Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Author: Invid Fan
Title: The Waifs
Part: 3
Summary: When war has reached every corner of the known worlds, what can
you do?  Teen soldiers steal a space ship to try and find out.  Once you
kill, can you still be a kid?
Keywords: MinimulSex, SciFi, mf, teen

   THE WAIFS By Invid Fan (c)2013

   Chapter 12



   Don groaned, raising his hips in time with her movements, as Lessa
slowly rode up and down on him.  The lights in the Captain's cabin were
low, just enough to give Lessa glowing highlights around her brown hair and
tanned body.  To Don she looked otherworldly, and he wished the wall behind
her was gone, her body outlined against the vastness of space.  Lessa would
outshine any star or constellation.

   Don could feel the pressure building in him, and his warrior bride must
have sensed the change in him as she increased her speed.  He could almost
feel her caressing him inside her body, the pleasure growing almost beyond
what his poor mind could handle.  In the weeks they'd been together, Don
and Lessa had moved beyond the unsure fumbling of young virgins, starting
the lifelong exploration of pleasures of the flesh, their partner's and
their own.  Lessa was a quick student, and having peaked twice that evening
it was her turn to show her lover everything he meant to her.

   Hands tightening on her waist, they both felt him expand within her.  A
moment later their cries met his release.  Lessa fell forward, kissing him,
her unbound hair setting over them like a hood, necklace and it's locket
hanging down to touch his two lockets.  A few moments later, his mind
somewhat able to focus somewhere besides where they were still joined, Don
rolled them both onto their sides still facing each other intertwined.  He
brushed the hair away from her face, and they just smiled at each other. 
He wasn't sure what made is life more complete, the intense pleasure they
gave each other, or the closeness of moments like this.  He didn't think he
could live without either, now.

   Don's hand had just wandered down from her face, playing with one of the
many toys she had on her body for his enjoyment, when the cabin lights
started flashing red.  A voice from the darkness called his name.  Closing
his eyes, yet still seeing the amusement on Lessa's face, he sighed,
letting out a "Fuck" before disengaged from her and rolling facing the edge
of the bed.  He hit the intercom button.

   "What is it?"

   "We're picking up a distress signal up ahead."

   "Is it life threatening?"

   "Depends on how soon you get up here."

   Turning it off, Don sat up and slid his feet onto the floor.  He felt
the mattress shift as Lessa stood up on the other side and began dressing.
Almost without looking, he caught the pants and shirt she threw in his
direction.



   ****



   Villa vacated the command chair as soon as Don entered the bridge.  The
slightly chunky teen's eyes raised a fraction as Lessa followed behind Don,
straightening her tight pull over top, but his survival instincts were
strong and that was the only sign he made.  As Don sat down, Lessa beside
him, hand resting on Don's shoulder, Villa retreated to a seat at a free
console.

   "So, what's up?" Don asked, eyes scanning the holographic sphere
dominating the front half of the bridge.  They were once again between
planets, heading towards the first of the gas giants, Hikaru, and its
twenty moons.  There shouldn't be anything out here.

   "Distress signal, probably Federation, and rather weak.  My guess is an
escape pod." Villa hit some keys, sound filled the bridge.  It was an
automated beeping, along most likely with some encoded data they couldn't
translate.  Don worked the controls on his chair and rotated the Nav Sphere
until he saw the blinking light that indicated the source of the signal. 
It was close, and ahead of them.  He sat back.

   "What do you think, Lessa?  Trap by evil pirates like us, or to catch
evil pirates like us, or real castaways?"

   Lessa looked closer at the image.

   "Is that a -- debris field near it?" Don swung the image around for
another angle, as a girl called up from the sensor station two levels
below.

   "Yeah, we're getting lots of wreckage, although probably just from one
ship -- I'd say a warship, and probably Feds."

   Don considered for a moment, then turned to Villa.

   "Try and make contact.  Put any reply on the speaker."

   Villa complied, but after a few moments shook his head.

   "No reply.  Although -- remember, this IS a stolen Reb ship.  Maybe --
they're playing dead?"

   Don and Lessa exchanged a glance, Don sighing.

   "I'm too nice.  Patch me in." Villa hit a few buttons, and Don detached
a small microphone from his arm rest.  "Attention, escape pod.  This is the
Liberty.  We are NOT a Reb warship.  We are, however, busy.  If you'd like
to be rescued, you have thirty seconds to respond with your condition and
crew number.  After that, we go on our way and I go back to bed."

   There was silence for a few moments, Don smiling as he heard Lessa
quietly provide the countdown.  She'd only gotten down to twenty three when
a voice crackled from the speakers.

   "Pod to Liberty!  Sorry about that.  One of our officers is a bit too --
suspicious.  There are fourteen of us, and we have -- maybe 35 minutes of
air left."

   "Fuck!" Don whipped his head up to Lessa.  "Prep a shuttle and go
immediately.  Bring a nurse and I'll call Kine." She was off down the
stairs in a flash, belt communicator in her hand, waking Bella.  Don hit
another button, red lights embedded in the walls flashing.

   "This is an alert!  Everyone to standby stations!  Prep a shuttle
immediately, maximum cargo.  Kine to shuttle, Lessa has your orders.  Mel
call the bridge." He switched over to external communications.  "Sorry
about that, Pod.  We'll be cutting it close but are on our way.  I'm
sending a shuttle to dock with you.  We will be armed, and you will not be.
Hope you understand and comply."

   "Understood," came the crackly reply after a moment.  Don cut the
channel, and saw an incoming message.

   "Mel to Bridge!  What's up?!"

   Don could hear movement and cursing in the background -- and it sounded
like Kine.  Don needed to pay more attention to the social order in this
place.

   "Mel, once Kine gets the hell out of your quarters I want you to get two
security details together.  One is to secure the shuttle deck- we'll be
having 14 rescued Feds on board within an hour.  I also want you to find
someplace we can put them securely.  They're not prisoners, give them good
beds and chairs and such, but I want them isolated and guarded. 
Understand?"

   "Umm -- yeah [get the fuck out of here, Kine!].  Wait, what?  Beds for
fourteen?"

   "Or blankets and stuffed animals.  I don't care, just do it.  And if
it's NOT secure I'll make you re-grow those ponytails just so I can light
them on fire."

   ****

   Mari was NOT scared.

   Being woken in the middle of the night to flashing red lights in your
bedroom was NOT scary.  Hearing the Captain speak loudly of unknown things
from the ceiling didn't cause the little girl to tremble in fear, and most
definitely seeing her three companions also frightened was NOT causing all
thought of sleep to flee from her eight year old mind.  Thus, when Mari
quietly opened the door to their room and led the four of them into the
bright hallway, it was not because they all needed someone to tell them
everything would be OK.

   That would be childish.

   The four of them paddled down the corridor, Mari holding three year old
Pug's hand while Randy and Andy stayed close while not doing something
unmanly like holding your brother's hand.  They thought about it, though,
as one older teen after another ran past them, not giving the pre-teens a
second look.

   A door down at the end of the passageway near the bridge suddenly
opened, and they saw Shelly come out fastening her pants.  Mari's eyes lit
up.

   "Miss Shelly!!!!"

   Shelly turned and saw the four children flying down the hall at her. 
She unconsciously took a step back into the room she shared with Lessa,
bracing herself on the doorframe as they grabbed hold of her legs for dear
life.  Mari was looking up with wide, frightened eyes.

   "We're scared, Miss Shelly!  What's happening?!?!"

   Shelly could feel them shaking, and her hands went from one head to the
other trying to calm them.  She took a glance down the hall in direction of
engineering, then to the left at the door to the bridge.  Sighing, she
leaned further back into her room and stretched for the wall intercom.

   "Engineering?  Shelly.  Looks like I'm going to have to babysit for a
bit.  Call me if you really need me."

   "I'm not a baby!" shouted three year old Pug, looking up with indignant
tear filled eyes and a runny nose.

   "I know!" said Shelly, reaching down to pick him up.  "I was talking
about Randy here."

   "Hey!"



   ****



   Kine and Lessa floated on either side of the shuttle doorway, ready. 
They could feel the jolt as Ger maneuvered the ship next to the life pod,
the banging of the claws coming out to link the ships, hear the hiss of the
inflatable seal forming.  Kine looked at her.

   "Ready?"

   Lessa looked back towards the cockpit, making sure the door was sealed,
with Bella behind it with Ger.  Satisfied, she nodded to him.

   "Do it."

   Kine hit the combination, main hatch opening.  Before them was the
scorched white door of the pod.  Reaching in, Kine whacked at it with a
crowbar.  A second later there was an answering bang.  Nodding in
satisfaction, Kine placed the crowbar into a wall holder and drew his gun,
stepping back.  Lessa stayed out of sight of the opening, weapon also
drawn.

   The pod door opened, a small rush of air flowing out of the shuttle. 
Holding tight with his free hand, hoping that was not a bad thing, Kine
looked into the cramped cube.  A tall black haired man in an officer's
uniform was standing in the doorway, a haggard but confident expression on
his face.  Behind him, the small space was filled with mostly sitting men
now gasping to breathe fresh air.  Kine raised an eyebrow.

   "They give you guys gravity, but no air.  You really should talk to
someone about that."

   The officer gave an appreciative chuckle, nodding to Kine.

   "I'm Captain Horatio Horn.  Thank you."

   "Yes, you should.  I'm Kine.  Anyone seriously wounded?"

   "Two have burns," the Captain said, turning to look back, "but I think
we have them patched up somewhat."

   "We have a medic with us, two in fact.  OK, we naturally don't
completely trust each other yet, so if you would be so kind, have everyone
enter the shuttle and float to the right into the back.  Best you leave
anything weapon related behind so there are no -- accidents.  Send the two
wounded to the front of the shuttle and we'll take a look at them."

   The Captain nodded his understanding, Kine backing up as he gave the
order to his men.  One by one they stepped from the gravity of the pod into
the zero g of the shuttle.  A couple of them reacted in surprise on seeing
Lessa at the far end with a sidearm aimed at them, but most were in no
shape to care.  The Captain was the last to enter the cabin, now over three
quarters filled.  From his new position by the bridge door Kine hit the
controls to close the hatch and seal the ship.

   "Send up the wounded."

   The Captain did so, then gave a startled look as the cockpit door
opened, young Bella floating out with her medkit.  His gaze turned
speculative as he looked between Kine and Lessa, but a more immediate
thought suddenly came to mind.  He swung his head sharply towards Kine.

   "Did you get the other pod?"

   There was a half second of silence, before Kine yelled, "Fuck!" and
bolted into the cockpit.

   "Do an immediate sweep of the area for another pod!"

   The Captain came forward a few feet, but made no attempt to move closer,
even without a reminder from Lessa.  He waited for word, his gaze
alternating between the teen girl in a revealing outfit tending to his men
and the open hatch before him.  It was less than a minute before he heard
the reply from the radio.

   "Found it.  It's among the wreckage of the main ship.  It's torn open:
looks like it didn't get away in time."

   "Understood," Kine replied, and closing the connection he turned back to
the survivors.  "It's just you guys."



   ****



   Captain Horn was the first out the shuttle door, a small briefcase in
his hand.  His rescuers had not noticed, or at least not mentioned, it so
far, and for that he was glad.  It wasn't what they were worried about, and
everyone would be much happier if it was ignored completely.

   In front of him on the hanger floor stood a half dozen teens with
weapons drawn.  Their leader was a tall bald girl, and the look she gave
him was not a pleasant one.  With luck, this wasn't the captain.  Horn had
his men, who now looked better with some fresh water in them and some hope
of surviving, stand in two lines in front of the shuttle.  Their saviors,
weapons still drawn but not pointing anywhere in particular, stood behind
them.  There was movement off to the side, and a smaller teen boy in a
clean but battered rebel uniform approached the bald girl.  He nodded,
looking over Horn's head, and Kine and Lessa walked around and came to
stand beside him.  He spoke.

   "Greetings, Captain.  I'm Don.  Welcome to our happy ship."

   Horn nodded his head slightly.  When in doubt, be polite.

   "I'm Captain Horn.  Thank you for picking us up."

   "Save your thanks till we see how this goes.  Rescues don't always turn
out well with us." There was a self mocking tone in the boy's voice, which
Horn filed away for future contemplation.  "Anyways, we're not really
equipped for visitors so we're going to have to make due.  Mel here," and
he indicated the bald one, "has cleared out and equipped a room you and
your men can stay in.  We'll give you what you need, but ask that they stay
confined in there.  Given the makeup of your crew --" and here Horn noted
for the first time they were all men, their rescuers being a bit more
diverse, "I'm sure you understand our position."

   Horn nodded.

   "Yes.  That's probably for the best."

   "Good.  Mel, take them to their quarters and make sure they're settled
in.  After he's seen to their needs, show the Captain up to the conference
room."



   ****



   Horn followed the very polite, but not friendly, Mel up the bridge steps
past the Captain's chair and through the door into the conference room. 
Four teens sat at the far end of the table- Don, Lessa, Kine, and a new
dark skinned one.  Don stood up, motioning him into a chair.  Bowing his
head respectfully, Horn sat while Mel closed the door and stood guard.  Don
sat down.

   "Is everything at least not too prison like for your men?"

   "On such short notice it's more than adequate, thank you." Horn looked
around the room.  "I've never been on a Rebel ship before.  Very nice."

   "Thanks.  It's home." Don reached up, rubbing his eyes with the palm of
his hand, yawning.  "Sorry, it's the middle of our night shift.  So!" He
rotated his shoulders, stretching.  "What are we to do with you." Lessa
leaned her head in towards his.

   "Is this where we tell him we're space cannibals?"

   Don ignored her.

   "We're heading towards Hikaru, and while that's a ways away you're more
than welcome to stay and be dropped off at the first non-Rebel port we come
to.  We'd rather -- not deal with military bases, Reb or Fed."

   The Captain nodded, understanding.

   "If worse comes to worst, that's a reasonable offer.  Thank you. 
However, it's possible my ship is still within communication range.  Would
it be possible to contact it?"

   The dark boy raised an eyebrow.

   "Isn't your ship in small pieces?"

   "No, no, that wasn't mine.  I was on her with some men to help test
something." He was glad, now, he had left the case with his lieutenant. 
His eyes probably would have gone to it just then, giving too much away.

   "You're supposed to blow up OTHER people's ships!" the girl exclaimed.
"That's what we've been doing wrong, Sean!"

   "Well, you, maybe --"

   Don held up his hand, chuckling.

   "OK, enough of that." Leaning forward, he put his elbows on the table
and regarded Horn.  "Now, I think, Captain to Captain, we'd both agree it's
best if neither of us asks many questions of the other.  Secrets are good,
and keep everyone alive and friendly." Horn leaned forward himself,
nodding. He liked this kid.  "That said, I'll let you try to contact your
ship if you will give a vague answer to a question."

   "Vague I can do," Horn replied chuckling.

   "Good.  Now, we haven't traveled this part of space before.  However,
I've noticed -- too much activity between the planets, when we've been told
there should be nothing there.  So, if we don't want to see anything that
people more powerful than us don't want us to see -- are there any
unimportant places we should steer clear of as we come up on Hikaru?"

   That, Horn had to admit to himself, was a well structured question. 
Looking at this boy, who couldn't be fifteen yet, he thought of his own
infant son.  The child could do worse than to grow to be as quick witted as
this one.  However, if he grew up to look like the brown haired boy Horn
would have serious questions for his wife.  He considered his answer.

   "Well -- if, for no particular reason, you were to stay in the very
center of the orbital plane, you most likely would never be bothered by
anyone."

   "Thank you.  By strange coincidence, that was what we are now going to
have always have been planning to do anyway." There was a general chuckle
around the room.  "Mel, take him onto the bridge and try to make contact
with his ship.  We'll monitor the transmission, naturally.  If they can
meet us up ahead, just one ship or we flee, mind you, we can happily
transfer you and your men back to her."

   "You're too kind," Horn replied, standing and bowing.

   "Don't worry, I'm trying to change."



   ****



   Three days later the Federation destroyer Avon caught up with the
Liberty.  Don monitored from the bridge as both ships sent shuttles to
rendezvous half way between them, and gave a huge sigh of relief when Kine
radioed that the exchange had gone off without a hitch.  He looked up at
Sean standing next to him.

   "Well, we survived helping someone.  That's a first."

   "We're still in weapons range, but I agree it's looking good so far."
Sean gave him an appraising look.  "Damn gutsy thing to do with us hauling
a ton of stolen uranium."

   "Exactly.  What are the odds someone tries to board and search us now,
in Fed space?  We should be good until we reach Hikaru."

   Sean nodded.

   "Just take things one planet at a time."

   "No other way."



   Chapter 13



   The sickbay was currently a house of gossip.

   Shelly, Bell and Bella were sitting on the patient beds when Lessa
listlessly entered the room.  Her eyes took them in, the wild hand gestures
and the shocked giggling.  Lessa had never been one to really take part in
such things, and as her body unconsciously leaned over against a cupboard
the conversation just washed over her.

   "He did NOT say that!"

   "Oh yes he did!  Rich seriously asked if my twin could join us.  I mean,
can you believe!"

   "Men!"

   "I mean, I told him, 'you can barely satisfy me much of the time, and
you think you can handle Bell too?!?!' I don't think his ego liked that!"

   "He just wants to see you and I make out, which will NOT happen!"

   "Hell no!"

   "I'm surprised you've been with him this long, Bella.  I only lasted two
months or so and there were fewer options then."

   "Well --"

   Bella noticed Lessa, and raised a hand to wave.

   "Hey, boss!  Come over here and join us trashing our men!" There was
giggling.  Shelly leaned back on her hands, turning to say something to her
friend.  The comment died on her lips.

   "Lessa -- what's wrong?"

   The twin nurses took a closer look at their "supervisor", leaning by the
doorway.  Bell jumped off the bed onto her feet and quickly went to her.

   "Sit --" She led the unresponsive Lessa over to the desk chair and
almost pushed her into it.  Shelly and Bella came over and sat on the
corners of the desk, Shelly putting a hand on Lessa's shoulder.

   "Hey -- tell us."

   Lessa took a deep breath.

   "I'm -- I'm pregnant."

   Silence.

   Lessa looked up at Shelly, her eyes hoping for friendship and comfort.
What she saw was surprise, and...

   "Oh, you fucking idiot --"

   Bell and Bella looked at her, startled.  Shelly stood.

   "You didn't use anything, did you, Lessa?  I thought, I assumed, you two
were smart.  I thought you'd know enough to deal with this, because YOU
HAVE TWO CABINETS FULL OF BIRTH CONTROL IN YOUR OFFICE!!!" Shelly slammed
her fist onto the desk, Bella jumping off in shock.  The two twins looked
on with growing unease.  "Gods, woman!  We have eleven year olds doing this
responsibly, and you can't be BOTHERED?!?  Did nothing cross your mind when
you stocked up at every planet and station we landed on?  What the fuck
were you THINKING, besides, hey, this feels good!"

   Lessa's head was bowed, arms hugging herself, the only sound a slight
sob.  Shelly's expression was naked fury -- which as the sobs continued,
turned to heartbroken compassion.  She knelt next to Lessa, putting one
hand on her knee and the other on her head, stroking her braided hair.

   "Shh -- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Lessa -- don't cry --"

   Bell and Bella looked at each other.  Bell quickly vanished into hall,
while Bella grabbed some tissues.  She handed them to Shelly, eyes trying
to express her displeasure, before kneeling on the other side of Lessa. 
The two friends gently stroked the teen.  Gradually, she got herself under
control.  Taking a tissue, she blew her nose, then tossed it in Shelly's
face.

   "You're a bitch," Lessa quietly hissed.  Shelly nodded, sadly.

   "I know -- I'm sorry, my love." She sighed.  "Tell me about it."

   Lessa took a deep breath, closing her eyes, steadying herself.

   "I -- I'm over two months late.  I've been irregular before, so just --
I didn't want to even let myself think about it, so I didn't.  But I
haven't been feeling well, so I tested --"

   "Oh, my Lessa --" Shelly hugged her, and Lessa felt herself sandwiched
as Bella did the same.  They held that position for a few moments.  Bella
drew herself back a bit and asked, "Who's the father?"

   "Ha!"

   Shelly reared back in laughing, Lessa making a fist and swatting Bella
in the chest while tears of laughter replaced those of sorrow.  Bella
grinned, then offered Lessa more tissues as she slowly got herself under
control again.  Looking around, Bella grabbed two more chairs from across
the sickbay.  The two girls sat next to Lessa, Shelly turning hers
backwards and straddled it.

   "So, my friend -- you have Don's baby inside you." Lessa nodded, a shy
smile crossing her face.  For a brief moment jealous anger reared in
Shelly's mind, but the good side of her love for Lessa quickly overrode it.
"What do you want to do?"

   Lessa looked at her friend, as if it was the most foolish question in
the world.

   "It's -- our love made this baby.  What do you think I want to do?"
Jealousy once again threatened Shelly, but it was more easily put down. 
She put a hand on Lessa's shoulder.

   "I just want to hear you say it."

   "I'm having Don's child." Lessa looked right into Shelly's eyes -- and
slowly Shelly nodded, smiling.

   "That's all we need to know."

   The door opened again, Bell marching in holding a tray of drinks. 
Setting it on the desk, she handed a hot mug of tea to Lessa.

   "No booze for you!"

   Bell handed Shelly a full pitcher of fruity beer, who burst out laughing
as she took it.  Shelly raised the pitcher in salute, then took a long,
long swig.  That helped.  She gave a belch as she lowered it, and with Bell
grabbing another chair the four sat there silent for a moment.  Finally,
Lessa thought of something and turned to Shelly.

   "OK, who's the eleven year old?"

   Shelly looked at her in surprise, wondering what she was talking about,
then gave a laugh before taking another swig.

   "Oh, that.  Sirenia has a crush on Ger, so wanted to be ready for when
he finally noticed her.  I honestly don't think that's happened yet!"

   "Isn't Ger doing that mechanic freak who likes to work topless?" Bell
asked.

   "Oh," Shelly asked, leaning forward, "you didn't hear?  You'll like
this!"

   Lessa took another drink, closing her eyes and letting the hot tea sooth
her as the gossip just washed over her.  She was among friends...



   ****



   Hanna lay in bed, looking up at the ceiling.  Of all the ways she had
pictured her life going, of all the twists and turns that had happened,
this was the one that still shocked her the most.  She wasn't who she
thought she was.

   Jenny stirred beside her.  Hanna sat up, sheet falling off her breasts
into her lap, and looked at the young woman laying there.

   Hanna wasn't gay.

   She knew that.  Still knew that.  Hanna had always been attracted to
guys, had sex with guys, ENJOYED having sex with guys, and she had always
looked down on those girls who flirted with each other.  Let alone those
who went beyond that.  It was -- wrong.

   Yet.

   It was her hands.

   Those callused, rough, firm hands.  The hands of someone who works hard,
was strong, who has the power to bend and twist, yet the gentle control to
handle something delicate.

   And her muscles.  Those firm, hard muscles, that Hanna had just ached to
caress, running her hands over those shoulders, down and over those small
firm breast with nipples hard as --

   OK, liking Jenny's breasts was pretty gay.

   She hadn't even been drunk.  There wasn't even that excuse, and having
been among these kids for a couple months now drink was the cause of most
of the sex going on it seemed.  No, it had been honest, un-enhanced,
physical attraction.

   The cheap sewing machine they had picked up for her before starting on
the long trek between the orbits of Baal and Hikaru had finally died, a
loud snap coming from inside the case as she tried to finish the hem on a
dress.  Cursing, a favorite pastime of hers of late, Hanna had wandered
down into the world of the shuttle bay to see if anyone there knew how to
fix more than engines.  She found all four of the mechanics working under
and around one of the shuttles, which had been pulled into the middle of
the bay and raised up almost two meters.  They were too busy, obviously,
especially for a request lives did not depend on (mental well being for a
couple of the fashion freaks, though, would be shattered).  Considering her
options, Hanna began to leave when one of them, wearing just a pair of
shorts, put down their tools, put their hands in the small of their back
and leaned back, stretching.

   Hanna just stared, eyes wide, mouth open.  The teen girl's grease and
grime coated breasts were thrust out, small but glistening.  Every muscle
in her back and arms seemed to pulse with strength.  Hanna had seen this
girl before, naturally.  On a ship this small, even if names escaped you
every face was known.  But, never had she seen the thin girl with the
shortly cropped brown hair in this light, as if -- she were a man.

   The girl, Jenny, must have sensed the change in Hanna.  The older woman
had been hesitant, unsure, as she shyly asked the half nude goddess for
assistance.  Jenny had shot a glance at Ger, one tinged with a touch of
sadness, regret, before agreeing to come to the dressmaking "shop" once she
was done.

   She had moved her stuff into Hanna's cabin a week later.

   Jenny opened her eyes, looking up in the dim light at Hanna.  Sleepily,
her hand reached to lightly trace Hanna's spine.  Hanna shuddered.

   "Are you OK, baby?" Jenny asked.  "You said you were sleeping better --"

   Having someone almost eight years her junior call her 'baby', was at
once incredibly wrong, yet made Hanna's heart race.  Derek had never called
her 'baby'.  She looked down at her lover, mind a mass of emotions.

   "Just -- thinking."

   Jenny sat up, and ran a hand through Hanna's blond hair.

   "Wanna talk?"

   Hanna closed her eyes, relishing the feel as Jenny's hand caressed her
scalp, then she chuckled and looked at her.

   "That's another difference between you and a guy: you actually mean
that." Jenny smiled, moving so she was sitting facing Hanna.  They scooted
forward, legs extending and wrapping around behind each other.  Eyes locked
together, hands wandering and caressing, they talked through the night.



   ****



   How, Amanda thought, could there be weeds.

   The Trio sat on the garden path, picking unwanted invaders out of the
dirt.  It was relaxing, fun work, the three mostly just gossiping with the
occasional pulling of unwanted life forms.  They probably didn't even have
to do it, but any excuse to be among the flowers was a good one.

   Once Don had agreed to the garden, the crew brainstormed an ingenious
design.  The largest cabin had been chosen for the project, the dozen bunk
beds removed, and small walls laid out on the floor defining a winding
path. Good soil was bought and laid into the large flower beds, stones
raising the level of the path so as to make it even with the new "ground"l.
Once the flowers and small bushes were in, apart from the walls of the room
it was no different than any real park.  They even had two park benches,
and a small pond with a fountain and fish.  It had everything Amanda had
dreamed of.

   The weeds, though, had not been part of it.

   Sitting up and brushing a stray blond hair out of her eyes, Amanda
looked at her two friends.  They were changing, and she wondered if she was
as well.  Sirenia now had breasts, jutting out of the black half shirts she
liked to wear, and seemed to be growing taller every day.  Wendi was
getting curvier, and more muscular.  They had even caught her in the
exercise room.  That was just...  weird, and she would not explain.

   As for Amanda -- she had some bumps on her chest, yes, but so far she
felt the same as she always had.  No sudden rush of hormones, no desire for
romance or action.  Give her songs, dance, flowers, and a hug from her big
brother.  Life didn't require more than that.

   Wendi held up a strange black something, shuddered, then tossed it into
the small bucket they were using for trash.  Looking at her hands for a
moment, she reached over and wiped them on Sirenia's black skirt.

   "Hey!"

   "It's not like it'll show up," Wendi smirked.  The two growled at each
other, before laughing and doing a pinky shake.  Amanda just shook her head
at them.

   "Children."

   "Oh," said Sirenia, archly, "look at Miss Mature over there!"

   Sirenia palmed a clump of dirt, considering the best moment to escalate
things, when the garden door opened.  Ger walked up the short ramp onto the
stone path.  She quickly dropped the clump and sat up straight, making sure
all her clothing was in order.  She was far too new at all this to have
discovered the art of being sexily disheveled.  Amanda and Wendi watched
with tolerant amusement as Ger made his way over to them.

   "Hello ladies.  Amanda."

   "Hey!" Amanda growled at him, but Ger only grinned back.  Sirenia gave
him a nervous smile.

   "Hi Ger!  What are you doing here?" She immediately bit her lip,
seemingly going over the conversation so far and hoping she hadn't screwed
up already.  Amanda just shook her head at the silliness of crushes as Ger
turned to her.

   "Kine said you'd told him there was a leak in one of the sprinklers.  I
thought I'd check it out before I head to dinner.  Don't want a flood."

   Amanda pointed him to the one dripping in a far corner.  As he headed
off, Sirenia gave a quiet groan and hung her head.  The other two gave her
a sympathetic pat on the shoulders -- although not TOO sympathetic.  Amanda
began to weed again when Wendi spoke up.

   "Um, Amanda -- speaking of, you know," and she nodded her head at
Sirenia, "crushes and such, is -- Kine still with that Mel?"

   "What?  Oh, um, yeah.  Well, they spend time together, but I don't think
it's --" She suddenly gave Wendi a suspicious look.  "Why -- Oh come on! 
Do you STILL have that crush?!" She made no attempt to keep the third party
in the room from over hearing.

   Wendi hung her head.  Amanda couldn't believe it.  She'd had a thing for
Kine ever since the siblings had first met her and Sirenia.  In the early
days on the ship, she had been the instigator of being "scared" at night,
dragging Sirenia over to Amanda's cabin to be reassured by a sleepy Kine.
Apparently, despite everything, nothing had changed...  apart, maybe, for
now having more emotions and desires entering into the mix.

   Sirenia, glad to have attention off of herself, began to chant an old
song of theirs.

   "Oh, Kine, he's so fine, he's so fine I'll make him mine!"

   With a giggling growl Wendi launched herself at her friend.  They
"fought" while laughing loudly, careful not to roll onto any flowers. 
Amanda stayed above it, like the older woman she was.  Sirenia had just
pinned Wendi to the ground, straddling her waist, when Ger came up behind
them and paused to watch.  The two froze, Sirenia's face and neck turning
bright red.  Ger just cocked an eyebrow at her, smiling.

   "I like a girl who's a fighter." He stepped around them, and in a moment
was gone.

   The three stayed as they were, still as a stone.  Sirenia's eyes
suddenly widened, an incredulous smile on her face.

   "He said --!"



   ****



   Don was in the weight room, trying without success to add some muscle.
He had started to grow a bit: that was something, at least.  However,
strength was something he still sorely lacked.  He badly wanted to start
going on missions, getting in on some of the fun, but was too honest to
overlook that he just wasn't good at that type of thing.  Nobody was going
to get killed because of his inadequacies, thus the training.

   Letting go of the weight machine, he figured he had about five years
worth of work ahead of him.

   At least, though, he could burn off some of the fat that was starting to
show.  It was just wrong for him to have a pudgy tummy.  Lessa, too, seemed
to be gaining weight.  Hard to see how, given how hard she worked, but he
was sure she had noticed.  Maybe it was why she had been so moody of late.

   The door to the weight room opened, and as if called by his thoughts
Lessa stood there.  Shelly, Bell, and Bella flanked her, almost as if they
were backup for a dangerous mission.  Don stood up.  Shelly could be --
unreasonably protective of Lessa, so lacking a posse of his own he prepared
his mental defenses.

   Lessa walked up to Don, slowly, unsure of herself.  This was serious. 
She was never unsure.  The other three moved fully into the room and let
the door close behind them, but stayed there as Lessa stopped in front of
him.  Don raised a hand to brush some hair from her face.

   "What's wrong?"

   "Don, I -- I'm --" She couldn't meet his eyes.

   Don didn't know much about women.  However, he thought he knew this one.
He reached out, tilted her chin up, and kissed her tenderly.  Pulling back,
he looked into her eyes.

   "Tell me."

   "I'm going to have your baby."

   Don stood before her, shocked.  His --

   Before Lessa knew it, Don had stepped into her and was kissing her with
all the love he could put into it.  There was applause from the doorway,
two enthusiastic and one moderately so.  Breaking the kiss, Lessa broke
down crying into his shoulder.  Don just held her.  One of his hands gently
slid around between them, moving up under her shirt to feel her belly.  She
lifted her head and looked at him, as he caressed her and spoke.

   "If it's a girl -- let's name her Cindy."

   Lessa nodded, Don smiling in return.  It would be right to honor his
sister Cynthia like that --

   "And if it's a boy?"

   "Hmm -- maybe Jax, but we have time." He leaned in for another kiss.  A
child!  And here he had thought --

   Part of Don wanted to make a joke, about thinking Lessa had been getting
fat.  Another part was very happy Don tended to filter such thoughts, and
thus wouldn't do something incredibly stupid.

   A third part figured, what's the point in being in love if you can't
trade harmless jokes?

   "You know, here I thought you were just getting fat!"

   Lessa's eyes narrowed.

   "You are veeeery lucky I'm going to want more than one baby --"



   Chapter 14



   The most dangerous part of any illegal activity was getting paid.

   Sean leaned against the shuttle wall as the two buyers examined the
crates.  They were not actually opening them, naturally.  The shielding on
the uranium was best not disturbed out here, especially by those who were
just middlemen.  Sean had no idea who these people were, or what eventual
destination they had in mind for the glowing rocks.  Nor did he care.  All
he wanted was payment, and to get the dangerous stuff as far away as
possible.

   In that order.

   Sean had come to hate the game of deceit played by both sides in this
business.  Everyone lied.  Those who were weak, projected strength.  Those
who were strong, hid their true power.  It was a dance, each side trying to
secure what they saw as their due, while not giving up more than they had
to.  There was no honor among thieves...  as there was no difference
between having honor, and just making sure none of your victims survived.

   This group, he thought, was going to make a play.

   The shuttle was docked with a similar craft, airlocks securely joined as
the Liberty and its counterpart held station ten kilometers away.  As these
two buyers were examining the cargo here, Mel and Holand were over on the
other shuttle, watched by two of their people as they counted the gold. 
The goal was to transfer each cargo to the other ship, without the
temptation for one side to just keep everything became too great.  As the
heads of the two men once again came together, a whispering conversation as
eyes flicked back towards Sean, he sighed.  There was going to be trouble.
He hated trouble.

   Sean glanced at Lessa.  She stood by the hatch to the cockpit, looking
bored.  If shit went down, she'd do her job.  It was Sean's job, though, to
see it didn't come to that.  Waking himself, he pushed off from the wall
and took a few steps towards the back of the cabin.

   "So, what's your play going to be?"

   The adults almost jumped.  Sean shook his head.  They obviously weren't
pros at this, one reason he suspected betrayal.  These were pirates of
opportunity, unable to resist a quick dip into the illegal.  Well, they'd
just have to learn.

   "What do you mean?" the largest of the two asked.  He stood up straight
himself, hand near his sidearm as his companion edged a bit away to make
himself a harder target.  Over in the other ship, the sound of movement
stopped.  Sean shrugged.

   "I'm asking how you're going to do it.  Try and knock the price down and
cheat us?  Threaten, and take everything?  Jump us poor kids, so there's no
witnesses?  What's the plan?"

   Their eyes widened.  Sean saw hands edge towards weapons.  He smiled.

   "Because, let me tell you, it's a bad idea.  You don't want to mess with
Lessa Cerova."

   The larger one just stared at Sean, confused, a condition that was
probably his natural state.  The brown haired lanky man, though, whipped to
face Lessa.  His eyes almost seemed to bug out as he took a step backwards,
legs hitting the crates.  Lessa frowned, arms still crossed across her
chest.  The man tried unsuccessfully to phase through the crates and hide
behind them.  His companion just looked between the two, still confused.

   "Pete?  What the hell's going on?"

   "It's HER!." When no comprehension was forthcoming, Pete actually walked
forward, fear forgotten, and whacked the man on the arm.  "HER!  Lessa the
Butcher!"

   Sean could feel Lessa glowering at him, and he couldn't blame her.  This
was not something to be proud of.  Still, it got the job done, and she had
earned that name, and others, honestly.  He nodded to the adults amiably.

   "So, we have an understanding, I take it?"



   ****



   Sean felt tired as he stepped off the shuttle onto the deck of the
Liberty.  They still weren't safe, naturally.  You were never safe so long
as another ship was this close.  Still, his job was done.  He could get
some rest.

   "So, everything go OK?"

   He let out a sigh as Don approached.  Stupid concern for their well
being...  Sensing, more than seeing, Lessa come up behind him, Sean stepped
aside.  The brown haired girl walked down the short ramp up to Don, a smile
on her face.  Sean didn't trust a smiling Lessa.  Or a frowning one.  Nor,
he had to admit, did he like seeing her and Don exchange a tender kiss. 
That was just pure jealousy, though.  What they had seemed real, honest.

   Nothing like what awaited him.

   Lessa turned back to Sean as she broke the kiss, an arm staying around
Don.  The shorter boy, in a display nobody would have thought possible for
either when this all started, cupped her breast.

   "Sean," Lessa said, voice disapproving, "used me again."

   Don's eyebrows rose slightly at that, but a smile touched his lips.

   "If there is anybody I trust to use you well, Lessa, it's him." He
nodded to Sean.  "No problems?"

   "Naw," Sean said, removing his gun belt, tossing it to a nearby girl. 
Tracy caught it easily, placing it on the weapons cart.  "I think they're
more happy to have come out of the deal safely than we are."

   "Good to hear."

   A voice yelled Sean's name from behind Don.  With a sigh, he looked up
to see Vince coming towards them.  The slim blond was moving quickly,
ponytail flopping around.  He wore yellow slacks and an orange shirt Sean
was sure weren't in his closest that morning.  The teen threw himself into
Sean's arms, lips seeking his.  Closing his eyes, Sean responded, then
pushed his friend away.  Vince grabbed his arm, pulling them off somewhere,
most likely towards their cabin, as he began rambling about this and that.
Sean only half heard.

   He wanted more than this.  More than...  Vince.

   The kid was a good fuck, though.



   ****



   Ger was almost to his cabin, and a well needed rest after the day's
mission, when Jenny's voice calling his name.  He had a moment's desire to
ignore her, go into the cabin, and just lie down on his bed.  He then had a
moment's fantasy of her following him in, joining him in said bed. 
Laughing, because life was too short to spend it otherwise, he turned to
grin at his former roommate.

   "What's up?"

   She smiled back.  That was good.  Ger had no hard feelings, for the most
part.  After all, they were just friends who had enjoyed each other's
company.  If she was happy with this Hanna woman...  well, good.  They
still had to work together, after all, and him being jealous would just put
others in danger.  As if seeing some of this play across his face, Jenny
moved up and hugged him.  Ger squeezed back, allowing himself to enjoy her
body again.  Stepping back, he smiled.

   "And?"

   "And..." Jenny's expression saddened.  "We're leaving."



   ****



   They sat next to each other on his bed, holding hands.  Ger just stared
at the wall.  It wasn't an interesting wall, to be sure.  He wasn't sure
what else to do, though.

   "Are you certain about this?  You've only know her for, what, two
weeks?"

   "A bit more, but...  yeah, I'm sure." She looked at him, eyes watering a
bit.  That looked so out of place on the teen, almost as not-her as that
shirt was.  Jenny, so far as Ger was concerned, was always happy, half
naked, and covered in grease.  Leaning over, he gave her a quick kiss.

   "She's not happy here?  I know you are, or were..."

   "I'm very happy, was with you, am with her.  But, well..." Jenny sighed.
"She's not at home here.  She wants a shop.  A town.  People."

   Ger nodded.

   "I can understand that.  She didn't choose."

   "And I want to be with her."

   Ger closed his eyes.  Memories of them together floated before his eyes.
The problems of love and life, it seemed, still existed out here in space.
He squeezed her hand, looking at her once more.

   "I'll miss you."



   ****



   Amanda bent down, looking past the cue ball at the black eight ball in
her sights.

   It was a tough shot, one she had no hope of making.  She'd have to shave
the eight just right, trying to send it down into the corner while avoiding
sending the cue ball into the side pocket.  Hmm...  maybe she should just
give up now.

   "Come on," Sirenia bitched.  "Make your shot!"

   Oh, Amanda was in no hurry.  Loser had to take the winner's slot
cleaning dishes.  Amanda did NOT want to do that!  Maybe if she just barely
struck the ball, so it just touched the eight and stopped...

   "Amanda, company."

   Wendi's warning had Amanda turning as she stood, looking at the
approaching teen.  Mel wore brown fatigues, with a plain white shirt.  She
was obviously braless, not that she had much in that department.  What she
did, have, though, were damned well formed arm muscles, the lack of sleeves
revealing them in all their gory.  Amanda leaned on the pool cue a bit, her
friends moving next to her, as Mel came to a stop before them.

   "Want next game?"

   Mel shook her head, smiling.  Her eyes flicked to the other two girls,
then back to Amanda.

   "I need to talk to you.  Alone."

   Amanda blinked.  This was unexpected.  Looking over at the others, she
saw Sirenia draw Wendi's head over to whisper something.  The redhead then
grabbed Wendi's arm, pulling her towards the door.

   "We'll go elsewhere!  Catch you later, Amanda!"

   Amanda blinked again, mouth open.  Abandoned!  Just like that!  So much
for support!  Letting herself fall back, her butt came to rest against the
pool table.  Still holding the pool cue with both hands, she nodded to Mel.

   "Talk."

   Mel didn't, though.  Walking around the table, she grabbed another cue.
Amanda, instinctively, leaned her cue against the table and began racking
up the balls.  Mel grabbed the cube of chalk.

   "It's about your brother." Amanda said nothing, digging the six ball out
of one of the pockets.  "You know we've been spending time together."

   "Yes." Amanda knew.  Everyone knew.  You don't keep secrets on a ship.
Mel nodded.

   "We enjoy each other's company, and well, you know." Amanda didn't want
to know.  "But...  well, I want it to be more than that.  I want us to be a
couple."

   Amanda just shook her head.

   "And you want my help?  Fuck off."

   "No.  I want your permission."

   Amanda jerked her hands as she lifted the rack off the balls, destroying
the perfect triangle formation on the green felt.  She stared across the
table.

   "What?"

   "I know how close you are," Mel said.  "He loves you, always talks about
you.  I can't come between that, so...  I want to know if I'm acceptable to
you." Amanda was speechless.  "I don't mind getting rejected by him.  Well,
I'll mind, but I can accept it.  But...  I want it to be because of how he
feels about me, not because he thinks I'm making you upset.  So...  do I
have your permission to court your brother?"

   Court.  Such an...  archaic term.  Nobody here courted.  Or dated.  They
fucked.  Did this girl...  love her brother?  REALLY love him?

   "Um...  yeah.  Sure.  You can date him."

   Mel smiled.  It was a nice smile, Amanda thought.  A very nice smile.



   ****



   "WHY are we doing this again?"

   Wendi didn't really expect an answer from Sirenia.  Well, she knew there
would be an answer.  She just didn't expect it to make much sense.  Her
friend could be a little...  flightily, at times.  That was re-enforced at
times like this, with the slight girl dragging her down the corridor
towards the exercise room.  Sirenia did stop, though, turning to Wendi with
a serious, or at least serious for her, expression.

   "You heard Ger the other day, didn't you?  He likes girls who are
strong! Look at these!" She held out her arms.  "I'm a stick!  How can I
get him with arms like this?!?" She grabbed Wendi's hand again, pulling her
forward.  For a weak girl, she had a good grip.

   Sirenia didn't even pause at the doorway blocking their path.  She
reached her hand out as they approached, hit the button, and trusted it
would be open enough by the time the rest of her body reached the gap in
the wall.

   They barely made it.

   Once inside, Sirenia did stop, releasing Wendi.  As the black haired
girl rubbed her wrist, Sirenia looked around.  Wendi could follow her train
of thought.  There were complicated, confusing machines here, with shiny
metal bars and large weights.  Eyes wide with nervous indecision, she
grabbed Wendi's arm.

   "OK...  what do I do?  You use these things.  What should I do to become
strong?"

   Wendi sighed.  It was going to be one of those days.  She looked around.
There should be something simple they could use, something Sirenia wouldn't
hurt herself on for the short time it would take for her to be bored with
this...

   A grunt came from the back of the room.  As one, the two pre-teens
quietly moved for a better view.

   Lessa was hanging from a metal bar, both hands gripping it as her nude
form almost seemed to glow from the sweat.  As they watched, she pulled
herself up, body not even seeming to strain itself as her chin rose over
the bar.  She stayed there for a moment, legs together, breathing
controlled.  Lessa then began a repetition of chin-ups.

   Wendi watched, transfixed.  Lessa...  was beautiful.  So...  strong! 
Gods, look at her!  A few months pregnant, and she could still do all this!
What Wendi wouldn't give...

   "She's a freak!"

   Sirenia's whispered slander didn't make Wendi mad, as much as she was
disappointed.  Didn't she see that this was the type of girl boys wanted?
What Ger wanted, what Kine wanted...  what Kine HAD!  Mel didn't have the
breasts of Lessa, but she had to be as strong!  If they were going to have
any hope of getting the men they wanted, Wendi and Sirenia had to be
strong. Glancing around, she pulled her friend towards the corner.

   "Here.  We'll start with this.  Watch me.  I'll do twenty reps, then
we'll set it up for you..."



   Chapter 15



   Every living soul on the Liberty was gathered on the bridge.  The
holographic navigation sphere had been turned off, the entire three storey
curved front wall now a view screen.  Displayed on it...  the colony ship.

   "Gods..." Don couldn't keep his eyes off of it.

   When man had first come to this system, he had arrived in a half dozen
large, rotating cylinders, habitats able to withstand the voyage of almost
a century, delivering hundreds of thousands of colonists to the waiting
virgin planets.  Generations had grown up in them during the journey, and
even more had come into their own on them as mankind slowly terraformed the
planets and moons of the inner solar system.  As those challenges were
solved, the ships were moved outward, to provide bases from which the outer
gas giants, almost miniature solar systems in their own right, could be
conquered.  Now they sat in their third life, as space ports and hubs of
trade.  Living relics of what man could do.  They had been named after
mythological cities and empires of the old world.  Babylon, Atlantis,
Cairo, Rome, Hollywood...  and London.

   The Liberty slowly approached the docking end of the London.  The thirty
kilometer long cylinder, rotating just fast enough to provide one g on its
inner surface, originally had a massive airlock on the front, into which
entire space ships would pass before either unloading cargo, or proceeding
through the inner doors into the heart of the station.  With its days as a
spaceship now over, and permanently in orbit around Hikaru, an outer
docking ring had been added around the outer edge of the front.  Over a
hundred ships could match speed with the rotation and dock, and there had
been talk of removing the engine and repeating the process at the other
end. Given how tough and robust the ancestors had made this star traveler,
though, it could take centuries to achieve that feat even in a time of
peace...

   Under the control of the station docking computer, the Liberty slowly
slipped into its mooring ring.  Clamps adjusted to the shape of the ship,
and with a shudder the Liberty became one with the station.  The ship's
gravity deactivated, and all on board felt real gravity take hold as they
rotated with the station.  An enclosed causeway extended and attached to
the ship...  and they were here.



   ****



   If any form of democracy existed among the teens, they would have voted
to all immediately rush off the Liberty.  Over two months in deep space was
far too long: Don himself vowed that next time they'd plan things better.
Hell, it would have been easier it seemed to just stay still and let the
planet come to them rather than to chase it down in its orbit on the other
side of the sun.  But, the delivery job just completed had demanded it, and
with that done they now had enough money to last them almost a year.

   Unless the females did the shopping.

   The main hatch opened, and Don led the first group of tourists onto the
causeway towards the waiting Dockmaster.  This was a Rebel station, which
somewhat determined some of the choices, but mostly Don picked those he
wanted to travel with.  Lessa, naturally, which meant Shelly, Bell and
Bella.  Ger, who Don had truly come to rely on to keep the shuttles going,
and who now apparently had two almost twelve year old girls tagging along
with him, Wendi and Sirenia.  Although, Wendi seemed to be more interested
in walking close to Lessa...  Sean, as he'd be needed in a moment, and his
boy toy Vince.  That unfortunately meant that Kine and his sister had to
stay on board, as there was no way Don was leaving the ship without either
Sean OR Kine on board.  Hanna was also with them, with her companion Jenny.
That made an even dozen, if his math was correct.

   Any more, and this excursion might be unlucky.

   The Dockmaster, a rather friendly looking woman in her early thirties,
welcome them as they approached.  Noting their apparent hierarchy, she
looked at Don.

   "Do you have papers?"

   Don nodded at Sean, who stepped forward and with his right hand
presented her with a plastic card, along with some papers and something
round and heavy held between them.  His Guard ring was clearly visible. 
The Dockmaster's eyes widened a bit, and she gave the group a closer look.
Don smiled.

   "We're just here to get some shopping done, and rest.  We're hoping
it'll be a peaceful vacation." He put his arm around the now somewhat
obviously pregnant Lessa, and the woman noting her condition gave Lessa a
warm smile.  Bouncing the papers in her hand to get a feel for the weight
of the hidden coin, the Dockmaster took the card and swiped it into a
console next to a 'no weapons allowed' sign and hit some buttons.  The coin
slipped unobtrusively into her pocket with practiced grace, the rest handed
back to Sean.

   "Welcome to London."



   ****



   The train broke out of the tunnel into the heart of the station,
bringing gasps from those inside.  It was one thing to know what to expect,
but to SEE it...

   They were traveling along the inner wall of the massive cylinder, its
sides curving up and over them.  Buildings, trees, parks, lakes...  all
spread out before, and above, them.  Sirenia was fascinated, ignoring their
immediate surroundings and only looking up.  It was just so...  impossible!
The inner surface was divided into three long segments stretching the
length of the station, alternating with three bright thin equally long
artificial suns which lighted the land opposite them.  There were regular
gaps in the suns where train tracks crossed to connect the three habitable
segments.

   To think, Sirenia thought, we can do this as well as destroy...



   ****



   A short time later the teens exited the train and stood in the middle of
a village.  Small shops and restaurants dotted the street, various couples
and families wandering between them.  Shelly looked them over, and gave a
laugh.

   "Nice day for a stroll, it seems."

   Don chuckled, then looked over the group.

   "Our first decision for the day.  Do we divide up and go where we will,
or do we stick together for awhile?"

   "I say we walk together," Lessa said, holding his hand.  "See what's
around before we scatter." There was general agreement, so picking a
direction at random they started off.

   After a few minutes, as they stopped to look in a shop window at some
jewelry, Don noticed Hanna standing next to him with Jenny.  Hanna wore a
light, long blue dress while Jenny had a battered t-shirt that bared her
tummy, and faded torn jeans.  Something was obviously on their mind, so Don
waited.

   "Don," Hanna finally started, as the others began to wander down to the
next store.  "I...  I mean, we...  we may want to stay here." Don wasn't
surprised by this.  She wasn't one of them, however accepted they'd tried
to make her feel.  The rest of the group, on hearing this, stopped.  Vince
took a step back towards her with a look of despair on his face.

   "But who's going to make those shirts I like for me?!?"

   "Hopefully, nobody," grumbled Sean, rolling his eyes.  Don had to agree,
as the teen's taste in outfits was horrible.  His current lime green and
orange ensemble was no exception.  Don waved off that objection without
even looking back, giving the pair a speculative look.

   "You're naturally free to go anytime and make a new life.  Was...  was
it anything we did?"

   "No," Hanna said, smiling and shaking her head.  "It's just..." she took
Jenny's hand.  "I can't do that anymore.  I need to be in a town or city. I
want to start a life." Don glanced at Jenny, who nodded.

   "I'll take care of her.  Between what she's extorted from the fashion
fiends and my cut of the last job, we can easily set up here, or
elsewhere."

   "When you finally decide," Don said, "let us know.  We'll miss you." He
turned, and the group continued its ambling journey.  He could hear Ger
fall back and try, half seriously, to talk his favorite mechanic and
ex-lover out of it.  Nobody had abandoned the ship yet.  Once the first
defection occurred, though...  Don had a sneaking suspicion it would lead
to a larger exodus.

   So long as Lessa stayed by his side, he honestly didn't care.



   ****



   Walking slightly behind Don and Lessa, Sirenia was casting glances back
at Ger.  She bit her lip.

   "I think I'm going to start mechanic training once we get back," she
muttered to Wendi.  Her friend just sighed.

   "Yeah, that's a good plan." Wendi gazed again at Lessa's form in front
of her.  The woman was such a warrior!  Wendi tried to match that gait, and
noticed, despite being unarmed, Lessa's free hand was always near where her
holster would normally be.  Maybe...  she could get up the guts to ask to
be trained by her.  If she couldn't do that, she didn't deserve to become a
warrior herself.  Her expression hardened.  She'd do it...  later.



   ****



   They stopped at a couple stores, not buying much yet.  Jenny found a set
of four earrings that she wanted to get for Hanna, the younger girls not
understanding why she blushed so much when Jenny whispered in her ear. 
Sure, her ears currently only had two piercings, but surely she could find
places for new holes for the other two golden rings...

   After an hour they stopped at an outdoor cafe (although, technically
everything here was 'indoors'), pulled a couple tables together and ordered
lunch.  Sirenia found herself once again looking up at the sky.

   "How can you do that," Bella asked, shaking her head.  "I'm trying to
ignore it.  It's like the whole thing's going to fall down on us!"

   "Wimp!"

   That brought a laugh from everyone, but Sirenia was already back to
looking up.  So much to see...  she heard rather then saw Don asking Sean
why he'd taken off his Guard ring already, since this was a Rebel world. 
Her attention had been captured by movement back towards the docking end of
the station.  Some thing...  things...  were in the middle, zero gravity
portion of the cylinder.  They were flowing out of the huge open airlock,
moving quickly down the center of the station...

   Sirenia's body went cold.

   "Don!" Her hand shot out, and grabbed Don's sleeve.  She pointed
upwards. "Why are there warships up there?!?"

   Don looked up, and his eyes went wide.  He shot to his feet, chair
clattering to the ground.

   "Binoculars, anyone!"

   Both Lessa and Sean had pairs in their hand instantly.  Don quickly
grabbed Lessa's while Sean raised his.  Both quickly focused on the
onrushing craft.

   "Federation!" hissed Sean.  "How?!  Where are the alar..."

   He was interrupted by the sound of muffled bangs, and the smoke trails
of rising rockets could be seen coming from points all over the inner
surface of the station heading towards the invading ships.  Dozens of
smaller trails shot out from the ships, explosions filling the sky.  The
sound of them arrived a moment later.  As the lead ship passed overhead, it
let out a roar and a massive volley of fire.  The train station where they
had just been exploded.  The teens dropped to the ground, shocked.  Smoke
and small clumps of dirt and metal rained down on them, their path
unexpected due to the rotation of the ground beneath them.  Other
explosions could be heard and felt all over.

   Lessa regained her composure first, looking first at Don, making sure he
was OK, then over at Sean.  She saw Sean's hand coming from his pants
pocket and putting his ring back on.

   "We have to get weapons," she said, getting to her hands and knees,
"then get back to the ship." Ger had his communicator out, and after a
moment looked at her shaking his head.

   "They're jamming, naturally.  We don't even know if the Liberty is still
there."

   "No time to think that far ahead," Don said, and he pointed upwards. 
Small craft were spiraling down from the warships towards the surface.

   Troop ships.

   "Everyone up!" Sean yelled.  He helped Vince to his feet, the gaudily
dressed teen scared shitless.

   They all were.



   ****



   Picking a direction away from the nearest landing ship but towards the
docks, Lessa and Sean led the other ten quickly through the yelling,
panicking locals.  After a few moments Lessa led them off the road, through
yards and parks, jumping fences while being wary of large, open spaces. 
Lessa used her binoculars to get a look at the land over their head, hoping
it was similar to what lay unseen right in front of them.  They'd need
every advantage they could get.

   They came around a corner, skidding to a stop.  Before them gathered a
few dozen adults, half in Rebel uniforms, half not, surrounding a square
opening in the ground.  One of them quickly had a rifle pointed at the
newcomers, but an unfazed Sean raised the back of his hand, showing the
ring as he calmly walked forward.

   "Guardsmen!  We need to arm!  Can you spare something?"

   A smartly dressed middle aged man stepped out of the group and motioned
for his soldier to lower his weapon.  He looked at Sean, who stood
confidently before him.

   "Can you all fight?" He glanced at the young women in the group.

   "Yes, but does it matter?"

   The officer scoffed at that.

   "Nope.  Once we're gone, take all you need."

   "Is this a raid or invasion?" Sean asked, motioning the others to come
up behind him.  The officer this time openly laughed.

   "As if we'll ever know." Turning, he saw his men were now armed.  He
gave a brief nod to Sean, then led his troops through a break in the
bushes. In a moment the dozen teens were again alone.

   Quickly, Lessa jumped down into the supply cellar and began handing out
weapons.  No flak jackets, for all they were of limited worth, but soon
they were loaded down with whatever they were most comfortable with, along
with all the ammo they could carry.  Making sure his second pistol was
comfortable on his hip, Don looked around at his crew.

   "OK.  We have no idea what's going on.  It's probably an hour or more
walk back to the ship.  We only fight when needed, but should try to stay
on a straight path.  Safety over speed, speed over conflict.  Got it?" They
nodded.  "Sean, take point.  Lessa, rearguard."

   They were off.



   ****



   They quickly learned the hazards of fighting on a curved world, although
luckily they weren't the ones who failed the test.  They had been jogging
through a residential area when Sirenia looked upwards to the right. 
There, clear as could be, was a Federation assault squad advancing towards
what looked like a medical complex.  Suddenly, from somewhere up and to her
left, a wave of hand fired rockets streaked overhead and fell on the
unsuspecting Feds.  Don looked up, and paled.

   "My gods...  there's no such thing as cover!"

   "Unless we're under a roof," Sean agreed grimly.  "Let's go faster."



   ****



   They came to a wide, open parkland.

   Sean stopped them at the edge, motioning Don and Lessa forward.  The
three looked out over the field.

   "Well, we can use playground equipment for cover," Don said dryly. 
"Just go for it?"

   Lessa looked around, seeing no movement.  The fighting now seemed all
towards the other end of the station, with whatever the Feds were after
being located there.  It was now obvious this was some sort of raid: no
attempt was being made to either clear out or secure areas.  And, she
noted, looking over at a wide burning complex, no concern about the place
still being useable after the battle.  She turned back to them and nodded.

   "Just go for it." Leaning down she gave Don a kiss.

   "I'm not kissing you," Sirenia said to Wendi, and they giggled.  She
turned to offer Ger a kiss when she saw him getting a tender one from
Jenny. Sirenia swung her head forward, embarrassed and upset.  She then
felt a soft peck on her cheek, and turned to see Wendi pulling back her
face.

   "There.  For luck." Wendi drew her gun and moved forward before her
friend could react.

   Shelly, seeing this, turned to Lessa and arched an eyebrow at her.

   "Do I get a kiss from you?"

   Eyes full of emotion, Lessa leaned in and kissed Shelly's cheek. 
Shelly's hand slowly went up, touching the spot as Lessa sat back up next
to her lover.  Her heart was racing.

   "...you bitch," she whispered.

   Sean turned his attention back to the field.  Vince was shaking next to
him, but he had to ignore that.  The battlefield was no place for emotion.
Or kisses.  He raised a hand.

   And lowered it.

   They ran.

   There was no point trying to go from cover to cover.  The twelve teens
just ran, aiming for the tree line two hundred or so meters away.  They
didn't run full speed, as there was no way they could hold it for that
distance, but jogged as fast as they could.  Sean stayed well up in front,
with Wendi surprisingly close, and Don found himself back just in front of
Lessa.  Only her need to actually bring up the rear kept Lessa from passing
him, and Don once again cursed his body.  Why couldn't he...



   ****



   Lessa was looking behind them to make sure all was still clear when she
heard a thud.  Something warm and sticky splattered on her face.  It had a
familiar feel...

   ...oh...  gods...

   Her head whipped forward.

   Don was spinning and falling forward.  The rear of his head was gone.



   ****

   He was falling.



   ****



   Don.



   ****



   Darkness.



   ****



   Emptiness.



   ****



   RAGE.



   ****



   His body hadn't even hit the ground before Lessa was racing through the
grass, the Other now fully in control.  Her rifle was out, strafing the
distant group of figures by a clump of trees.  She could see the forms
diving for cover.  From behind, she heard the shouts of familiar voices. 
One seemed to shout her name.  Another, male, yelled something about
covering fire and tend to Bella.

   Nothing she need worry about.

   Lessa sensed those before her had gotten their wits back, and she threw
herself forward and to the left.  She hit the ground rolling, barely
noticing the tracer fire that flew through her former position.  Lessa
rolled past a picnic table and was on her feet running forward again.  The
Federation squad was before her.



   ****



   Sean had them on the ground, in a defensive circle.

   Don was dead.  That much, at least, was clear.  Bella was hit, but it
had gone right through her arm missing the bone so that was good.  Vince's
leg seemed to be shattered, which wasn't so good.  And...  Lessa had
reverted to form.

   She had reached the enemy, and Sean ordered the remaining teens to
ceasefire.  They could see her, moving, spinning among the soldiers.  Wendi
grabbed the binoculars off Sean's belt and raised them.

   "You don't want..." he started, then sighed.  She had the right to if
she wanted.

   A moment later Wendi dropped the binoculars onto the grass, her face as
white as Sirenia's.  Shaking, she slowly turned to Sean.

   "She's..."

   He nodded, sadly.

   "I know."



   ****



   Lessa had dropped her rifle, now using a pistol and a long knife.  Five
dead men lay around her.  The face of a woman to her left imploded, and
Lessa whirled and sliced a man coming at her down the arm, by chance
following a major artery.  As he fell away screaming, she dropped to a knee
just as a shot passed over her head, firing three times into the last
soldier.  He spun and fell.

   Behind her, the man was still screaming something about his arm.  Lessa
stood, drew a second knife, and turned to stand above him.  Squatting, she
made three slices and the screaming stopped.

   Rising, Lessa gazed over the uniforms of the fallen.  She spotted the
one with the highest rank.  Moving over, Lessa flipped the body on its
back. She knelt.

   They had torn her heart out.  Time to return the favor.



   ****



   "Time to go."

   Sean motioned everyone up.  He grabbed a drugged, groggy Vince, getting
him on his back, while Bell helped her sister.  He motioned Wendi to take
point, and despite everything she momentarily swelled with pride.

   "What about Lessa?!?" Shelly screamed, pointing at the distant figure.
Jenny had been forced to restrain her from running out after her, and even
now had a hand on her arm.

   "I'll bring her back," Sean said, grimly.



   ****



   Lessa had almost finished the job when she heard the shout.

   "Lessa!  Don is leaving!"

   She jumped to her feet and whirled.  They were carrying Don away!

   "No!"

   Knives sheathed, she ran as fast as her exhausted, adrenaline filled,
pregnant body could manage.  Angling her path, she met the retreating teens
just as they reached the edge of the park.  Lessa grabbed Don's body, which
Hanna and Jenny had been carrying between them, and dropped to her knees,
clutching and crying.  Shelly hesitantly reached a hand out, wanting to
touch her, comfort her.  Her hand wavered just above Lessa's shoulder.  Her
friend was covered in so much blood...

   "We can't stop," Sean barked.  Gritting her teeth, Shelly reached out
and grabbed Lessa's arms and pulled her up.  Lessa growled, but after a
moment's resistance rose up with Don.  Shelly helped, cringing inside, and
soon the two of them were hurrying along with the others, the lifeless form
of Don suspended between them.



   ****



   Kine paced the hallway.

   He didn't know if they had gone far enough into the station to secure
the retreat of their friends.  He didn't know if they had gone TOO far, and
would have to fight their way back.  He had left people at the
intersections, but...

   Mostly, he just didn't know what the fuck was going on.

   It was obviously an inside job, in part.  That was clear.  The large
station doors had just opened for the Federation ships, meaning somehow
they'd manage to secure those controls.  The Feds had just shown up, and
gone in...

   And HOW did they show up?!?  One minute everything was fine, the next
this honking big fleet was right next to the docking ring!  What, did they
have mythical "warp" engines or...

   Kine paused.  That captain they'd rescued had said something about an
engine test blowing up that ship.  Could it be...  and in the first battle
they encountered, ships seemed to pop up near them out of nowhere...

   He shook his head.  Or it could just be some wonderful new stealth tech,
so nobody saw them until they were almost in visual range.  That would be
easier to believe.

   "Kine!"

   Amanda's whispered shout got his attention.  She was kneeling against
the wall, gun drawn, her attention at the far end of the hallway.  There
was the sound of movement.  Kine drew his weapon and knelt behind her, gun
aimed over her head.  The communicator chose that moment to spring to life.

   "Ger to Liberty!"

   He snatched it off his belt.

   "Liberty!  Go!"

   "Thank the gods!  We're coming in.  Do you have patrols out?"

   "Yes.  I'm in front, and you may be around the corner from me.  Shout
'fuck' if it's you."

   He heard the sound of "fuck" come from the end of the hallway.  A moment
later the he and Amanda stood as the tourist party staggered towards them.
They were all accounted for, but...

   "What happened..." whispered Amanda.

   "We got fucked, that's what happened.  Kine," Sean panted, shifting the
weight of the now unconscious Vince on his back, "could you...?" Kine
stepped forward quickly and transferred Vince to his back.  Sean took a
moment to stretch, then looked at what remained of the crew.

   "To the ship.  NOW."



   ****



   Sean and Kine burst onto the bridge, with Amanda close behind.  Sean
sprinted up towards the command chair, shouting, "Status!" Villa gave up
his chair as Sean approached, tensely giving a rundown.

   "Six destroyers are out there watching the entrance.  They fired on one
ship that tried to leave the docking ring, but have left the rest of us
alone.  No idea why: I mean, this IS a warship we're in..."

   "Never question the stupidity of others," Sean said, sitting down and
getting a look at the data himself.  Amanda took over a navigation station,
Kine plopping into a station next to Sean.

   "We could," Villa offered, "just sit here.  They're not bothering us,
and if it is a raid they'll leave soon..."

   "...  at which point we discover if they want witnesses or not.  No, I'm
not taking that chance." Sean looked over at Kine.  "Anything?"

   There was no response for a moment, then Kine's eyes went wide.

   "Oh, you're shitting me!"

   "What?"

   "One of the destroyers is the Avon!" Kine looked up at Sean, excited. 
"Captain Horn's ship!"

   "Assuming that really WAS his ship," Sean grumbled.

   "We gotta try." Kine was up and moving over to the communication
station. He pushed Rich out of the seat.

   "Make sure that's a tight beam..." Sean had no illusions that this would
work, but was not exactly thinking at his most clearly right then.  They
might as well give it a shot.  Maybe, if the gods were against them, one of
the daemons would look kindly on the Liberty...



   ****



   "Captain!"

   Horn looked over at the communications officer.  Things had been rather
dull for the past hour, so maybe this was a horrible crisis to liven things
up.

   "Report."

   "It's..." The man was puzzled.  "It's a focused communication beam from
a docked ship."

   "Well, put it on."

   "It's text only, Sir.  It reads, 'Kine to Horn: Hello again!  Care to
have a sensor problem at 13:22:52 and call it even?  Love and kisses,
Liberty."

   Horn stood, and gave a surprised glance at his executive officer. 
Lieutenant Bush quickly went to the sensors.

   "Well I'll be!  It IS them!  We'll be the closest ship to them at that
time." He looked up at the Captain.  "Orders?"

   Horn looked out at the rotating station.

   "That sensor array HAS been giving us problems, hasn't it?"



   ****



   The docking rings burst off of the Liberty.  The engines ignited
immediately, and the ship sped off, not away from the station, but instead
moved to race along its length, spiraling around it so as to keep the bulk
of the station between it and any particular destroyer for as long as
possible.  Once past the far end of the London, they simply opened up the
throttle and hoped for the best.

   For once that day, it was good enough.



   Chapter 16



   Lessa sat, looking at Don's lifeless body.



   ****



   Bell pulled the curtain closed around the bed at the far end of sickbay.
Vince was finally sedated, and his leg set about as well as she could do
with less than a year's training.  It would be a bit shorter than the
other, but nothing could be done about that.  He was lucky she didn't just
cut it off: that would have saved her hours of effort.

   She looked over at the other side of the room.  Her twin Bella was
testing out her bandaged right arm, flexing and not feeling much pain now.
That would change once the drugs wore off.  Bell would have to see how soon
they could be resupplied before being too liberal with the pain killers. 
Especially if things stayed this bad.

   Her eyes glanced over to the door to the...  well, morgue.  No other
name would make the room seem any better.  Lessa was still in there, and
had been for hours.  Shelly sat outside, her expression...  Bell couldn't
really say.  Guessing exactly what was going through the older girl's head
was never a good idea.  There were depths there that she didn't want to
travel down, for all she considered the dark haired girl a friend.  Others
had said she used to be a happy, care free person.  Bell had only seen
flashes of that.  Almost as if she sensed Bell's thoughts, Shelly looked
over.  Seeing both twins were free she stood, body protesting physically
and emotionally, and both she and Bell walked over to Bella and sat on
empty patient beds next to her.

   "Vince OK?" Shelly asked.  She glanced over at the enclosed area, then
back at the twins.  Bell nodded.

   "Best we can do.  None of us are really good at surgery, although it
would have been better if Lessa was..."

   "Hey, she needs space!" Shelly almost growled her rebuke, and Bell held
up her hands in supplication.

   "I know!  I know!  I'm not suggesting she's in the wrong here!  I'm just
pointing out our medical staff is a bit small and two are somewhat out of
action." She looked at her sister, who replied with a meek shrug and rubbed
the bandage.  "We probably should never ever send the entire medical staff
off the ship again.  That was stupid." She shook her head.

   Shelly reached over and rubbed her back a bit.

   "All of us are stupid, in some way or another."

   "I'm not", Bella chimed in, but it was an automatic attempt at humor
with no real feeling behind it.  Shelly ignored her.

   "We're more than prepared for some things, and all think we know more
than enough to handle the universe outside, but..."

   "What HAPPENED to Lessa?  I saw it, but...  I just can't process it."

   Bell looked at Shelly, worry in her eyes.

   "Is she going to be OK?"

   Shelly closed her eyes, hands clutching each other in her lap.

   "She never has been."



   ****



   Lessa sat, looking at Don's lifeless body.



   ****



   Sean and Kine were well on their way to being drunk.

   The two sat on opposite sides of the table in the conference room behind
the bridge.  The tall blond had a pitcher of fruit beer sitting in front of
him, half empty, partly covering various displays on the screen built into
the table.  He wasn't bothering with a mug, as pouring would just take up
valuable drinking time.  He did consider using a straw, though.  Sean, on
the other hand, had a bottle of brown liquor and a very small glass.  You
try and pour more than a shot full down your throat, he learned his first
year in the Guard, and it would burn everything both on the way down and on
the way back up.  Scrolling the figures on his own screen, he downed
another shot and automatically got a refill.  He looked over at Kine.

   "I don't know how you guys can drink that fruit stuff.  It goes down
like water and takes forever to do anything."

   "That's the idea," Kine said, taking another gulp.  "Get the kids drunk
but not TOO drunk.  As for me, Amanda's going to drink whatever I drink so
I'm sticking to this."

   "She's not here," Sean reminded him, picking up the bottle and offering
it.  Kine gave a half smile and shook his head, the bottle returning to its
proper home at Sean's side.

   "So," Kine said, changing the subject, "while we're flush with cash,
there's no way we can even think about trying for another planetary orbit
without resupplying.  We have to find a safe port.  After that..." He
looked up at the dark skinned teen.  "...  I'm for finding someplace to
hide for a month or two and just listen in on the universe.  Find out what
the fuck is going on out there before we stumble into something else
lethal."

   "But WHERE?" Sean just shook his head, rolling the full shot glass in
his fingers.  Had to pace himself.  "Even I thought London was totally
safe, immune from conflict.  Now...  I mean, have you listened to the
chatter out there?  The entire Hikaru system is blowing up, if even half
the stuff is to be believed.  Rebels aren't going to let neutral ships
anywhere near them, we're probably in the Fed databases by now, and
anyplace independent is shutting down and trying not to be noticed.  We're
fucked."

   Kine raised his pitcher in a toast.

   "To being fucked!"

   Sean raised his glass, and both downed their drink.

   "Speaking of which," Kine said, leaning back in his chair, "how's Vince?
Gonna be OK?"

   Sean poured another shot, looked at it, then reluctantly decided he
really couldn't send it down after its sibling yet.  He leaned back in his
own chair as well.

   "Yeah...  yeah, that's what the girls said.  The fucking idiot..." Sean
trailed off.  He considered, debating how much if anything to say.  He
picked up his drink again, figuring that would probably really help the
decision making process, then put it back down and leaned forward with his
arms on the table, looking at Kine.

   "Look, man, I have to ask you...  have you ever just suddenly lost
respect for someone you were with?" Kine looked up, startled, leaning
forward on the table as well.  Sean's eyes wandered around the room, trying
to focus his thoughts.  "I mean...  he's a bitch.  A weak, whiny, bitch. 
OK, I kinda knew that already, and it was kinda fun and different, but... I
want a MAN, damn it!  If I wanted a whiny girl, I'd go for girls!"

   Kine chuckled.

   "Mel and Jenny are twice the man Vince is, and Lessa's dick would split
you wide open."

   "Exactly!  I kind of lived with it before, but...  I don't think I can
now." He decided it was time for another shot, closing his eyes as the
liquid made its way down his throat to do its work.  His hands refilled the
glass.  He sighed, opening his eyes and looking at Kine.  "I still care for
him, though, and just dumping him now seems...  evil."

   "Evil, human, same thing."

   "And also," Sean went on, his mind suddenly realizing something, "how
come I had to go find some punk runaway on a moon to finally find someone
who even swung that way, yet we have girls pairing up everywhere?!?  Not
fair, man!"

   "Maybe it's something in the water," Kine chuckled, "or, like you,
they're just disappointed in the quality of the boys here but, unlike you,
have decided to switch teams."

   Sean blew a raspberry.

   "Believe me, if looking at one of them did ANYTHING for me I'd probably
be tempted." He looked over at Kine and raised an eyebrow.  "Any chance of
getting you into my cabin?"

   "Fuck you!"

   "That's what I'm asking."

   "I wouldn't fuck you with Lessa's cock!"



   ****



   Lessa sat, looking at Don's lifeless body.



   ****



   "My gods, Amanda, you should have SEEN what she did!"

   The three preteens sat on the garden path.  Amanda's eyes were wide in
unbelieving horror as Sirenia told the tale of Lessa's transformation. 
Wendi sat silently.

   "I just don't believe..."

   "Believe!" Sirenia waved her hands in emphases.  "I mean, she took off
after those soldiers like a demon, and when she got there..." She
shuddered. "It was hard to see, but it's like...  she just cut them up. 
Like they were animals.  Wendi had the binoculars, she could tell you."
They both turned to the brown haired girl.  Wendi looked only half seeing
at them.

   "She was...  incredible."

   "Incredibly fucked up you mean!  She wasn't human!"

   Amanda hugged her knees.

   "I...  we knew the stories about her.  I was afraid she was this
horrible monster who would kill and eat me when I found out she'd joined
our group.  But...  she's so nice!  I LIKE her!  She's nothing like the
stories!"

   "Till now," Sirenia muttered, darkly.  She cast a quick glance at Wendi.
Her friend was starting to worry her.

   "It's like with Sean," Amanda went on.  "We all know the Guard, we all
know they're as evil as fuck, and I saw what they did to..." she shook her
head, getting that image out of her mind.  "But once I got to know him,
Sean is fine!  Even Kine gets along with him!  Just like with Lessa, the
stories weren't true!"

   "But they were," Sirenia countered.  "We just never saw the real Lessa.
Never saw her...  angry."

   "But she'll be OK now, right?" Amanda looked over at Wendi, as if that
girl knew the mind of her idol.  There was silence for a moment, then just
as Sirenia was about to go off again they heard Wendi's soft voice.

   "Lessa...  is amazing.  Her form, her style...  yeah, she butchered
those people, but they'd just killed her love!  Who wouldn't do the same?!"
She looked at her friends, not noticing the expressions of unease on their
faces.  "Lessa is such an incredible warrior.  To be ABLE to do that, to
have the skill and toughness...  I want ..."

   Amanda's eyes widened in shock.

   "No, Wendi..." she whispered.

   Wendi stood.  Her two childhood friends looked up at her...  and Wendi
realized that was, in fact, what they were.  Friends made when she was a
child of eleven.  It was time for her to become more.

   The two girls watched as Wendi walked down the path through the flowers,
and out the door.  Sirenia's hand slid over and covered Amanda's.

   "We've lost her..."



   ****



   Lessa sat, looking at Don's lifeless body.



   ****



   Hanna sat on the floor, pinning the pattern to the rolled out fabric.

   She had always loved sewing, seeing it as a way to take her mind off of
her problems, focusing on the narrow point where needle met cloth.  She
also loved the joy of creation, of turning plain fabric into beautiful
clothing.  Hanna had some flair for her own designs, but it was using
patterns she most loved.  Maybe it was she just liked seeing a plan
actually work due to her hard work.

   She straightened up, looking over the fabric with a critical eye.  Who
knew when she could get more, so it was important to make the most
efficient cuts possible.  Maybe if she moved the sleeves over there, that
would leave a bigger piece of extra cloth on the right...  or, would Jenny
prefer no sleeves?  Hanna liked seeing her that way...

   The cabin door opened, Jenny entering.  Her arms and upper body, as
always, were filthy, all the more noticeable because she had tossed a clean
shirt over the dirt for the walk home.  She took the shirt off as soon as
the door closed, tossing it on a chair, and walked over to look down at her
lover.

   "Having fun?"

   "No."

   She stood, careful not to step on her handiwork, and leaned in for a
tender kiss from Jenny.  Pulling back, she raised one hand to look at the
slight smudge on it from touching Jenny.  She cocked an eye at her wife.

   "If we ever go on serious water rations, I'm either going to have to
stop sleeping with you or stop sewing.  Or just claim the grime is a new
fashion statement."

   "I'm sure some of those girls would believe it," Jenny said
contemptuously, leaning in for another quick kiss before stripping off her
shoes and shorts and heading towards the bathroom shower.  Hanna followed
her.

   "What's the word out there.  What are they going to do?"

   "Beats me," Hanna replied, starting the water and testing the
temperature.  "Rumor is there'll be a meeting tonight or tomorrow telling
us what we want to do."

   "Two person democracy at work," Hanna agreed, shaking her head.

   "It's not that bad." Jenny adjusted the warm water.  "If we can't find
someplace...  are you OK with staying?" She looked over, her eyes worried.
Hanna sometimes forgot how young her chosen was, how inexperienced, how
insecure.  She removed her own clothing, and stepped into the shower.

   "I'll go or stay where you and I can be safe and happy." She held out
her hand, and taking it Jenny stepped under the water with her.



   ****



   Lessa stood up.

   She looked down at her love.  They had killed her love.  Killed love in
her.  Killed...  and deserved to be killed.  She would kill them.  All of
them.  Everywhere.  He would want that.  He would want their child to grow
up with those responsible dead and gutted.  As a loving mother, it was her
duty.

   She looked at the gold lockets on his chest.  They looked dull, in the
cold light of the room.  The love had gone out of them.  Maybe if they had
the blood of their enemies on them they would glisten again.  Her own
seemed to shine now, although Lessa thought it would start to fade soon if
she did not renew it with the lives of more killers.  She knelt down next
to the body, reaching around his neck to remove the necklace.  Don
looked... un-whole without it.  Like a husk.  That was proper.  Standing,
Lessa put the necklace around her own neck, then, reached down and held all
three lockets in her right hand while the other traced her slightly swollen
belly.  She'd give them to their child when the time came.  He or she would
know both Don and Cynthia, keep their memory alive just as Lessa would now.

   And she would keep it alive through death and pain inflicted on the
deserving.

   Letting the necklaces fall between her breasts, she turned towards the
door.



   ****



   The twins and Shelly were still sitting in sickbay when the hall door
opened, Wendi entering.  Bella looked at her with surprised interest.

   "What can we do for you?  You hurt?"

   "No, no," Wendi said, coming up to them.  She looked a bit unsure of
herself, but still confident.  "Is Lessa here?"

   "Depends on your definition of 'here'", Shelly muttered.  She jumped off
the bed onto the floor.  "I really should check on her.  She's been alone
too long in there."

   "Give her more time," Bell said.  "There's no hurry now."

   The sound of the morgue door opening silenced them.  Bell and Bella
stood, all four watching as Lessa walked up to them.  The three gold
lockets gleamed in the light.  Shelly looked from them up to Lessa's eyes.
The gleam she saw there...  was frightening.

   "Are you OK, Lessa?" Bella asked.  Lessa nodded.

   "I'm fine." And...  she sounded fine.  She sounded...  calm.  Normal. 
The sound made Shelly shudder.  She'd rather her love be a blubbering mess,
at this stage, than to have her be like...  this.

   Lessa's eyes noticed Wendi, and she raised an eyebrow at the girl. 
Wendi swallowed, licked her lips, returning the gaze.  She seemed to steel
herself.



   ****



   Wendy looked up at the goddess before her.

   Lessa seemed to glow, with power...  and purpose.  She held herself like
no woman Wendy had ever seen, half noble, half animal.  Before, she had
been someone to admire.  As Lessa stood before her now, she...  Wendi
wanted to worship her.

   "Lessa, I...  I'm sorry for your loss.  It's all our loss.  I know... 
oh, fuck!" She shook her head, embarrassed, exasperated.  All the well
thought out words were gone.  They all sounded so trite in her mind.  She
had not expected to feel this way before someone she had known for so long.
She looked up at the amused, impatient Lessa.  Wendi dropped to one knee.

   "Lessa, I want to serve you.  I want you to be my teacher.  Teach me to
fight."



   ****



   The twins and Shelly gasped.  Shelly's mind was a whirl.  What was this
girl thinking?  Lessa was hers!  SHE was going to serve Lessa, now that she
was alone and needed someone!  Not some...

   Lessa stepped forward, her right hand reaching out to rest on the
kneeling girl's head.

   "What do you want?" she asked, softly.  Wendi bowed her head.

   "I want to be your apprentice, squire, ward, whatever.  I want you to
teach me how to fight and kill, like you do.  In return I'll serve you in
all ways, protect you and the baby." She looked up, her eyes pleading. 
"Please, Mistress."



   ****



   Lessa's eyes were wide in shock.  She had never even considered... 
but...  she looked down at the girl.  There was steel in this one.  Raw
steel, hot, malleable.  Wendi could be forged into a blade, sharp enough to
cut the toughest foe.  And she could use allies in her as yet unformulated
quest.  Yes...  yes....

   "I'm going to dark places, little one.  Places no good, sane, person
would choose to follow.  If you make yourself mine...  you will be as my
arm, to be commanded at will and obeyed without a second's thought.  I will
forge you into a weapon, to strike where I Will.  Is this what you want?"

   "Yes, Mistress..."

   "NO!" Shelly looked at the two of them in horror.  "Lessa!  I'm your
only...!"

   Lessa regarded her closest friend, eyes sad.

   "You won't like what I'm going to do, my love.  You won't go there... 
and you wouldn't survive."

   ****



   Shelly just looked at her.  Just looked at the woman she loved.  What
did she...  oh, gods.  She's going to...

   Shelly closed her eyes.  It had come to this.  She had seen Lessa in the
bloodlust once, before they had abandoned the Federation.  Seen the Other.
The Horror.  There would be no stopping her.  Lessa would kill and maim and
destroy until some sense of inner vengeance was sated.  Shelly would be
left behind, left to watch the horizon to see if her love would ever
return. It had almost killed her once.  The fear, the not knowing.  Now...

   Her eyes opened, and Shelly dropped to a knee.

   "Teach me to survive."

   Lessa's eyes bulged.  The twins just looked between all of them as if
they'd gone insane.  Lessa shook her head, a moment's sanity seeming to
return to that face.

   "Shelly, you don't want..."

   "I will never leave your side again, my lovely Lessa.  If you're going
into the darkness...  take me with you."

   Wendi stared at Shelly with profound respect.  Reaching over, she took
the sixteen year olds hand before gazing back up to her idol.

   "Teach us, and let us serve you."

   Lessa looked down at the two girls...  two women.  They offered their
lives to her.  Offered to not let her go off alone, into the darkness. 
Offered not to try and steer her from this path...  but to help her come
out the other side alive and sane.

   She put a hand on each young woman's head, a line from a book she read
long ago appearing before her eyes.

   "I accept your lives.  I will be your Mistress."



   Chapter 17



   Sean was kinda wishing he could trade places with Don right now.

   Well, no, not really.  He liked sex, reading, and drinking too much for
that.  Hell, he'd done all three at once a couple times, which had been a
blast in more than one way.  However, he probably would be wishing for
death within a few minutes of getting up in front of his fellow teens. 
It's one thing to want to be in charge, to know that you, rather than some
other idiot, knew what the best course of action was, and to desire to have
it carried out.  It was quite another to know that if things fail it's your
fault.

   He suddenly appreciated Kine's desire to always be the number two guy.

   The forty or so remaining crew were gathered on the shuttle deck,
sitting on whatever was lying around.  On Kine's suggestion, kegs had been
brought down for a pre-meeting beverage, although the supply was getting
low.  He had to remember to remind them of that fact.  Another of Kine's
suggestions.

   Sean glanced to his right at Kine, leaning on a disassembled shuttle
reactor.  The bald Mel was next to him, whispering something in his ear to
which the blond shook his head in amusement.  The extent to which Sean was
relying on the guy was frightening.  OK, yes, he had been Don's second, so
knew much of the stuff the little guy had been keeping from everyone else.
But, still...  it almost seemed like Kine was promoting Sean to sacrificial
figurehead.

   He wasn't sure he liked the idea.

   The crowd was getting restless, so Sean took a step up onto the loading
ramp and faced them, holding up his hands.  Kine pushed himself off the
reactor and moved to the base of the ramp.

   "OK, everyone, listen up!"

   The crowd started to quiet, and Sean tried to take in their mood.  It
was...

   "Who died and made you Don?"

   The calm female voice came from the right.  Turning his head, he saw...
Lessa.

   She was dressed in black.  Black combat pants, probably male but altered
to be more form fitting, and a black t-shirt.  He wondered where the hell
she had gotten them, before remembering that one mission.  Between her
breasts hung three gold lockets on two chains, standing out against the
black like stars.  Her eyes...  even from twenty meters away, he could feel
the power of her gaze.  Her brown hair was in a fresh braid, gun belts
crossing on her waist.  Walking with her were both Shelly, which was to be
expected, and...  what was that girl's name who impressed him on the
London? Ah, right, Wendi.  Both also dressed in black, and armed.  They
kept two steps behind Lessa as the three approached the group.

   Sean had a very bad feeling about this.

   As Lessa and her companions came to a stop two or so meters away from
Sean, Kine casually moved between them, Mel also subtly sliding behind the
trio.  Lessa noted this with a smile that comforted nobody.

   "So," Kine said, casually, "you decided to join us.  You holding up OK,
Lessa?" There was genuine concern in his voice, as well as the unspoken
belief that any answer would not be fully trusted.  Or so it seemed to
Sean.

   "I've had better days," she replied, glancing around.  Anyone who felt
her eyes on them looked away.  She looked back at Kine, ignoring Sean. 
"What's the party for?"

   "Oh, we're just going to talk about what happens next.  The usual
post-disaster briefing.  Care to join us?" He motioned to an open spot
where she could sit.  Their eyes locked, some communication going on that
Sean couldn't guess.  Lessa slowly nodded, and she and her companions sank
to the ground right where they were standing.  Kine chuckled, moving back
to his original position as if nothing had happened.

   Sean looked back at the crowd.  There was now a sense of...  nervous
anticipation.  They sensed a coming fight for leadership, and, he realized,
didn't really care about the outcome.  For now, they probably just wanted
SOMEONE to do something.

   His throat felt dry, and Sean remembered Don had taken to doing these
things with a drink in hand.  He had been smart, that Don.  Looking down at
Kine, he formed his hand slightly in the shape of a cup, and the blond
nodded, signaling to Mel.  The bald girl nodded and headed towards the
refreshments.  Sean figured he'd better start.

   "We did not, I think, have a good day yesterday." There were mutters of
agreement.  The twin with the bandaged arm yelled out, "Yeah, ya think?" He
looked down at Lessa.

   "We're going to miss Don." She looked back without emotion.  He decided
to ignore her from then on and focus on the crowd.  "Amanda has suggested
we set up a memorial in the garden, for those we've lost, and I think
that's a good idea.  With luck, we won't be adding many more names to it."

   Mel walked up to him, holding a cup, and gratefully he accepted it and
took a sip.  He spit it back out immediately.

   "What the fuck is this, woman?  'Fruity beer'?  Don't give me that shit!
Either some real booze, or water, which in this place probably has a bigger
kick than this stuff!"

   That broke the tension.  With laughter filling the room Mel took the cup
back, a sly smile on her face, and walked back towards the drinks.  A
suspicion forming in his head, Sean flicked his eyes over to Kine.  The
giant was acting suspiciously non-suspicious.  If this was that type of
environment, Sean thought, he'd have him killed tonight as a long term
threat.  He saw Mel approaching again, and taking the drink saw it was a
dark red wine.  He raised it to her and took a swig, sighing in pleasure.

   "That's better, woman." There was applause as Mel walked to the back of
the crowd, nobody really noticing she then circled around and positioned
herself behind Lessa's group again.  His eyes again flicked to Kine.  That
girl was playing the blond the same way Kine was playing Sean.  For some
reason, that made him feel better.  Sean continued.  "We got our butts
kicked, but now we have to think about the future.  First...  we need
supplies.  Badly.  We're not going to starve, not just yet, but the longer
we wait the more we risk having to flee and not getting supplied at all. 
Besides," he grinned, "That's almost the last of the beer."

   "No!"

   "The horror!"

   "My god, why have you forsaken me?!?"

   There was laughter among the half serious cries of woe.  Once again,
Kine had been right.  The mother fucker.

   "We'll probably attempt a landing or docking in a day or two, once we
figure out where's the safest.  Which then brings us to what we do next. 
This system," he said, looking over at Hanna and Jenny, "is fucking
dangerous now.  We'll need to eventually move either farther out or back to
the inner planets before any of you should leave us.  Before then, though,
Kine has suggested just laying low for a bit.  Park the ship somewhere once
we're resupplied and sit and listen for a few weeks.  Find out what's going
on, if the attack on the London is the start of something major or if
things will die down and life will go back to 'normal'.  Not that 'normal'
was all that great."

   He saw general nods, and both Jenny and Hanna reached for each other's
hands as they whispered to each other.  He felt frustration rising in him.
Why couldn't he have a lover like that.  They obviously were totally in
love, not just lust.  It showed in every movement they made together.

   He shook his head, getting his mind off of that train of thought, and
again looked over the crew.  Someone in the back shouted up at him.

   "Then what?"

   "Then we go on as before.  Nothing we did caused yesterday, so changing
our plans because of it doesn't make much sense."

   "Can I offer another option?"

   Lessa stood.  All eyes on her, she walked past Kine and up the ramp to
stand next to Sean.  She stopped so close he took a step back to get her
out of his personal space...  then realized what that had to look like to
everyone there.  He cursed to himself.  The battle was almost lost already.

   Lessa looked over the crowd.  She reached up and unconsciously fingered
the lockets, a movement so reminiscent of Don that there were almost
audible gasps from some of the teens.  Gathering her thoughts, she raised
herself to almost attention and spoke.

   "Yesterday...  changed us.  Changed me.  We are not the same ship.  We
are not the same crew.  To go on like that...  yes, it is what Don wanted.
I wanted it too.  But...  I now have a quest."

   Sean closed his eyes and silently groaned.  This could NOT be good.

   "A quest I do NOT expect all of you to happily join me on.  It's a quest
of vengeance, and thus personal." She looked down at Amanda, sitting in the
front with Sirenia.  "What's one thing Don always said?"

   " 'Go fuck yourself, Kine' ?" The room broke out into laughter again at
that, and even Lessa grinned down at the girl.

   "Well, yes, that, but he also said two things we should always take to
heart.  Don would often, as we lay together, curse the universe over the
fact that, all too often, we just can't do what's right.  We can not rescue
those who need rescuing, help those who need helping.  This was mostly
because of his other saying, his other belief: Don refused to ask any of
you to suicide for any cause.  Any action was judged against the risk, and
only those who volunteered were to ever be in danger.  The rest of you were
to be kept out of harm's way."

   There were some sheepish looks in the crowd.  Some on the crew had never
taken any risks, had let the others go into danger to provide for them. 
Don had never shamed them, but Lessa in a few words managed to remind them
of their debt.

   "In my quest, I will do the same.  I will ask for volunteers, I will ask
for assistance, but I will NEVER force my will on you."

   Oh, but you are, thought Sean.  You are.

   "What IS your quest?" Ger asked the question.  Lessa looked at him.

   "To kill those who killed my Don."

   Sean had finally had enough.  He stepped up next to the woman.

   "You're going to kill the entire Federation?  Really?  Did the fun with
the Slavers teach you nothing?" The look she gave him was calm, collected.
And, thus, frightening as fuck.  He didn't react, though, and kept his gaze
on this psycho.  Especially her hands.

   "I have some small measure of perspective and realism in this matter,
Sean.  He was killed by those who planned and carried out that attack." She
reached into a pocket and pulled out patches on pieces of cloth, some of
which were a bit stained.  "I know at least one unit that took part.  We
trace them, we find out what the fuck was going on." Lessa turned back to
the group.  "That attack was NOT normal.  They killed hundreds, thousands,
of civilians, just so they could capture...  something, or someone.  They
need to be punished.  They need to be...  HURT."

   Sean opened his mouth to say something, but Lessa took a step forward
and kept going.

   "We have tried staying under the radar.  We have tried not pissing
anyone off, except those who were evil.  Well, these fuckers...  are evil.
They deserve to be killed.  Oh, yes, we can not get them all.  There's no
way we can cleanse the universe.  But..." Lessa paused, hands going to the
swell of her belly.  "I owe it, we owe it, to the child of Don that his
father not have died in vain." She looked over the crowd, hands still on
her belly.  "You need, we need, a goal.  An ending to look forward to.  Let
me give it to you.  It will be five or so months before Don's child comes
into the world.  Before then, as I become unable to do all that I must,
Shelly and Wendi have asked to be my arms and hands in this quest.  I ask
that all of you and this ship become our transportation and ears, helping
us to learn what we must so we can do what we must do.  I ask that our
raids, for supplies and money, hit those that will lead us further in our
quest.  Then, once the baby comes, take the three of us where we ask so we
can do our final task.

   "Then...  after what's done is done...  let Don's child be the first of
many.  Let us start families."

   There was a gasp from the spell bound teens.  A number of the girls
leaned forward, eyes wide.  Sean just looked at her, not knowing what to
say to save them from this.

   "Yes, let us start families, raise children.  Many of you have found
partners.  Let us make that permanent and real.  You can be fathers,
mothers...  uncles, aunts...  we can start our own community, clan,
whatever you want to call it.  Follow me, and I will give you back all we
gave up long ago." Lessa's face was aglow.  "Follow me, and we can strike
one blow against evil that we can proudly tell our children, and our
children's children.  Don's death, Irene's death, all the deaths, will not
have been in vain.  Then, we can move on, and be HUMAN again!"

   She raised her left arm in the air, fist closed around the bloody
patches.  A black haired girl jumped to her feet, raised her own hand,
chanting.

   "Lessa!  Lessa!  Lessa!"

   Within seconds everyone was on their feet.

   Sean backed up a step.  His eyes looked over the room in horror.  She...
he looked down at Kine.  He was looking at Lessa with an expression of...
sadness.  He, too, knew what had just happened here, and that they had
probably just been doomed.  Sean's attention was suddenly drawn to Kine's
hands.  While the blond was looking at Lessa, his fingers seemed to be
making complicated shapes where only Sean could see them.  What the... 
Sean's eyes widened.  It was the Guard battle language!  How the hell did
that fucker come to know that?!  He mentally translated Kine's message.  It
took a second to comprehend, as the battle language was created for quick
silent commands and not politics, but Kine had done a remarkable job.  Sean
tried not to react audibly once he understood.

   "What can not be stopped, must be controlled."

   Seeing Sean had comprehended, Kine slowly walked over and stood next to
Lessa.  He would be her advisor.

   The dark skinned seventeen year old, former member of the elite, feared
Guard, just stood on the ramp, broken and defeated.  Looking down at the
cup still in his hand, he raised it up and downed the contents in one
swallow.  He then slowly walked down to the kegs to get seriously drunk.



   ****



   Mari had understood some of what was going on around her.  The eight
year old was rather smart, a trait that still had some value in the
universe.  She had sat listening to Lessa go on about killing bad guys,
having babies, and being mommies and daddies.  She liked all that.  Having
little babies around to play with would be fun.  With the brothers Randy
and Andy spending time "helping" in engineering much of the day, she only
had the three year old Pug to play with when not busy doing the important
work of helping prepare the meals.  It was a hard job, cooking all that
food, and she knew her part of it was the most important.  Sirenia had said
so.  Nobody cut and peel better than she did.

   The meeting seemed to be ending, once again with no one standing up and
in fact saying it was over.  Mari was always confused about that: how could
you know it was time to leave if nobody stood up and said it was time to
leave?  That's how it had always been in school!  The thought of school
suddenly depressed her.  She missed her friends, even more than she missed
her family.  There was nobody her age here to play with, no girls at least.
That seven year old Randy didn't count: he didn't LIKE girls!  She also
missed learning.  Oh, she had learned a lot in the kitchen, but she wanted
to learn oh so much more!  The world was so complicated, and she wanted to
understand!

   Movement caught her eye, and looking up Mari saw Lessa, Wendi and Shelly
walk by her towards the exit.  The sight of Shelly made her happy.  The
girl liked Shelly.  The dark haired and skinned teen always had time for
her, despite being twice Mari's age.  She liked playing, would sit and
listen to Mari sing...  Maybe she'd like to play with Mari now!  Pushing
herself off the box she had used as a seat, Mari quickly tried to catch up
with them.



   ****



   "Shelly!"

   Shelly stopped, as did her companions, and turning saw little Mari come
running up to them in the hallway.  Despite the weirdness that had just
happened in there, Shelly had to now smile.  She liked the brat.  She
brought the kid out in her, much as Lessa brought out her inner bitch.

   "Yes?"

   Mari came to a stop in front of her, putting her hands behind her back
and rocking back and forth on her heals.  Her pink blouse stood out against
the black outfits of the three teens.

   "What'cha doin?"

   All three chuckled, looking down at Mari.  Shelly crouched to be closer
to eye level.

   "We're going to go do grown up stuff."

   "What?"

   "We're going to train, learn how to fight," Wendi said.  She was happy
and proud.  It would be her first training session with Mistress Lessa. 
She had wanted this for months.

   "Can I come?" It sounded wonderful to Mari, much better then peeling
more vegetables.  She looked at Shelly hopefully.  The teen smiled.

   "No, not now.  This is for big girls." Mari pouted, pointing up at
Wendi.

   "She's only three years older than me!  Can't I do it?  Please?!?  Can I
at least come and watch?"

   Shelly was shaking her head no, but felt a hand on her shoulder. 
Tilting her head, she saw Lessa looking down at the girl, a contemplative
expression on her face.  Shelly realized what was going to happen, and
shook her head at Lessa.

   "No!  She's too young!"

   "Am not!"

   Shelly felt Lessa's hand squeeze on her shoulder...  and her reply died
in her throat.  She looked back at Mari as Lessa spoke.

   "It's never too early to learn to survive.  I started when I was even
younger than she is.  You can come with us, Mari.  Just sit and watch to
start, then we'll go from there."

   Mari ran over and gave Lessa a huge hug, then gave Wendi one.  She had
worked with Wendi often in the kitchen, and couldn't wait to play with her
at this game called "training".

   Shelly slowly rose to her feet, Lessa's hand still on her shoulder. 
Lessa gave her a sad smile.

   "She has to grow up sometime." With that, Lessa turned and led the four
down the hall.  Shelly found herself in the rear, looking at the back of
Lessa's head.

   "No she doesn't," she whispered.

   It did.

   ****

   To be continued...



   Edited by SciFi Nut

   Comments more than welcome.

   invidfan@localnet.com
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