Warnings: 30th century swearing, nudity, explicit m/f sex. // indicates telepathic conversation.

Archive: Sure, just let me know, OK?

Cast: Lar Gand (Valor), Jo Nah, Reep Daggle (Cham), Chuck Taine, Luornu Durgo Taine (Lu), Tasmia Mallor Gand (Shady, Tas), Troy Stewart (Tyroc), Imra Ardeen Ranzz, Garth Ranzz, Mekt Ranzz, Grayam Ranzz, Mysa Nal, Jacques Foccart, Laurel Gand, Rokk Krinn.

Asteroid Talus, Legion HQ 2996:

The weary Legionnaires have just returned from reburying their dead. Laurel and Rokk are happy to reunite with their respective spouses and children. The rest scatter to relax after their battle with Mordru and his army of the dead. Later Jo, Brainy, Rokk, Cham, and Jacques are playing poker and relaxing:

"Grife, Jacques, be glad you stayed here! That was one of the worst battles we have ever been in! What I do not understand is why Lar's dead body never showed up. Mordru sent all the other dead Legionnaires and heroes after us, so why not one of the most powerful? Why not Valor!?!"

"Umm, we had quite a time here as well, Jo, mon ami! It seems this artificial asteroid has many dead beings. To go with the ships it is composed of. However, you are right it seems strange that Mordru's spell excluded Valor! Perhaps Mordru feared he could not control him, n'est pas?"

"Maybe so, Jacques, but I have been thinking..."

"Uh oh, Jo thinking!?! That could be trouble!"

"Ha ha ha, very funny, Cham! However, seriously, Brainy, a lot of the technology did not work properly for months after the Magic Wars. So well, what if the medi-comp was wrong when it pronounced Lar dead? If he was in a deathlike coma, wouldn't that explain why Lar wasn't among the dead Mordru sent against us?"

"Yes, it would, Jo, but I almost prefer to believe that Mordru excluded Lar from his spell. If your theory about the medi-comp malfunctioning when it pronounced him dead is correct, then we buried him alive!"

"Oh Grife! I-I had not thought of that! We we have got to go back to Shanghalla! Make sure one way or the other!"

"Mmm, I have some things to do in the lab, Jo, sorry."

"I'll go with you, Jo. You are right, we have to know! Though I would not share this news with Tasmia yet, no need to get her hopes up."

"Umm, right, Cham, she's doing well at the Militia Academy, no need to upset her if we don't have to."

"Indeed, mes amis, I know Tyroc has been writing to her regularly since the defeat of the Dominion. I believe he has strong feelings for her. If she is willing I am sure he would be more than willing to help her, umm, not forget her love for Valor, but certainly learn to love again."

"Grife! This just keeps getting more complicated by the nano! I didn't know Tyroc was interested in Shady! I do know she might very well be willing to get let him try."

"What!?! What do you know about Shady that we don't, Jo?" He blushes as he explains. "Bloody Nass! You and Shady had a fling a while back!?! Grife, you better hope Lar, if he's alive, never finds out!"

*Sigh* "Cham, I'll tell him myself, if he's alive. I am not going to lie to him. Just hope my invulnerability's strong enough to let me come through whatever he does to me without any permanent damage."

Jo and Cham leave for the hanger. Brainy also leaves for his lab. Rokk and Jacques, having finished cleaning up the mess, sit talking:

"Mon Dieu, this is a tres complex situation! I did not tell you all, but Troy is even now on Xolnar, visiting with Tasmia. Though officially he is there as the president of New Earth, I know he is most eager to, umm, learn if he has a chance with her. Le Bon Dieu alone knows what will happen if Lar is truly alive, and they have, umm, developed a serious relationship."

"Bloody Grife! Lar may be able to handle the news of Jo and Tasmia, but Lar and Troy were never very close! No telling how he'd react!"

"Well, mon ami, there is nothing to be gained by worrying over a problem that may not exist. Best to wait until Jo and Cham have learned if there is a problem at all."

*Sigh* You're right, Jacques, no need to worry until we know there's something to worry about. Grife, I do not know what to hope for, that Jo's right and Lar's alive, or that he is wrong and Lar is gone. I miss the old days when things were simpler!"

"Ahh, mon ami, they were good days but they're, alas, gone, though not forgotten, eh?"

*Chuckle* Right, Jacques! Though we can try to bring them back, at least a little, I don't want to be a kid again, but I do want the U.P. back to full strength and its old borders! And all the planets' economies healthy again would be nice!"

"From your lips to Le Bon Dieu's ears, my friend, n'est pas!?!"

"Yeah, Jacques, but we both have wives waiting for us, and I want to get some quality time with little Pol before he goes to bed."

"Good night, my friend, enjoy your time with your son. Jo and Cham should know something by tomorrow."

Several hours later on Shanghalla, Jo, and Cham approach Valor's gravesite:

"Well, Jo, we'll soon know if your little theory is right. So do we dig, or do you use your penetra-vision?"

"I'll use penetra-vision, if I'm wrong, no need to disturb Lar's grave. If I see I'm right, then we'll dig."

Reaching the grave, they kneel on either side:

"Well, here goes noth--" a hand erupts from the grave "--BLOODY NASS!!"

"AHH, GRIFE! Jo, you were right! I-it's Lar! Holy Grife, he's alive!"

They watch as he emerges; since he's well, if naked, they rush to give him a telepathic plug:

//Umm, Jo, Reep, what happened? Last I clearly remember, Tas and I were aboard a cruiser. Then I wake up in a box!?! T-this is Shanghalla!! What's going on? Gods, y-you buried me alive!?!//

//Grife, Lar, i-it's great to see you! W-we though you were dead! The medi-comp declared you dead!//

//Then the two of you were just visiting my grave, Jo? Great timing, guys!//

//Actually, Lar, we came to, ahh, make sure that you were indeed dead.//

//Why would you, umm, just how long have I been 'dead', Cham?//

//Ahh, a little less than six years, Lar.//

//SIX YEARS!?! Tasmia, s-she's--//

//She's fine Lar, really! For the first couple of years she retired to a nunnery on Talok VII. Then about three years ago, a few months after Tinya d-died--//

//WHAT!?! I-I'm sorry to hear that, Jo!//

//Please, don't interrupt, Lar; this is hard to tell you b-but I have to.//

//Jo, let's go to the cruiser to finish this conversation, ah, you need clean pants, and he needs clothes, period!//

//Bloody Nass, Reep I know that but--//

//No, Jo, Cham's right whatever it is can wait a few secs.//

//All right, you two, let's go. I'd rather say it orally anyway!//

After the three enter the cruiser:

"So, Lar, you want to use the shower first? After all these years, you're smelling a little overripe, pal!"

"That's not me, Jo, you're the one who lost control of his bodily functions, chum, not me!"

"HaHaHaHa! He's got y-you there, Jo! You hit the shower, and I'll fill him in on some of the things he missed in the past six years or so!"

"Cham, I--"

"I'll leave out what you need to tell him, Jo."

"All right, I'll be right back."

After Jo leaves, Cham replicates some clothes for Lar. As Lar dresses, he tells some of what's happened.

"Good Gods! Tinya and Blok dead! Earth destroyed, Khunds running rampant! About the only good news are the birth of Laurel's daughter, Rokk and Lydda's marriage and son, and the births of Garth and Imra's girls! You say that Tasmia is happy as an instructor at the Militia Academy on Xolnar, I'm glad to hear it. One of the last things I told her was to get on with her life, without me."

"Hey now, you are going to at least see her! She's your wife, for Grife's sake!"

"Yes, Cham, I owe her that much at least. It's up to her where we'll go from there."

"You two were having some problems, but, umm, you do love her, don't you?"

"I'll always love her, Cham. But I put her through Sheol the last few years and if she's happy now, then I don't have the right to interfere in her life."

Jo walks into the bridge area in time to over hear the last part of Lar and Cham's conversation: "Glad to hear that, pal."

"Yes. Well, Jo, what did you need to tell me?"

"I-I was a total wreak after Tinya...Tinya died. I-I quit the Legion and went home to Rimbor. The truth is, I was drinking myself to death. T-then one day Tasmia showed up at the bar I was at. I-I was a real mess, drunk, hadn't eaten, bathed or shaved in days. She dragged me out of there, took me back to my place. Sobered me up, gave me a piece of her mind, and we...we cried together, over our losses. S-she stayed with me for nearly a month. W-we drew comfort from each other, L-lar, w-we, umm...."

"You were lovers for part of her stay; that is what you're trying to tell me isn't it, Jo!?!"

*GULP* Y-yes, Lar, that's what I needed to tell you. I-I'll understand if you, ahh, want to, umm...."

"Beat you for to a pulp? Rant and rave? What good would that do?" *SIGH* "You both thought I was two years dead. Seems a bit soon after Tinya died for you to, ahh, well that was your decision, you have to live with it."

"Grife, Lar, I was sure you'd have a fit about this, b-but you seem, well, different somehow."

*SIGH* "I am, Jo. Let's just say that I've been thought dead three times, and I haven't died yet! First my death in the twentieth century, then that fiasco with Eltro Gand thinking he killed me, and finally that Magic Wars mess."

"HUH! What!?! Do you mean to say you weren't dead when Eltro, b-but if you weren't dead than Eltro...."

"His body died all right Jo, but his personality or soul if you will was transferred into me. We merged, but Eltro wasn't really strong enough to cope with my life, especially with my memories. He went mad, which was part of my, ahh, emotional problems during the following years. Somehow we aren't merged now, fortunately I'm in control. Believe me, fellas, you don't want to have a raving lunatic sharing your body! I don't know what caused the separation, not sure if it was the shock of my injuries, the years in a coma, or that spell of Mordru's that Cham told me about. I just hope I can find a way to get Eltro out of me. I don't even want to think about the damage he'd do if he ever gained control of--"

"Yeah, pal, we get the idea. Maybe Imra and or Mysa can help. Do you want to see Tasmia first or...."

"Umm, I think I better try to resolve the Eltro problem first, Cham."

"Right, if Eltro were to take control, it would be a disaster, soo next stop, Winath." With those words, Jo sits at the controls, programming the course into the navi-comp he says over his shoulder: "Cham, get on the communicator and call Mysa. Have her meet us at Garth's plantation?"

"Sure, Jo."

Meanwhile on Xolnar:

Troy Stewart, having finished all of his official activities upon his arrival, is making his way to the staff dormitory area:

*BZZZT* "C'mon in, Tyroc."

"Ahh, I am not early, am I?"

"No, it's just the four of us tonight. Lu and Tas are finishing making dinner. Can I get you a drink? Silverale? Saurian Brandy? You name it, pal! Oh excuse me, Mr. President!"

"Ha Ha Ha, very funny, Chuck, glad to see some things never change! You're still a jokester! A Silverale will be fine, thank you."

"Here you go, pal, Bottoms up!"

"Ahh, shouldn't we wait for Lu and Tas?"

"No need for that, Troy, we're here."

"Ahh, Lu, Tasmia! It's been too long! I'm glad to see you've come through the recent crisis without injury."

*Sigh* "Yes, we came through, but fighting our dead comrades was a horrible experience! Thank the Ancestors Mordru's power is broken! At least he'll never be able to try that accursed spell again!"

"Umm, yes, Jacques told me Projectra was extremely upset, seeing Val's remains desecrated like that."

"Ancestors! Poor Jeckie must have been devastated! A-at least--"

"Yes, Tasmia, at least you didn't have an, ahh, encounter with Lar. I'm glad of that, you've suffered enough."

"T-thank you Tyr--"

"Please, call me Troy."

"Well, dinner's ready. Let's try to change the subject, shall we?"

"Right you are, Lu honey! We've got a lot of catching up to do of a much more pleasant nature during and after dinner!"

"HaHaHaHa! Cham and Proty did their song routine!?! Wish I'd been there to see it! I always got a good laugh when they did it in the old days."

"Ancestors, that was a wonderful get together, almost all of us were there. We all caught up on what's going on in each other's lives, though the most excitement was when Lydda went into labor in the middle of the christening ceremony! Poor Rokk! I've never seen him so flustered!"

"I imagine having your wife go into premature labor would fluster any man. Though neither Chuck nor I can speak from experience."

*Sigh* "Not yet Troy, though sometimes I do wonder what it must be like, having a child."

"Yes, it's something to think and talk about, Chuck. But not here and now!"

"Yes, Lu honey. So Troy, how are you adjusting to being President of New Earth? Must be quite an adjustment after your years in the resistance."

"The bureaucracy is a trial, but I'm getting used to it, Chuck. I assume you all had quite an adjustment, becoming a Militia instructor. You must train your students to kill, hasn't been easy, eh? Miss the old days?"

"Yes, Troy, it's been quite an adjustment. However, we and they have no choice! If the U.P. is to survive, it must win this war! Unfortunately, there's no such thing as a war without killing."

"Sadly, that's true, Chuck. But things are looking better, at least the U.P. forces have stopped the Khunds' advance."

"Yes, but not before the Khunds took nearly forty percent of the U.P.! At least they've been beaten back to the borders as they were back in 2994. Though that's still roughly a third of the U.P.'s old area."

"Now, Chuck, the Militia will drive the Khunds back and free the conquered worlds eventually. Now lets try to find a less depressing subject, shall we?"

"Sure, Lu honey. What did you want to talk about? Xolnar's weather is constant, constant wind, constant snow. New Earth doesn't have weather, so talking about the weather is a waste of breath. I don't think any of us has seen a holo-movie in months. Anyone read a good holo-book lately? I know I haven't had to time to."

"HaHaHaHa! All right, Chuck, you win! We don't really have much to talk about besides the war effort, recovery efforts, and the old days."

"Well, Lu I think we can talk about the future. Have any of you thought about it? What you'll do once the war's won?"

"Bloody Nass, not really, Troy. I can't speak for Lu or Tas, but I've concentrated all my energy on the present. I'll think about life after the war when the bloody Khunds are driven back into their own sector and out of U.P. space!"

"I've done pretty much the same, Chuck. I do want children, but not while the war is raging!"

"Ancestors, I-I haven't thought about the future at all! S-since Lar died, it has become all I can do to live in the present, never mind the future! Sometimes I weave fantasies of what our life would have been like, if he'd recovered. But I try not to go down that road too often, i-it hurts too much, even after nearly six years."

"Tasmia, I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to cause you pain."

"That's all right, Troy, the pain is less than it was, and it will lessen as time passes."

"I'm glad to hear that, Tas. I don't think Lar would have wanted you to mourn and be alone for the rest of your life. I-I know he and I were never close, but I can't believe he'd be selfish enough to expect you to be alone for the rest of your life!"

"Ohh he wouldn't, Troy! Ancestors, the last few weeks, he kept telling me to get on with my life, without him! If he had had his way, I wouldn't have performed the marriage rite! And I'd have left him on Daxam. However, I couldn't do that! I-I was sure I could find someone who could heal him! I-it just wasn't meant to be! But oh Ancestors, sometimes I can't help wishing it had been!"

"Grife, Tas, most people spend their entire lives looking for a love like the two of you shared! And would be ecstatic to find a love a fraction of what you two had! I know you two had problems the last few years, but--"

"I know, Lu, the good times were the best! I doubt if I'll ever love anyone else that much. A-and if wouldn't be fair to--

"Never say never, Tasmia! Just live your life for the moment and leave the future to itself."

"Thanks, Chuck, I'm doing just that." Troy sits listening and keeping his own counsel. He has his own hopes, dreams, and plans for the future. Though she doesn't know it yet, Tasmia figures prominently in all of them.

Chuck, Lu, Tas, and Troy are having a fine time, talking about old times. After their little gathering ends down, Troy and Tas leave the Taine's quarters. Arriving at her quarters, she begins to wish him good night.

"Ahh, Tasmia, I'd, umm, like to talk to you, if you aren't too tired?"

"Come in, Troy what do you want to talk abo--" He stops her with a kiss. "MMMMM..."

"W-what--?"

"Still wondering what I want to talk about, Tas?"

"Troy I-I--"

"Sshh, just listen to me. I love you, Tasmia. I wrote you a letter, years ago, telling you that, among other things. If Lar was alive I would never interfere, but he's gone and we're both alive! I realize you don't love me, yet, and you may never love me as deeply as you loved him. But I believe, if you give me a chance, I can make you happy! Just say you'll give us a chance! I-I, umm, I realize I've surprised you, but--"

"No, Troy, you haven't surprised me. Wh-when I was ready to leave Rimbor, once I was sure Jo would be all right, I thought of you, and our mutual attraction. If I'd had any idea how to get to Marzal, I might even have gone there, instead of coming here. And if you really want to, we can see where this will lead. So come in and we'll talk, and, umm, see what else happens."

"S-see what else happens!?! I've, umm, heard that Talokite sexual mores are, ahh, different but--"

"Troy! You're blushing! I'm not a virgin, and I'm well over the age of consent! So if we decide to engage in bedplay, well, you don't have a wife you've neglected to mention, have you?"

"Good Gods, no! I-I've never married, though I'm not a virgin either, and I am well over the age of consent! I-I just never thought you'd want to, ahh, that is, not this soon!"

"Well, we'll talk and see what happens."

Upon entering, she gets them each a drink, and they sit and talk of their lives after they left the Legion. After a while he leans towards her, kissing her gently at first. But as he feels her response he deepens the kiss. Returning the kiss she caresses his chest and neck. Continuing to kiss and caress each other, they slowly learn each other's sensitive spots.

"Umm, Tas, if you want to stop, tell me now! I I'm not sure how much farther I can go and still stop."

"Mmm, don't stop! But, mmm, I think we'll, ahh, enjoy this more in my bed! This couch was not designed for comfortable bedplay!"

The two retire to the bedroom. Slowly removing each other's clothes, they're nude by the time they reach the bed. Lying on it they continue learning one another's pleasure points. Moaning with rising passion and pleasure, he reaches down to her mound, finding it ready he asks her if she's sure she wants to do this. Her answer is a moan of pleasure as she spreads her legs farther apart to accommodate him. As he leans over her to position himself, she reaches for his erection. Caressing its length, she tugs it, guiding it to her ready opening. Slowly he glides into her, groaning with pleasure, and begins the rhythmic thrusting that will build their pleasure and passion to the point of ecstasy. She lefts her pelvis to meet his thrusts, moaning with pleasure. He laves her dark blue nipples, suckling one after the other, in time with his thrusts. Their passion continues to rise as they murmur encouragement, each letting the other know which caress gives them the greatest pleasure. The tension builds until each shouts as wave after wave of orgasmic pleasure washes over them both. He winces; the name she calls is not his.

"Ancestors, I-- oh, Troy, forgive me, I'm sorr--"

"Sshh, it's all right, Tasmia, really. You don't love me, not yet. But I'm willing to wait, give you time to grow to love me. I know you will, someday in the not too distant future."

"That's generous of you, Troy, but it's not fai--"

"Hush now, no more talk, and get some sleep, my love."

Meanwhile, earlier on Winath:

"MOMMY! DADDY! THEY'RE HERE! Look! Uncle Jo's cruiser's landing! Why did Uncle Cham say he had a surprise?"

"Yes, Grayam, we see it, we'll find out the surprise soon enough. Stay clear of the landing pad until they've finished landing."

"Yes, Daddy."

As Garth and Imra hold the girls, nearby a lavender mist appears. As it dissipates, Mysa stands revealed. "Saturn's Rings! Mysa! Your powers are back! How are you? The battle mus--"

"I am well, Imra, thank you for asking. Do you know why Reep summoned me here? I don't see any danger or prob-- By the Spirits!"

Jo, Cham, and Lar disembark to pandemonium:

"Saturn's Rings! L-lar! B-but he's dead! Six years dead!"

"Daddy, who's the man with Uncle Jo and Uncle Cham? I-I don't remember him."

"Mother God! Valor!?! B-but how!?!"

As they make their way into the house, explanations are made.

"I shall need to research the spell, I have never heard of such a thing! Hmm, though perhaps a variation of an exorcism spell will suffice."

"Ah, Mysa, this, umm, exorcism spell, ahh, what happens to Eltro? He doesn't go to Sheol, does he?"

"Sheol? If you mean does the spell send the soul exorcised straight to the infernal realms, normally, yes it does. But I shall alter the incantation to send him rather to the realms of glory."

"Good! I think he's suffered enough, he's earned his place in the Happy Realms."

"Yes, of course. I'll start my research, I assume the sooner we deal with your problem the better, correct?"

"Right, Mysa, the sooner the better! I have a lot of catching up to do! I really appreciate this, all of you."

"None of that, Lar! We're all friends here, and friends help each other. You'd do the same for any one of us! Now while Mysa does her research, let's leave her in peace to do it, and we'll all go and help get you up to date. And I'm sure you three could use a good meal."

"Sure, Garth, you're right about that! I could use a meal, and more info. Cham and Jo told me a lot about what's been going on. But I get the feeling they're not telling me something."

"Nah, Lar, honest! W-we told you everything we know to tell you!"

*Sigh* "Jo, you're not telling me something, you know it, and I know it, so quit with the evasions and just tell me already!"

"Umm, look, Lar, maybe you should talk to Jacques, he's the one who's been around Tyroc lately."

"TYROC!?! Marzal returned to this dimension!?! Why wouldn't you want to tell me abo-- BLOODY NASS! H-he's finally acting on his feelings for Tasmia!?! That's what you didn't want to tell me, isn't it!?!"

"Umm, yes, that's what I was trying not to tell you. It's not really serious, at least Jacques just mentioned Troy's been corresponding with her, and apparently confided in him that he's, ahh, hoping it leads to something serious. But nothing's happened yet! Once you tell her you're alive, it'll probably never happen."

"All right, so Troy is, ahh, courting my wife, though they think she's my widow. Gods! This just keeps getting more complicated by the nano!"

"HaHaHaHa! Well, coming back from the dead does tend to complicate things, Lar! Saturn's Rings, we buried you! It's wonderful that you're here, now, but it's going to take some getting used to!"

"I know, Imra, I know, it's almost the same as when I got out of the Phantom Zone, except I don't have any idea what happened while I was comatose, except for what you all have told me."

"Ahh, don't worry so much, Lar, you'll get your life back and get caught up on everything! Just give it time!"

"I don't have a choice, do I, Jo? I'm not going back into that grave! Not for a very long time, if Rao wills! Whether or not Tas and I get back together is, as I told Reep, up to her! I put her through Sheol the last year of my, umm, life! The least I owe her is her freedom, if that's what she wants!"

"Well, I for one hope you two work it out! We could use a happy ending around here or a happy new beginning, rather."

"We'll have to wait and see, Garth. Umm, why is Mekt so nervous?"

*Chuckle* "Go ahead, Mekt, tell him!"

"Ahh, I, ahh, want to apologize for nearly electrocuting your wife, though you hadn't married yet. And I, ahh, hope you, umm, don't want to, ahh--"

"Gods, Mekt, if I was going to do anything to you for that, I'd have done it then! Not nearly ten years later!"

"Glad to hear it! I am sorry I did it, though. Tasmia and I had a long talk at the girls' christening celebration. You're a lucky man!"

"I know that, Mekt, thanks."

"Enough talk! The food is getting cold! Everyone to the dining room, now! Jo go tell Mysa to come eat. She'll need to keep her strength up to cast the spell. As I recall her spells usually take a lot out of her."

"Sure, Imra, you all go ahead, she and I'll join you."

"Ahh, are you sure about this spell, Mysa?"

"Yes, Lar, as sure as I can be. This is the first time this has been tried, that I know of. A first casting is always, umm, a chance taken. But I've done everything I could think of to insure the desired result. Now this may be painful, but it's necessary. Ahh, we need something that belonged to Eltro for the spell."

"Nass! I don't think any of his possessions survived Darkseid's forcing the Daxamites to reshape Daxam into a giant bust of his head. Unless Laurel kept something of his as a remembrance, we're sprocked!"

"No need to get upset, Lar. I'll call her at Legion HQ. If she does have what Mysa needs, she'll bring it super fast." Cham contacts Jacques, who's on duty at the HQ:

"Yes, Cham, mon ami, have you lear--"

"Yes, Jacques, Lar's alive. We're on Winath. It's a long story I don't have time to go into right now. Just tell Laurel if she has anything that belonged to her cousin Eltro, she needs to bring it here to the plantation."

"Very well, mon ami, I shall tell her, and the others the joyous news. Has he told Tasmia ye--"

"Not yet, so don't go broadcasting the news. That's why I used the secure comm-channel. She should be told not learn it through a holo-news broadcast."

"Of course, I shall inform only those of us here. It is for Lar to, ahh, inform the universe that Valor is back, n'est pas?"

"Right, Jacques, I'll call again later. Over and out."

While they wait for Laurel, Mysa explains the spell further, telling Lar the rest of the ingredients needed which he then gathers.

Finally Laurel arrives:

"WHERE IS HE!?! Rao, Lar, it's really you! Here's some clasps Eltro used, will these do?"

"Yes, Laurel, so long as they belonged to your cousin, they should work for my spell."

"Spell!?! What spell? Why are you here, Lar? I'd have thought you'd be on Xolnar with Tasmia! Grife! Y-you haven't even told her you're alive yet, have you!?!"

While Mysa prepares to cast the spell, the others explain everything to her.

"Ohh Rao, Lar are you sure this is the righ--"

"Laurel, I can't live the rest of my life with Eltro sharing my body! He's insane! If he ever gained control it would be catastrophic! Mysa has assured me the spell will remove Eltro and send him to the Happy Realms. That's the best solution for all concerned!"

"Yes, it is. Poor cousin Eltro, at least he'll finally be at peace."

Joining Mysa, they watch as she prepares the potion for the spell:

"Lar, you need to stand here in front of me."

Once he's in position she chants: "Realms far, Realms near. Let Eltro leave this vale of tears! Hear me spirits, heed my cry, and to the Realm of Glory let Eltro's spirit fly."

"AHHH!" Lar grimaces with pain as the chant ends.

"I'm sorry for the pain, Lar. But he was in your body a long time! Some discomfort was to be expected."

"That's all right, Mysa, umm, the spell worked didn't it?"

"I believe so, but if you wish Imra could do a deep probe of your subconscious to make sure."

"Sure if you're willing, Imra, though I've got to warm you, my subconscious mind is a scary place!"

"Perhaps it is, Lar, but we have to be sure Eltro is gone. So just relax, and don't try to block me. Your natural psychic shields are formidable, so lower them as much as you can. This shouldn't take too long."

"Oho, that was, umm, interesting! The good news is there's no vestige of Eltro left in your mind." *Sigh* "The bad news is you were right! Your subconscious mind is a very scary place!"

"Great, Imra! Now it's been great seeing you all, but I better head for Xolnar. Tas and I need to talk. I'll, umm, see you all later. Thanks all of you, sorry to--"

"Never mind, Lar! You go talk to Tasmia. Then you better show up on Talus! You have a new niece you need to meet! If you don't come to Talus within two weeks I'll come and get you!"

*Chuckle* "Sure, Laurel. I'll come, with or without Tasmia. Just hope it's with her."

"Yes, Lar, you go talk to Tasmia and then you two come back here for a real visit! After you give Laurel and Rokk a chance to show off Lauren and Pol, Imra and I can show off Grayam, Garridan, Dorcey, and Dorcett. And maybe while you're here, you and Tas can, umm, work on a little one of your own!"

"Daddy, how would Aunt Tasmia and Uncle Lar work on a little one? You mean they'd do whatever you and Mommy did to get Dorcey, Dorcett, Garridan and me?"

"Ahh, yes, Grayam that's what I mean."

"Umm, Daddy, you never did tell me exactly what you and Mommy do to make babies!"

"Ahh, Mommy and I will explain later, son."

*Chuckle* "I think I'll leave you to your explanations, Garth. I'll see you soon, with Tasmia I hope. Whether or not Tas and I decide to try for a little one remains to be seen. Bye all, see you soon."

After he leaves the others continue to talk. *BZZZT* Cham's communicator sounds:

"Yes, Rokk, what's wrong?"

"Nothing here, Reep, just wanted to, ahh, check on Lar."

"He's left for Xolnar, Rokk. He'll be coming to Talus soo--"

"Reep, ahh, Jo and Laurel better follow him. Tyroc is, ahh, visiting Tasmia on Xolnar and, umm, according to Jacques, he was, umm, hoping to, ahh, deepen the relationship."

"Bloody Nass! You mean Lar could walk in on them mak--"

"Exactly! That's why I suggested they follow him, just in case."

"Right! Better safe than sorry. I'll tell them we have to follow him and we'll hope for the best. Over and out."

"Jo, Laurel, we have to go NOW! Garth, Imra it was great seeing you again, we have to get together again soon."

"Sure Cham."

"Sure, Reep."

"Cham why do we hav--"

"I'll explain on the way, Laurel. Let's go!"

Xolnar, a little earlier, in Tasmia's quarters:

Waking, she kisses him awake:

"Umm, I could learn to enjoy this method of waking up. MMMMMM..." Deepening the kiss he rolls on top of her, caressing her. Both are moaning with rising passion and pleasure; she strokes his erection then guides it into her ready sheath. He thrusts into her hard and fast. As their passions mount they caress and murmur encouragement to each other, enjoying themselves as their pleasure builds towards ecstasy.

Meanwhile aboard Jo's ship in route to Xolnar:

"All right, Cham, why are we following Lar? Seems to me they could use the time alone!"

"I would normally agree, Laurel but umm--" He repeats what Rokk told him.

Bloody Nass! Y-you mean Lar could walk in on them in bed together!?! Grife, you're right, Cham. Laurel and I should be there, just in case."

"Agreed, Jo, though I hope it won't be necessary. Lar's been through enough! I like Tyroc, but if it comes to a choice of who gets hurt, I'd rather it be him!"

"Let's just hope the only hurting involved is emotional! Tyroc is powerful, but no match for Lar!"

"Don't worry, Cham. Jo and I can ensure nobody gets hurt, physically at least."

"Just hope nobody gets too badly hurt emotionally! Hopefully Tasmia is sound asleep, alone in her quarters, and Tyroc is doing likewise in his!"

"From your mouth to Rao's ears, Jo. I can fly to Xolnar faster on my own though, so I'll do that while you follow as fast as the ship can."

"Wait up, Laurel, I'll go with you! Cham, you can handle the ship solo, right?"

"Sure, you two go ahead, I'll be right behind you."

Tasmia's quarters:

Their passion erupts in mutual ecstasy as he spews his hot seed into her. She screams in her native language. Outside her door, Lar winces upon hearing the two lovers, thinking:

//I guess the only thing to talk about is getting our marriage dissolved. But not right now!//

Turning to make his way back to the main entrance, he's suddenly confronted by Jo, Laurel, Chuck, and Luornu:

"Lar! Grife, it's true! You're alive! B-but how!?!"

"Jo can explain, Chuck, I-I have to go!"

"GO!?! Go where!?! Where's Tasmia? Why aren't you with her?"

"She and Tyroc are busy, Laurel! S-she's happy with him! I won't interfere! I-I just need some time alone, all right!?!"

"NO! It's not all right! You stay here! I'll get her and you two can talk things out! I-I can't believe she loves him! Y-you have to talk to her! N-not just take off! Jo, Chuck, you two keep him here! Sit on him if you have to! Cham should be here any minute to help you! C'mon Lu, you and I will get her so they can talk this out!"

The two rush into the bedroom:

"Ancestors, Lu, Laurel, w-wha--"

"Get dressed! Both of you! Gods, no wonder Lar wants to get out of here!"

"W-what are you raving about, Laurel!?! Lar's dead! Unlike me you were at his funeral!"

"He wasn't dead, Troy! Just in a deathlike coma! The medi-comp malfunctioned!"

"WHAT!?! Oh thank the Ancestors! H-he-- I have to see him! Where is he?"

"Clean yourself up first, Tasmia! He's upset enough without you going to him stinking of Tyr--"

"ENOUGH, LAUREL! You're upset, and you have a right to be as his nearest relative. But we've done nothing wrong!"

"NOTHING WRONG!?! Last I heard adultery was considered wrong on most civilized planets, Tyroc!"

"BLAST IT! We all thought he was dead! A dead man can't be--"

"ENOUGH, BOTH OF YOU! This is getting us nowhere! Laurel, Lu, go make sure Lar stays put! Troy, go back to your quarters. I-I have to clean up and see him."

"Tasmia, don--"

"I'm sorry, Troy. He's my husband! The man I love with all my heart and soul! Ancestors, please just let him understand and forgive me!"

Xolnar U.P. Military Academy, main entrance: Upon arriving, since Jo and Chuck are trying to keep Lar in the building, Cham envelopes him to help prevent him from leaving. Jo and Chuck block the doorway. Lu and Laurel arrive from Tasmia's quarters just as Cham releases him:

"Yowtch! Blast it, Lar! That was unnecessary! You didn't have to burn me, for Grife's sake!"

"Well, I asked you repeatedly to let go! Try listening next time!"

"Enough, you two! I'll keep Lar here! Lu, Chuck, it looks like we'll be staying the rest of the night. Do you have enough guestrooms for all of us?

"Oh, yes, Laurel, we've got rooms for all of you."

"I won't need a room, Lu! I'm not staying!"

"Oh yes you are, Lar. Even if I hav--"

"Laurel, you're taller than I am, but not stronger! Although our super strength has never been accurately measured, theoretically, I'm stronger than you are! I'd rather not put it to the test, but I will if I have to!"

"Please, Lar, wait and talk to her, I don't want to fight you! I-I know you're upset, and you have every right to be! But please, I'm sure you and she can work it out, if you just stay and talk!"

"Let's all just relax and calm down. Tas should be here any minute. She, umm, needed to, ahh--"

"Just say it, Lu! She needed to shower to clean herself off! I guess I should be grateful she didn't come straight from--"

"Yes, we understand Lar, no need to draw us a picture."

"Right, Chuck, excuse me, I'm leaving! See you all lat--"

Tasmia arrives just in time to interrupt."

"Ancestors! Lar, y-you look well! I, ahh, we have a lot to talk about! Please stay! I-I know you're angry, and you have every right to be! But please stay!"

*Sigh* "Tas, as long as he makes you happy, that's all I--"

"I don't love him, Lar. I LOVE YOU! I-I've miss you more that you'll ever know! Please, darling, come with m--"

"Ahh, Tas, I think it'd be better if you two, umm, go to a guest room."

"B-but why-- ohh yes! You're right, Laurel. Come, my love, please!"

"I-- oh all right! Let's go! We do need to talk."

"Something to drink, Lar?"

"No, thanks. Tasmia, what do you want to do? Divorce? An annulment would be easy enough, since the marriage was never--"

"NO! I don't want our marriage ended! I-I know I don't have the right to ask it of you bu--"

"You have the right, Tasmia. I-I just want you to be happy. I know I made your life hellish that last year or so. If Tyroc makes you--"

"I DON'T WANT TYROC! I WANT YOU! Us together the way we were, when we were happy! Before that bitch Glorith wiped out your people! Before that witch Lady Memory used her power on you! Don't you remember, Lar!?! We were happy! And we loved, Gods we loved each other so much! I still love you! T-the question is do you still love me!?! I know I've hurt you, but believe me. If I'd had any idea you were alive it would never have happened!" *SOB* "Please believe me!" *SOB* Please!"

"Gods, Tasmia, don't cry! I can't stand seeing you cry! I'm not angry, really! Y-you thought I was dead and you went on with your life. I love you, Tasmia! I just want you to be happy! If Tyroc makes you happy, that's what I want for you. If you want to be with Jo than tha--"

"ANCESTORS HELP ME! J-Jo told you abo-- Oh, I'll skin him alive! I LOVE YOU, LAR! NOT TYROC, NOT JO! ONLY YOU! Come to bed and I'll show you! Please!"

"Are you sure, Tasmia? Be very sure that's what you want! There'll be no turning back once we--"

"Yes, I'm sure, Lar! Now come to bed! No more talk about divorce or annulment! It's nearly six years late, but we never did have a wedding night!"

She takes his hand, urging him to come with her. Standing next to the bed, she with her right hand pulls his head down for a kiss, even as she opens his tunic and begins to caress his chest, slipping her left hand under the fabric, she rubs along his sensitive back. groaning with rising passion, he returns the kiss, deepening it; their tongues duel in imitation of what is to come. Quickly removing their clothes, they fall in a tangle of limbs onto the bed. Untangling, they continue rediscovering one another's bodies. She wraps her legs around his hips, rubbing against his erection, murmuring for him to enter her.

In response, he deepens the kiss, then continues kissing her along her jaw, neck and collarbone, down to her breasts. She moans with pleasure as he laves each breast, her nipples harden as he suckles each in turn. "Umm, Lar, please, NOW!"

Chuckling, he continues suckling her breasts as he reaches down to her core. Separating her ebony curls he rubs her mound, inserting his fingers in imitation of what is to come. In response her hips rise to meet his fingers, plunging them deeper into her wet passage. "Ahh, Ancestors, Lar, PLEASE!" Thrusting her hips, she reaches for his erection, stroking it to further lengthen it, she guides it as he removes his fingers to her ready opening. He slowly thrusts into her, in response she clasps his hips and pulls him down into her, imbedding him to the hilt in her slick sheath. He withdraws, then thrusts halfway into her, withdrawing again he thrusts fully into her, repeating the rhythmic thrusts, slowly building the sexual tension between them. Arching her body, she raised her pelvis up to meet his downward thrust. Faster and harder they join, the tension building. Finally she can stand no more; screaming his name, she convulses beneath him in orgasmic joy, and her sheathe's contractions trigger his orgasm. She moans with pleasure as he roars her name, even as he floods her with his hot seed. They lie together, their ragged breathing slowly returning to normal. She enjoys the feel of him inside her, surprised to realize he's still hard within her. "Lar, what?" In answer he kisses her deeply "MMMMMMMMM... Hope you're not too sleepy, Tas." He nuzzles her breasts, nipping the underside of each in turn.

*Giggle* "LAR! You know I'm ticklish there!"

"Uh-huh, and you taste good too!" Nuzzling between her breasts he gently bites that sensitive spot, sucking it; she moans with rising passion under the tender assault. groaning as he begins to withdraw, she reaches to pull him back into her. Instead he completely withdraws, and turns her over. She groans as he caresses and nips along her sensitive back and shoulders. Moaning with rising pleasure she begs to know what he wants of her. At his urging she rises on all fours. He spreads her legs reaching around he rubs her mound, spreading her nether lips. He rubs the head of his erection along her crack. She arches into him with pleasure, begging him to enter her and stop teasing. Laughing, he complies, ramming into her to the hilt.

Xolnar, U.P. Militia Academy Commissary:

Chuck, Lu, Jo, Reep, and Laurel are eating breakfast, talking about what happened the night before, and speculating on what will happen next. Troy enters, gets his breakfast, and joins them.

"Grife, Troy, you look like you didn't sleep very well last nigh--"

"NO, I didn't, Jo! The vent in my sleeping quarters let me hear everything Lar and Tasmia did last night! He kept her up all night, moaning and groaning! Gods alone know what harm he did to her."

"HARM!?! I doubt that Tyroc! More likely they finally had their wedding night! You're just sprocked she chose him over you! Lar loves her, he'd never harm her!"

"Calm down, Laurel. Troy's just tired and disappointed. I'm sure he never dreamed his visit here would end this way!"

"You've got that right, Chuck! I'll be leaving for New Earth today, no reason to extend my stay here now."

"Well, if that's what you want, Troy. It was great seeing you again. But I can understand your wanting to leave."

"Not what I really want, Chuck. But probably for the best. I should wait to say good-bye to Tasmia and Lar." At that moment, Lar enters the commissary, getting his breakfast he joins the group.

"G'morning Lar. Troy says you and Tas didn't sleep much last night! I guess you two have, umm, decided to stay together! Congratulations, pal!"

"Ahh, yes, Jo, though I'm not sure how Troy would-- Bloody Nass! Don't tell me the vent!?! Gods, Tas will have a fit. Grife, sorry, Troy, if I'd realized you were in the next room, I would've closed the blasted thing!"

"That's all right, Lar. I-I'm happy for you both. As long as you two are happy, that's all that matters."

"Let's be honest, troy. You don't care if I'm happy, only that I don't make Tas unhappy!"

"That's right, Lar, it's Tasmia I care about! I wasn't here to see how you hurt her that last year before you 'died'! But I've heard enough to know that you put her through Hell!"

*Sigh* "I know that better than you do, Troy. But that's between me and my wife! You need to get on with your life and butt out of ours!"

"I'll butt out when and if Tasmia tells me to!"

"News flash, Troy, she chose to continue our marriage last night! I offered her an annulment or a divorce so she could be with you if that's what she wanted! I'm the one she loves and wants, NOT YOU!"

"Bloody Nass, Troy, Tasmia herself told you last night she loves Lar! NOT YOU!"

"This is between Tasmia, Lar, and myself, Laurel, butt out!"

"ENOUGH! You need my wife to tell you to get on with your own life, and leave us be, Troy, fine! I'll go see if she's awake!"

He leaves as Laurel and Troy glare at each other. "Umm, wonder why he didn--"

"All the walls are lead shielded, Jo."

"Ohh, yeah, that would-- but why not just ask me t--"

"Jo! Grife, you can be so dense sometimes! He probably just wanted to get away from Tyrochead here, and his snide comments."

*Chuckle* "You've got a point there Laurel."

"Well, you two may not be worried for Tasmia's safety, but I am! He's hurt her bef--"

"YOU SPROCKING NASSHEAD! I ought to knock some sense into you! Lar has never physically hurt her! And now that Eltro's soul has been removed he won't--"

"Grife take you Laurel, what are you talking about!?! Who was Eltro? And what--"

"Bloody Nass, that's right! You hadn't joined the Legion yet! He was my cousin, Troy and--" She tells him Eltro and Lar's history.

"My Gods! I-I never knew! I guess I really don't know Lar at all then. Perhaps I've been wrong about some things. For Tasmia's sake I certainly hope so."

"Well, that's big of you, Troy! So you'll butt out of their lives? You've done more than enough already!"

"Back off, Laurel! It's between Tasmia, Lar, and me! None of your business!"

"You back off, Tyrochead! Besides my daughter, he's the only blood family I have! You mess with him, you mess with me! And he is far more forgiving than I am!"

In Lar and Tasmia's quarters:

Since she's still asleep, he decides to prepare her favorite breakfast. After replicating a fruit platter, raspberry torte, hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a Tiger rose for decoration on a tray, he carries it all to the bedchamber. Placing it on the nightstand he sits next to her and kisses her to wake her. "MMMMMM...good morning, Tas, love. Time to wake up."

"Umm, still sleepy, g'way!"

"C'mon love, I've brought your favorite breakfast! Tyroc insists on seeing you before he leaves for New Earth. Eeerrr, it seems he, ahh, heard your, umm, vocal expressions of, umm--"

"WHAT!?! How could he--"

"Look up, Tas, see the vent? That's how; apparently it connects to the one in his room. He, ahh, wants to see you, so he'll know you're all right."

"Know I'm all right!?! What are you-- he thinks you hurt me!?! That SPROCKING jerk! How dare he! What else did he have to say?" As she goes to the sink and brushes her teeth, he tells her. Returning to the bed, she gets him to feed her the fruit. As he places a slice of kiwi in her mouth she sucks the juice from his fingers. "Umm, delicious!"

"The fruit's good, Tasmia?"

"The fruit is good, Lar, but it's not what I'm hungry for at the moment!"

"Umm, Tas, Tyroc is wai--"

"Sprock Tyroc! I told him everything he needed to hear from me last night! If he has a problem, it's his problem, not mine, not yours! I-I'm sorry he's hurting, and that he heard us last night, but there's really nothing we can do to help him! He-he just has to get on with his life, and leave us alone to get on with ours! Now enough about Tyroc! C'mere, lover!"

"Tasmia, Tyroc is waiting and--"

"And he can wait! But I can't and won't!" Pulling him into a deep kiss, her tongue caressing his, she unbuckles his belt, opens his tunic, and proceeds to make her point.

Meanwhile Tyroc is getting impatient:

"Blast it, what's taking so long? It's been nearly an hour!"

"Let's see, Tyroc. Could it be she felt she already told you everything she needed to? Umm, or perhaps when he woke her up she decided she had better things to do? After all they are technically on their honeymoon!" Tyroc glares at Laurel as he answers her."

"Very funny, Laurel!"

"Grife, Troy, Laurel has a point! I was there when Tas sent you to your quarters last night! Call me crazy but she made her feeling clear! You need to leave them alone and butt out of their lives!"

"You butt out, Luornu!"

"Don't take that tone of voice with my wife, Troy! She and Laurel are right! I know you're disappointed, but it's over and done with! You need to accept that and get on with your life!"

"Easy for you to say, Chuck! I'm going to find her! Excuse me! OYUUUU"

"Bloody Nass! Let's go, Laurel! When he teleports in on them, we better be there to keep things from getting out of hand!"

"Right, Jo."

Earlier in Lar and Tasmia's Bedroom:"

"C'mon, sleepyhead! Tyroc's waiting."

"Umm, don't want to see him! But, umm, wouldn't mind mor--"

"Tas! I'd love to spend the day in this bed making love to you. And after you talk to him, we can do that if you want! But Troy is not going to wait much longer! I'm surprised he hasn't teleported in here already!"

*Sigh* "All right, you win. But first we bathe in the hot tub."

"Sure, just as long as we hurry."

"Umm, I don't know about hurrying. But we'll see what comes, umm, up!"

*Sigh* "Yes, we'll see. At least we don't have to get undressed."

"Umm, I'm just glad you haven't shaved yet, Lar."

"Tas, we don't have time fo--"

"There's always time, Lar, you'll see! C'mon, the hot tub's waiting."

"After you, Shady my love.'
"OYUUUU" Materializing in the bedroom, Troy hears moans coming from the bathroom. Entering he sees her in the tub, her head thrown back, eyes glazing with growing passion, her jaw muscles working as she moans with pleasure. Unseen by Troy, under the water and bubbles, she clutches Lar's hair, urging him to continue. "Tasmia, what's wrong? Are you all right?"

"W-what? Tyroc! What are you doing in here!?! MMMM! I'm-- ooh Ancestors! Fine, really! Aaahhhh, yes! Troy, please just go away! I-I'll be d-done here soon! W-we'll talk then!"

"Tasmia, what's the matter with you? Why are you acting li--"

What else he would say will remain a mystery as Laurel and Jo rush into the room:

"Bloody Nass! Troy, you sprockhead! What the sprock do you think you're doing!?!"

"Never mind that, Laurel! Let's just get him out of here before Lar surfaces and goes nova! Sorry about this Tasm--"

"Aahh, Ancestors! Jo, shut up and get out! Ooohhhh, yes! All of you! MMMM! Gods!" Arching her back, she rasps: "Ancestors, don't stop! Umm, he still doesn't know you three are-- Aaahh, yyeeesssss! --are here, just go! W-we'll, aahh, b-be finished-- MMMM... shortly! Oh Ancestors! You have to leave, NOW!!! H-he's abou--"

"Bloody Nass! What is this!?! Grand Central Spaceport!?! Get the Nass out of here, you three! Troy, I'm going to--" As he begins to climb out of the tub she grabs his right arm.

"Lar, please, not now! T-they're leaving! Please don't--"

As Laurel and Jo drag Troy out of the room, she moves in front of him; rubbing herself against his chest and crotch, she quickly restores his former passion. "Come, keritalyn, let us finish what was so rudely interrupted, please, Lar, don't leave me this way!" With a growl of mixed anger, frustration, and passion he backs her against the wall and lifts her, impaling her with one thrust. Hard and fast he thrusts, one, two, three times. With the third hard thrust she shudders with ecstasy and screams her release, as she feels his hot seed spew into her: "KERITALYN! ANCESTORS, I LOVE YOU LAR! ONLY YOU, NOW AND FOREVER! YOU ARE MY HEART AND SOUL!"

Outside, Troy, his mouth covered by Laurel's hand, winces and squirms in pain on hearing her words.

Outside Lar and Tasmia's quarters, Laurel removes her hand from over Troy's mouth. When he moves to reenter the quarters she blocks him:

"No, Troy! You have no right to go in there! She told you to wait for her, so that is what you are going to do! Jo, take him back to the commissary, I'll wait here for them to come out."

"Sure, Laurel. C'mon Troy, you've done enough damage here!"

Meanwhile in their quarters, Lar gently carries Tasmia back to the tub and washes her clean, then himself. After drying, he lays her on the couch, changes the bedding, puts her to bed, dresses, and finds Laurel waiting outside the main door."

"Lar, I'm so sorry! We tried to get him to leave the room, honestly we did! But he--"

"Never mind, Laurel! I will deal with Tyroc! However, umm, Tas is sleeping, and, ahh, could you go in and wake her up? Bring her to the commissary, all right?"

"Sure thing, Lar! Give him Sheol! We'll be there in a few minutes."

"Thanks, Laurel, I will!"

He leaves to join the others in the commissary as she goes into the quarters.

In the Commissary, Jo, and Troy enter and find only Chuck, Lu and Cham waiting. Immediately they begin firing questions at the two:

"Good Grife, Troy, what's the matter? Jo, did you two stop--"

"No, Cham, Tyrochead here popped in on them in the middle of what should have been an extremely private moment! Bloody Nass, Troy, and what were you thinking!?! I would not blame Lar if he broke every bone in your body for pulling a stunt like that!"

"Blast it, Jo, she was moaning as though she were in pain! How was I supposed to know what he was doing under the water? I do not have x-ray or penetra-vision!"

"HOLY TRINITY! Y-you walked in on them while he was-- Holy Valor! You are right, Jo! If Lar chooses to break every bone is Troy's body it is no more than he deserves!"

Lar walks in just in time to hear the exchange.

"Not this time, I won't, but Troy, if you don't have a yell that will heal every bone in your body right now you better make the effort to find one! Because I promise you, if you ever pull a stunt like that again, you'll need it to heal yourself when I'm done with you! Not to mention what Tasmia will do!"

"All right! I get the message! It's just she wasn't that, ahh--"

"What, Troy? That vocal while you were SPROCKING her? Well, excuse me for being either better equipped or better skilled to give her pleasure! Not that it is any of your business, but she is a moaner, pal! The better she likes it, the louder she gets! And I guess I do have a lot more experience with her than anyone else, don't I?"

Tasmia and Laurel enter at that moment.

"Crudely put, but accurate, keritalyn. You do indeed, as I have with you, yes?"

He turns, blushing, to his wife: "Yes, keritalyn, you do. I am sorry I should not have let him--"

"No apologies necessary, you have been provoked to be sure. He had no right to do what he did. Now, Troy, you wished to speak to me? I thought I made myself clear last night! I am sorry if you are hurting, but the fact of the matter is, if I had had any inkling that Lar was alive, what we did last night would never have happened in the first place! Forget me, Troy! Find yourself a woman who will love you the way I love LAR! I wish you all the happiness you deserve, but please leave us to our happiness in peace! No more uninvited entrances in our bedroom!"

Troy sadly nods his acceptance of her wishes: "I'll do that, Tasmia. I am sorry if I caused you any embarrassment, it will not happen again! I-I just want you to be happy, Tasmia, that's all I've ever wanted."

"Oh Troy, I am happy, for the first time in six years or more! T-the problems we, Lar and I, had those last few years, they were not his fault! He ha--"

"I know Tasmia, Laurel explained about the Eltro situation. Just make sure you take care of her, Lar, or I'll take care of you!"

"Oh I will, Troy, though it would almost be worth it to see you try to, ahh, take care of me!"

"All right, both of you! That is enough! Troy is leaving, and so are we the only question is, are you two coming with us now, or will you be coming to Talus later?"

Lar turns lifting his right eyebrow to his wife: "Well, Tas?"

"We'll go with you three, Laurel. Just let me pack my things. Chuck, Lu, I know it is, umm, short notice but since the former Subs joined the staff here, you do not really need me. So I'm resigning from the staff here, effective immediately."

"Tas, you do not hav--"

"Yes, I do, Lar! We both know you would never be happy here! You hate all cold except the cold of deep space! Moreover, that's all there is to it! You would be miserable here within a month. I know we need to talk about what we'll do with our lives now, but living on Xolnar is not an option."

*Chuckle* "You've got that right, my love. Xolnar's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here."

"We'll miss you, Tas, but we understand! You two go and build yourselves a new life together. Be happy, all right? And come back to visit once in a while!"

"Thank you, Chuck."

"Yeah, thanks, Chuck, we'll do just that! C'mon, Tas, I'll help you pa--"

"No, thank you, Lar, I can handle it, really! Umm, why not help Jo with the preflight systems check on the cruiser?"

"Huh? Oh sure, Tas, if that's the way you want it."

Lar and Jo leave for the hanger deck, as Tasmia is leaving Laurel joins her. When they arrive, Laurel grimaces.

"Gods, this place needs better ventilation! It is just as well you told Lar not to come, Tas!"

*Sigh* "The ventilation is perfectly fine, Laurel! It is only because of your super-heightened sense of smell that you are, ahh..."

*Giggle* "You've got that right, Tasmia! Though I'd bet the room you two spent the night in is even more, ahh, aromatic than this one is!"

"HaHaHaHa! Oh Ancestors! You would win that bet, Laurel! In addition, you know it, thanks to Troy's big mouth! But that's over with, I came here to pack, are you going to watch me do it, or help?"

"Help, of course! The sooner we get off this overgrown snowball, the better! Lauren is waiting for her Mommy, and I cannot wait to show her off to Lar! Ahh, Tasmia, you do realize that his repro-suppressant wore off while he was in the coma?"

"Yes, I supposed as much, umm, mine has lapsed as well! Ancestors help me! I-I didn't even ask Troy if he...ohh Gods!"

"Calm down, Tasmia, nothing to get upset about, it's no--"

"NOTHING TO GET UPSET ABOUT!?! I COULD BE PREGNANT BY TY--"

"CALM DOWN! It will be all right! Lar's...ahh, well, the odds are in favor of it being LAR'S, if there even IS a baby! Besides, you do not know that Troy is not on a repro-suppressant regime! He probably is so there is nothing to worry about! Garth was teasing Lar that you two should work on having a baby, and Lar did not reject the idea out of hand! He'll be delighted, if you are pregnant at all."

"You don't understand, Laurel! I-if it is Troy's-- ohh Gods! I-I cannot be pregnant, not by Troy! I just cannot! Laurel, please promise me you will not mention this to--"

*Sigh* "I promise, Tasmia, I will not mention the possibility of your being pregnant to anyone, all right? Now calm down and let us get you packed. When we get to Talus I will see if I can find out for you whether Troy's repro-suppressant is up to date. But whether it is or not, you really should talk to Lar."

"Ancestors help me! I-I will, Laurel, as soon as we know exactly what I have to tell him! Oh Gods, please let it be that we are having a baby!"

Personal log entry:

I love my wife, Gods know I love her more than is considered decent by Daxamite or Talokite standards. Rao knows any other Daxamite male would have left her to Troy, no matter what she wanted. Of course a Talokite male would have done far more and far worse than simply leave her. I know she is worried about the baby. I have done the genetic tests.

I have told her not the worry, the child will be the image of her mother, thank Rao and whatever other Gods there may be! In addition, since the stress of worrying about the possibilities caused her to ovulate on Winath, in spite of being nearly three weeks pregnant, no one will know the girl is full term. Thank Rao for whatever causes almost all conceptions on that planet to result in twins!

Now if that blasted temporal disturbance Brainy asked me to check out will just occur, we can end this protracted honeymoon and return to Winath for that charity gala Garth and Imra expect us to attend.

Tasmia will have enough to worry about, finding a gown, nothing like have triplets to make you look even farther along in gestation than you are! Just hope Jacques was able to talk to Troy as I asked him to. Blast him, sulking like a spoiled child! At least the rest know to keep their mouths shut!

The end?