Casualties



SteelHeart entered her quarters. *It's been a long day* she thought to herself. *At least I have evening patrol tomorrow*

She looked over at her messages, and saw the red blinking. *Hmm... It's from Zan* She hit play.

"Hey Emily, it's me. I'm bored today, what say you and I go paint the town red? Gimme a holler when you get this."

She chuckled. Actually, maybe she did need to get out. With an evening patrol, she could afford to stay out late. She dialed Phantom up.

"Hey, it's Emily," she said as Phantom's face appeared on the screen. "Got your message, and it sounds like a plan to me. Gimme thirty minutes to de-armor and change, and then come get me."

"Got it'" said Phantom. "See ya in thirty minutes."


She had been waiting on Emily to return her message so she was already half dressed. All she had to do was to finish dressing and put some final touches to the outfit. After a moment of thought she looked though which outfits she wanted to wear. She knew that what ever she choose it would match Emily's perfectly.

It was like she knew what was going on with her even thought she hadn't spoken with her any time recently. They had become so close after that Electrical storm, it was uncanny. Even her and Will didn't have a bond like this. And he was her twin!

Everyone still thinks they're lovers. If they only knew. they're something more then lovers, More then friends, more then sisters. They're soul bonded.  Two souls that have entwined into one, shared between two bodies. "Trust me when I say I'm not completely sure about it. I think the Mimians have something like this, but it's usually between two that are destined to be true loves. And I haven't ventured to ask about it yet." She had said once.

The outfit she was wearing was not her normal black and silver. This time she had chosen a pair of deep burgundy leather jeans and a deep hunter green silk-satin poet shirt that went to her knees and was split up the sides to her waist. Both colors looked good on her. She used a black belt to finish the outfit. The only make-up she bothered with was some glitter.

With that she was out the door and headed to the hanger.

Emily checked herself in the mirror. Her shirt was peacock blue-green heavy polished silk. The sleeves were gathered high on the upper arm, and then fell free into a flow angel wing style; the neckline was a scoop neck, with a deep cut back that left her bare nearly to the waist, no collar. You could see the tattoo on her shoulder. It was tucked into mahogany colored leather pants. The ankle boots matched the shirt. Her top part of her hair was clipped back with a mahogany wood clip, and fell free to her shoulders from there. She still wasn't quite used to the stuff yet. An alexandrite necklace and a dusting of blue green powder on her eyelids, and she was set.

She went out to the hangar to wait for Phantom.


Once in the hanger she looked over her choices. She decided on the HummingBird and headed towards it. Since that lightning storm it had been rebuilt from ground up and upgraded. Had a new paintjob too.

Once in she started it up, she opened the hanger doors and left. She popped in a new CD in the stereo and headed to Hawk Haven to pick up Emily. Her plan for the night was to paint the town red and keep going till dawn. She knew of a rave or two that was going down tonight

Hopefully though this time they won't wake up with tattoos like the last time the went out partying!


It was the twentieth anniversary for the Lady's Choice night club on Fense. The owner decided to throw a wild party to celebrate. Echo and her lover Whisper had invited Phantom in passing a few days previous.

"I wonder if Zan is even coming?" Echo wondered aloud. "I'd hate for her to miss this great party. I sure hope she remembered us inviting her."


Emily stopped by the rec room on the way out to say goodbye to Hotwing. He turned, and smiling at the outfit she wore, said "Going out with Phantom tonight, eh?"

She nodded, giving him a light kiss on his forehead. "She's going stir crazy, and wants another ladies not out."

He grinned. "just try not to come back with any more tattoos, ok?"

She laughed. "No chance of that. The one I have is merely one that was interrupted when I was 18. See you later." She gave him another kiss, and headed out to the hanger. He shook his head, no less fascinated with her now as when he first met her several years ago.


Phantom was just arriving in the Hummingbird as Emily got there. Em was proud of the refits on the ship, she and will had done a good job. Phantom smiled, and gave a thumbs up to the outfit. Emily grinned, and climbed into the Hummingbird. "Where to tonight? she asked, as Phantom pulled out of Hawk Haven.

"Well, I've actually gotten an invite to the Lady's Choice twentieth anniversary gala. It promises to be quite a party. You game?" Phantom gave Emily a sly grin.

"Sure, why not?" Emily laughed, "half of Limbo still thinks we're lovers. Besides, I can honestly say I'm taken."

Phantom rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh, I know. but I will warn you, Echo and Whisper will be there. they're the ones that extended the invite. Is that going to be a problem?"

Emily thought for a moment, then shook her head. "They're both listed bounty hunters, legal in Limbo. I've never caught them at anything shady, so there's no conflict of interest."

They'd reached Fense by that time, and Phantom found a good place to land. They got out, and secured the Hummingbird, no use taking chances.

They walked over to Lady's choice, it was nearby. The bouncer just nodded at Phantom, recognizing her. His eyes widened as he saw Emily.

"Don't worry, I'm off tonight, I'm with the Shadowlady" The bouncer's eyes widened even further as he waved her in, and Emily stifled a giggle.


The party was already in full swing as they entered the club, the music loud, with a bass beat that made the floor vibrate. Or maybe that was just from all the bodies on the dance floor. she got an image of Echo and Whisper from Phantom, and nodded and followed as Phantom located the pair, and headed over to them. Emily wondered what they'd think of her, or if they'd even recognize her.


Echo and Whisper spotted Phantom with Steelheart and headed towards them hand in hand.

"Zan, you made it! I'm so glad you came! We're having a great time. Who's your friend?" Phantom laughed at Echo's inability to recognize the SilverHawk.

"Liza, it's Emily! You know, aka Steelheart." The Vampire's eyes widened with surprise.

"Oh dear! I didn't recognize you without your armor."

"That's understandable," Emily chuckled.

"There's a nice little party going on here!" Phantom shouted over the music. "Bette really went all out this year. Where is she anyway?"

"Over at the bar, as usual. Endora already found us a table over there. Want to go to the bar to get drinks? Whisper's getting vanilla bean. They finally started serving Sangrias here. But these have alcohol in them. I want to try one."


Whisper fell in behind Emily as they headed to the table. After a moment, Whisper tapped Emily on the shoulder and signed.

[The tattoo? I got that last time Zan and I got drunk] Emily signed back, much to Whisper's surprise.
[You know sign language?]

[From a friend's son, who's deaf] Emily replied. [I still make lots of mistakes, but I'm learning]

They had reached the table by then, and all sat down. Echo was still giving Emily sidelong looks.

"Relax," Emily said, holding up her hands. "I'm not here to be the bogeyman tonight, I'm off duty."

"It's just that... well... I didn't expect to ever se you hanging out with her." Echo jerked her thumb in Phantom's direction, and both she and Emily laughed for a moment.

"Sorry, it's just that Zan has long since told me what her original impression of me was. Needless to say, that's changed." Emily grinned at Echo, who still had a slightly confused expression on her face.

By that time, a server had come around for drink orders.

"Rum and Coke for me" Emily said. Funny how many Earth products had made their way into Limbo markets. The others placed their orders.


"Vodka Collins" I order. I don't like beer and wine just doesn't do it for me. Sitting back I tap my foot to the beat of the music. I'm hyper tonight. I had a couple of cappuccinos and an espresso before I got dressed this evening. "I ever tell you guys about the infamous White Russian?"

They all shook their heads. With a mischievous grin I started into the story about the making of a White Russian drink that involved a gal from my old squad, her boyfriend at the time, and the idiot that drank it and wanted another one.

After the first few moments of looking disgusted they all started to snicker.

"THATS why you'll never see me drink one of those."


While the group was laughing and talking, Phantom noticed something different about Echo.

"Hey, Liza, where did you get that gorgeous ring?"

"Oh, this?" Echo responded, pointing to her left hand. " Puss Puss gave this to me for my birthday last night. By the way, Zan, thanks for that new research station. It's much faster than the old one. You didn't have to do that you know. I hope it didn't cost you too much..."

"Liza...it was a birthday present. It's no problem, really. And you're welcome," Phantom chuckled shaking her head. Echo always seemed to have a hard time receiving gifts. The music was sounding good so the Shadow Lady wanted to get out on the floor. It wasn't as crowded as when they first came in. "So anybody feel like dancing?" she asked as she got up.


Emily glared at Zan as the other two got up.

[What's wrong?] signed Whisper.

"I don't dance." Emily said flatly.

Echo rolled her eyes. She did not understand why Zan brought this woman with her. Whisper merely leaned down and took Emily's arm.

"Well," Zan said, grinning, "you could always si..."

"Don't say it." Emily said quickly as she allowed Whisper to pull her up.

She followed the others out to the dance floor, and stood there awkwardly for a moment. Then, she opened her mind to those around her, let their feelings, their desires and their energy flow through her, into her mind, and out of her body, and she began to move. She was aware of the effect others were having on her, but not of the effect she was having on others. Her three companions noticed, however.


I knew that if the right words were said she'd take the bait. She hates being left behind sometimes.

The moment I was on the floor I was moving. Swaying with the beat of the music, not caring who I was dancing with. After a few I noticed something and opened my eyes to look about.

I finally spotted what was different. It was Emily. She was moving with the music as if it was second nature. Just be-bopping right along. Damn. If it wasn't for the fact I knew she had someone I'd have been there in a heartbeat, moving with her. I was almost itching to have my hands on her body. I was getting jealous too that others had the same idea.

Wait..

What the F***?!? ….This isn't right. We're sisters not lovers. Why should I be jealous?

Shaking my head I stop and run a hand though my hair, frowning.

Spotting Echo and moving over to her, I grab her arm and leaned over to talk into her ear. No use trying to whisper with the music as loud as it was. "Are you feeling what I'm Feeling?" I throw a glance at Emily on the dance floor.


"Yes, I do feel it too. What's going on, Zan? Does this have something to do with your friend?"

"I'm not sure I can explain it, Liza..." By that time that song ended and the DJ moved on to a slower song. The four of them met on the edge of the dance floor, three of them giving Emily strange looks.

"What are you guys staring at me like that for?"


"Lets get back to the table. I don't want to try and explain it here." I head back to the table, rubbing my temple. I have a feeling I'm going to have a headache soon. Once I sat down I waited for the others to join me. Em was looking particularly confused as to why everyone was looking at her. I could tell that Echo was not sure to trust her or not yet and Whisper was pretty inquisitive as to what was going on.

"Alright Em, tell me what you were doing." I said.

"I was dancing." Emily replied, still confused.

"No Em, what were you doing?" I ask again.

This time she's more angry. "I said I was dancing." Crossing her arms and giving me a look.

With a sigh I rub my temple again. "Em, you were doing more then dancing." I look up at her this time, right in the eyes. "I got the sudden urge to come over and put my hands all over you. AND on top of that I got a sudden jealous streak cause I wasn't the one next to you. You know damn well I don't interfere with your relationship and that what is between us is not a sexual feeling. If it had been your Brother out there, now that's a whole nother story and if you say a word so help me I'll get back at you for it. Now what were you doing?"


"Wait a minute... are you trying to tell me that I was projecting? I've been working with a... fellow Hawk some, but I've never been able to project, only receive."

Echo and Whisper were looking at her with confusion, and suspicion. Damn. She scowled, not wanting to talk about this. She leaned in closer at the table, and the others leaned in to hear her.

"I'm an empath", she told them, in low tones; "I can sense emotions. But only a persons feelings, not why they have those feelings, or their thoughts. Damn. I didn't mean to project, if that's what I was doing. I didn't even know I could do it."

She didn't like 'fessing up to her empathic abilities, but she didn't see much of a choice.

She forced herself to relax some, and grinned at Phantom "You're on your own there. We agreed at age 13 to stay out of each other's love lives... as much as is humanly possible, anyway, any prospective SO's have to be able to deal with our twin bond."


Echo wasn't too comfortable dealing with an empath, neither did she like the fact that Emily could have that type of effect on her. Steelheart picked up on that.

"Listen Echo, I didn't do it on purpose. Now that I'm aware of what happened I'll try to keep it under control, ok?"

"Oh...all right. It's just that..." Echo was cut off when something caught her eye. a cloaked figure stood in the midst of the crowd. When Echo realized no one else seemed to notice, she got up.

"You'll have to excuse me. I have to go to the ladies room." Emily picked up on Echo's excitement and sense of urgency as she disappeared into the crowd.


"Please do. I'd hate to wake up in the same bed again, Em. Remember how much chaos that created when your brother found the pair of us. Especially when he discovered that tattoo of yours. And now that there is someone in your life…" She just trail off with a chuckle. "With the hangover and your brother thundering away I thought my head was going to explode that morning." Then she orders another drink from the passing waiter.


Emily ordered a second drink as well.

[What happened?] Whisper signed. Emily chuckled.

"Well, Zan and I decided to hit the town, as it were, one night, and both of us got quite toasty. So when Zan saw the tattoo parlor, I decided to get the one that was interrupted when I was 17. We had to call Seymour to get back to Haven, and we just collapsed into bed together. Will came in the next morning, and had a fit. Zan was laughing her head off, and I was just ignoring him. On reflection, it was pretty funny." Which was evident by Whisper's silent laughter.


Echo managed to sneak to the far end of the club where she found the cloaked figure waiting in a dark booth.

"Dray, what are you doing here? Are you trying to get me in trouble?"

"You're already in trouble."

"With who?"

"Me. Why didn't you tell me you were breaking our date? I was looking forward to it." The Saurian dangled a blue leash and collar from one of his fingers.

"I...I forgot."

"You forgot? Liza, that's a lame excuse. You're gonna have to make it up to me, baby."

"Dray, can we talk about this later? I have to get back to Puss Puss. Don't want her getting suspicious."

"Ok, I'll go...after you introduce me to your friend."

"Who are you talking about?"

"That red head next to Phantom."

"Dray, you already know her. That's SteelHeart of the SilverHawks."


"A Silverhawk, on Fense? C'mon, Liza, you don't expect me to believe that, do you?"

"Wait for a moment, and you'll see for yourself."

Dragor watched "Heart intensely for a few minutes, then she turned her head to talk to Phantom, and he saw the telltale flash of silvery muscle. He turned to Liza. "What in Limbo is she doing here?"

"I don't know, she showed up with Phantom. She kinda gives me the creeps, but Puss Puss seems to like her.

Dray narrowed his eyes in thought. He had plans he had been working on, it was merely a question of whether or not he could truly contain her, he'd heard she had phenomenal strength. He remembered that she was able to toss him over her shoulder.

"Listen Dray, I've got to get back. We'll talk later, okay?"

"What, you're not going to introduce me?"

Echo just glared at him as she walked off, leaving Dragor deep in thought.


Echo returned to the table as if everything was normal. On the outside she looked calm. However, Emily was sensing her inward nervousness. It was so strong it was making her uncomfortable. She was also picking up something else but she couldn't pinpoint it at the time. She decided to ignore it and continue their conversation.

"Ok, you guys, that's enough about me and Zan's crazy escapades. Have you two ever done anything crazy?"

"Moi?" Eliza piped in. "Oh, not me....but Endora has," she continued with a sly grin. Whisper wondered what she was referring to.

"Uh oh. What did she do?" Emily asked, leaning forward in her seat.

"Well, the first day I met her she ended up clocking my son's father in the jaw."


I wisely kept quiet when it came to that subject. I knew perfectly well who Damien's father was. I hope to hell that neither Echo nor Whisper will say anything about me knowing who he is. And I also knew that if I even hinted that I knew, there would be a lot of questions asked as well a hard time dealing with the rest of the Hawks.

"Let me guess, he made a pass at you." I said to Whisper.

Leaning back in my chair, I hope I caught Echo's eyes when I gave her a look that asked her to keep quiet about my delivery contract with her. It was not that I was ashamed or embarrassed about that. It was the fact I learned more about things then is good for someone in my position can afford. The mere fact that I associated with both sides could cause a lot of problems, and get innocent bystanders caught in the middle of a battle. I personally didn't mind getting into such a fight.


At the mention of the boy's father, all three looked uncomfortable. Emily held up her hand. "I'm not going to be insulted if you don't tell me. I know perfectly well that my day job," she grinned. "makes some things complicated." She knew that Echo and Whisper were both bounty hunters, which meant they operated in the gray areas of the law. But they were valuable to warden Lockup, and she did understand these things. Chances were one or both of them had dealings with the Mob, but, what she didn't know, she didn't have to tell.

All three relaxed some, and her smile widened. "But I bet that came under the category of awkward moments." she laughed at Whisper's emphatic nod.

So intent was she on helping them relax, she did not notice the shadowy figure whose attention was focused entirely on her.


Dragor had since gotten up from his seat and started to walk past their table about twenty feet away, his eyes fixed on Emily. Zan and Emily's backs were toward him, but Eliza and Endora saw him. SteelHeart suddenly felt a wave of panic coming from Echo and intense hatred from Whisper.

What in the world is going on with them? Emily thought.

When Dragor got to their table he stopped right behind Emily. By this time everyone had turned around to see him. He had his hood to his cloak pushed back so it was obvious who it was. The women were startled when he tossed something into their midst. The leash and collar landed right in front of Echo, who backed away from it as if it was a poisonous serpent. Whisper shot an angry look at the Saurian then at the Vampire before Dragor said something.

"Hey, ladies. How is everyone this fine evening?" His eyes were on SteelHeart the who time he spoke. It was obvious no one at that table wanted him around, all for different reasons. Moments later, Bette, the club owner came over.

"Dragor, what the hell are you doing here?"

"Oh, hi, Bette, good to see ya. You're looking...healthy."

"You know I don't want the likes of you stirring up trouble in my club! Now get going, before I call Trench!" Trench was the main bouncer there. He was also a Saurian and the only match for Dragor in strength.

"I could use a good fight...since someone cancelled our date."

"Out, dragon breath!"

"Ok, ok. I'm going." Dragor turned back towards the table and blew Eliza a kiss. Whisper looked over at her lover, who just shrugged her shoulders.


After the wave of emotions from her tablemates, Emily felt a chill at her back. Then, next thing she knew, a collar and leash were thrown over her shoulder onto the table. She looked over her shoulder, where the others were looking, and found herself staring at a nightmare.

He grinned "Hey, ladies. How is everyone this fine evening?". No answer. He looked at her, and said "you look much better without the disguise."

"Thanks," Emily replied in a voice than could have frozen water in July. The Saurian didn't seem offended.

By that time, Bette had come over, and, after a few moments, convinced Dragor to leave. Emily felt the tension decrease considerably after he left.

Whisper came to the rescue. [So, Phantom, what crazy story do you want to add?]


"You mean other then seeing how far I can embarrass certain people and some of the crazy stuff I use to do as a kid? Not much to add I'm afraid." I said as I sipped my drink. I didn't like the fact that Dragor was about, even if he was thrown out of the club.

In fact I was planning on this being my last drink and switching to something non-alcoholic. I didn't trust that SOB.


At about 2 AM the DJ called for the last dance.

"All right, ladies (and I see a few gents out there too). Time to grab that special someone in your life, or the one you want in your life, to share this last dance of the night. And this one's going to be nice and slow for all you love birds out there." as Echo and Whisper made their way to the dance floor, neither Emily nor Zan budged. Neither of them was in the mood for dancing after their encounter with the Saurian Casanova. The SilverHawk looked over at her friend. There had been something she had been meaning to ask her.

"Zan, you don't have to answer this, but is there something going on between Eliza and...that monster?"


Looking into my last drink of the night, a coffee, I thought about how to put things. "Let's just say there is a kid between them. He's…. about oh…17-18 or so. Nice boy to. Not like his Father at all" With that I down the last of my drink and turn to watch the floor. I see Trench the bouncer head out the door. Must be getting some fresh air before he has to start chasing everyone out.


Outside, Trench looked about. When he spotted the person he was looking for he just grinned and sauntered over to him. "Hey Dray baby, what's wrong? Not getting a date for the night? I'm sure I can give you a good time." He purred as he pinned the other Saurian against the wall, raking his claws down Dragor's side then back up again.

"Trench you Faggot, get the hell off of me!" Dragor responded trying to shove the other away.

"oh so you like it rough do you? I can do that." Not giving him time to get away, Trench grabbed his wrist and pinned them up above his head. His knee sliding between Dragor's legs to rub against his groin. He had taken his tail and was trying to slide it down his back.

Dragor was freaking, never had anyone done this to him. He did it to them! And never with a guy. That was just plain disgusting. It was ok for a couple of gals to get it on but not guys! "Get Off of me you sick perverted Son of a-"

What ever else he was going to say got cut off when Trench kissed him hard. His body pressed against Dray's, rubbing back and forth enticingly.

He could feel the Bouncer's arousal rubbing against his groin. He struggled all that much harder to get away. Not realizing in his panic that he was only turning the bouncer on even more.

But luck would have it that nothing more would come of this encounter. Bette stuck her head out the door. "Trench! Get back in here. We're about to start closing!"

"Hhmmm….. Coming!" he yelled back after breaking off the kiss. "aaawww Luck ain't with me tonight it seems. But don't worry I'll be waiting for you the next time we meet." Kissing Dragor one last time then nipping him in the shoulder as he reached down with one hand and squeezed.

Dragor growled then sputtered, letting out a yelp as he was painfully squeezed. With a slightly higher pitched growl he shoved the bouncer off of him and stormed off.

"Night Sweet Cheeks!" Trench called as he blew Dray a kiss then headed back into the club.


Memo to self, Dragor thought as he got far away from the club. Chop that perverted faggot's balls off first chance I get. Ah, well; could be worse. 'Least he ain't a second Mon*Star. Now that was scary. "I gotta get some action going on." he mumbled. "Liza's not going to be interested, so I may as well pick out a victim. Hmm...I did have plans for that little Steel Lady. Would've acted them out sooner if Hardware hadn't shot her in the chest. Stupid troll. I've never seen such a wimp in my life!" His pager phone started ringing. "Speak to me." he answered.

"Yo, Dragor!" It was Buzz Saw. "Where are ya? The boss has been looking for you (again)."

"Out." he simply replied. "Thought I settle a score with a little Steel Lady; care to join me?" There was no response. "Buzz? Buzzy, ya still there?"

"Huh?!" Buzz Saw said. "Yea, I'm still here. You saw SteelHeart?"

"Yep, and I'm about to take her 'til the cows come home! Want a taste after I'm done?"

"No thanks."

"Why not? You've always wanted a score."

"Not her."

"Oh, she ain't good enough for ya? Or are you just scared of her baby brother?"

"No, but she has a boyfriend."

"Oh, yeah. The Mykari half-breed. And that bothers you because..."

"Do you remember the last time SteelHeart was attacked? Hotwing nearly roasted us, literally, and Hardware only shot her."

"Ah, that was just pure luck. Besides, Hardware's a wuss; didn't even have the guts to screw her."

"Well, he has his reasons. Besides, I'll be damned if I touch a SilverHawk, or anyone else with someone who can rip me apart like a tin can."

"Fine. Your loss."

"Want me to tell Mo?"

"Nah; I want this all for myself." Dragor didn't want his protégé to get involved; he felt he needed to learn more despite the fact that he had been able to seduce most of Tkkla's concubines (being a shapeshifter has its perks). So he waited paticently for his newest target to come on out and play.


After the last dance Trench began to clear the floor. While eveything was being shut down, Whisper and Echo bid Emily and Zan goodbye.

"Goodnight, you two. I hope you enjoyed yourselves."

"Thanks, Liza. I had a pretty good time. You take care, ok?"

"You too." With that the two lovers left the club hand in hand.


While the ladies were saying their goodnights, Dragor was busy. He rode his bike over to the Hummingbird, parked it so it couldn't be seen, and got out a few things while he waited. A heavy duty tranquilizer gun, for one. Second, a set of four bracelets with a suprise. They were nueral inhibitors. That Steel lady could pack a punch, and he wanted her well secured before he let her try. The third item was a concoction of Glycerin's that she swore would prevent a Hawk from extending his/her armor if it was retracted. He then silently waited for them to come out to unlock the ship.


Soon Emily and Zan made it back to the HummingBird. They prepared to board and head for home, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Once Phantom unlocked her ship, Dragor saw his opportunity to strike.



It took me a moment to key in the code to unlock the HummingBird. While I'll admit to about 3 or 4 drinks, I wasn't as wasted as I could have been. I can get us home, or rather to Hawk Haven, with no problem. Probably going to crash there, like I did last time me & Em went out for the night. Only difference, no tattoo this time around.

The lock beeped once then the canopy started to rise. I felt a twinge of something from Em, then turned to see what it was. That's when I felt the sharp sting as I was hit with something. Trying to grab it. Nothing seemed to cooperate. 'Shit' was all I could think since I couldn't get a sound out.


Within second, both women found themselves incapacitated. Both were overwhelmed by feelings of confusion, shock, then terror. Unable to call for help, they were completely helpless as their attacker dragged them both into the ship.


Dragor knew he had to work fast, there was no telling how long that sedative would work on the birdie. He snapped on the paralyzer bracelets and powered them up, none too soon.

Emily came to groggily, into a nightmare. Purple filled her filed of vision, and coalesced into a cruel smile.

"Hello, pretty little birdie." he said. She tried to bring up her fist, but fond she was unable to do so. She looked at her arm, to see a silver bracelet that was faintly humming.

Emily groaned as Dragor turned her over, then she felt a sharp pain to the back of her head, and darkness reclaimed her.


The Saurian Casanova decided to take his victims to Hanging Rock. It was no longer occupied and its original owner, The Bounty Hunter, hadn't been seen for years. Once he landed with the two women he took them deep into the cave in the center of the asteroid.

Dragor decided to get a taste of Phantom first. he had his eye on here ever since she started making deliveries to his girlfriend's house. It didn't take too long for him to get bored with her. She was very unresponsive.

"Damn! Screwin' you is like fuckin' a corpse! Maybe your friend over here will prove more entertaining."


As soon as the realization of what was happening hit, she did the only thing she could do. She shut her mind 'off.' It was like she wasn't there anymore. Her body reacted to the pain as Dragor ripped off the 'armor' about her thighs hips and torso. It would have come off eventually but not like this. She didn't even whimper.

His claws dug into her flesh as he traced the old scars across her hips and thighs, trying to get a reaction out of her. Even as he took her physically she made no noise, had no reaction. It wasn't long before he withdrew from her, backhanding her across the face then kicking her as he made his way to Emily.

The moment he touched Emily though something snapped within Zan. It was like she was replaced with a berserk demon. She somehow made it to her feet grabbing one of the extra chains that was laying about and used it to attack Dragor.

The sudden chain that wrapped about his lower leg then was yanked back cause him to fall forward, almost on top of Emily. He rolled to the side with a curse and looked back. That 'corpse' was suddenly quite lively. Covered in blood, her teeth bared as she growled and screamed in another language, she yanked the chain away and swung it at him again. He caught it this time and pulled her forward. She didn't fight him but let the chain go and physically attacked him with nails and teeth.


Because of his thick saurian skin, Phantom was unable to do much damage to Dragor. Annoyed, he slung her off of himself into the cave wall.

"Get off, bitch. You had your chance and blew it! I'm moving on to someone else. Hopefully your friend will prove more entertaining."


Emily came to groggily at Zan's mental scream. She could feel her arms and legs again, could feel the heavy chains that bound them to some sort of openwork frame. she pulled against the chains with all her strength, but it was no use. Dragor had not underestimated her like so many did. he was taking no chances.

She felt her bondsister's mind go blank, and then saw a purple form above her. Suddenly Zan came to life again, attacking Dragor with a chain, then with her nails and teeth. He threw her off easily, into a wall. He stalked over to her, grumbling indistinguishable words, and chained Zan to the wall. Then he turned back towards Emily.

"Well, pretty little birdie, we meet again" he said with a wide, toothy grin. Emily just stared.

He traced a claw down her face, oh so gentle. She flinched involuntarily, and his smile widened. "Oh, you are going to be more fun."

Before she could take a breath, he was on top of her. He was a fiery pain in her abdomen, his force knocking the breath out of her. Again and again he pounded into her body, and she could not even brace herself against him. She could feel muscles tear, felt warm liquid run down her legs that she knew was her blood. It was a moment, and it was eternity. She felt the salty fire of his release in her torn body, but she was determined not to scream. The tears flowed freely down her face, and she could taste blood from biting her tongue, but no sound escaped her. He collapsed on top of her, idly tracing her skin with his claws.

"Oh, that was only round one, little birdie, I will make you scream yet."


"Ya know, I've been thinkin'," he grunted as he pulled out of Emily, "I never paid you back for what happened when we first met." He then roughly turned her over so that her backside was up in the air. He adjusted her hips as he examined her, exploring her with his fingers. "You're about to find out how I punish bad girls. If this doesn't make you scream, I don't know what will." Phantom struggled to free herself as Emily cried out in pain as he administered her punishment.


SteelWill was just getting off duty and knew his sister and Phantom should be returning soon so had decided to go down to the Hanger and wait. He could also use the time to work on a few projects that had been put to the side due to emergencies of one type or another interrupting. He got busy and lost track of the time when sudden feeling of confusion, shock and terror washed over him, startling him enough that he dropped what he was doing and had to steady himself against the bench.

Looking at the time he silently cursed himself, heading to the control room. Once there Will none to gently shoved Quicksilver out of the way and tried to call the HummingBird. Getting no response he started to enter the com code when, this time, it was an echo of a sharp pain in the back of his neck along with a feeling of terror from his sister. He collapsed into the chair clutching the back of his neck.

Quicksilver got up off the floor and started to brush himself off with a frown. "What's the Meaning of ….." he trailed off catching Will's expression. To the visible eye he was pale. "SteelWill? What's going on?" there was a touch of concern.

"…don't know. Something's happening to Sis…." Will said in a bare whisper.

Jon's frown deepened as he leaned over the consol next to Will. "What's the rest of the code Will?"

Will rattled off the HummingBird's com code. When it came up they were able to track it a moment before it vanished into the asteroid field.

"Something's not right here." Jon said straightening up.

"No shit Sherlock" Will muttered under his breath.

Jon just gave him a look. "Alert those still on duty and have them meet us in the Hanger. We're going to see what this is all about." If something was happening to one twin and it effect the other then it was pretty bad. He still remembered Hardware's Fantascreen and the havoc it caused the team.


Within minutes the Maraj was leaving Hawk Haven headed towards the Asteroid belt where the HummingBird had vanished. Condor flying beside it. Once they reached it though they hit a brick wall.

"Dang it! The blasted rocks are interfering with the tracking. I can't find hide nor hair of Phantom's ship." Bluegrass said as they skimmed the field.

Will was becoming more and more concerned that he wasn't getting a reply to his mental call from his sister. Even Hotwing wasn't picking anything up.

That's when all hell broke loose.

"Emily!" Will screamed, clutching his head. Her pain and terror, combined with Zan's hit him like a thunderbolt out of the blue. A mix of wildfire fury, anger, terror, fear, hatred and extreme pain. He was getting flashes of images too fast and random to locate where it was coming from, other then somewhere deep in the asteroid field. It was driving him insane that he could do nothing about it.

There were shouts of concern at his scream but he ignored them.

"Launch me!" he screamed.

"But-" Bluegrass started to say.

"If you don't launch me NOW, I'm going to rip this fucking Pod apart to get out!"

"Launch him Bluegrass, he's the only one that can lead us to Emily." Quicksilver ordered.

A moment later, SteelWill was launched and had begun the search to find his sister.


Dragor had just completed Emily’s punishment when he noticed the tattoo on one of her shoulders.

“Oh, how pretty. You know, my lady tells me I’m quite the artist. Let me show you.”

He then began to carve into Emily’s arm with one of his razor sharp claws. When he was finished, he had carved an exact replica of Emily’s tattoo on her arm. “Now, isn’t that lovely? Bet you’ll want to show it off to all your friends.”

The serial rapist then bid Emily farewell with a passionate kiss.

"I had a really great time, pretty birdie. Until we meet again."

He then turned to Zan with a look of disgust.

"You don't deserve a kiss. You're the worst fuck I ever had. You're not even worth making a shrine to."

Before leaving the two injured women, the Saurian Casanova made sure to get a lock of Emily's hair as a token of his conquest. After unlocking their chains, he left Hanging Rock and headed for home.


Emily couldn't have stopped the tears now even if her life depended on it. The pain as he turned her onto her ruined back was indescribable. She was beyond pain as his claw carved her flesh, and rubbed ash into the wounds, to be sure it scarred. She flinched as he cut her hair, which made him smile. And then he was gone, as quickly as a nightmare upon waking, but the pain was all too real.

Emily flailed around, until she found Zan. then, crying at the pain it caused, she wrapped herself around her bondsister's body, willing Zan to come back out of her shell, to come back into the world, for her sake. The two women huddled together, hoping for strength, or for rescue.


She wasn't seeing the body of the person huddled with her as Emily, not at all. Mentally she was still hiding in shell shock. Reliving the times as a POW when she was passed around like a prize, of when she was forced to watch as other helpless girls were raped. Of how she fought and screamed and clawed at the attackers, only to be thrown off and beaten then raped yet again. Of the numerous times that the Rapist purposely forced her to watch as they took someone else most violently just to get her to react as they forced her. Trapping her between the state of a demonic hellcat and the catatonic unfeeling body.

In those days she learned how to survive. Of how to take care of post rape injuries and traumas to the best of her ability. Survival instinct took over now. Gently unwrapping herself from her bondsister, she went in search of water to cleans the wounds. She knew their clothes were about so something to bind the wounds was take care of.

After searching for several minutes she found what she was looking for in a small cave a little deeper in. The steady drip of water into a much larger puddle drew her attention. She crouched like an animal, sniffing the water then tasting it. It was fresh still and moss grew around the edges. She dipped her hand into it. The water was icy cold and reached up to her shoulder almost. Good the 'Survivor' said to itself, then turned and headed back to get the other one.

Several minutes passed before the Survivor returned, this time with the Other and the pile of cloth that was once clothes. Setting the Other on the edge of the pool of water the Survivor slipped in, ignoring the shock of the cold water on open wounds. Gathering the Other into her arms she pulled her into the water with her. The pained cries of the Other were answered with a wordless crooning sound the Survivor made as she washed away the blood and other less wanted liquids.

The cries lessened then stopped as the Other slipped into unconsciousness. That was good thought the Survivor, for she was going to have to clean the other inside as much as possible as well as outside. As she cleaned she checked to see how much damage had been done. A growl of anger as she found out. Internal walls torn with the forced entries, blood still leaking from where it shouldn't. And there was not much that could be done until they were found.

The Other woke again as she was bathed inside, struggling in the Survivors arms in pain and panic. Once both were as clean as possible the Survivor pulled them both from the water drying them with the rags of what was once clothes. The Other bleed still from her openings and it had to be stopped or at least slowed or the coldness of death would claim her. The Survivor reached for a piece of cloth and ripped it with teeth and hands to smaller pieces then started to part the legs of the Other.

The Other gave a pained cry and struggled against the sudden fear of being violated yet again. The Survivor held the other until the panic subsided then once more parted her legs. The Survivor did not understand how the Other knew what must be done, but there was a feeling of acceptance at what must be done. The smaller pieces of the material were soaked in the water before being as gently as possible inserted into the bleeding places.

The Other once again slipped into blackness as the pain overwhelmed her. The Survivor knew there was little else to be done. Pulling her onto the bed of moss next to the water, the Survivor wrapped herself about the other, hoping the shared body warmth would keep her alive till they were found.


Though his bond with Emily wasn't as strong as her brother's, Hotwing had also sensed his love's distress. He tried contacting her telepathically, but it seemed she was either unconscious or...no, she had to be alive. He wouldn't dare think otherwise.


He was nearly frantic in his search for his sister. He had gotten a sense of mindless fear and overwhelming pain from her once more before it vanished. He knew she was still alive but he also knew she wouldn't survive much longer without help. He could feel her slowly fade and it was almost more then he could take. He wasn't sure if he would be able to survive his own self if he lost her.

His thoughts were as chaotic and scattered as his searching. Ever so often he would stop and call her mental over the bond, hoping and praying that she would answer him back.

"……Will!" Someone yelled at him.

"What!?!" he growled back, angry and afraid at the same time.

"Calm down Damn it. Your not helping matters the way your acting." Quicksilver said, just as angry but for a different reason. Will had lead them around in circles for the last twenty minutes.

"That's My Sister out there, I'm not giving up on her."

"I didn't say that. I said Calm down." Quicksilver barked at him.

"Get the hell out of my way Lieutenant….." What ever else he was going to say was cut off a he caught a glimpse of reflected light from a distant asteroid. He folded is wings and dove towards it.

Bluegrass had to pull the HotSeat up quickly to avoid hitting Will, then turn a second time to avoid colliding with Condor. He let out a few choice words at Will's reckless actions. "Damn it, we're all concerned but he's gonna get us killed acting like that."

Quicksilver followed hard on SteelWill's heels. He spotted the HummingBird as Will was landing next to it. "Bluegrass, get on the horn and let Hawk Haven know we may have found them."

"Aye Skipper." The pilot replied.

By the time the rest of the group had gathered, Will had vanished into the cave that was there. The rest followed but a little more cautiously. When they came across the chamber that both women were raped in, the sense of dread increased.

The scent of blood, sex and pain lingered heavily still on the air. They saw the chains where Emily had been bound, found the ripped clothes and the discarded metal from Zan's exoskeletal armor, which was also bloody.

Bluegrass looked like he was going to be sick. "sorry skipper, but…."

"Understood. Go grab the emergency supplies. I have a feeling we're going-"

Quicksilver's words were cut off when they heard a primal scream of fear and rage come from deeper within the cavern complex. The sight that greeted them when they arrived was not pretty. Will was fighting to hold Zan down without hurting her further, but was having a hard time since her wounds had reopened and was covered in blood, making her slippery. Emily was laying curled up, deathly pale and covered in rags that were slowly turning red.


Hotwing could only stare. His love, his precious love, had been violated in the worst form possible. This was even worse than death. He tried to approach her, but was greeted with a large pulse of terror. His eye caught onto something purple. Hotwing began to investigate and found a cluster of purple scales.

"No..." he whispered.

"What is it?" Quick asked. Hotwing pointed towards the scales. "Dragor. I should've guessed." Quicksilver began to feel concerned, especially for Hotwing. Hotwing was a level-headed guy, but he and Emmy were very close. This alone is enough to make someone like him go insanely upset. There was also his background to consider. Quick knew from Hotwing that the Mykari were strict in their mating practices and to force someone into sexual intercourse was punished by death. He prayed his comrade wouldn't take the law into his own hands.

"Hotwing," Quick started. "Do you think your magic could help Emmy?"

"I could take care of some of the minor injuries," Hotwing replied. "But I'm no healer."


Quicksilver contacted hawk Haven to let them know that the two women had been found and to alert Moeba to be prepared to receive two injured women. When Zan and Em were finally brought to the infirmary, Moeba could immediately tell she had a lot of work on her hands. Will had managed to sedate Zan and Emily was still unconscious. Seeing that both women had very extensive injuries, the Omnimorph used her Dittomorph abilities to multiply herself so she could work on both women at the same time.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


The Saurian Casanova was particularly proud of his latest conquest. He couldn’t wait to brag about it. He knew the first person he wanted to tell his story. That person just so happened to call him the next morning. He usually didn’t accept calls at his aerie, but this particular caller was an exception. The caller ID let him know who it was.

“Hey, baby. Tell me what you need cuz I got it.”

“Hi, Love. Are you busy?”

“Not really. What’s up sweet lady?”

“Are you free tonight?”

“Depends. You got something planned for me?”

“Yes. I want to make up for what happened the other night. I’m sorry I had to break our date, but that was part of Whisper’s birthday present for me. It was a surprise so I didn’t really have a chance to let you know beforehand.”

“Oh, you’re going to make it up to me, all right. Get over here as soon as the sun goes down. And make sure you bring your knee pads.”

Dragor made ready for his lover’s visit. Right before she was scheduled to arrive he lit candles and lowered the lights. As he put on some romantic music to complete the ambience, he heard a rustling above his head. He smiled as he watched a pair of slender, curvy legs slide over the window sill. Within moments Echo glided down straight into his arms. Without a single word the lovers began to kiss and grope each other. Dragor eventually pushed her slightly away from him and pressed down on her shoulders, forcing her to her knees. Eliza knew exactly what he wanted, and she gave it to him whole heartedly.


After Echo had thoroughly made things up to her lover, she laid on top of him, kissing him lightly on his face, neck and shoulders.

"Hey, baby love, gotta minute?"

"I always have time for you, Dray. What is it?"

"I want to tell you a story. I promise you it's gonna be great!"


While the two were unconscious physical, their minds were somewhere else completely. They had been here once before, when the soul bond was first created between them. But unlike the first time things were not peaceful.

An angry reddish black sky overhead, the land barren and cracked as if the land has never seen rain. Blue-black lightning streaked the sky as thunder shook the earth in deep booming peals. Nightmarish creatures roamed about, circling about two people. One was curled up in a fetal position, young and terrified. The other older more experienced but just as frightened, but for different reasons.

Every time one of the creatures darted in and tried to gram Emily, Zan would strike at it with a shimmering blade, driving it off. She was marked all over from where the creatures got though her defense. A time or two other creatures would try to get close, but she would drive them away too. She wasn't letting anyone or anything close to her sister.

The feel of something wet splattering her caused Zan to look up. It was starting to rain, cool drops of clear liquids that seemed to sear away at the nightmarish creatures yet brought a source of healing to her and Emily. She knew then that this fight was nearly over with. But the battle had yet to be won.


In the conscious world, Moeba announced that the two women's conditions were stabilizing, but they were still critical.

"SteelWill, they both have lost a lot of blood and there is extensive damage to their epidermis and some muscle tissue damage."

"I'll give blood to help Emily. Scan you database to find a match for Zan."

Moeba quickly obeyed. Within moments she had a match.

"Moonstryker is a match." Will groaned audibly when he heard this information.

"Are you sure there isn't anyone else?"

"Yes sir. I'm positive."


When Moonstryker was summoned to the infirmary, Moeba gave him specific instructions.

"You will say nothing. No comments, no questions, just silence. You will give the blood then go about your business, Private. Is that understood?"

"Uh, yeah, I guess," Kyle responded, giving the Omnimorph as strange look. That being said, Moeba led him to a gurney to prepare him to give blood.


After Kyle gave his blood, Moeba dismissed him and told him to go rest in his quarters. When he opened his mouth to say something to the Omnimorph, she quickly silenced him.

"No questions, no comments. Just go!"

Moonstryker shrugged his shoulders in response and left. Moeba then got blood for Emily from her twin brother and went back to work on the two women.


Meanwhile, Hotwing had decided to blow off steam in the training room. Unfortunately, this wasn't helping his rage. "How could this happen?" he thought. "How could that...that monster rape her like that?! I know he'll pay dearly for this, but it's not the same here as in a Mykari court. If Em was connected to me by marriage, I could pull it off, but we're not even engaged...I want that bastard to die! NO! I want him to suffer, enough so he'll wish he was dead!"

Sapphire had had a hard day's work and was walking past the training room when a sudden sense of dread washed over her. On instinct, she shadow 'ported into the metaphysical realm, just barely missing the raging inferno that otherwise engulfed the training room.

"What the hell was that?" she thought as she returned to the physical plane. Both the training room and the corridor surrounding it were black with ash thanks to the recent backdraft. When she peeked inside, she saw Hotwing panting, without even a scratch on him.


Back in the infirmary, Moeba managed to stabilize both women. She concentrated on repairing every damaged system in their bodies. She worked well into the night, monitoring all vital signs until she had done all she could do for them. Having exhausted her own body, she allowed Will to take over keeping a watchful eye over his twin sister and his love. Her job completed for now, Moeba went to recharge her systems. After she was fully recharged, the Omnimorph returned to the infirmary to check on the patients. Emily and Zan were now awake, but they were in no condition to get back on their feet yet.


Emily awareness faded in and out all through her treatment. Most days the grim word of black lightning was her only reality. As the cooling rain continued, she began to come back to the real world.
Moeba's work was far from over. the sheer amount of injuries to both women had her worried. The Omnimorph was required to do a considerable amount of gene resequencing to convince their bodies to regrow skin, muscles, and bones destroyed or severely damaged by Dragor. No one knew at the time what the consequences of that would be.

Slowly, Emily began to recognize her surroundings. One day, Will came into sickbay to se her awake and aware. he went over and took her hand in his "Hey sis, glad to see you're back. I was getting worried, I couldn't reach you."

Emily screamed, flinging herself off the bed and falling on the floor. Moeba came over and gave her a sedative, and placed her back on the bed. She looked at Will "What happened? What did you say?"

A troubled look crossed Will's face. "She's here, but she's not here. We need to keep all men, even me, away from her right now. The touch of my mind drove her over the edge, and I'm almost a part of her. I do not care to think what will happen if any of the other men come near her." he turned away with a heavy heart. He knew that it would take time.


Emily retreated into the only safe place she knew. The dark recesses of her subconscious. And yet someone always seemed to be trying to invade that safe haven. Things could seem a little frightening at times there, but at least she didn't hurt. At least she could hide from the pain. Occasionally she would spot a lone wolf standing not too far away. It seemed to be watching over her. The sight of the silent watcher always seemed to comfort her. She also had other company. A lavender cat with dark eyes would occasionally come by and curl up in her lap, nuzzling it's head against her belly. As Emily would stoke the cat, it would look up at her with eyes that spoke, 'I understand and I want to help.' Emily noticed something about the lavender cat. It was female, which she discovered as she stoked the cat's belly. She could also tell she had a scar on her head. It looked as if the scar went deep into her skull. She also had a scar in the tender area between her hind legs. Somehow Emily knew how that damage had been done.

"You do understand, cuz it happened to you too..." Emily whispered to the pretty feline as tears stung her eyes. The cat looked back up at Emily and spoke out loud this time.

"You helped me when I got hurt this way, now I wanna return the favor."

Emily realized that this cat was her friend. The wolf would never chase her away like it chased the other creatures. The huge, grotesque monsters that would sometimes come after her. The last one was truly monstrous. Fortunately she escaped it's horrible grasp. Now she was safe with the lone wolf and the lavender cat.


While Em went one direction when it came to reacting, Zan went the complete opposite. The first time any of the guys popped their head in to check on her, they found out just how she badly would react.

Jon, being the leader of the group, decided it was his duty and responsibility to check up on both women, even though Moeba had warned against it. He should have realized from the way she was reacting the moment he set foot inside the room that his life was in possible grave danger.

She had been up, sitting next to Em, who was still sleeping when he entered. Her hand crept slowly up to the nearest, heavy object as he neared.

When he was within five feet of her his sense of something wrong hit him like a bat between the eyes. He stopped and scanned the room, thinking it was a possibility that one of the Mob had somehow gotten into Hawk Haven again. Before he knew it, an extremely violent Zan was attacking him with a portable med-scanner. He was very lucky that Moeba was near by and had some heavy sedatives ready for emergencies. It took all he could do to keep her from doing more then she had.

When he got out of the medbay and retreated down the hall he paused to think. He was surprised at how strong she was for being in her current condition, but he could also see that there was a feral, inhuman look in her eyes. That wasn't the frightening part of it though. It was the fact that through it all, she made not a single sound.


It took a moment for Jon to notice someone else was in the hall with him.

"What the hell happened to you?" he heard a voice ask. He turned to see Lady Detia, who had come to see about her friends once more. Jon just looked at her for a moment, his jaw slightly slack. He was still in a bit of shock over Zan attacking him.

"Umm...nothing, Dee. excuse me." Detia watched as Quicksilver walked off, slightly limping and rubbing his arm.

"I warned him, but did he listen? Sometimes he can be so hard headed." Detia turned to Moeba and gave her a questioning look. "Don't ask. By the way, Emily is conscious now and Zan is sleeping. Come on in."


While Dee and Quick were tending to their friends in the infirmary, Sapphire was out on patrol. She needed to get out of Hawk Haven for a while. With Em and Zan's rape, Will being bitter and Hotwing showing that infamous Xetrato temper she had heard so much about, it was no wonder that the SilverHawk telepath needed to be away. She had come up on Fense when she happened upon Buzz Saw. Curious, she parked the Road Nova and approached him. Buzz Saw just stared at her, surprised at her boldness.

"Whaddaya want, ya tin turkey?" he sniped. Sapphire just waved her hand, and the next thing Buzz Saw knew, he was pinned to the floor.

"That's not how you talk to a lady, Buzz Saw." Sapphire said, her voice like ice. "Where's your buddies?"

"What buddies?"

"Oh, just any one of your fellow Mobsters, specifically Dragor."

"I have no idea."

"Oh, I think you do." Sapphire then entered Buzz Saw's mind and saw his recent telephone conversation with Dragor. When she released him, Buzz Saw immediately backed away from Sapphire. "You knew this would happen!"

"Hey, hey!! I didn't know he would act on it, I swear!"

"You didn't know that a serial rapist was going to attack! How lame is that?! I'm bringing you in, Buzz Saw!"

"On what charges?"

"Other than your previous charges which you should be doing time for, I'm adding accessory before the fact to that list!"

"You can't prove it!"

"Watch me. I hope you enjoy the Penal Planet, you bastard. I hear number 10 is especially tough on rapists. The fact that you practically helped that crime happen, I wouldn't be surprised if they sent you to the lower levels."

"No! No, please, Sapphire! Anything but the lower levels! They're brutal! There's nothing down there but sex offenders of all kinds and solitary! PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME GO DOWN THERE!"

"Tell me where Dragor is and I might convince the Warden to go easy on you."

"I told you, I don't know! But Jester or Mo might know his current whereabouts!"

"Where are they?"

"Jester's out of town tending to one of his brothels. Mo might be on Brim Star, but I'm not entirely sure."

Sapphire just sighed. "If only everyone else was as cooperative as you are. Now get out of my sight." Buzz Saw did just that, leaving Sapphire to head for Brim Star, and some answers.


Meanwhile, Moeba was tending to the now conscious but still traumatized women in the infirmary. She could tell that their physical recover would be a slow process and their emotional and mental recovery could take even longer. From the way both of them were responding to their friends and family (the male ones, that is) she decided to recommend something to them.

"Emily, Zan, maybe it's best that you two put some distance between you and Limbo Galaxy. Is there anywhere you could go where you would feel safe and stable enough for recovery?"

"Yeah...I know a place..." Zan quietly replied.


While Zan was telling Emily about New Eden, Hotwing was doing some research of his own. One way or another, he thought, Dragor was going to pay for this. He didn't care if he unleashed a curse and got into trouble, he wanted revenge. He soon came across what seemed to be the perfect curse.

|Gquat Eajt Waor, the Victim's Pain.| he read. |It was once used to punish the most severe crimes in Mykari history until the case of Rair Ruil, which made all Irreversible Curses forbidden magics. The Gquat Eajt Waor consists of a potion tuned to the DNA of whomever it is meant for. What is needed is a part of the person to be punished, gryphon feathers, nightshade, siren screams, banshee wails and the blood of a virgin. Once mixed, the following incantation should be said as the ingredients boil. Afterwards, the potion in injected into the punished and becomes part of his or her DNA code. Once cursed, the punished sees all crimes committed through the victim's eyes, forcing the punished to feel their pain, each time the punished sleeps. It is said that the Gquat Eajt Waor has driven many Mykari insane and ultimately suicidal.| Well, Hotwing didn't care much about the suicidal part, but the thought of Dragor getting exactly what he gave Emily and any other unfortunate female was most pleasing.

However, there was a severe punishment for practicing the Forbidden Arts. Minimum sentence was a restraint of magic until the next Jewel of the Goddess; maximum sentence was the removal of the skull gem and all magic, then exile from the Mykari world. The latter was only implied if the forbidden spell was a direct or indirect cause of death and many spells (forbidden or not) can have side effects if cast on aliens.

|Like I care if I disgrace my house.| Hotwing thought angrily. |So what if they remove my skull gem if the bastard dies? I can easily blend in as a human and making Dragor pay for his actions is worth the risk any day. Besides, he's already insane so there's very little chance of me getting caught. All I have to do is get what I need and make this potion. Dragor's scale can provide the DNA code--there's plenty of scales, so it'll be easy for me to sneak one out. The rest of the ingredients, however, are going to be tough to get, especially the virgin's blood. Not too many virgins around these days, but whoever said the virgin had to be a woman?|


For the longest time Zan paced restlessly back and forth in the room she shared with Emily. After describing New Eden to Em's, she had agreed to go. Now all Zan needed was for Kit to contact her back. He had been busy at the time she placed the fist call and wasn't expected back until late. Em had already fallen asleep.

Zan started when she heard the beep from the com panel. Walking over to it she made sure it was audio only. "Yeah?"

"Your Grace?" said the deep baritone voice from the other side.

"Kit, glade you could contact me back." she said, starting to pace again.

"I Just got the message. Is anything the matter your Grace?" he asked. He could detect something wrong just by her voice. And the fact she was not using any video with the call, though that could be because she was not dressed or such.

"...No... Yes...." she said then let out a sigh as she raked her hair back out of her face. "I need to be picked up... An All female crew. No questions asked about that. And don't ask either."

Silence for several moments. "As you wish your Grace. Is there anything else?"

"Yeah. I'm going to be bring me a guest. We will both need clothes for the trip. I plan on spending time with family as well as spending time at the hunting lodge in the mountains."

"I see..." he replied. Already jotting down notes. If she said all female crew then she meant all female crew. But just because he could not be onboard when she was picked up, didn't mean she would be without a guard. It was bad enough that he could not be there to watch over her while she was in limbo. "I shall contact the proper channels. How soon do you need it?"

"As soon as possible." Zan said rather quickly.

"Ah...." yes something was defiantly wrong for her to be Ghosting. "Once everything is packed, then the Shadow Racer shall be leaving as soon as possible. Within a day at the latest. So it should be there within 24 hours of leaving here."

"Good, good." she said absently as she glanced at Em who was stirring in her sleep. "I have to go."

"Good Bye your Grace. I Will meet you once you return to Huntington."

"That's fine Kit.... thanks."

"It's no problem your Grace."

With that the com went dead as the call was ended. Zan turned and moved over to the bed, sliding in to spoon up against Em. It tended to calm her from her nightmares as well as help her sleep.



It was less then 36 hours later when a very large Yacht, near the size of a small Space cruiser arrived in Limbo. It was crewed by 6 people and could carry a dozen passengers with ease. It was the smallest private ship in the fleet of many that was used by Zan. Especially when she did not wish to pilot herself nor bring notice to herself. It was perfect for traveling between Earth and New Eden on business. This time around though it would take her back home to New Eden for other reasons.

She was contacted once the ship entered Limbo and directed them to head to Bedlama Space port. She and Em would take the HummingBird down and Will or one of the others could pilot it back to Hawk Haven. Though she would have preferred it going back to her place, she didn't want anyone knowing where it was. So Bedlama it was.

All of the Hawks made sure they were not present when the pair made their way to the hanger, though they were watched on the security monitor. Just about everyone had learned real fast not to get to close to either of the women. Especially Zan.

When they got to Bedlama, Em was tense and very skittish. Zan wasn't much better herself. As soon as it was possible both women boarded the Yacht and retreated to one of the rooms. Zan only giving a brief greeting to the crewwoman that greeted them. When asked if there was anything that needed to be stored, she said no and that as soon as they were cleared, they could leave. The Crewwoman nodded and informed them that there would be a minor re-fueling stop on Earth then it was straight to New Eden after that.

As the ship left Bedlama, Zan watched from one of the port windows. As much as she hated to admit it, there was a weight lifting from her shoulders. Perhaps now she and Em could truly start to heal from their ordeal.

~FIN~

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