance right, a tapestry done in geometric
patterns of Imperial crimson and black.  Pacing in front of him, not
that he had the audacity to look up at Her, was one of the greatest
leaders the Empire had ever known.

Madam Director Isard stalked across the maroon carpet, Her shining
black boots traveling across his diminished line of sight.  She
paused in front of him; Alis fought the urge to look up at Her,
knowing that such impudence would be severely punished.  Instead he
pressed his body against the carpet, waiting for Her to give him
permission to rise.

Then he would be able to look upon Her face.  So very beautiful, like
a work of art.  The darkness of Her hair contrasted by the pale locks
flowing from Her temples.  Sculpted cheekbones.  Full lips.  Graceful
features accenting those stunning eyes.  One the color of oceans of
his homeworld.  The other like a blazing sunset: red with swirling
flashes of gold.

He closed his eyes, almost willing Her to speak.  To allow him to
bask in the brilliance of Her mind.  She had been beaten.  But not
destroyed.  Despite the luck of the Rebel Squadron, she had escaped.
Lieutenants Celchu and Horn had targeted a shuttle they had believed
to be transporting Madam Isard.  But she had predicted that attack
and had been well away from Thyferra before the first shot was fired.

He almost snarled at the thought of the two Rogues that had attempted
to end the life of the brilliant woman standing in front of him.  He
would make sure, they paid for their impudence. 

The Alliance and most of the remaining Imperial forces believed Her
to be dead.  But that would soon change.  The galaxy needed,
deserved, Her brilliance. 

Alis knew that he had been told only a small portion of Her plans,
but he knew that Her forces would succeed.   There was no room for
doubt in his infatuated mind.  The fact that Rogue Squadron had
foiled Her various schemes to reunite the Empire in Her name was
ignored or brushed away as successes created by nothing but
fools'
luck.

Ysanne Isard was a goddess among mortals.  He smiled against the
thick wool.  And soon, she would take Her place as ruler of the
lesser beings of the galaxy.

####

Isard looked down at the man that almost groveled at her feet.  He
was competent, but his absolute devotion, though vital for her plans,
was already beginning to tire her.  For a moment, she wished Kirtan
Loor was still alive, but she knew that she had acted correctly. 
Loor had become too ambitious.  He had known her plans too
intimately.  He had been a liability that needed to be eliminated.

But Loor had lacked one important trait that Alis seemed to have:
loyalty.  The man was almost fanatical in his loyalty to herself and
the faded, almost dead, Empire.  She knew his feelings for her had
not been created by any "glory of the Empire" type
sentiments.  The
man seemed totally and completely obsessed with her.  She might have
felt fear at this total devotion, but at this time, she needed
someone that she could completely trust. 

And despite, or because of his fanatical devotion, Baen Alis was that
being.

###

A casual word from Her full lips bid him to rise.  As he slowly
straightened, She moved to the heavy desk that dominated the room. 
He focused his gaze just above Her right shoulder, not wanting to
offend Her with a presumptuous look.

"There is little time available for this assignment, Agent
Alis,so I
will be direct." 

She had spoken of Imperial duties, now he could focus his attention
on Her. Again, he was struck by Her beauty.  The nerfhide-covered
chair was a simple throne that she sat in with Imperial regality.

Swallowing hard, he ignored his emotions, steeling himself for his
next assignment. "Whatever you wish of me, Madam Director, I will
give to you."

Her eyes narrowed and Alis feared he had said too much.  Would she
strike him down for implying more than faithful service?  For hinting
at a more…intimate…relationship.

He let out a quiet sigh when she seemed to ignore the comment.
"As
you know, Rogue Squadron has been an annoyance to me for many years. 
Their infallible luck is a nuisance that this galaxy must soon be rid
of."

His mind stumbled over Her words.  "This galaxy?"

She sat back in the chair, Her eyes flashing with fire and ice.
"The Rogues stumbled upon a passageway to another galaxy.  Humans
live on one of the planets, but their technology is millennia behind
ours."

He tried to placate Her growing temper.  "If these individuals
are so
unsophisticated, then how can they be a threat?"

"They are a threat," She snarled, "Because they support
the Rebels."

Instantly realizing his mistake, Alis dropped to one knee before the
desk.  "Forgive my ignorance, Madam Director."

His action seemed to placate Her.  "Despite, or because of, their
technological deficiencies, the people of the Lucas galaxy are eager
to support the Rebels.  There is a series of vids that was released
on their world that glorifies the War, making its young people
zealous to fight against the Empire.  The Rebels are opening up
diplomatic relations in hopes of recruiting fresh blood into their
military forces and into…" Her lip curled in distaste, "The
newly
formed Jedi academy."

Alis flexed his hands into fists.  His hatred for the Jedi was almost
as intense as his feelings for Rogue Squadron.  One of the bastards
that had attempted to murder Madam Director was now being trained as
a Jedi.  For months he had been watching that particular padawan and
the Academy intensely, waiting for a chance to show his loyalty to
Her by removing both annoyances from Her campaign. 

"The treaty must be destroyed."  She leaned forward,
steepling Her
fingers as Her eyes became unfocused.  "If an inter-galactic
incident
were to occur.  One that would lead to war between the Lucas Galaxy
and the Rebels."

He knew where Her thoughts were leading and yielded to the urge to
interrupt.  "Then the Empire could offer aid to the foreign
galaxy, gaining the resources that the Rebels crave and filling our
ranks with new recruits.  And," he added, bowing his head in
reverence
to Her.  "If Madam Director's plans for this campaign are as
brilliant as they have been before, then the Rebels will be facing
two armed forces instead of one."

A flare of hope warmed him when a faint smile graced Her lovely
face.  "Very good, Agent Alis.  Perhaps you are a worthy
replacement
for Loor."  The smile quickly faded, "But the seemingly
endless source of luck for the Rebels must be destroyed."

"And of course, the source of that luck is Rogue Squadron."

She nodded, then tossed him a data card.  "The Squadron is on
Earth, the only habitable planet in Lucas.  That card has all the
information you'll need.  Itinerary.  Lists of where the pilots
are staying.  Maps of the city.  Intel will give you an orientation
of the local customs."

She stood, clearly signifying the meeting was ending.  "I expect
an outline of your plans within three hours.  A transport will be
waiting as soon as I give my approval."  Suddenly she was
towering
over him, Her mysterious eyes almost hypnotizing him.  "I
normally do
not give my operatives this much freedom.  Do not disappoint me,
Alis." 

With a wave of Her hand, he was dismissed.

Chapter 5—Along Came a Spider

She was going to kill them.  Simple as that.  She was going to
annihilate them.  It didn't matter if they were two of her
favorite
pilots from Rogue Squadron.  This morning, they had crossed the line.

They had seemed so gentlemanly at dinner.  Dressed in the hated, but
stunning, dress uniforms.  Impeccable manners.  Beautiful
compliments, flirting that was sensual but not lewd.  One of the best
dates she had ever had.  But this morning...

She didn't know how they did it.  Neither one of them had a key
to
her suite and neither one of the handsome Rogues had spent the
night.  But somehow they had...

"JANSON!  KLIVIAN! FRONT AND CENTER!"

The two straggled into the sitting room, and Kelly tried to resist
the urge to kill.

When they saw the rage in her gray eyes, they straightened up,
saluting her as if she were Wedge Antilles himself.  Despite the
moment of seriousness, Wes reverted back to his prankster self.
"Who
gets to be front and who gets to be..."

"SHUT UP!"

They looked down at the floor as if waiting for her to slaughter them
with the force of her temper.  How she felt, she could easily destroy
them with merely a look. 

Then Wes seemed to gather a measure of his usual over confidence.
"What did we do, oh Angry One?"

"What did you do?" Erin hissed.  She held up one of
Victoria's
Secrets.  A life-like plastic spider clung to the lace.  If she had
been wearing the bra it would have looked like the spider was
dangling from her...

Erin was sure Wes knew where exactly the spider would have been
positioned because his eyes suddenly glazed over.

"YOU PUT SPIDERS IN MY UNDERWEAR DRAWER!"

Hobbie cringed and Wes snapped out of his fantasies.  "But they were
fakes," Kilvian protested.

She ground her teeth, fighting to urge to tear them into itty-bitty
pieces.  "If the HAD been real, you'd both be dead men already."  The
mere thought of the plastic ones were enough to make her skin crawl,
real ones would have set her into fits of uncontrollable screaming. 

/Nothing like reaching into your panty drawer and finding it infested
with arachnids.  If I didn't have to change my underwear before I
reached into the drawer, I DEFINITELY had to afterward./

The Rogues had seen danger enough times to know that death was
becoming a definite possibility.  "I...I...I'm sure we can
discuss
this rationally," Hobbie offered lamely, trying to placate the
raging
woman. 

"I'm sure we can," Erin smiled sweetly. "We can
discuss this with
Lisa."

The pilots exchanged pained looks.  "Lisa's going to KILL
us."

**********

Klivian buried his face in his hands.  "Wedge is going to KILL
us."

"If I don't kill you first," Lisa snapped.  After coolly
telling Lisa
about the Rogues' prank, Erin had announced her resignation as
tour
guide and stormed out of the office, leaving Lisa and the pilots in
her wake.  Lisa knew no amount of cajoling or begging could sway Erin
until her temper cooled.  If it cooled.  All because of two Rogues
couldn't stop pulling practical jokes for even a week.

"Do you fools realize that the woman you offended SINGLE-HANDEDLY
found ALL the guides for the squadrons?  Because of her hard work
her, you all got this vacation.

"And do you realize that meeting the Rogues and Wraiths was her
dream
come true.  She hasn't had much to look forward to lately except
this
time with her heroes."  She gestured at the pilots.  "And
thanks to
you two clowns, her dream is ruined."

Wes groaned.  "Wedge isn't going to kill us.  He's going
to torture
us slowly until we wished he'd killed us.  He'll..."

"Unless," Lisa interrupted.  /I should let the General deal
with
these jokers but, Gods, Erin needs something in her life right now.
I can't let her go home with her illusions destroyed./  "You
make it
up to her."

Her eyes narrowed as she studied the pair.  "It was an innocent
prank.  Problem was you two triggered her phobia and that fire temper
of hers.  It isn't," she paused, hating to admit it, even if
it was
the truth, "exactly your fault.  Most people would have laughed it
off."

"Except Erin," Hobbie groaned, looking even more dejected
than
usual.  "We didn't mean any harm, Lisa.  Honestly we
didn't."  He
looked at Wes.  "We have to fix this mess."

/They really mean it,/ Lisa realized.  /Maybe we can fix things
before Erin flies back home./ 

"I know, I know," Wes muttered, sinking deeper into his chair.

Silence filled the office.  Hobbie squirmed under Lisa's almost
unblinking brown eyes.  Wes seemed to be trying to be swallowed up by
his chair.  Lisa was bout to return to her paperwork when Janson
bolted upright, grinning the "demented ewok" grin.  "I
have an idea!"

Hobbie glared at his partner in crime.  "Your idea was what got
us
into this mess."

"No. No.  No.  This is a GREAT idea."

Lisa and Klilvian exchanged pained looks. 

"I hate it when he says that," Hobbie whimpered.


Chapter 6--Unexpected Gifts

Alis' eyes widened as his mind tried to absorb the spectacle that was
Las Vegas.  He could barely believe what his senses were telling
him.  The main strip made Corellia's Treasure Ship Row look as
exciting as the records archive on Coruscant. 

Multicolored lights splashed across the city, making the growing
twilight almost as bright as day.  Wild laughter and music slithered
through the open windows of his transport.  He shuddered against the
onslaught of depravity around him.  //This place needs, Madam
Director's presence.  She would bring order to the Chaos.//

The pilot, no DRIVER, Alis corrected mentally, turned around in his
seat when the traffic signal turned red.  He had the audacity to grin
at the Imperial Agent.  "First time in Vegas?"

The man was one of the reconnaissance people Madam Isard had sent to
Earth to scout the planet, and to Alis' distaste, Officer Hyst seemed
to enjoy the baser pleasures of the uncivilized planet.  "Yes," he
ground out between clenched teeth.  The driver was an insult to the
ideals of the Empire.  To the glory of Ysanne Isard.

Hyst glanced at Alis through the rear view mirror, his attention
captured by the ebony eyes that seemed bore through him despite being
only reflections. He tore his gaze away from that of Agent Alis and
stared resolutely at the traffic streaming past the taxi, telling
himself that the tremor of his hands was due to fatigue, not the man
sitting almost at attention in the back seat of the cab.
"We'll be
at the hotel shortly."  The driver's voice quavered though
the taxi,
then the car was filled with a silence that seemed to sink itself into
Hyst's very pores. 

The rest of the trip was accompanied by that almost tangible
silence.  Hyst was sure that whatever power Agent Alis possessed
would send him screaming into insanity before they reached the
hotel.  

Officer Hyst could barely control the trembling that jarred its way
down his spine when the darkened glass pyramid of the Luxor finally
dominated the landscape.  Pulling into the proper traffic lane, he
all but slammed on the brakes in front of the hotel's front
entrance.  The valet gave the sweating driver a curious look as he
opened the passenger door for Alis. 

As the agent exited the car, Hyst hit the control for the trunk,
allowing the valet to retrieve Alis' luggage.  As soon as the
bags
were placed on the curb, Hyst shifted the car into gear and pulled
into traffic.  Alis watched the vehicle disappear into the
artificially lit night, considering the report he would submit to
Intel. 

His efforts would be wasted.  Neither Officer Hyst nor the taxi he
was driving would ever be seen by Imperial forces again.

The valet cleared his throat, gently reminding Alis of his
surroundings.  Mentally filing away the outlined reprimand, the
Imperial agent followed the young man into the hotel. 

Erin stared out at the growing twilight, smiling at the neon
kaleidoscope that danced down the strip.  Even with the barrier of
glass separating her from night air, she could feel the excitement
that seemed to energize the city.  //My first trip to Vegas and it
lasted only two days.//  Her flight was booked.  She'd be leaving
tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. to go back home. Sighing, she leaned her head
against the cool glass, wishing she hadn't lost her temper at the
Rogues.   The spiders had been a joke and she was still looking in
corners for more of the damned things, but she shouldn't have gone
ballistic.  A shudder ran down her spine.  //Correction, I
should've
went ballistic but I shouldn't have quit.  Now Lisa's without
a guide
and I'm going back to the university.  My dream come true ruined
by a
practical joke and my temper.  I'm a complete and total moron.//

A knock on the door forced her away from the view and her berating
thoughts. Rubbing her forehead tiredly, she barely kept herself from
telling whoever was playing a drum solo on the wooden panel to shut
up.  A look through the peephole showed her that the wanna-be
musician was a member of the hotel staff.  The rendition of
Queen's
"We Will Rock You" stopped as she unbolted the door.

Her irritation must have shown because the young man swallowed
hard, looking at her nervously over a huge red gauze bow.  Her gaze
dropped from the mass of ribbon to the large box he held in his
hands.  "Are you Erin Hart?"

She jerked her thoughts away from the gift and focused on the young
man holding the box.  Dark hair, brown eyes, a bit on the lanky
side.  //Not as yummy as the Rogues and Wraiths, but not bad.// 
"Um...Yeah, I'm Erin."

The delivery boy fidgeted from one foot to another then finally asked
plaintively, "Can I please bring this into your room?  It's heavy."

Erin blinked, then blushed at her rudeness.  "Of course, I'm so
sorry."  She gestured to the couch.  "Set it there."

While the young man placed the box on one of the leather cushions,
Erin grabbed her purse, keeping an eye on him as she dug inside for a
tip. //He's just a kid, Erin.  Chill.  He's not going to attack you.//

Still, she wasn't comfortable until the young man had left her room
and the door was firmly bolted.  //Why am I so nervous?  Is it the
box or the boy that's giving me the jitters?//  Shrugging off the
sensation of "wrongness" that somehow tainted the situation, she sat
down next to the mystery gift. 

As she ran her hand over the mass sheer ribbon, her hand brushed
against a hard edge.  She caught herself before she flinched away. 
Instead she carefully parted the ribbon away from the object, calling
herself a fool when she realized it was nothing more threatening than
an envelope.

Erin pulled the envelope free and tore it open, smiling as she read
the letter inside.

*Just a little apology from your two FAVORITE Rogues.  See you at
the party tonight.  Wes and Hobbie*

She chuckled over the wording.  Not Wes AND Hobbie.  Wes writing
and Hobbie just agreeing with whatever Wes said.  //Oh well.  I know
they're both sorry.//  Then realization struck.  //SITHSPAWN!//  She
looked up at the clock.  //I completely forgot about the party. 
Gods, should I even go?  I'm not a guide anymore.//  Her hands
twisted in the ribbon.  //I was stupid.  I shouldn't have quit.//

She shook her head, sending red hair spilling into her face.  "Time to
quit moping.  You made your decision and they still want you at the
party. So why not go?"  She paused for a moment, realizing she was
talking to herself.  //Okay...I'm finally going off the deep end.// 
She looked down at the box sitting seductively next to her.  It was
almost BEGGING her to open it. //Who cares if I'm insane?  I have a
present!//

Some of her excitement dissipated when she realized WHO the present
was from.  //I have a present from the two biggest jokesters in the
THX galaxy.  Force help me, it's probably an ewok.//

Tentatively she pulled at the ends of the gossamer ribbon, half
expecting Lieutenant Kettch to pop out of the box.  Instead the fabric
whispered apart with no unwanted surprises.  Working her nails under
the edge of the box, she pulled open the two halves...

###

Alis stood slowly as the holo transmission faded away.  The Luxor was
perfect for relaying such communications.  The intense white light
beamed up into the cosmos masked any data streamed offplanet. 

One knee ached faintly from kneeling for so long, but as he always, he
felt invigorated by his time spent in Her presence.  Despite the
great distances separating him from his Goddess, he could sense her
growing approval of him.  Mayhaps someday she would see him as more
than just a tool.  And then....

A hasty knock interrupted his thoughts.  He barked for the intruder to
enter, knowing only someone with strict orders to report to him
immediately would dare interrupt him after a discussion with Her. 

The lanky young man saluted and stood at attention as he reported his
encounter with Ms. Hart.  The box was in her room and soon the sensor
devices would infiltrate each area of the suite, allowing Intel to
collect needed data on the woman and the traitors that she was
entertaining.  The devices would not give him all the information
needed, but when combined with the data his spies would uncover
during the diplomatic dinner later that night, it would be enough for
him to put his plans into motion.

Note:  Quotes are from the Wraith Squadron books (I'm not sure which
ones.) and from Starfighters of Adumar.  The friend's idea mentioned
here really IS a friend of mine's idea.  THANKS JACEY!!!!  :oD
--------------------------------------------------------------

Downtime in Las Vegas
Chapter 7—Red Leader

She couldn't believe they had done it.  How those two flyboys
could
go from one extreme to the other was beyond the scope of her
imagination.  Charming during their dinner date, but the next morning
they had somehow infested her room with plastic spiders.  They had
taken her anger better than she expected.  After they realized how
offended she truly was, they had quickly sobered and allowed her to
resign from her post as quasi-ambassador. 

Erin had thought she had seen the last trace of Wes and Hobbie in
Lisa's office.  (The hotel housekeeping service had removed all
fake
arachnids while she was away.)  But then a musical delivery boy had
presented her with a gift from the two chagrined Rogues.  Unlike
their previous "gifts" the latest had been a very pleasant
surprise.

She had completely forgotten about the dinner party that was being
given for the Rogues until moments before the package had been
delivered. As if on cue, the delivery boy had arrived with a box
containing…She ran a hand over the red satin of her gown.  Erin
could
barely believe that the two jokers had thought of buying her a dress
as an apology.  She smiled at the thought.  Actually it had been Wes,
Hobbie, AND Lisa's idea to give her a gown and all the needed
accessories for a formal event. 

She had worried when she saw the expensive gift, envisioning an
astronomical Visa bill in her name, but a note from Lisa had been
wrapped in the tissue.  //Don't worry about the cost.  I chose
the
dress, they pay the bill.//

She seriously doubted that Lisa had been the one to choose the
dress.  It fit like it had been tailored to her body, following each
curve and line of her body. Erin had always wanted to wear an elegant
gown that looked like it should have been gracing some beautiful
Hollywood star, but she had never thought she'd ever get the
chance. 
Or wear one such a shocking color.

Everything in the box had been RED.  Red satin gown that made her
flame-colored hair look boring in comparison.  Red shoes.  Red
underthings.  The only things that hadn't been the same almost
blinding shade of crimson was the note Lisa had left in the box and
the black stockings that had accompanied the scarlet garters.

And now she was standing in the middle of the Nevada desert, in front
of a discretely decadent mansion that looked like it had been carved
out of the landscape.  //Not just standing, visually screaming,// she
thought with a chuckle.  She felt like a beacon in her scarlet
dress.  She was sure EVERYONE would stare at her.  //Gods, I hate
being the center of attention.//

But tonight, Erin sensed she would have to suffer through being the
center of attention.  //How could people NOT stare at me in this
color.// Resigning herself, she put one scarlet heel in front of the
other and marched up the golden paving stones that lined the
stairway. 

At the landing, she was greeted by two soldiers in uniforms Erin
didn't recognized.  The pair saluted, causing her to smile before
they opened the French doors leading to what Erin assumed was the
main hall.

Erin felt her jaw drop as she slowly entered the room.  It was
exquisite.  Rich and elegant, but still welcoming to all that passed
through those wide French doors. Every inch of the hall was done in
warm, sun-drenched tones. The floor matched the honey-colored stones
that faced the building and stairs.  Pale yellow walls, bleached wood
furniture, sunset-hued rugs patterned in geometric shapes.  Simple in
its elegance.  Decadent in its warmth.  Perfect.

The hall was filled with Rogues, Wraiths, and the various beings that
were accompanying them during their stay in Las Vegas, adding a wild
swirl of color to the simply decorated room.  As she expected, two
pilots separated themselves from the others to greet her.  Her
stomach tried to locate itself somewhere in the vicinity of her
heels.  Wes was wearing THAT grin.  The one that she had quickly
learned meant he was going to do something that would most likely
give her nightmares.  Hobbie looked a bit less morose than usual,
almost as if he were in a pleasant mood.

The cliched line all but galloped through her mind.  //I've got a BAD
feeling about this.//

The pair slowly circled her, each pilot eyeing her from head to toe. 
A line from another movie came to mind.  "What?  Were you
vultures in
a past life?"

Hobs and Wes ignored the comment.  Erin shrugged, doubting that the
pair had her taste in animated films, let alone watch one about a
missing Czarina. 

"She is lovely."  That comment came from Kilvian and she felt
herself
blush under their inspection. 

"The color suits her better than I thought.  I told you she'd
clean
up well," Wes announced, whistling his approval.  Erin considered
tripping him for either the comment or the whistle.  She decided not
to scuff her new and most likely hideously expensive shoes.

"She'll suit them perfectly," Hobbie offered.  //Suit
who?//

Wes gestured to someone in the crowd milling about the hall.  It
seemed that an eternity before another pair of pilots managed to
weave through the small conversation groups that littered the room.

Erin snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, drinking it
down in one long swallow when she realize whom the terrible twosome
had signaled.

//Oh Sith.  Oh Sith.  Oh Sith.//

Erin was sure her brain would short-circuit the moment the duo got
close enough to say hello to her.  They contrasted each other
perfectly, each setting of the other's features.  Though
opposites,
at the same time they were a well-matched pair.  The same contrast of
features, light and dark, could be seen in Hobbie and Wes, but
somehow this pairing was more striking between Face and Ton.

Of course, by themselves, each pilot would have been striking.  She
knew she was staring…How could she NOT stare?  She wasn't
even sure
which one she should ogle first. 

Face with his thick dark hair and those pale green eyes? Oh Sith,
she'd always had a thing for men with pale green eyes.  And
Loran's
eyes were a strange almost frosted mint color that sent tingles of
cool warmth down her spine.  As described in the novels, he was
outrageously handsome. Erin couldn't think of any man she had
seen
either on screen or in real life that was more stunning than the
actor-turned-Wraith.

Or should she stare at Ton?  With his lean features that were
strangely emphasized by the metal prosthetic covering the left side
of his face.  He had been described in the novels as cold and
dispassionate, but Erin thought this description shallow.  The metal
added a hardness to his face, as did the ironic humor shining from
his blue eye. But the goatee and soft fall of gold hair softened the
pilot's almost haughty attitude into a personality that Erin
found
both appealing and annoying enough to present her with a most welcome
challenge.

The sound of someone clearing his throat brought Erin back to
reality.  Wes was grinning at her, which Erin knew meant trouble. 
But somehow that didn't worry her.  She was sure she was going to
enjoy the sort of trouble Wes and Hobs had thrown at her.  "Lisa
said
you were a fan of the Wraith Squadron novels.  So we thought that
maybe you would enjoy a change in assignment."

"Change in assignment," Erin echoed as the Wraiths waited
patiently
for introductions, completely oblivious to the triumphant look that
Wes threw Hobbie, all of her attention focused on the men standing in
front of her.  Wes gestured to the ex-actor.  "This is Lieutenant
Garik Loran."  The "Face" smiled slightly as he bowed to
Erin.  Ton
captured her wrist before Wes could introduce him.  "Ton Phanan
Pilot, Wit, and Superior Intellect."  He kissed the back of her
hand.  "And you must be Red Leader."

"Red Leader?"

Ton chuckled.  "What better description for you when you're
dressed
like that.  With that flame-colored hair."

"Of course, she's MUCH better looking than Master Skywalker
or
General Antilles," Face added.

"Of course, but Wedge can't hear us say that, even if he does
agree. 
It's wound his ego."

"Tear it to shreds."

The banter between the Wraiths continued for a moment and suddenly
Erin felt dizzy.  She gave Wes a pleading look.  "Are they ALWAYS
like this."

She paled when Wes gave her that demonic ewok grin.  "Usually
they're
worse."

Hobbie patted Erin's shoulder sympathetically.  "Don't worry. 
They're not that bad."  He smiled weakly.  "And they promised not to
hurt you."

Ton focused on Kilvan and the dour pilot took a step back.  //That
electronic eye IS unnerving.//  "You'll give her a bad impression of
us, Hobs.  We haven't terrified a woman in..."

"Hours," Face quipped.

Ton elbowed him in the ribs and Face quickly amended, "Days."  They
both attempted to give her innocent looks, and of course, failed
miserably. 

Erin rubbed her right temple.  "Why do I have the feeling my
situation may have went from bad to worse?"

Face chuckled.  "Love, you put up with Wes and Hobbie.  We're kittens
compared to those two."  The actor gave her a beseeching look.  "We
promise to behave."

"More like, MISBEHAVE."

Ton smirked at Face.  "I think I'm going to like her."

Face grinned.  "I KNOW I'm going to like her."

"Ahem, I'm standing right here, flyboys.  No need to talk
about me in
the third person."

"Witty and able to stand up for herself."  Ton clasped a hand
to his
chest.  "I think I'm in love."

"Bite me, Phannon," she replied flippantly.  Erin clapped a hand over
her mouth, realizing what she had said.

She expected him to be angry, but instead he grinned at her.  "Well
if you insist..." He caught hold of her hand turning it over to
expose the inside of her wrist.  She gasped when he gently nipped the
sensitive skin over her pulse.  Ton tipped his head to one side so he
was looking up at her with his blue eye, the metal section of his
face hidden in shadow.  "I hope I'm being too forward."

She couldn't help laughing as Ton winked at her before releasing her
hand.  Face pretended to scowl and pushed him away from their new
guide.  "Don't be greedy.  She deserves a chance to bask in the glory
known as Face Loran."

Erin rolled her eyes, then caught sight of Wes chatting with an
athletic woman with dark brown hair.  Sometime during her verbal
fencing with the Wraiths, the other pilots had melted into the crowd.
The brunette Wes was charming was blushing furiously, but somehow
through her bashfulness she managed to find the nerve to lean forward
and kiss the Rogue's cheek.  To Erin's amazement, Wes blushed
just as
hard as his companion did.

Face slung an arm over her bare shoulders, sending an electric tingle
coursing down her spine.  //Bad, Erin.  No thinking about how
attractive he is.  Oh, Gods.  He's The Face!  How the Hell am I NOT
suppose to think about it.//  He pointed to Wes and his lady friend,
distracting Erin from her risqué thoughts.  "She seems much
happier
now." 

Ton nodded and wrapped an around Erin's waist.  Another bolt of
energy charged through her nervous system, almost causing her knees
to buckle.  //And I thought Wes and Hobbie were going to be trouble. 
Force keep me from acting on these thoughts.  Er...keep me from
acting on them in public.// 

She dragged her thoughts back to more polite topics as Ton spoke. 
"If she was any happier, she'd be floating instead of walking.  I'm
glad she's enjoying herself.  She was a great girl, but she just
wasn't the right choice for us."

"She was your old guide?"

Face sighed.  "Yep.  Michelle's a wonderful woman, but she wasn't
comfortable around us.  We were too..."

"Daunting?" Erin suggested.

Ton nodded in agreement.  "She never seemed able to get over the
whole "I'm tour guide for The Face" idea."  The medic watched Wes and
Michelle and smiled faintly.  "She'll have fun with him.  And I think
she'll give the prankster a few surprises."

Face grinned wickedly, the scar marring his cheek giving a
particularly sexy-sinister look to him.  "Gods, I hope so.  He
deserves it after the whole Kettch incident." 

Lieutenant Kettch was the running joke of Wraith Squadron.  While
Wedge had been first interviewing candidates for the newly forming
Wraith Squadron, Janson had convinced Antilles that one of the pilots
he would be interviewing was an ewok named Kettch.  Wedge's
gullibility had led to rounds of Luetenit Kettch jokes.  Finally
tiring of being the butt of Wes' jokes, Antilles had pulled a stunt
that had topped any of Janson's previous endeavors. 

Somehow, the Corellian had convinced Wes that there really WAS a
Lieutenant Kettch and the viscous ewok had escaped his cage.  In an
attempt capture the creature, Wes was conned into stripping and
covering himself in ewok food.  And after being led a merry chase
through darkened passageways he found himself in a brightly-lit room
filled with his squadron mates.  And that was how Wes learned that
the great Wedge Antilles was not above vengeful acts. 

"Wasn't being buck naked and slathered with ewok food enough
punishment for Kettch?"

Ton looked thoughtful.  "Perhaps.  But I didn't get to see that.  I
was back on Corsecunt getting patched up after..." His voice
trailed
off and Face looked disturbed. 

She quickly realized what Phannan was referring to.  The evil chapter
she had spent half an hour crying over.  The one that had caused her
to throw the book down the dorm's garbage chute.  The event denied by
herself and most of her friends that were Wraith fans...the death of
Ton Phanan. 

She wondered how Ton had survived but had enough tact to know it was
a difficult subject that he would not want to discuss.  Squashing the
curiosity that needled her, she made a note to ask either Lisa or
Wedge what had happened to the squadron's medic and how exactly he
had lived through the terrible incident.

"Well...The show probably wouldn't have impressed you much.  I mean
would you really have wanted to see Janson's bare ass?  I'm sure that
the female members of the squadron enjoyed the show but..."

She was babbling, as she usually did when she was nervous, but
neither pilots seemed to notice.  Actually, Face quickly picked up
her line of thought.  "Butt being the main focus of Wes'
embarrassment..."

"Really," she drawled.  "From the look of him, Wes has nothing to be
embarrassed about when it comes to his derrière."

"He doesn't."

One brow lifted as Erin stared at Face.  "I didn't know you enjoyed
that sort of thing, Loran."  She smirked at Ton.  "Maybe Shalla
wasn't the one that said, 'Nice rear, Lieutenant.'"

The ex-actor blushed and Ton laughed, tightening his grip on her
waist.  "I am TRULY going to like this woman.  She's as witty as she
is beautiful."

"That's not saying much," Erin rumbled.

Ton gave Loran a stricken look.  "I do believe our new tour guide
had
problems with self esteem."

He gave her a stunning grin that made her realize why he was called
"The Face."  Suddenly she felt lightheadedness the blood left
her
brain and traveled south.  "Don't worry, I have enough ego
for the
three of us."

"Ego powered shields," she muttered.  It was an old line that
one of
her friends had used to describe uses for Bor Jace's gigantic ego. 

"Ego powered shields.  What a great idea!"

"Oh, Gods," Ton groaned, burying his face against her shoulder.  "Do
you HAVE to give him these ideas?"  Erin stiffened at his closeness,
trying to keep from acting on the thoughts running rampant through
her mind.  //Not in public.  Not In Public.  NOT IN PUBLIC!//

Face gave her a pained expression.  "I'm sorry, Erin.  I was
sure I
had him properly trained."  He grabbed hold of Ton's arm and
dragged
him away from her, giving her an apologetic look.  "It's been
sooooooo long since the last time he was around a woman who
wasn't
wearing a bright orange flightsuit.  He doesn't know how to
act." 

As Erin began to laugh, Face began chastising Phannen.  "How many
times have I told you that it is inappropriate to bury your face in
some woman's bodice without her permission.  Especially when
you're
in public!"

Ton gave her a look that reminded her of a woebegone puppy that had
been caught chewing on his mistress' favorite pair of shoes
except
for the mischief in his eyes that was all but daring her to punish
him for his indiscretion.  Face grinned madly at her.  //No wonder
Michelle couldn't handle this pair.  I don't know if I can.
But I'm
sure as hell going to enjoy every attempt I make.//  "You two are
incorrigible," she grinned.

"Too true," Face replied, clasping Erin's hand.  "But
now is not the
time to reprimand us…"

"Now is the time to eat," Ton added, putting an end to
whatever grand
soliloquy Loran had in mind.

A line from //Starfighters// came to mind.  "Discuss reprimands
later, feed the tour guide now."

Face glanced at Ton and couldn't help grinning.  "I'm
REALLY going to
like her."

Chapter 8
Comrade in Arms

Erin rested her head on her arms, wondering what the
hell had happened during the past few hours. Somehow
she had went from the object of practical jokes to an
active participant in Ton and Face’s verbal fencing
matches. She was exhausted by their never-ending
stream of banter. Exhausted and exhilarated.

There was a warm comfortable camaraderie between them
that she had never experienced before. After Wes and
Hobbie left her with her new assignments, Erin had
feared that she would be seen as an intruder in a
profound friendship, but she was instantly accepted
and welcomed. She was treated as if she had always
been a part of their lives.

Simply put, they were the most alluring men she had
ever met. Wes and Hobbie were stunning and each had a
certain charm that was compelling, but the practical
jokes conflicted too much with her personality. But
the two Wraiths were almost perfect matches for
her…unusual…personality.

Usually, her strange sense of humor and curious
outlook on the world kept her in perpetual conflict
with the people around her. And now…now she was
surrounded by beings that valued the very traits that
had made her an outsider. Part of her was embarrassed
by the way she thrived in their presence; fairly
glowing as they acknowledged each jibe she made. But
she didn’t care. She was enjoying herself too much to
acknowledge what this ego boost said about her
self-esteem.

Whatever the reason, Erin rarely felt so at ease with
anyone, let alone people she had just met. But there
was something familiar about the Wraiths that went
beyond her multiple readings of Alliston’s books.
Their personalities just seemed to mesh. That was the
only way she could describe it. It felt like she had
known Ton and Face for years.

But that kinship didn’t stop them from exhausting her
with their wit, which made her grateful for this
little respite. The flyboys had wandered off to grace
others with their glorious presence. Erin raised her
head a micrometer and noted that Ton was trying to
dazzle Lisa with his superior intellect and seemed to
be failing miserably. Face was dancing with Mirax
while her husband; Corran glared vibroblades into the
ex-actors back. Erin chuckled and considered taking a
little nap until the boys decided to torment her
again.

//Not that I don’t’ enjoy their torture. They’re the
first guys I’ve met that like the fact that I can be
mouthy.// She chuckled, thinking of the myriad of
comments the word “mouthy” would have been thrown
about if either one of the Wraiths could read her
thoughts.

“Um…excuse me.”

Slowly, Erin looked up, startled to see the
dark-haired Wes had been spending the evening with
standing by her table. //How close they’ve been all
night, I didn’t expect her to leave his side, let
alone go mingle with the rest of the guests.//

“Hello,” Erin smiled, trying to put the woman as ease.
Wes’ new attraction seemed as nervous as a droid
surrounded by jawas. //Wonder what Janson told her.
That I have a temper worse than the Emperor’s?//
“Would you like to sit down?”

The woman gratefully took the chair that Erin gestured
towards and settled herself nervously. //Gods, she
must think that I’m a barbarian.// Suddenly, Erin had
visions of herself running amok among the party with
her face painted blue like something out of
Braveheart.

Erin chuckled which caused her guest to smile shyly.
“Um…God, I’m so rude. I’m Michelle Keets.” The lanky
young woman offered Erin her hand. “Call me Mike, if
you like.”

“Ok, Mike.” Erin was startled by how the young woman
beamed at the nickname. //Even lower self-esteem than
mine? Didn’t think that was possible.// “Can you
answer a question for me?”

“Sure,” Michelle answered, running a hand through hair
that Erin had at first was brown. Now, it looked
almost black. A very startling contrast to the almost
milky paleness of her skin. Up close, Mike was rather
pretty in a lanky sort of way. And if her personality
could withstand the outrageousness of Wes Janson, she
must have a formidable will beneath her self-doubt.

//A description that could fit me…//

Erin pulled her thoughts away from her mental image of
herself and to the question that had been niggling the
back of her mind all night. “Why did you change
pairings with me?”

Mike eyed her for a moment, considering her words.
“Want some polite answer or the truth?”

“The truth. After all I’m now playing nursemaid for
the pair you had been assigned. If they have any dark
secrets I should know about…”

“Oh…no no no. Nothing like that,” Mike blurted. “It
was my fault. I couldn’t get over the fact that I was
tour guide for…”

“For…” Erin encouraged.

“The Face.” Mike looked decidedly uncomfortable by
the admission. “He’s just so gorgeous. I couldn’t
think straight whenever I was around him, let alone
deal with the pair of them constantly bickering.”

“They’re not bickering, it’s banter,” Erin explained.

“I know,” the tour guide sighed. “I just couldn’t
wrap my mind around that style of wit. But Wes…” A
dreamy look filled Michelle’s gray eyes. “Wes is…”

“Enraptured with you?” Erin asked, though she already
knew the answer. The way Mike was watching Wes made
her feelings quite obvious.

“I wouldn’t say enraptured,” Michelle blushed.

“Come on, Michelle, Wes hasn’t pulled any stunts all
night.”

“Actually he has,” the tour guide muttered, almost
glaring at Wes.

Erin knew that glare and the emotions behind it quite
well. “What’d he do?”

“Spiders in my soup.”

The redhead stared at Michelle for a moment then began
to laugh. “Did they look real?” Michelle gave a
sullen nod. //This one might be a comrade in arms.//
“I guess he’s the one who rescued them from my
lingerie.”

Mike looked shocked. “He put them in your panties?”

“Not while I was wearing them!”

“Oh good, ‘cause they would cause visible panty
lines.”

Erin stared at the women for a moment then began to
laugh.

Michelle grinned. “So…How exactly are you planning to
get even with the nerf?”

“Hadn’t’ thought about it actually.”

Mike looked disappointed. “But you must have
revenge.”

Erin chuckled as she and Michelle began to plan. Yes,
she it would seem that Erin truly had found a comrade
in arms….

Chapter 9
“No teapots were injured during the writing of this
chapter…”

They woke her at, what Erin considered, an indecent
hour. Smiling brightly at the foot of her bed. How
they got there, she had no idea. She KNEW that she
hadn’t let them spend the night. She would have
remembered THAT experience. She had wanted them to
stay, gods how she had wanted them to stay, but she
had resisted temptation.

If it wasn’t so damn early, she would have cursed her
foolishness. Instead, Erin grudgingly opened one eye,
which seemed to only encourage them. Face juggled a
cup of coffee while Ton held a white bag. “Morning,
Sunshine,” Ton grinned.

Erin burrowed deeper under the covers, wishing the
Wraiths would fade like their namesakes. “Go away,”
she mumbled from beneath her blanket.

She could picture Ton and Face giving each other one
of those looks that seemed to convey volumes worth of
information. “I don’t believe she’s a morning
person,” Face announced.

“I don’t’ think so either. Though how could she not?
The sun is shinning, the slot machines are clanking…”

“Go away,” she growled from beneath the covers.

Another one of those looks. “She didn’t mean that.”

“Of course not, “ Face announced. “How could she
want US to go away?”

“I don’t know,” Ton sounded almost hurt. “After all,
we’re so wonderful.”

“Ego trip?” Erin muttered to herself.

Face gave his wingmate a critical look. “That was a
little over the top. Maybe she’s one of those people
who can’t wake up without a cup of caf.”

“Go away!” she repeated, though not with as much force
as before. Their banter was cheering actually,
despite her deep hatred for morning people.

“Awww, come on Red. It’s a wonderful day and we don’t
want to miss a moment of it.” Face’s voice turned as
smooth as the finest chocolate. “Especially not a
moment with you…”

She peaked over the edge of her blanket. “That was a
good line.”

Face smirked at her, laughter glowing in his pale
green eyes. “I thought so.”

Ton rolled his eyes, gagging softly to himself.

Loran pretended to glare at the Medic. “What do you
suggest, oh wise and brilliant one?”

Ton shrugged and held up the bag he was carrying.
“Caffeine. Sugar. She may be able to resist us, but
she sure as hell can’t resist that!”

# # #

After they had eaten breakfast and Erin had changed
out of her pajamas, they headed out to the strip.
They had argued over which end of the strip to visit
first, but soon decided that they should see the
sights farthest from their hotel (Lisa’s staff was
moving Erin’s things into the same hotel as the
Wraiths) and work their way back “home.”

They took a tram from the MGM to Bally’s, where Face
ogled the posters of the girls in the Follies.
“Tragic fetish for feathers,” Ton drawled as he
dragged Loran away from one of the promotional
pictures.

“What’ll happen if he meets one of the women FROM the
Follies?” Erin asked, causing Face to scowl. It took
all her self-control not to laugh at the wounded look
on the ex-actor’s face.

“She would thank me for the rest of her life,” Face
countered, sticking his tongue out at Erin.

Smirking, Erin arched one flame-colored brow.
“Planning to use that tongue anytime in the near
future, Loran?”

“Not on you if you keep harassing me all the time,” he
grumbled.

“I guess I’ll have to be content with fantasies,” Erin
pretended to sob while Ton made an exaggerated attempt
to calm her. When she was sure, Face was rolling his
eyes at her display, she looked at the pair. “Ready
to go to Paris?”

Ton swept down in a low bow, giving her a wicked grin.
“Lead the way, my Lady.”

# # #

The Paris was…amazing. Sure, the faux cobbles hurt
her feet, but this was as close to France as she was
ever going to get. “It’s lovely” she murmured as she
stared up at the painted sky above her. The shopping
area that seemed to be a requirement of all casinos on
the strip was decorated to resemble a French village.
Storefronts were decorated with rugged stone and
cheerful thatch. Signs were written in French.
Clerks dressed in peasant garb. Impressionist
paintings advertised the various amenities of the
hotel boasted

“It’s so provincial.” Erin knew she was acting like a
tourist. But who cared? She WAS a tourist after all.

“It reminds me of Beauty and the Beast.”

The trio stopped as Erin turned to stare at Ton. “You
watch Disney movies?’ Ton looked uncomfortable as
Face patted her shoulder. “It’s not one of those
things he likes to talk about. Sarcastic,
obnoxious….” Ton glared at Face. “Pilot of superior
intellect being addicted to animation. Now anime I
could understand but Disney?” Face gave Erin a
pleading look. “What would his legions of fans do if
they found out? They would be shocked. Completely
horrified…”

Erin arched a brow. “Is he usually this
melodramatic?”

“Actually he’s usually worse,” Ton quipped.

“Thought so.”

Face turned, his mint colored eyes wide with shock.
“You think I’m melodramatic?” Ton shrugged, causing
Face to gape at him. “You really think I’m that poor
of an actor?” He sputtered for a moment, completely
at a loss for words.

Ton shifted uncomfortably. It was obvious to Erin that
he had meant the words as a joke, but the jibe had
somehow managed to cut through Loran’s ego. //Gotta
defuse this before serious damage is done to their
friendship.//

‘You know, Ton’s right. It does look like something
out of Beauty and the Beast.” She caught hold of the
pilots’ hands, hoping that Ton would follow her lead.
Before she could consider what she was doing, Erin
threw back her head and began to sing. “Be our Guest!
Be our Guest!…”

Ton chuckled and quickly took up the tune while Face
stared at them both as if they had lost their minds.
Then suddenly, he was singing too. Their voices
melded together so smoothly that many of the tourists
that passed them thought they were part of one of the
casino acts.

Erin wasn’t sure how she kept a straight face during
their song. Especially when Ton took up the role of
Lumiere and Cogsworth while Face…oh Gods, how has she
managed not to laugh? as Mrs. Potts…. Especially since
he was bouncing around like a demented teapot.

She was sure she would die from holding her breath as
Face sang in outrageously accurate impersonation of
Angela Landsbury. But somehow she managed to sing her
part through to the end.

THEN she collapsed against Ton, laughing so hard she
was sure she had cracked a rib. Erin expected Face to
be insulted, but instead, he just grinned. “Nothing
like having an appreciative audience.”

And that he had…All around them were stunned tourists
who were applauding the trio’s efforts. A few even
threw money, which Ton happily collected after handing
her over to Face.

“Glad you liked the show,” Face murmured, brushing a
strand of red hair from her eyes. “Now what were you
saying about using my tongue?”

She answered him with a nervous smile, backing away
before she gave into the impulse to kiss him. //He’s
too attractive for my own good.//

He chuckled at her shyness, then offered her his arm.
“Shall we go?”

# # #

Their next stop was the Venetian. //Not exactly how I
planned to see Europe. Oh well…/// By this time,
Erin was becoming a little tired of the casino scene.
The ever-present slot machines and the annoying noise
they made while spitting out coins she had not won was
beginning to get on her nerves. But the Wraiths were
visually devouring the sites around them, trying to
absorb as many details of Earth as they could during
their brief vacation.

Finally, they rested near one of the outrageously
expensive shops inside the casino, watching what
seemed to be a piece of detailed artwork “So…” Ton
drawled stared at the “statue” in front of him, eyeing
the array of dollars fanned out around her feet.
“You’re telling me some woman actually stands around
in powdered clothing pretending to be a statue and
makes a living at it?”

“Yep,” Erin answered, sipping at her disgustingly
high-priced Coke. //Thank the Gods I’m not paying for
this trip.//

Face was slowly walking around the woman dressed in
white. He reached out, almost touching the white
chalk-like stuff that coated her robes. “This has got
to be the most…” He paused, eyeing the crowd that
was enraptured by the “living stature” before
returning to Erin’s side. “This has got to be the
most BORING job I have ever seen! Palpatine’s fashion
consultant had a more thrilling career!” he hissed.
Erin bit back a snicker. “Sithspawn, I had some bad
holo roles but this has got to be the WORST job an
actor can get!”

Ton considered the woman and her seemingly impassive
gaze. “I wonder what happens if she moves.”

Face eyed his wingmate. “It would completely ruin her
act.”

“So she’s not suppose to move, like those guards in
Britain we read about.”

“Yep,” Face looked down right maniacal, in Erin’s
opinion. And Ton…with that blazing red optic instead
of an eye…they had made no effort to hide his
prosthetics, assuming that the audacity of Vegas would
explain away someone with a metal plate on his
face…Ton looked absolutely demonic. //Uh oh…//

Ton looked stern. “I believe we should test her
resolve, don’t you agree?”

“Most definitely,” Face grinned.

The pair circled the living statue like wild animals
stalking towards prey. If she had been the “statue,”
Erin would have been nervous. Face tried the usual
waving a hand in front of the actress’ face routine,
with, as expected, no results. Ton snickered, then
began to stare at the woman. The red optical sensor
seemed to unsettle the woman. It wasn’t something the
eye could see, but Erin sensed that the constant
contact with that ruby light was steadily unraveling
the actress’ calm.

Then Face was beside her, whispering in her ear. The
crowd murmured its disapproval as an almost
imperceptible breath escaped the woman. Then slowly,
but steadily, a faint tinge of pink crept across the
‘statue’s’ cheeks. Seeing that his words were
effecting the actress, he continued whispering until
the woman let out a gasp and swatted at Loran.

He chuckled evilly as he danced out of the way. “Time
to get out of here,” Ton suggested while dashing
towards Erin. “Let’s get out of here!”

Erin dragged them into the dress shop behind her
before the ‘statue’ committed murder upon the three of
them. The actress followed them for a few steps, then
realized how foolish she looked screaming at a pair of
tourists then settled herself for another few hours of
mind-numbing but profitable standing.

While the actress fussed, Erin grinned at Face. “So
what did you say to her that made her lose her cool?”

“Oh…I just told her all the uses I had for my tongue…”

Chapter 10 Lessons in Fashion

“You realize, she’s going to kill you if she finds out
that you’re going through her things,” Ton drawled,
sitting back against the headboard of Erin’s bed. He
wiggled a bit, then found the perfect placement of
pillows to cushion his back from the laminated wood.

Face scowled at him, then glanced at the bathroom
door. The sound of water against tile was faint but
persistent. He had a few minutes at least, maybe an
hour if Erin was the sensualist he suspected her to
be. “I’m helping her. She won’t kill me for that.”

“Yeah, helping her just like Wes helped her rearrange
her underwear.”

The Wraith scowled at his partner, not liking the idea
of Wes seeing Erin’s underwear, even if she wasn’t in
it at the time. “I’m not going to leave spiders in
her panties.”

“You’d better not,” Ton chuckled. “I don’t think the
maids would enjoy removing your blood from the
carpeting."

Ignoring the comment, Face opened the wardrobe and
began searching through its contents. “Gods!”
Loran’s voice echoed faintly inside the closet. “This
girl is in serious need of a personal shopper. This
is wrong. This is evil…”

Curiosity got the better of Phanen, forcing him from
his comfortable nest of pillows. “What are you
shouting about? She’s going to hear you.”

Face removed himself from the wardrobe, looking
indignant. “I…”

“…finally came out of the closet? Good for you, Face.
I’ll send you a congratulatory note later.”

“Oh shut up.”

Ton grinned as Loran pointed inside at Erin’s
belongings. “Look at the sorry state of her
wardrobe.”

The Wraith did as he was told, eyeing the assortment
of T-shirts and sundresses that were carefully lined
up on wire hangers. “So what?” he shrugged. “She’s a
University student. And Erin isn’t exactly the frilly
sort. Last night was probably the first time she’s
ever worn a gown.”

“Exactly my point. She needs help.”

Ton looked at him skeptically. “She likes being this
way.”

Face’s pale eyes narrowed. How could his wing be so
dense? “Do you REALLY believe that? Do you think
she’s happy? Have you looked in her eyes? Really
looked? There’s a helluva lot of loneliness there for
someone who’s content.”

Phanan considered Face’s words, trying to cut through
the emotion to see if this was one of his performances
or if there was substance behind his words. He
weighed his wing’s observation with his own, and came
to the same conclusion. Erin was hurting. She was
alone. The way she thrived during their escapades
made it obvious that there was more to Erin than the
shy image she presented to the world. She just hadn’t
learned to show everyone that aspect of herself. “All
right, what do we do?”

If Erin had been in the room, she would have fainted
from the grin on Loran’s face. “I KNEW you’d agree
with me.”

“When don’t I agree with you?” Ton countered dryly.

“Good point. Now get that superior intellect warmed
up and help me figure out how we can help her…”

# # #

Erin came out of the bathroom, toweling off her hair
before water could drip onto her shirt. She paused
when she realized the Wraiths were staring at her.
“Wha?”

Face cleared his throat; “You’re going to the Follies
in that?”

Erin looked down at her jeans and blouse. “What’s
wrong with my clothes.” She looked at him, eyes
narrowing. “Wait a minute. I’m not going to the
Follies.”

Ton and Face exchanged a look; Erin knew she was in
trouble. “Yes, you are,” Face answered patiently.
“We want to experience the best of Las Vegas and the
Follies are classic.”

Erin knew she would lose the argument but she had to
try. “I’m not going to watch half naked ladies prance
around on stage.”

The ex-actor sighed, “We aren’t going to the topless
review.”

Ton glared at Face. “What do you mean we’re not going
to the topless show? You said…”

“Ton, you know you’re not properly trained for that.
I thought we were finally making progress, then you
fling yourself at Erin’s bodice the first chance you
get. Couldn’t even restrain yourself enough not to do
it in public.” Loran cast a green-eyed look towards
Erin. “Not that I blame you, she does have stunning
breasts, but you shouldn’t do it in public!”

Erin blushed a color that matched her hair and Phanan
looked woebegone. “I try and I try, Face, but I just
keep slipping,” Ton sobbed. Erin rolled her eyes and
noticed Ton was giving her a rather satisfied smirk.
“So are we going to the Follies?”

Conned in less than five minutes. She really should
have more self-control around them. But then, what
fun was that? “All right, boys, we’ll go to the
show.” Again she looked down at her clothes. “So
what’s wrong with the way I’m dressed?”

“Um…how do I put this,” Face said, looking decidedly
uncomfortable. “It’s…”

“Boring,” Phanan interrupted.

Erin scowled at the Wraiths. “What do you expect me
to do, dress up like a showgirl?”

“Well actually…” Loran began.

“I am not dressing like a showgirl!” Erin almost
yelled, not sure she was angry that Face had suggested
it or that for a nanosecond she had actually
considered the idea…and liked it.

“Well if you aren’t going to dress like a showgirl,
you should at least dress so that you’re not
underdressed compared to us.”

Erin eyed the pair. Face was wearing a ragged pair of
jogging pants and a tacky T-shirt he had picked up
from one of the shops they had explored. Not that she
minded. The cheap cotton clung to every muscle of his
chest, leaving Erin little need to use her
imagination. If she continued staring at the
stunning ex-actor, she was sure she’d start drooling.
Ton was dressed more conservatively than his wingmate,
but Erin was still enjoying the view. Tight jeans
were giving her very erotic thoughts, especially when
she could catch a glimpse of…//Nice rear,
Lieutenant…// The rest of him wasn’t bad either, what
little of him, he’d allowed to be visible. Even with
the air conditioner’s chill, the long sleeved shirt
that he wore was unnatural for the desert clime. Erin
assumed it hid whatever scars Phanan had acquired
during his time with the New Republic.

Though the view of the Wraiths was spectacular, they
weren’t exactly going to grace the covers of any
fashion magazines. “It seems that you two are
underdressed.”

Face gave her a sly smile that caused butterflies to
flit through her stomach. //He’s too gorgeous for my
own good…// “Don’t be impatient, Red. We promise not
to disappoint you…”

# # #

Face’s prediction was correct. Erin was definitely
NOT disappointed. But she WAS horribly underdressed.
She didn’t know how they managed it, but then, fashion
had never been one of her strong points. //Slacks and
a plain shirt should not look that good, but then
considering the guys that are wearing them, I
shouldn’t be surprised….//

Which embarrassingly reminded her of her inadequate
wardrobe. //They look gorgeous and sophisticated and
I look like a ratty kid.//

“You both look…amazing,” she managed to stutter,
trying and failing to get a hold of her demeaning
thoughts.

Face gave Ton a look that clearly said “I told you
so!” then smiled at their guide. “You look beautiful,
Erin, but…” He winced when he saw how she seemed to
fold in on herself at his words. “But you could use a
little excitement.” He tried to soften his words by
adding, “since we’re going to the Follies.”

It was obvious that he had struck a nerve. Cursing
his stupidity, Loran gave her THE grin, which, as
expected set Erin in even more of a daze. Thankfully,
this daze was from a smile that was renown for
dropping a woman’s mind several IQ points and not from
whatever thoughts were ruining her mood.

As Face led her to the dressing table, he glanced at
Ton. His wingmate shrugged not sure what to do to
help Erin. Improving self-esteem wasn’t exactly one
of Ton’s specialties. Better to leave that sort of
work to Face.

“You are lovely, Red, there’s no denying that. I just
think that you should look a tad more festive.” He
suddenly reminded Erin of a naughty puppy that was
hoping to receive praise from his mistress. She
couldn’t help tentatively returning his smile.

Face studied her for a moment; then, bowing low he
picked up her hairbrush. “If Milady does not mind…”
Ton gave his wing a relieved look as Erin giggled at
Loran’s antics. //Face didn’t mess things up too
badly if he can get her to laugh.//

As the ex-actor fussed with her hair, she caught his
eye in the mirror. “You’re pretty good at this.”

He smiled weakly. “Spend enough time on sets, you
learn things. How else do you think I learned how to
create all stunning disguises the Wraiths really on?”

“Can anyone say ego?” Erin asked politely.

“I can,” chorused Phanan.

“Thank you, Ton,” Face grumbled. “Your assistance is
always appreciated.”

“I’m always glad to help.”

When Loran finished with her hair, he moved to her
make-up kit, fussing over its contents until he found
whatever he needed. Erin wasn’t sure what he did, but
the results were amazing. Her hair was twisted into
some complex style wrapped around her head like a
loose crown. Her gray eyes now had a green cast that
was highlighted by the color of her hair. Could her
lips really look that full, her eyes that exotic?
Somehow he had made her look casually elegant,
perfectly complimenting the style of her dates….Dates?
Erin couldn’t help grinning foolishly at that
thought.

Face noticed her grin and gave her a look that could
only be described by her earlier comment of “Ego!” He
leaned against the table and smirked. “I assume you
like the new look.”

“I do,” she murmured, gaping at the mirror. “But that
can’t be me!”

“It is,” Loran smirked. “And I didn’t even have to
fool with your natural features. All I used was
different colors.” He teased her nose with one of the
feathery cosmetic brushes he had used. “We TOLD you
that you were beautiful.”

“You’ll also be late for the show if we don’t hurry,”
Ton added. “Course if we were late, we’d have to go
to the next show which is the topless…”

Erin pretended to glare at Phanan. “Don’t even think
about it…”

His looks were an asset. Jaln Nickol would never be
as handsome as the men in the Imperial recruitment
posters he had idolized as a child, but his features
were vitally important to his assignment. He looked
like an average young man from some wholesome small
town. A tall, lanky young man with dusky hair with
wide eyes that seemed to coerce women into trusting
him. With a bit of acting, he could look as if he
truly was star struck by the garish spectacle of Las
Vegas.

His superiors had trained him well. None of the
Rebels he had encountered had found his presence
suspicious. Few had even noticed the man who had
carried their baggage or brought the decadent ordered
that had been placed through room service. With each
visit, Nickol left behind the tiny recording devices
Agent Alis had given him. What data they were
collecting, he was not privy to, but that was to be
expected. He had no right, no authority, to have
access to such information.

But…perhaps, sometime soon he would have that
authority. Agent Alis had been pleased by his work.
Actually PRAISING him for service that was both a duty
and a pleasure. And because he had excelled at that
work, he had been given another task: to watch Ms.
Hart and her associates.

As the young man fed another quarter into one of the
annoying slot machines that took up most of the lower
floor of the Tropicana, he carefully watched the
doorway to the casino’s theater. During his earlier
surveillance of the trio, he had watched them buy
tickets the to the Follies….He glanced at his watch,
which would start in about ten minutes.

He wasn’t sure that watching the Rebels and their
companion would yield any pertinent information, but
he would not shirk his duty. Only Agent Alis could
measure the data Nickol provided and determine if any
of the spy’s observations would help further Madam
Isard’s plans. But still…it had been a boring day.
Trailing after the Rebels as they bought trinkets and
fawned over their tour guide. The only information
that Nickol thought might be of interest was that the
pilots seemed to be enamored with their tour guide.

Not that he could blame them. She was rather pretty
in a subdued fashion.…

Correction…she was spectacular….

Nickol felt his jaw drop as the vibrant young woman
walked towards the theater, flanked by her Rebel
companions. She was dressed simply in a white blouse
and trousers, no they were called jeans, that
accentuated her long legs. Something had been done to
her hair so that it framed her features like a copper
crown. The dark haired pilot leaned down, whispering
something into her ear. Nickol felt his breath catch
as her laughter illuminated a face that only moments
before had seemed beautiful. Now she was absolutely
radiant.

She was also a traitor, he told himself sternly. Or
was she? The Empire had been given no chance to treat
with the Lucas galaxy. They were given no
representation on this planet except by a movie mogul
who had more money than sense. Perhaps, she would not
have been a traitor if the Rebels had not tainted her.

But those thoughts did not matter. His assignment was
to watch the Wraiths and their guide and report their
actions. The fact that the woman was lovely did not
change his orders in the slightest…

Note: Chapter title comes from the song “One Last
Breath” by Creed which got my muse interested enough
to let me finish this.

Downtime in Las Vegas
Chapter 12—Six Feet from the Edge

She needed to think. And she wouldn’t be able to
until she was away from the Wraiths. It wasn’t their
fault that they had a way of making her forget the
mundane details of life…But she could only forget for
so long.

When she was sure Ton and Face were ensconced in their
suites, Erin headed for the main floor. She passed
the slots and gaming tables, ignoring the lure of
supposedly instant riches. Instead, her focus was on
the large glass case that housed the MGM’s lion
exhibit. Usually it was crowded with children, but so
late at night, the area was completely empty of
visitors. Erin settled herself on one of the benches
beside the glass, watching the drowsing lions.

As she expected, the cats could not hold her attention
long, not when she had so much to consider. The past
twenty-four hours had been the best time of her life.
She had never felt so free. She had never expected to
find herself singing Disney songs in the middle of a
busy casino or running away from irate security
guards. Or matching wits with Ton and laughing as
Face ogled the Follies’ trademark showgirls. The fact
that she had enjoyed ever second of it made her
briefly wonder about her sanity.

She has always seen herself as someone very serious,
never expecting to find herself liking the sort of
misadventures that the Wraiths had dragged her into.
But she had enjoyed them and now that she was alone,
settling back into her old worn persona, she realized
how unhappy she truly was.

She didn’t know how they had done it, but somehow Ton
and Face brought out aspects of her personality that
she barely acknowledged let alone let alone exhibited
to the rest of the world. Their antics brought out a
side of her that she always wanted to set free but
never had the courage to accept.

And now that she had a taste of the freedom that was
possible, she didn’t want to go back to the mundane
life she had been “enjoying” before her plane landed
at the Vegas airport. She didn’t want the tedious
routine that she had become ensnared in. But there
was no choice. Erin Hart was the boring college
student, not the wild child that was running amok in
Las Vegas. No matter how much she wanted to be
someone new, it wasn’t possible.

And she’d just have to learn to accept that fact…

There was more she had to accept, and the thought
wasn’t pleasant. In a few wonderful, adventure-filled
days, Ton and Face would be returning to the THX
galaxy. They’d leave her life forever. Oh Gods…

The thought almost had her in tears. They would be
gone forever. With luck and Lisa’s help, she might be
able to message them occasionally via the
communications systems that were a vital part of an
ambassador’s work. But those holos would be her only
glimpse at the men who had become such an integral
part of her life.

Idly, she wondered how they could become so important
to her in such a brief span of time. But did the
details really matter? Was it truly important HOW
they became such a vital part of her life and heart?

Soon they would be gone and she would go back to her
mundane little life, nursing a broken heart…

# # #

Ton knocked on Erin’s door, unsure what he would say
to the woman when she finally opened the door. IF she
opened the door. He had been knocking for over ten
minutes and still hadn’t roused her.

He wasn’t sure what impulse had dragged him out of his
suite and to Erin’s door, but something had been
nagging at him since they had left the Follies. Both
he and Face had expected her to hate the show, but she
had enjoyed it just as much as they had. She had
seemed entranced by the spectacle. The lights and
costumes enthralled her. As did the idea of having the
courage to walk onto a stage and entrain an audience.
Ton was sure she would never admit to that
fascination, but the questions she asked about Face’s
lost but not lamented acting career made her interest
obvious. He doubted that she has some deeply hidden
desire to become an actress, but something about the
experience did spark some sort of longing in Erin.
Ton had seen it in her eyes.

//If she had been asleep, I would’ve woke her by now
and she would be howling like a mynok to get me to let
her be. If she was in the shower…// Ton decided
thinking of Erin naked and wet was NOT conductive to
rational thought. Or at least rational thought that
would not result in him getting slapped by the red
head. //Correction, if she was in her room, she would
have answered by now or told me to go away. She would
have told us if she was going out. So she’s somewhere
in the hotel.//

Too many years as a Wraith…Too many years as a cynic
made it impossible for him not to begin searching for
her. Especially after seeing that look of longing in
her eyes. It was too familiar for him to ignore.

He took the elevator down to the main level, trying to
figure out where Erin would have wandered off. Or if
his guess about her emotional state was correct, where
she would go to brood. There weren’t many quiet
corners in the hotel, but there was one place he
thought might appeal to her.

It was amazing how bright her hair could appear in the
dim lights of the casino. It shimmered warmly in the
false sunlight of the lion cage, instantly drawing the
eye. He wondered if Erin realized how many men were
watching her as she sat enraptured by the huge cats.
But, as usual, Erin seemed to be oblivious to the men
around her. //Including me…//

The sound of his footsteps on the tile surrounding the
cage broke through her revere. The tenseness of her
body told him that she knew that someone was near, but
she did not bother to turn around. Ton sat down
beside her waiting for her to speak, but she was too
intent on the drowsing lions and her own thoughts to
notice him.

“Pretty aren’t they?” he asked quietly.

Finally, she looked at him. Longing still illuminating
her gray eyes but there was something almost bleak
about her expression. A terrible resignation that
shook him more than he cared to admit. Slowly Erin
traced one of the smudges on the glass. “Sometimes I
feel like one of those cats.”

“Sleek and powerful?” Ton knew it was the wrong
answer but he wished it was correct. The woman beside
him had so much potential. She was beautiful and
intelligent. There was no reason for her to feel
inferior. But then, wouldn’t he be a hypocrite to
give Erin a lecture on self-esteem? He could barely
see himself as anything but a metallic freak who
should have died long ago. Not exactly the best
person to be giving Erin advice on how to improve her
self-worth.

“No,” she sighed. “I wish I could see myself that
way. I feel like I’m stuck in a glass box. Unable to
get out. Unable to be what I really want to be.
Unable to do what I want instead of forever fearing
the consequences.”

He couldn’t help saying it. “Fear leads to the
Darkside.”

“Didn’t know you were a Jedi,” Erin said, eyeing him
with something that resembled humor. Maybe this
discussion wasn’t going as badly as he thought.

“I’m not, but I do know that fear cripples a person.”
He shook his head at the memories that were beginning
to creep up on him. “I know that from experience.
After I…” His voice hardened as he tapped the left
side of his face. “After I was injured, I didn’t want
to leave the med centers. I didn’t think I could. I
should have died but I was too stupid to quit living.”

Erin swallowed hard, unable to look away from the pain
in Ton’s eyes. Part of her wondered how the optic
could convey emotions since, technically, it was just
electronics. But somehow it could. The remembered
pain that was reflected in his blue eye tore at her
heart. The intensity of the light illuminating the
optic strengthening her resolve. She said the only
thing she could think of. “I’m glad you lived.”

He smiled sheepishly at her. “Well, at least someone
other than me is glad I survived.”

Erin blushed and Ton decided he’d better continue with
his lecture before embarrassment caused her to bolt.
“For months fear and humiliation kept me from
interacting with the rest of the galaxy.”

“But you had nothing to be humiliated about,” Erin
protested. “You were a hero. It’s not your fault
that you were hurt.”

“And what is it about yourself that humiliates you?
What do you have to fear, Erin?”

She stiffened, then turned away from him, staring at
the golden cat snoring beside the glass. “Nothing,
everything. I don’t know.”

He touched her shoulder, patiently waiting for her to
relax beneath his hand. “If I had let fear lead me, I
would never have become a Wraith. I would have stayed
locked up in some med center, despairing for a life I
could never have. We all have our place, Erin. We
just have to find it. You know what you are. You
know you can be the person you want to be. But you
have to find the courage to seek what you dream of.
You’ll find your place”

“My place,” she ground out, “Is stuck in a glass box,
wanting what I can’t have. Being forever afraid to be
the person I want to be.”

“Who do you want to be?”

“I…” Erin let out a frustrated growl. “I don’t know.
I just know I’m not happy. I haven’t been happy for
a long time. But I know that the person I want to be
wouldn’t be so damn afraid of…”

“Afraid of what, Erin?” Ton asked, trying desperately
to find some words that would bring her comfort. But
he was sure he was failing miserably. After all, he
had never found the words that had convinced himself
his injuries did not make him less of a person.
Didn’t he have the same problem as Erin?

“I’m afraid of trying. There’s so much I want to try
but I can’t find the nerve to act.”

Ton tried to keep hold of his temper; becoming angry
with her would not help the situation. Especially
when he was angry that she reminded him so much of
himself, not because of her words. “Erin, you have to
try. If you don’t, then you never will be happy. You
CAN get out of that box if you wish to.”

She seemed unconvinced, answering his words with
silence. Ton shook his head in frustration. //Face
should be doing this not me. He’d say something
humorous or throw some innuendo out at her. She’d
smile and then…//

…And then soft lips touched his and Ton forgot about
the past and possible futures, focusing on the
fearful, beautiful woman who was kissing him.

# # #

She didn’t know where she found the courage. Perhaps
Ton’s words had dispelled her self-doubt, words that
seemed too familiar to him to be just a hastily thrown
together pep talk. Perhaps the thought that he would
soon be leaving her life forever caused her to act.
Or maybe it was the simple fact that despite the
injuries that Phanan seemed to think were such a
handicap, he was one of the most desirable men she had
ever met.

But somehow she had found the courage to close the
small distance between them, leaning upward to
hesitantly press her lips against his. She expected
him to pull away, to reject her as so many others had.
But instead, he matched her uncertainty with
gentleness. The softest of kisses, breath barely
shared. Her body a tentative whisper against his.

She let out disappointed moan as he pulled away from
her. He smiled when he saw the soft, dazed look in
her gray eyes. “Trust me, Erin.” He brushed his
thumb against her bottom lip, “Please.”

Erin fought for focus, but it was nearly impossible as
he traced the curve of her lips. How could she think
while he was unraveling every bit of control she
possessed with those gentle touches? Fear screamed
for her to run, to return to the mundane existence she
knew was safe. The reckless nature she tried to hide
urged her to act. Trust him, Phanan asked. Did she
really need to give Ton her trust, or did she finally
need to finally trust herself?

The answer startled them both….

Suddenly she was straddling his legs, pressing herself
against his chest as she desperately tasted his mouth.
The wildness inside, so long denied, swept her up,
conquering doubt, pounding through her veins, mixing
with desire until she COULD NOT deny her hunger. The
yearning that was overwhelming her heart and mind
could not be eased by the feather-soft kiss they had
shared only moments before.

More…Oh Gods, she wanted more. The taste of him was
almost too much for her heightening senses. Erin was
sure that madness was only one ragged breath away, but
she didn’t care. She wanted, needed more. She felt
his surprise as her hands tangled in the softness of
his hair, as she reached deeper into his mouth, her
tongue teasing his.

Then she felt his arms wrap around her waist, dragging
her closer. Desire sang through her as her hips
locked against his, her cries swallowed by the
ravenous kiss. //If only,// her mind desperately
struggled for coherent thought. //If we were alone.
If we were in my suite…//

But they weren’t…

//Oh Gods…We’re…//

Erin pulled away, gasping for breath as she struggled
out of his grasp. //What the hell was I thinking?
We’re in PUBLIC!// Somehow she managed to stand,
though it felt like all of her strength had seared
away by the desire still aching through her. “I uh…”
She stopped before her addled mind made her look more
foolish than she already did. Ton, thankfully, was
not looking at her as if she was a fool. He seemed as
breathless as she was while he stared at her in
astonishment.

# # #

Ton couldn’t seem to find the energy to breathe. Or
perhaps he was breathing but one of the systems
keeping him alive had been short-circuited by the
intensity of the woman trembling in front of him. Not
that he cared. Dying from a kiss was an infinitely
better death than being vaped in a dogfight.
Especially a kiss like that…He had known there was
more to Erin than anyone save Loren believed, but he
hadn’t expected…

“What the hell was that?” he rasped, the words spoken
before he had a chance to think. //As if I could
think clearly without the aid of a cold shower…//

He expected her not to answer, but instead she smiled
wryly, “You told me to try…”

He tipped his head back, staring at the casino’s
ceiling as he attempted to steady his ragged
breathing. “If that was what you can do while only
trying, I’m terrified of what would happen if you
succeeded.”

A snicker caused him to look at the tour guide. She
still seemed a bit tipsy but there was also something
almost arrogant in the look she gave him. “Don’t
worry, you’d die a happy man.”

He shrugged, running a hand through his mussed hair.
“Not exactly a horrendous fate. Perhaps we could…”

Instantly, Ton knew he should not have spoken. Her
blush was spectacular. Until that moment, he would
not have believed anyone could turn that bright a
shade of pink without injuring herself. But somehow
Erin managed. Awkwardly, she fidgeted from one foot
to the other, cheeks flaming as brightly as the desire
still lingered in her stormy eyes. “I shouldn’t
have…um…And in public! I’m sorry” Her voice was
edged in a panic that Ton could not understand.

Somehow a tentative smile broke through her
embarrassment. “Uh…Thank you..” The longing
returned, replacing the panic that tattered her words.
The sound hurt Ton far more then he imagined. “I
want to, but I…” She looked down, her vibrant hair
hiding her wistful eyes. “But I’d better go now.”

She moved faster than he expected. He tried to catch
hold of her wrist but she was too quick. The sound of
heavy boot heels striking tile punctuated her escape,
leaving Ton alone with his thoughts and a longing of
his own.

Chapter 13—Recrimination

Gods, how could she be so stupid? How could she be so
bold? It was madness. It had to be. She was going
crazy. It was the only rational explanation why she
had thrown herself on Ton and tried to…

//No, can’t think about that. If I do, I’ll make a
fool out of myself.// She had spent most of the night
fighting the urge to run to his suite and accept his
offer. The only thing that stopped her was a meager
amount of pride. That and the insidious voice of
uncertainty that worried at her mind. He would
probably laugh at her, thinking she was some
indecisive little idiot and slam the door in her face.
Or worse, he would pity her. And Erin knew her heart
would shatter if he looked upon her with pity.

She paced the length of her suite, barely avoiding her
cowboy boots and a fall that would be the end of a
“perfect” night. But it had been perfect, hadn’t it?
Up until the moment that she let her cowardice get the
better of her and she ran like a scared rabbit.

Why had she said no? There was no logical reason why
she couldn’t have accepted his offer and spent the
night with him. They were both adults. It was
obvious…so very obvious…that he had been attracted to
her. The memory of the kiss they shared shivered down
her spine, weakening her knees until she spilled into
a very frustrated lump onto the bed. The king sized
bed that was the same as the one in Ton’s room. If
she weren’t such a damn coward, she would be sharing
that bed with him.

If she closed her eyes, she could almost feel his
hands sliding over her skin. If she silenced the
mental tirade, she could almost feel the warmth of his
body against hers as he slowly drove away doubt and
replaced it with desire. She quieted a moan, the
vividness of the fantasy almost driving her out of her
suite and into Ton’s arms.

But she couldn’t go to him. Not after how she messed
things up. “He probably hates me,” she groaned,
covering her face with her hands. “He probably thinks
I’m a tease.” Idly, she wondered if that word was
even used anymore, and if it was, if it was used in
the THX galaxy. Not that it mattered. She had acted
like a hellion then bailed before she could do as her
heart begged.

So now she was spending the night alone, daydreaming
of a man who had offered to make her dreams a reality.
All alone just because she was too scared to let
herself be happy. Scared because in such a short time
she had learned to care so much.

Gods, she was an idiot….

A lonely idiot…

# # #

Sithspawn, how could he be so stupid? How could he
proposition her as if she were some cheap tart and
expect her to say yes? He had pushed her too far too
fast. The woman had probably never done anything
exciting in her entire life. Or at least not until
she had met the Rogues and Wraiths.

But instead of letting Erin determine the pace, he had
opened his mouth and said something foolish.

He wanted to cross the hall and knock on her door. See
if he could mend what damage he had caused, but he
couldn’t. Not until he was sure she had calmed down.
She had been embarrassed enough when she ran away, he
didn’t think he could witness another one of her
spectacular blushes tonight.

But he might be lucky if all Erin did was blush and
slam the door in his face. He remembered her actions
at the Vegas airport, considering how she had dumped
Wes onto his back for copping a feel. It seemed that
once Erin let her passions free, she was truly wild.
And it was logical to assume anger would be one of
those passions that would cause a startling response.
//Perhaps I’d better let her cool down before I
consider apologies…//

He ran a hand through his damp hair, shaking off the
cold droplets that coalesced on his fingers. Face had
been right. There was far more to Erin than most
people believed. There was a woman who was passion
and quiet contemplation. A strange mix, but potent
one.

But how did he fit into that mix? What had she seen
in him that had kindled that fire? Maybe his
understanding of her situation had caused her to see
him as safe. //Safe…what a wonderful way to describe
myself. She could buy a stuffed ewok and be
content.// But that kiss had been anything but safe.
From the look in her eyes, it had been the most daring
thing Erin had ever experienced. Perhaps desire had
truly caused her to act. But then, if she had had a
choice, why choose him? And why leave after gifting
him with a kiss that almost melted the circuits
keeping him alive?

The answer was painfully simple, he realized. Ton
caught hold of one of the bed pillows, kneading his
fists in the expensive down, hating the conclusion
that readily sprang to mind. She didn’t want him.
Simple as that. She had given into a fantasy and
found reality sorely lacking. And no matter how much
he wanted her, he would not force his affections onto
her. He would give her space and then let her decide.
And then she would refuse him

In the morning, he would ask Face to accompany Erin on
the shopping trip the ex-actor had been plotting. He
would love to watch the redhead argue over the
scandalous outfits that Loran would con her into
trying. But…He sighed, tossing the pillow away in a
gesture of defeat. It was best if he stayed away from
her. That way he could get her out of his system.
And she wouldn’t have to deal with the embarrassment
of having thrown herself at someone like himself.

The fact that he was tearing himself apart just as
Erin had did not bother him. His hypocrisy was a
trait he had learned to live with when returned from
Endor with half his skull replaced by a metal alloy.

# # #

Jaln Nickol sat inside the suite Intel had reserved
for him. The set of rooms was only a few doors away
from those occupied by the Wraiths and their
captivating tour guide. The three laptops set on the
desk showed the interiors of each of the suites, the
bugs placed in the rooms feeding a continuous data
stream to the powerful computers. But his focus was
not on the traitorous pilots but on the woman who had
innocently became caught up in their treachery.

Surly if Mistress Hart knew of the evil perpetuated by
the New Republic she would not find her companions so
alluring…

And she certainly would not throw herself at some
metallic monstrosity just because he was able to
string words together in pleasing patterns. Nickol
had almost killed the bastard for that kiss. For
daring to touch her with his bloodstained hands. Jaln
had barely suppressed the urge to burn a whole through
the Wraith’s chest when the freak had asked her to bed
him as if she were nothing more than a cheap whore.

//You can’t really blame her. She’s been dazzled by
the propaganda of her world and by the lies of the
Rebels. She has no way of knowing the truth.// But
if she could know the truth, then Jaln was sure she
would see the glory of the Empire and repudiate her
traitorous duties.

Jaln clicked a few keys on the other two computers.
The Wraiths’ rooms faded and were replaced with
varying views of Erin’s quarters. No, Mistress Hart
would not demean herself with the presence of
traitors, if she were properly informed. And when she
knew those facts, then Nickol would have no reason to
hide from the lovely woman that fitfully slept a few
rooms away…

Face Loran had given up on females of any species long
ago. Before he joined the Wraiths, his liaisons had
been short but definitely not sweet. Most women were
thrilled at the chance to spend time with “The Face,”
imagining him as whichever character from his holos
that occupied their adolescent fantasies. The fact
that he was a person, not a character, escaped these
enamored beings. After he joined the Wraiths, he had
flirted with a few of the female pilots, but he had
doubted that any of his overtures would result in a
relationship.

But somehow he had managed to fall, and the results
had been disastrous.

As he stood in line at the coffee shop in the MGM’s
shopping court, he was again plagued by memories he
had thought he had long ago put to rest. Rubbing the
back of his neck, he tried to banish thoughts of Dia
Passik and the heartache she had caused. After that
doomed romance, he had given up on the possibility of
a relationship. He would flirt with the women he
encountered, but it was rare for even the most casual
affair to develop. And the thought of caring about
anyone after Dia’s betrayal had not occurred to him….

Until he became totally smitten with a redheaded tour
guide.

Truthfully, at first glance, he hadn’t expected much
from Erin. As the line moved forward, he considered
their first meeting. When Wes and Hobbie had announced
the change in assignment, he was sure Erin was going
to faint before introductions were even finished. He
had thought she was stunning, especially in that
outrageously crimson gown, but never would have
considered her able to live up to Ton’s nickname of
“Red Leader.”

But there was strength in the woman, more than she
would ever give herself credit for. She has wobbling
a bit, obviously enraptured by the presence of her
heroes, but then she began adding her own verbal barbs
to the ever-present banter between Ton and himself.

His thoughts drifted to Dia and he found himself
comparing the Twe’lik and the shy redhead. Sometimes,
Face thought Dia had seen him as some complex
mathematical equation. The sums of his actions minus
the charm and looks that had earned him the nickname
of “The Face.” Though at times, dazzled by the image,
Erin had seen past “The Face,” treating him like a
human being instead of some stereotypical hero. //Not
that I’m not occasionally dazzled by her. How she can
she not see her own potential? You’d have to be blind
not to see it.//

But then, Ton hadn’t until Loran had goaded him into
looking. Erin’s ability to hide herself was
incredible. A Noghri would envy her ability to
disappear. Somehow, despite her fiery hair and
charisma, she could become a shadow, fading into a
world of grays.

Another customer received a cup of caffeine as he
wondered what had happened to Erin to turn her into a
Wraith. Strange, but almost immediately upon meeting
her, he had thought of her as a Wraith. A misfit just
like the rest of the squadron but also possessing the
mythical qualities of the spirit the squadron had been
named for: appearing when she so desired, then fading
away so that none could see her.

//Or hurt her…that has to be what happened. Someone
hurt her so bad that she learned to fade away.// The
thought that she had been so mistreated made him
furious, but he knew that anger would not change the
past. If it could, his life would be completely
different, as would the life of every being he had
ever met.

Absentmindedly, he ordered two mocha cappuccinos,
wanting to find out what was so wondrous about the
beverage. Yesterday, Erin had gulped hers down
despite the almost scalding temperature of the coffee.
Of course, the fact that he and Ton had been standing
over her bed, staring at the white bunny printed
across the chest of T-shirt she had worn to bed.
//How could we not stare? Those white ears led the
eye to…//

Face smiled at the girl behind the counter as the
harried clerk handed him his order. He politely
ignored her stuttered “thank you” as he tipped her.
It seemed odd not buying something for Ton, but his
Wing had been adamant about not accompanying them on
the shopping trip Face had planned. When Face had
questioned him, Ton simply said he needed time to
create the surprise that they were planning for Erin.
And if Face was keeping their tour guide busy, it
would be that much easier for Phanan to accomplish the
needed tasks.

On one level, the explanation made sense, on the other
it sounded suspicious.

But then, after their years as partners, Face knew the
Wraith occasionally needed time to brood. It was a
habit Loran found unhealthy, but no amount of arguing
or humor could alter Ton’s moods.

Mentioning Erin’s disappointment if they both didn’t
show up on her doorstep had no effect and Face was
wise enough to know when to leave a subject alone.
Face knew he would enjoy his morning with Erin, but he
still wished his Wing would be accompanying them.

Chapter 15—Truth, Lies, and in Between

It was the hardest thing he had ever done. Trying to
tell himself that he did not care for Erin, but
knowing each thought was false. Trying to make himself
believe that things were better this way. That
thought he could almost believe, after all, what use
was he to Erin? He was a metallic cripple with little
more than sarcastic wit to offer to anyone.

They were thoughts that had plagued him since Endor,
thoughts that for years he had easily believed, but
now…Now some stubborn aspect of his nature refused to
let him slip into the pained comfort of those beliefs.
Something, or more accurately, someone was twisting
his view of himself around, confusing old roles and
forcing himself to look at his situation from a new
viewpoint.

It was an experience that he was completely unprepared
for.

Adding to his hardship were the lies he had told to
his closest friend. But the words hadn’t been
completely lies. He really had needed time to get
things in order for the surprise that they were
planning for Erin. But hopefully she would cherish
their efforts.

He hoped that his plans would bring out the vibrant
aspect of Erin’s nature that he had witnessed the
night before. For a moment, he wondered that if she
did let go of that reserved exterior, she might again
feel some sort of passion for him, but he knew that
such hopes would only lead to disappointment. There
was no way in hell she would choose someone who was
more scrap metal than flesh.

But that truth would not keep him from bringing her
some sort of happiness. He cared about her too much
not to try.

Sighing, he picked up the phone and dialed Lisa’s
office number, hoping he would catch the woman in a
good mood. With the right influence and enough cash,
Ton was sure he could help make Erin’s dreams come
true.

His only wish was that he could somehow find a place
in those dreams.

Daylight over Las Vegas was disappointing. The neon
became nothing more than an annoyance and a bit of Sin
City’s magic faded in the presence of sunlight.
Everything became ordinary, or as ordinary as possible
in a place where a replica of New York City sat beside
the largest Coke bottle in existence.

Erin sighed as she turned away from the view, rubbing
her eyes and trying not to yawn. She had finally
drifted off to sleep sometime during the night.
Self-reproach could only last so long after an
exhausting day of walking through almost every shop on
the strip. A couple hours of fitful sleep would keep
her going through the day. No different than finals
week cramming.

The knock on the door was expected. Looking through
the peephole she could only see Loran’s distorted
image. So she had been correct, that kiss had ruined
everything. Reaching for her purse, she composed her
face into what she hoped was an expectant smile and
headed out the door.

“What’s on today’s agenda,” she asked, almost wincing
at her too-cheerful voice. //Calm down. Acting like
a nervous idiot will only make him suspicious.// As
soon as she finished the thought, Erin knew it was
true. Loran eyed her curiously. She saw the
questions in his mint-colored eyes, questions she did
NOT want to answer.

Instead, she took one of the cups he held, “Mine?” At
his nod, she sipped at the coffee and sighed with
relief. Nothing like sugar and caffeine to make
things look marginally better. “I should never have
started drinking the stuff. But it keeps me awake
while studying. Now I can’t get through the morning
without it.”

Her words seem to be enough explanation of her mood.
Face relaxed as he led her to the elevators, whatever
he was going to ask her now forgotten. //And
hopefully it will stay forgotten…//

As the elevator whisked them to the main floor, Erin
found something that resembled courage. “Um…where’s
Ton?” Not exactly eloquent but at least she didn’t
stutter too much or start babbling.

“He wasn’t feeling well so he decided to rest. He
said he’d join us this evening for dinner.”

Erin watched Loran’s reflection in the polished metal
of the elevator doors. There was no nervousness in his
posture, but then he was an actor, he could lie and
she would never know. //He’s probably being nice and
covering for Ton. What is he really going to say,
“Ton hates you and wants nothing to do with you?”//

Sighing, she took another gulp of coffee and wished
that she could find a way to fix the mess she had
managed to get herself into.

# # #

Erin was having fun. She didn’t deserve to. Not
after how she had treated Ton, but despite her best
efforts to be thoroughly miserable, she was enjoying
herself. //Strange to actually enjoy shopping. But
then I don’t usually have an unlimited back account…//

And even without the guilt-free Visa card, the
experience was a pleasure. Face had laughed as she
ogled the jewelry displays that were so prominent
along the promenade, teasingly offering to buy her the
huge ruby that caught her eye. “After all red is your
color, Love.” She had replied by sticking out her
tongue and wandering off to the next shop. They had
spent at least an hour in the toyshop, most of that
time spent soothing poor Face’s ego when he realized
there were no Wraith Squadron action figures. Before
they left FAO Schwarz, she purchased a matched pair of
radio-controlled cars, sure that the Wraiths would
terrorize their squad mates with the annoying little
vehicles.

After toy shopping came clothes shopping…She really
had no idea what she was going to do with all the
things they had bought. Every item was completely
frivolous and went against what little fashion sense
she possessed. //What the hell am I going to do with
a pair of white leather go-go boots? Of course the
way he was looking at my legs while I was trying them
on had NOTHING to do with that purchase. Yeah,
right.//

Somehow he had charmed her into getting the most
incredible clothes she had ever worn. Beautiful gowns
that she had absolutely no practical use for. Suits
that made her look professional and sophisticated.
Tight jeans and short skirts. Even the simplest item
seemed exotic. Everything was beautiful and vibrant,
and somehow she felt the same way.

Erin was beginning to think that everything was going
fine until he noticed a certain shop. “We must go in
there,” he announced, pointing at the pink window
dressings.

Oh no…any store but that one…

“But I don’t need…” Erin began, hoping to distract
him.

“Nonsense. I have never met a woman who didn’t need
more…”

“Lingerie?” //He can’t be serious. Trying on
underwear with HIM around…Oh Gods…// If Face noticed
her nervousness, he showed no sign of it as he guided
her towards Victoria Secret. Knowing that there was
no escape, Erin let out a tired sigh. “I have a bad
feeling about this…”

# # #

“Can I look?”

Erin ground her teeth as she stared at her reflection.
He had been saying that for the past ten minutes.
“Can I look? Can I look? Can I look?” It was
driving her crazy. Trying to ignore his persistent
inquiries, she considered the little black bra and
panty set she had selected. It was pretty and nothing
like the outfits Face had chosen for her. Suddenly,
she wrinkled her nose at the redhead in the mirror.
For some reason, the plain lace seemed horribly
boring.

Shimmying out of the set, she tossed it over the top
of the dressing room door. She hoped they landed on
Loran’s head. “Keep those, I might buy that pair.”

“I wish you’d let me take a look,” he muttered
mournfully.

“Now you sound like Hobbie!” she countered, eyeing the
set she had picked out while Face had been searching
for a corset for her to try. She had said no to the
leather, complaining that it would chafe too much.
//Gods, I can’t believe I’m actually considering…//
Oh well, she’d always like risqué underthings. And
she was only trying it on. There was nothing wrong
with trying it on.

“Can I see?”

“No,” she growled as she adjusted the satin. He was
going to drive her crazy if he didn’t stop asking
that! “Can I…”

Her temper flashed. “FINE! YOU WANT TO SEE IT, TAKE
A LOOK!”

# # #

Face almost fell into the dressing room as the door
suddenly opened. He stumbled, then straightened to
find a very annoyed Erin glaring at him.

He was sure his jaw hit the floor when he saw what she
was wearing. //When did she find that…// Cream
colored satin edged in…Face blinked to make sure he
wasn’t seeing things. Feathers? Erin was
wearing…feathers….

She almost looked like one of the women in the
Follies. Unconsciously she had posed like one of the
dancers, one leg bent and her arms gripping the sides
of the dressing room doorway. She was completely
dazzling right down to the blush that was turning her
pale skin a rather warm shade of pink. Smitten
didn’t quite cover the feelings generated by the sight
of her.

Her silvery eyes widened as she realized what she had
done. And when she saw the effect it was having on
him….“Oh…My…God…I can’t believe I….” She let out a
squeak then slammed the door in his face.

# # #

Face wasn’t sure how to react to Erin’s show of
temper. //It definitely was a show…// When he
finally convinced her to come out to the dressing
room, she had seemed so mortified that he decided
silence might be the best option. Though, it was
difficult to remain silent when he noticed she
purchased both the black lace AND the satin and
feathered number. //There’s defiantly more to that
woman than anyone would guess.//

The silence stretched uncomfortably between them as
they returned to the hotel. He tried to speak, but
each time he looked at her, the words froze inside his
throat. What would he say? That she looked lovely in
feathers? Somehow he doubted she would find the
compliment flattering.

# # #

It had to be the most embarrassing thing she had ever
done. Even more embarrassing, if albeit less hurtful,
than her cowardly run from Ton. But if it had been so
embarrassing, then why had she enjoyed it? Why had
she enjoyed the way Face had looked at her? //Because
he’s attractive and you’re starved for attention.
Simple really. Nothing more than that.// Setting
down her shopping bags, Erin paused, eyeing the Wraith
as she fished for the key to her suite. //Liar. He’s
gorgeous and sweet. That’s why you liked it.//

Embarrassed or not, she knew she should say something.
The silence between them was unnerving. They were at
her door. She had to say something before she went
inside, even if it was a simple thank you for keeping
her company all morning. “Um…Face?”

He paused then slowly set the bags he had been
carrying down on the marble tiled floor. “Yeah,
Erin?”

“I…um…wanted to thank you for…today.” Ok, it sounded
lame but it would do. At least the creepy silence had
been broken.

Face smirked and took a step closer to her. She
desperately tried to ignore those beautiful frosty
eyes of his. “Believe me, Erin, the pleasure was all
mine.”

She KNEW what he was referring to and instead of
embarrassment she felt something akin to pride.
Leaning against the door, she pretended to be
nonchalant about the whole experience. “I will
admit,” she said slowly. “That I did enjoy some
aspects of the day.”

“I’m sure you did,” he answered solemnly, closing the
distance between them. “And here is one more aspect
for you to enjoy.”

Her eyes drifted closed as she felt his lips against
hers. It was the sweetest kiss Erin had ever
experienced. Slow and sensuous, tasting of a gentle
passion that left her dizzy. Powerful in its
simplicity. Devastating her senses with tender
adoration. It was a gift she savored with an
intensity that frightened her.

Slowly, he pulled away, taking her hand as he stepped
back. “Thank you,” he murmured before kissing her
hand.

As he disappeared into his suite, Erin finally
remembered to breathe. And with breath came rational
thought, which she swiftly buried until she got her
packages into her room. THEN she threw herself down
onto the bed and wondered what exactly had happened
her mundane little world.

Something had happened. He knew it the moment her
face flickered on to the monitor of his laptop. Jaln
gritted his teeth as he watched the redhead throw
herself upon her bed. His hands flexed into fists as
tears spilled from her gray eyes. She murmured to
herself, but her words were too quiet to be picked up
by the microphones that had been embedded in her
suite. He should have followed her, instead of
listening to the ramblings of the cripple. Then,
perhaps, he would have witnessed whatever sin the
traitor had committed against Ms. Hart.

They were bespelling her, there was no mistaking that
fact. The traitors’ charms were too much for the
innocent young woman to withstand. Even if Erin had
possessed the strength needed to see through their
lies, Loran’s physical attributes would easily
distract her from logic.

To think Garik Loran, “The Face,” had been prized by
the Empire. An actor that glorified everything that
was strong and right with the Imperial cause.
Representing the ideal that the Empire represented.
The man had even been favored by the presence of Madam
Isard. A brief flash of envy warred with the rage that
was simmering through his blood. Loran had possessed
the fame and power that Jaln could only dream of.
Loran had had it all

But now the favored one of the Empire was an
abomination. Turning against his people, his
government, and supporting a pack of rebels that had
no moral or legal right to rule the Galaxy. Jaln
counted Loran as a greater traitor than his partner.
Phanan was nothing more than an idiot. Despite his
claims of intellect, he was blind to the true power
that governed the Galaxy. After being injured during
the Battle of Endor, he should have seen the errors of
his loyalties. Such an accident could only be a
warning that he had aligned himself with the wrong
beings.

Traitors they were, and they were trying to harm an
innocent. Erin’s emotional state made it clear that
their words were tormenting her. She was too fragile
to know the dangers her companions represented. But
soon she would know the truth. It would only be a
matter of time before Erin was alone, and then Jaln
would show her the truth.

Using whatever means were necessary…

Downtime in Las Vegas
Chapter 18--Chocolate

Erin had a helluva lot of thinking to do. Deep
serious, matters of the heart style thinking. And in
her mind, there was one vital component missing for a
night of contemplating her sins. Chocolate. And
luckily for her, there was an M&M store within walking
distance from the hotel.

She expected an easy escape. Since neither one of the
pilots were trying to convince her to commit some
random act of mayhem, she assumed both had found some
other form of entertainment.

//Through the casino. Past the lion cage…and NO
stopping to watch the kitties. Then out the door and
onward to chocolate!//

Her steps slowed as she walked past the lion exhibit.
The glass was lined with children eagerly placing
their hands on the glass, hoping the cats would turn
towards them. The lions, of course, pretended not to
be interested. Resolutely she moved away…until a
flash of silver caught her eye.

Her breath caught when she saw him.

Aristocratic sculpted features silhouetted against the
sunlight-bright glare of the lion cage. A face filled
with strength that he doubted existed inside his soul.
Wounded yet strong. Guarded, yet in his own way,
compassionate and caring. He turned, making no
attempt to hide the metal that supposedly marred his
face.

He watched the crowd for moment, then bowed his head.
//Was that how I looked to him when he found me there
last night? Does he feel as lost as I do?//

She was moving towards the glass box, her desire for
chocolate forgotten. Biting her lip, she watched his
shoulders move in a sigh, his head resting in his
hands. //Why is he so hurt? Could I have…but he
hates me. Why would last night bother him if he hates
me now?//

Maybe he didn’t hate her for what she had done…

Oh Sith…

Silently she slid onto the bench beside him and
tentatively cleared her throat. “Um…Ton?”

# # #

//I have to forget her. She’s made her choice. She
doesn’t want me. She probably doesn’t even like me.
She’s…// A soft nervous voice spoke; slowly he raised
his head. //She’s sitting beside me…//

Oh Sith…

# # #

Ton blinked at her as if surprised by her presence.
Erin thought it seemed strange how his eye would blink
but the optic never faltered. It should have been
unnerving but she had accepted the prosthetic as part
of him within a few minutes of their first meeting.
Color washed his high cheekbones, making a handsome
contrast to his goatee.

“You’re in my spot,” she announced.

That caught them both by surprise. One golden brow
arched upward. “Am I really?”

She pretended to be nonchalant while her mind gibbered
wildly. “Yes, that’s my brooding spot.”

He glanced at her sidelong. “Then you’re in my spot.”

“Only because you’re in mine,” she countered, suddenly
fighting the urge to giggle.

The goatee twitched with his faint smile. “Then we
must remedy the situation somehow. We could change
positions.”

“Or we could go eat chocolate,” she blurted. //Why oh
why did I invite him?//

He chuckled and stood, offering her his hand. “A wise
man never refuses chocolate. Especially when the
alternative is brooding. Let’s go find some.”

Erin laughed as he pulled her to her feet. “Don’t you
know chocolate is an essential ingredient to proper
brooding?”

“No I didn’t,” he drawled. “Perhaps you can show me
all the best uses for chocolate.”

Erin paused, fighting the blush that was trying to
attack as uses for chocolate syrup ran through her
mind. //No thoughts of chocolate sauce, mousse, fudge
or any other toppings…// She caught his hand and
began dragging Ton off before he realized she was
thinking of him covered with hot fudge, whipped
cream, with a cherry on top…

# # #

Erin reached into the bag of M & Ms situated between
her and Ton, studiously avoiding the green ones. //If
the myth about them being an aphrodisiac is true…well
I’ve got enough NC17 thoughts, thank you very much. I
don’t need any more help.//

Munching on her candy, she watched Ton from beneath
her lashes. It was strange seeing him act nervous.
Of the two Wraiths, he always seemed to be the one
that was in total control, but now he seemed as
nervous as she was.

//Perhaps I misjudged him.// She looked away from the
pilot, sipping at her Coke. //Maybe he doesn’t hate
me…Maybe I….//

When she looked up, she found Ton staring intently at
her. The red optic that replaced his left eye
completely unsettled her. For some reason she thought
he was attempting to read her very thoughts.

She squirmed and looked away.

“Are you sorry that you kissed me?” His voice was
frigid, carrying no trace of emotion. It almost
frightened her, the person who had attempted to make
her smile, who had given her a pep talk. The man she
had so shamelessly kissed in public was gone, replaced
with some frigid clone that seemed to not care about
anything or anyone.

Erin couldn’t help shivering at his tone, feeling
absolute misery that she had hurt him. Bowing her
head, she finally managed to whisper, “No, I’m glad I
kissed you. I’m only sorry that I hurt you. I never
meant…”

Tentatively, his hand stretched across the table to
touch her fingers. She remained absolutely still
until he clasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Slowly, she looked up, trying to read his expression.
The coldness was gone. Pain, uncertainty, doubt, the
emotions that has always plagued her life. She gave
him a weak smile, trying to find the words to beg for
forgiveness. //Gods, when did my life become this
complicated?// “I know you never meant to hurt me. I
was inconsiderate. I shouldn’t have just blurted
out…”

“Ton,” she sighed. “Stop before we spent the entire
night apologizing.”

He smiled at her and mischief glowed in his blue eye.
“I’m sorry.”

Erin kicked him.

“No fair, I’m wounded.”

“Were wounded,” she corrected. “You’re fine now.”

“Except the spectacular bruise forming on my shin.
Thank you very much,” he grumbled.

She decided to ignore him, looking over her shoulder
to study the sky outside the curved glass windows. It
seemed strange to be sitting inside a gigantic Coke
bottle. //Only in Vegas.//

Only in Vegas would she be able to meet someone like
Ton or Face…

The thought thrilled her and made her uncomfortable.
She was having the time of her life, but in a few
short days this amazing lifetime would end and she
would be forced back into an existence she was growing
to despite.

Shutting down that thought before it could throw her
into another fit of brooding, she considered the
rapidly fading sunlight. It was later than she
thought. Dusk would soon be settling over Sin City.
Suddenly she had an idea. “Hey Ton, have you ever
seen sunset in the desert?”

“Only on Tattoine which is hideous any time of day.”

“Then it’s time you saw it in a desert that doesn’t
have two suns.”

He pretended to be terrified. “Yes, Mistress whatever
you say. Just don’t hit me again.”

Sticking out her tongue, she reached for more
chocolate, studiously ignoring the fact that she had
somehow managed to grab a handful of the green
candies.

Downtime in Las Vegas
Chapter 19--Sunset

The desert of Nevada was so much different than the
wastes of Tatooine. The twin suns of the arid planet
had a way of baking the land into glass. When
compared to that crystalline soil, the sand outside of
Las Vegas almost seemed pillow-soft. The air lacked
the searing quality of the Jundland Wastes. It was
hot, the heat radiating up from the sands almost
burning Ton’s lungs, but the warmth eased aches that
he had long ago learned to live with.

For the first time since Endor, Ton felt himself
relax. //Of course, Erin’s presence has nothing to do
with it. Hm, if I believe that, I’m sure Booster can
find a SSD to sell me.//
He leaned against the side of the dusty Firebird and
eyed the woman beside him. The only indication that
she noticed his attention was the way she fiddled with
the edge of the blanket she had spread out for them to
sit on.

“Is it that much different than Tatooine?” she
whispered, finally turning to look him in the eye. He
still found it surprising that she didn’t avoid the
optic, accepting it as if it were as natural as flesh
and blood.

“Very much. Tatooine is harder. Darker despite the
twin suns.” Ton found that his voice was low,
matching her whisper. For some reason, it seemed
sacrilege to break the quiet that permeated the land.

She stopped playing with the blanket, hands resting
demurely in her lap. He wondered how someone who had
been so forward the night before could suddenly become
so shy. “How can it be darker with so much sunlight?”

“Tatooine is a planet filled with broken dreams. Most
people settle into the landscape, accepting that they
will never have more than the scrap of land they eke a
living out of, while others…Others look towards the
stars wishing for a life they most likely will never
have.” He looked thoughtful for a moment, watching
the deep colors of sunset spill across the darkening
sky. Even the brightness of the sky was different, as
if the second sun of Tatooine managed to leech the
color from the planet’s sunssets. “Only the lucky
ones, get to escape.”

“A planet of broken dreams,” she murmured, shivering
despite the heat.

Without thinking, he slid his arm around her. He
barely managed not to grin foolishly as she snuggled
against him. “Even broken dreams can somehow be
achieved,” he said softly, suddenly realizing that
perhaps his words could be true. Perhaps if he had
more faith in himself…Resting his chin on the top of
her head, they silently watched the play of light and
shadow, both beings considering his words until
twilight forced them back into the city.

Erin was not going to consider how much she enjoyed
spending the evening watching the sunset. She just
would not consider it. She had enough on her mind,
enough confusion in her already out of control life
without considering how amazing it had felt to have
Ton’s arm around her shoulders. To allow herself to
imagine what it would be like for that level of
happiness to enter her life on a regular basis.

Instead she let herself become lost in the feel of the
Firebird, luxuriating in the simplicity of machine and
road. She let herself fall into the rhythm of metal,
letting all other worries slip way. //Is this what
happens when Ton and Face fly their x-wings? Do they
let themselves become a part of the ship or it is just
a tool?// She knew Ton was watching her, studying
how she controlled the car. But he didn’t seem
nervous so she ignored him, letting the road and
Firebird steal away her fears.

# # #

It was fascinating watching Erin drive the angry
little car. How smoothly she anticipated the needs of
the machine and the road, until they were almost one
entity. And what astounded him was how effortlessly
she worked with the vehicle. As if it truly brought
her joy.

She coaxed speeds out of the automobile that he knew
were illegal, but she didn’t seem to care, her
concentration never wavering, her enjoyment only
growing as the speedometer crept higher and higher.

It was interesting to think that the meek redhead
could enjoy something that was both illegal and
dangerous. It gave him a new insight to her
personality that he had only glimpsed the night before
when she had kissed him.

He filed the information away; knowing it was
important to understanding Erin and perhaps vital to
showing her what her true potential could be.

# # #

Erin felt a wave of disappointment echo through her
when she finally pulled into the casino parking lot.
As she pulled into a vacant space, loneliness began
worrying at her heart. The enchantment of the sunset
was over, now they had to return to reality.

//Too bad I don’t want to return to reality…//
Sighing, she unbuckled her seat belt, pausing when she
realized Ton was staring at her again. Maybe her
driving had bothered him. //Though that’d be silly.
He flies at light speed after all.// “Um…something
wrong.”

“No…” Ton said slowly. Why was he staring at her
like that? Like he wanted to…Suddenly he swooped
forward, kissing her quickly and giving her the smile
that was almost a grin. “Just wanted to thank you for
showing me the desert.”

She blinked then returned his smile, for once not
feeling ashamed or frightened by the sign of
affection. “No problem,” she giggled noticing that
his lips had picked up an interesting tint. Grabbing
her purse, Erin pulled a tissue from its depths. “But
you might want to clean up a bit before we go inside.
Cherry Crush definitely isn’t your color.”

Dinner was a strange experience. Erin expected the
day’s two kisses to form some sort of sexual tension
between herself and the Wraiths, but instead it seemed
like everything was settling into something warm and
comfortable. There was still a small amount of macho
posturing, but she figured that it would be impossible
to completely stop their antics without knocking one
or both of the pilots unconscious.

After the meal, they strolled along the walkways that
connected the hotels, staring at the lights of the
hotels farther down the strip. Well…she was staring
at the lights, Ton and Face were absolutely fascinated
by the roller coaster that slithered around the New
York Hotel.

“Oh, pretty…” Loran sighed, enthralled as the cars
clanged up the metal track. He caught hold of her arm
and began dragging her towards the casino. “I want to
ride it!”

“Great,” Erin said slowly, watching the roller coaster
hit the top of one of the inclines then plummet
downward. Frightened screams echoed through the
twilight. Her stomach seemed to fall downward with
the clattering cars. “You ride, I’ll watch.”

“It’ll be fun,” Ton cajoled, giving her a gallant look
as he escorted her down a stairway. She was so busy
concentrating on not tripping over her own feet and
Ton’s chivalry that she didn’t realize that they were
outside, getting closer to the dreaded machine. When
she finally looked up, realizing how close they were
to the Wraiths’ target, she backpedaled, hoping to
evade the pilots. //Don’t make me get on that
thing!// She had never been on a roller coaster, but
the dizzying heights they climbed to were enough to
send her screaming away.

The tactic didn’t work. Face and Ton exchanged a
look, caught her by both arms and began dragging her
towards the entrance and the ride that seemed to be
her destiny. Erin dug in her heels, cursing the fact
that she had decided to wear sandals on her chocolate
run instead of her cowboy boots. “Come on guys, I
really don’t need to do this. You guys can go by
yourselves and I’ll sigh over how brave you are.”

Somehow they had managed to drag her from the walkway
to the roller coaster. //Just my luck, no line!
Sithspawn! The Force is against me!//

“Really guys I don’t need to…” Face and Ton seemed to
read each others thoughts and simultaneously caught
hold of the belt loops of her jeans and lifted her up
and plopped her onto the seat of the roller coaster.

Ton slid onto the bench, blocking her escape. Face
clambered over the seat behind her then over the back
of her prison to settle in beside her. He gave her
THE grin. If she weren’t so panicked, she would have
been dazzled. Instead she gripped the bar in front of
her as if her very life depended on it. His smile
wavered and he patted her leg gently. “Don’t worry,
Luv. There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s
completely safe. Just a bit of speed and then it’s
over.”

Ton felt Erin tremble as she nodded vaguely at his
Wing. “Erin, you’ll be fine. And I thought you liked
speed.”

“I do,” her voice wavered then turned into a yelp as
the ‘coaster rumbled forward a notch. “But not
heights.” She looked up…and up…and up…at the arch of
track in front of the car. “Oh Sith…” she groaned,
covering her eyes as the roller coaster clanked to
life…

# # #

“Who would’ve thought…”

Ton shrugged helplessly, for once totally baffled. “I
have to admit I didn’t expect this.”

“…A pilot getting motion sick.”

Face gave Erin a withering glare, then turned a shade
of green that did NOT flatter his eyes and ran towards
the restroom he had just recently vacated. Ton moved
to follow his Wing, but Erin caught hold of his arm.
“Don’t think you should, he’s a tad embarrassed right
now.”

“I’ll take care of him,” Erin offered.

One golden brow arched up as he considered the
redhead. “And why would it be less embarrassing for
you to help Face than me?”

“Because I can sigh over his bravery and soothe his
ego. With you, he’ll keep thinking ‘wait till the
squad finds out…’” She grinned, “Anyway, when has
Face been immune to a woman swooning over him?”

Ton thought a moment then smiled. “Never.”

“So I’m the logical choice.” She kissed his cheek.
“Go back to the hotel and I’ll make sure he gets
cleaned up and his ego humored.” He gave her a
thoughtful look. “Don’t worry. I’m a big girl. I
have my cell phone so if there’s an emergency I can
call you. Anyway, I’ll have Face to protect me.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Ton muttered, knowing she
was right. Face would be humiliated if his Wing
watched him cough up his toenails because of a child’s
ride. But that didn’t mean he had to like the plan,
or the idea of Loran being alone with Erin. Not that
he’d tell her or Face that…

He leaned down, brushing a soft kiss against her lips.
“I’ll see you tonight. And be careful.” Though he
wasn’t sure what, or who, he wanted her to careful of.

# # #

When Face finally emerged from the restroom, he found
Erin patiently waiting by the door, a plastic cup in
one hand and a travel sized toothbrush and tube of
toothpaste in the other. She smiled shyly and handed
the toothbrush to him, “Thought you might want to
clean up a little.”

He nodded his thanks and returned to the restroom,
wondering if he should just stay in the tiled cubicle.
When he exited, Erin handed him the cup. “Flat
Sprite.”

“Uh…ok,” he said slowly, looking at the clear liquid.

“It’s carbonated flavored water. Like Coke, but lemon
flavored. When you drink it without the carbonation,
it’s supposed to settle your stomach.”

He took a tentative sip. Sweet but not too bad. And
it was cold, which was settling his stomach more than
whatever magical properties flat soda was supposed to
have. “If you let it go flat, why not just drink
water?”

Erin shrugged. “I have no idea. It’s just an old
home remedy. It’s supposed to work, or it psyches you
into thinking it will work.”

They walked silently for a few moments, then she
tentatively placed her hand in his free one; he gently
squeezed her fingers as they headed back towards their
hotel. “Thank you for making me go on the roller
coaster.”

“Why thank me? You were terrified.”

“Yeah but I’m not now. One less thing to be afraid
of.” She sighed tiredly. “I spend too much time
being afraid.”

“We’re all afraid, Erin. What varies