The party chamber was the same one they had used for the Taa-Osh Celebration almost a yahren ago. This time, the streamers were in red, black and orange. There were decorations of carved pumpkins, black cats, ghosts and other ghoulish delights. The food kept with the tradition of orange punch, themed appetizers and a lovely assortment of sweets, including caramel apples. Though Noel immediately indulged in the spread, Electra only nibbled. Everyone there was in costume. She saw Dax dressed as a black-masked marauder. Katara as a clown. Aaron as an ancient long-bow archer, and several other people she had come to know were dressed as everything from royalty to insects.
    Though everyone was having a wonderful time, for Electra, the music was too loud and the lighting too bright. She was overly sensitive to everything this evening. She grabbed a cup of punch and headed to where a seat had been placed by a small porthole. She only wanted to be alone, back in her chamber with a cup of soothing blackberry tea. But she reminded herself that she was there for Noel, and sat back to watch her little sister flit and flutter about the party chamber chattering to everyone and seeking out her friends.
    As the evening wore on, many people came over to speak with Electra, and though it was a nice distraction, her mind just wasn't with them. She would smile and make polite conversation, but her mind wandered through many memories . . . good and bad. This happened every yahren . . . Toward the end of the party, they held a costume contest. Electra didn't bother to enter, but Noel did. Though she didn't win first place, she did win second, and received a beautiful gold medal with red ribbons. Noel was elated!
    After the party ended, relief washed over Electra as they finally returned to their chamber. Noel has kept her at the party a full centaur after the time she had originally planned for them to leave.  However, as they reached the door, she sensed something going on within. It was a vague sense that the chamber wasn't empty. Slowly, she pushed Noel behind her. Noel seemed to be a little anxious, herself.
    "Wait here," Electra whispered, as she made the door slide open, then rushing inside. Suddenly she stopped. Before her eyes were a handful of friends and aquaintances she had made during her time on the Galactica. Dax, Katara and Aaron (Captain Kristalys' younger brother) were among the guest. The chamber was decorated with lavender and pink streamers and balloons. As they saw her, they shouted their greeting.
    "SURPRISE!"
    Electra's mouth fell open to the floor. "How did you . . . I mean, who did . . . Thank you," she finally managed.
    "Well, it was Noel's idea," Aaron smiled, "She didn't want her big sister to feel unimportant on her own birthday."
    Slowly, Noel approached Electra from behind and gently grabbed her hand. "I hope you like your surprise . . ." Noel asked cautiously, her green eyes flashing a hint of worry.
    Electra melted into a smile and embraced her sister. "Thank you, sweet heart, I would have never expected it."
    For another centaur the guests, Electra and Noel talked, laughed and played a few silly games. Then Electra opened the gifts that had been brought for her. Each one was special . . .A crystal picture frame, a lovely iridescnet blouse, a new photcam - since the one Electra had was getting old and Aaron knew how much she enjoyed taking pictures. There was even a gold pen with a black velvet covered notebook with two unicorns pracing on the cover etched in gold.
    Just as she was finishing up, Katara came out of the kitchen area with a cake covered in white frosting with lavender roses and pink writing that read, "Happy Birthday, Electra!" Several candles were lit and everyone sang a traditional birthday song for her.
    As Katara set the cake before Electra, she said, "Make a wish and blow out the candles!"
    Electra smiled. Her first thought was of Nico and how she wished that he were there at that very moment. But then her mind began to wander, knowing very well that that dream would not be fulfilled anytime soon. However, she wanted to spend her birthday with someone special. She didn't want to spend it alone . . .
    Almost as if under a spell, her mind went to the memories of Scorpio, as a sigh escaped her. Yes . . . if she was going to make a wish that had a chance of coming true, then she would wish to spend the evening with Scorpio. Secretly, she smiled and blew out the candles. Of course, it was just a wish, even if it had been a long time since she'd seen him. Maybe it was as far-fetched a wish as wishing for Nico to suddenly appear . . . Well, a wish was only a wish and it didn't mean anything, she thought.
    After enjoying a slice of cake and a cup of punch, the guests began to leave. Sleep periods were drawing close. Noel helped clean up the plates, cups,  and streamers.
    "I hope you had a nice time tonight . . ." she smiled.
    "I had a wonderful time," Electra replied, as she began taking the balloons down. "It was a really sweet thing you did, planning this party for me. I really appreciate that." As she finished with the balloons, she began to take off her face make-up. The cat face was wearing thin, and she wanted to change into her white nightgown, that she had recently trimmed with white lace and lavender ribbon. She slipped out of her costume and put her scorpion necklas back on. She rarely took it off. Suppressing a yawn, she finished her nightly ritual of getting ready for bed. She was exhausted from the busy evening.
    "So what did you wish for?" Noel asked, as she finished taking the streamers down and changing out of her costume and into her own light blue nightgown.
    Electra laughed and smiled. "If I tell you it won't come true!"
    Noel pursed her lips together and knit her brow in thought.
    "Did you wish for Nico," she asked innocently, arching a delicate eyebrow at her sister.
    Electra laughed and and continued to smile, she green eyes sparkling. "I'm not going to tell!" she replied. "You'll just have to keep wondering!"
    "I bet it was Nico!" she replied, as she scampered off to bed.
    Electra sighed, as she finally was able to make her cup of blackberry tea. The nightgown was soft against her skin, and as she curled up on the couch with her tea, she felt better. her birthday hadn't been so terrible after all . . . and there was her wish . . . But it wouldn't happen, she thought. She took another sip of her tea and set it on the table next to her and covered herself with a fuzzy, pink blanket. She would only stay on the couch a few moments and then she'd go to bed. But she was so tired . . . Soon she found her eyes clsoing. She couldn't keep them open . . . Swiftly, she fell into a deep sleep.

    Slowly, her sense returned to her, but she still could not open her eyes. She was still so tired. Perhaps she could just drift back to sleep, she thought, when suddenly, she felt lips press against her's so gently . .  so tenderly . . . Instantly, her eyes flew open. Before her, she saw ice blue eyes gazing at her.
    "My lady," he smiled, devishly.
    Within that moment, everyting was clear to her. sorpio was there, adn he had awakened her with a kiss . . . "Scorpio . . ." she smiled, as she sat up in the beautiful, goldne bed with pink and white satin comforters, "You're here . . ."
    He looked at her quizzically. "Did you really think I would forget your birthday?" he asked. "Of course, it's funny that you should be born on this holdiay called  . . . Eve of Spirits."
    "I know I never told you when my birthday was . . ." she smiled, knowing full well that Scorpio could find out anything he wanted to know.
    "Lucky guess," he replied with a teasing tone.
    Finally, she took a good look at Scorpio, as she came fully awake. He was dressed in a costume that she never would have expected to see him in. He was dressed as a Prince from a fairytale, from the white shirt and trousers, to the golden belt, sword, Purple cape and a golden, jewel encrusted crown. he looked as handsome as ever. She also noticed that the room they were now in was nothing like she'd seen before. It was large and airy. The floors were hard wood, covered with beautiful rugs, in pastel shades. In a corner was an oval stand mirror. She slowly rose from the bed and crossed to it. As she suspected, her appearance was changed as well. She wore a floor-length gown of silk, in white, pink and lavender, in the fashion of a princess or lady of long ago with a hoop coursette and all. her dark hair was curled and pinned up with strands of pearls woven in, and a delicate, golden crown gently resting on her head.
    "I thought this costume was more befitting you than, your black feline one was."
    He crossed to her and  placed his hands on her shoulders.
    "And I was right. You look beautiful in it."
    She gazed at their reflection together in the mirror. They looked like the perfect pair. Immediately, she turned her head ever so slightly, but just enough to see what she thought was a window. The curtains were moving as if by a gentle breeze. Sensing her curiosity, Scorpio released her shoulders. She wandered to the window only to find that the window was a doorway that lead out onto a balcony. Outside it was sunrise. They sky was ablaze with color, and she did indeed feel a gentle breeze. She didn't know how Scorpio accomplished so much with his surprise visits, but it never failed to awe her.
    "It's so beautiful here," she whispered, as she stared out over the countryside as it became more clear as the sun rose higher into the sky. "Where are we?"
    "Aaaaahhhhh, now that's my little secret," he smiled. As he appraoched her once more, he presented her with a perfect, pink rose, it's petals just open. "My lady," he said as she took it, "Would you care to tour the gardens?"
    It had been so long since she'd been outdoors, and felt the warmth from the morning sun caress her face. Living in space didin't help matters. She spent day after day in artificial light and artificial darkness. She missed the natural light and darkness of her home world, though she didn't miss much else.
    "I think I'd like that very much," she replied.
    Tenderly, she took the arm she was offered and he lead her from the chamber, out through the palace and into the beautiful garden. The entire time they spoke of safe subjects, such as their past meetings and what they thought about them. They spoke about Noel and Electra even spoke a little about her life in the Fleet, but left out anything that would be considered Classified. The garden was filled with varieties of blooming  roses, gardenias, lilacs, honeysuckle and jasmine . . . types she hadn't seen before, but knew by their scent. The air was like a perfume and Electra could feel herself being scented by the breeze. She could feel the warmth of the sun as she stopped to touch and smell many of the flowers. It was like she was in paradise . . . Finally, they stopped before a large leafy tree with a strong truck. Underneath was a blanket spread out. On it was a bottle of sparkling wine chilling in a bucket of ice, two crystal goblets rimmed with gold. There was also a crystal bowl filled with exotic fruits, including many types of berries. There was even a small cake with chocolate frosting and pink and purple roses, a book of poetry and a few wrapped boxes . . . gifts . . .
    "Happy birthday, Electra," he smiled, and helped her sit on the blanket, before taking a seat, himself.
    "Have you been planning this?" she asked curiously, as she looked at everything, the smile not leaving her face.
    "Could be . . ." he replied with a smirk.
    Swiftly, he opened the bottle of wine. With quick, sublt motions, he places a few of the berries at the bottle of the goblets and filled them with wine.  He handed her a glass and watched as she took a sip. Then he grabbed the poetry book and began to read to her. His voice lulled her. It was soft and comforting . . . She loved poetry, and especially read to her by someone who meant something to her . . . She was happy, and no longer cared if this was a dream or not. She was with him and she felt peaceful and loved. As he continued to read to her, his hand tenderly reached out for her's. For several centons they stayed that way, just gazing at each other. Their eyes expressing what their words could not.
    "Let's take a walk," he said, slightly pulling himself away and helping her to her feet. He could feel her getting restless.
    Suddenly, as his arm slid around her waist, uncertain feelings began to stir within her.  What was she doing with Scorpio? Wasn't she playing with fire? What if he hurt her? What if she hurt him in some way? What would happen? but his arm around her felt so right, as if it had been meant to be there, but she was frightened of the feeling. Like the last time they had met, she wanted him and yet was afraid of where that would lead. In moments, they stopped . Scorpio turned to her so they were facing each other. Then, as if he were touching a fine porceline doll, he cupped her face with his hands.
    "You're breathtaking . . ." he said, with such sincerity.
    Unshed tears glistened in her bright green eyes. Not tears of sadness, but of love. She could no longer deny it. If this were just a game for him, she didn't care. She wanted whatever he had to offer. She wanted to feel his love and be wrapped in it, even if it was only for a moment of time. Passionately, he kissed her as he took her in a long embrace. This is what she wanted. She was lost in this new world of his . . . her mind drowning in the emotions. But as the kiss grew with passionate intensity, the fear grew within her. Suddenly, she could hear the sounds of laser fire and panic took hold. She was without a weapon! She wanted to run and hide, but Scoprio held her firmly in place, seeming to know what was happening.
    "It's all right," he replied soothingly, "It's not real. What you're hearing is only your fears coming out in a physical manifestation."
    Her heart was racing wildly out of control as she tried to listen to him. "I want it to stop," she whispered in fear as her body trembled in his embrace.
    "Close your eyes," he commanded softly.
    She did as he bid her. he pulled her even closer and gently stroked her hair trying to calm and comfort her.
    "You would never do anything to hurt me . . . and I will never do anything to hurt you."
    Almost instantly, the blasting stopped. She was once again in control of herself and her shaking began to subside. She really wasn't sure what had frightened her, but Scorpio had been right there ready to comfort her. Her hadn timidly went to his cheek to caress it. he held it close to his cheek and then kissed it. Again, she found herself in his embrace, being encompassed with passion from a kiss. Her knees became weak, and threatened to buckle and take her to the ground. Even her breaths were becoming short and ragged. She couldn't seem to catch her breath. He quickly picked her up in his arms and laid her on the ground. Her breathing was worsening and he had an idea why. As the oxegen refused to enter her lungs, her mind began to whirl. No matter what happens, she told herself, no matter what . . . Scorpio was within her heart now, and there was nothing she could do about it. She loved him. She could feel his hands at her chest tugging and pulling. Was it at her heart? But suddenly, fresh air rushed into her lungs. She could breath. As she got her barrings, she looked and saw that Scorpio had untied the bodice that had been constricting her diaphram, hampering her breathing. Between that and her emotions, she had lost her breath . . .
    She was beautiful, he thought, as she laid sprawled out on the grass. He kissed her sweetly as her breathing returned to normal.
    "Feeling better?" he asked.
    She nodded with a bright smile. "Now I know why these lovely dresses aren't in style anymore!" she giggles. She rolled to her side and propped herself up on an elbow so she could gaze at Scorpio and take him all in. She wanted to remember him just like he was. She wondered if this were a game, or if this was a part of him that not many saw.
    Absently, he played with a stray lace from the bodice he had just moments ago untied. he took a deep breath. He sensed that if he wanted to, he could take her. She wanted it . . . She wanted him . . . Again, he kissed her, rolling her onto her back, this time no tightly laced bodice to impede her breathing. His hands went to her hair, tangling where the pearl strands gave. But as he tried to proceed, he couldn't . . . This is what he had worked for . . . But he didn't want her like this. He didn't want it to be in the guise of a dream. He wanted her in the realm of reality.
    As he tenderly released her fromhis kiss, he looked again, into her sparkling green eyes. "Not now, little one . . ." he whispered.
    She understood.
    She curled up into his arms, so she could feel the warmth of his ebrace once more. she knew instinctively that their time together was growing short. Soon, she would wake up back in her chamber and he would be gone from her life once again. She hated the thought. It pulled at her heart, because she wanted this moment to last forever. She didn't want to wake up alone . . . She could feel him caress her back. it lulled her, and her consciousness began to fade away. She was leaving. She knew it. Their time had swiftly gone by . . . Her last thought was a fear. A fear she would never see him again . . .

    Electra awoke in her bed. the room was still dark and Noel was still soundly sleeping in her own bed. She sat up, feelingas though she had slept for a full sleep period and a half. Restlessness set it. Quietly, she pulled on her white robe that she had also trimmed with white lace and lavender ribbon. She went out into the main chamber. She sighed to herself, remembering the dream/memory of Scorpio. As she went to the couch, she saw a card and a few wrapped boxes on the table. There was no doubt about who they were from. A smile crossed her face and she went to the gifts and began to opne them . . . One was a book of poetry, the one Scorpio had been reading to her. Another box had a crystal rose in it that changed colors with the bearer's feelings. When it wasn't being touched it was clear. As she touched it, it turned a beautiful shade of magenta -  a mixture of love and passion. The last was a larger box. She heard noises coming from within it, including little scratching noises. As she opened it, to her surprise, she found a fluffy, black kitten with green eyes, wearing a red satin collar. As it moved around it made the brass bell jingle softly. She smiled as she held the kitten to her chest, stroking it gently. Taking a deep breath, she brought herself to read the card:

                Dearest Electra,

                I hope you enjoyed your birthday. After all, you did get your wish.
                But I do think you looked much better as a Princess in my arms
                than as a black cat with a red satin collar. Keep Jade near as a
                reminder of me. Just as she is precious like her namesake, so is her
                new owner. I promise we will meet again, little one.

                                                                     Scorpio

    Electra pressed the card to her heart. They had to meet again. She knew that what she felt was love. She still loved Nico and desperately wanted him to return to her, but since he had disappeared from the shuttle before it had been picked up by the Galatica, she had almost forgotten how to love . . . Until Scorpio. he had brought back that feeling with their first meeting. A sigh escaped her as she looked at the gifts. Noel would ask her about them when she woke up, and she could not tell her little sister about Scorpio. She couldn't tell anyone about Scorpio. She was afraid they would think that she was  a traitor or a spy, or that they'd think she was crazy . . . Then maybe Scorpio would stop coming to her. No. Scorpio was her secret and she would keep it to herself. Sweetly, she put Jade down on the couch as she stood to put her gifts away. As she began heading for bed, she head his voice.
    "Good night, little one. Our next meeting awaits you in the future . . ."
    She smiled and touched the scorpion necklace that dangled around her neck. She would see him again and the dream would continue . . .