

### STAR BASE: THE ROCKETS

By: J.T. Starr

* * * * * * * * * *

Copyright J.T. Starr 2010

Published by www.jtstarrbooks.com at Smashwords

# CHAPTER 1 – LIFT-OFF

NASA, Houston, Texas...

I can't believe I got talked into this, Suzie thought, standing with the others just inside the cargo entrance of the space freighter. "Cassie, I can't do this."

"Suzie, we've already been through this. You're coming with us," said Cassie. "Lighten up. You worry too much."

"Suzie, you'll be glad you came along when we get to Star Base - and you have your pick of all those horny, love-starved men," said Charlie. "Lots of women for us, too," he whispered in Cassie's ear, winking and smiling at her.

"How can you even think about sex at a time like this?" Suzie said to Charlie.

Charlie counted suitcases and noticed one too many. "Hey! What the hell? Who brought this extra carry-on bag?" he asked, picking it up and opening the cargo door of the space freighter.

"Charlie, no!" screamed Vanita, as Charlie tossed out her extra bag. "You motherfucker! That's mine! I'm not leaving Earth without that bag!" she yelled, heading to retrieve it.

Charlie put a hand over Vanita's mouth and pulled her away from the open doorway. "Shut up!" he said firmly, but quietly. "Someone will hear you."

"Let go, damn you!" continued Vanita, in muffled screams, trying unsuccessfully to get away from him. "You son of a bitch! Let go of me!"

"Not 'til you get quiet! You gonna be quiet?" asked Charlie, as Vanita finally, and reluctantly, nodded yes. "OK," he said, releasing a quieter, yet still fuming, Vanita. "I told you girls – there's only room for one suitcase for each of us."

Eyeing the open doorway, Suzie made a run for it to jump out.

"Suzie, no!" said Cassie, grabbing her and pulling her from the open doorway, as Charlie quickly closed it.

"Y'all haven't thought this through," said Suzie.

"There's no time for second thoughts, now. We're about to lift off. Follow me," said Charlie, carrying his and Suzie's suitcases, as Cassie and Vanita grabbed theirs and got on either side of Suzie, taking her by the arms and moving her along. Charlie and the girls ran across the big cargo bay area of the space freighter with little time to spare, as lift-off was only minutes away.

The space freighter, on which the group was stowed away, was a top secret NASA project. Therefore, the lift-off took place at 3:00 a.m. without any media coverage. The U.S. government had never released any information about the freighter – or Star Base.

"We'll hide in here," Charlie said, as they approached what appeared to be a U.S. space shuttle docked in the cargo bay. However, the shuttle had writing on it of some unidentifiable language. Charlie opened the door to the shuttle and hurriedly got the girls and the suitcases on board. "Hurry! We've got to get strapped in. Cassie, you and Suzie sit here," he said, assisting them with the harnesses and seatbelts of the two front seats in the shuttle's cockpit. "Vanita, you sit here," he motioned, as she took a seat behind Cassie and he helped her get harnessed in. Then Charlie took a seat behind Suzie, and next to Vanita, and situated his own harness.

Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... said a soft feminine voice over the freighter's intercom.

Reality was now setting in for them all, not just Suzie – sitting white-knuckled, gripping the armrests of her seat so tightly it would have cut off circulation had she been clutching someone's arm.

Five... four... three... two... one...

The thundering sounds of engines and rockets firing was intense, but couldn't match the almost unbearable pressure of the G-force as the space freighter lifted-off. The stowaways were on their way to another universe as Earth was fast becoming a distant star in their rearview mirror. The freighter was traveling at an incredible speed, as it approached the edge of the Earth's atmosphere. Finally, the freighter entered space and the weightless state, relieving the pressure of lift-off.

"Well, now we've done it," said Suzie, her bottom lip starting to quiver.

"It'll be all right, Suzie," said Cassie, raising the armrest of her seat and putting an arm around her sister. "I wasn't about to leave Earth without you. Now, come on - don't start bawling."

"I can't help it, Cassie! I'm scared," Suzie said, wiping her teary eyes. "We're probably all gonna get arrested and put in jail for this!" freaked Suzie. "And y'all act like it's no big deal - like we're just going to the mall or something."

"If we get arrested, I'll just say I kidnapped you. Don't worry about it."

"Suzie, nobody's gonna get arrested," said Charlie. "All we have to do is get to Star Base, and then we're home free. Trust me."

"Well, all right, Charlie - if you say so," said Suzie, calming down a bit. "I guess it's too late to turn back now, anyway."

"That's the spirit!" smiled Charlie. But noticing Vanita's icy stare in his direction, he asked her, "So, what's your problem?"

"Charlie, I'll never forgive you for tossing my bag of shoes out!" snapped Vanita.

"Well, get over it!" said Charlie. "Who needs a hundred pairs of fucking shoes in outer space, for crying out loud? Anyway, we needed all the room we could get for our musical equipment, CDs, and karaoke machine. You have to understand that there are weight limits and guidelines that have to be followed. This took me weeks of scientific planning."

"Since when do you know anything about scientific planning?"

"Since I've been working at NASA."

"OK. What kind of spaceship are we on?"

"This is a super–atomic stratoblaster."

"You made that up - which means you don't know shit about this spaceship we're on - or how much weight it can carry."

"Oh, my God, we're being hurled into outer space on a flying death trap! I don't know why I let y'all talk me into this," sobbed Suzie, starting to hyperventilate.

"Here," said Cassie, pulling a paper bag out of her jeans pocket and handing it to Suzie to breathe into. "I thought we'd be needing this."

"'Stratoblaster', my ass!" Vanita said to Charlie. "I'd like to hear all about your so-called 'scientific planning'."

"Well," said Charlie, "we just happen to be hiding in the cockpit of an alien spaceship that was recovered from a crash site in Roswell, New Mexico back in the 1950s."

"Yeah, right"

"He's not gonna tell us," Cassie said to Vanita.

"No, really! And this space freighter we're on was developed from studies of an alien freighter that crashed in Roswell, too," he said. "We're on a mission to take this space shuttle to Star Base."

"And next, you're probably gonna tell me how you and the little green men built it out in your backyard," said Vanita, dripping sarcasm.

"Never mind. I would explain it to you girls, but you wouldn't understand it anyway."

"Give it up, Vanita. He's not going to tell us," said Cassie.

"I know that's right," said Vanita. "'Cause he don't know!"

"I don't feel so good," said Suzie, as she pulled the paper bag away from her face.

"Just keep breathing into the bag, Sis," said Cassie, holding the paper bag back up to Suzie's face.

As the group hid in the cockpit of the shuttle, the freighter was traveling faster than they ever thought possible, going deeper and deeper into outer space.

Charlie released his harness and seatbelt. "Look at me," he smiled, as he floated weightlessly.

"That looks like fun," said Cassie, joining him. "Wow!" she said, smiling and laughing. "Come on! You gotta try this," she said, floating over to Vanita and Suzie and releasing them from their seats.

"Holy shit!" screamed Vanita, as she floated out of her seat.

Suzie screamed and giggled, "Oh, my, this is fun!"

"Stick with me, girls. We're gonna have the time of our lives," promised Charlie.

With a thud, the foursome abruptly stopped floating and landed on the floor of the shuttle.

"Looks like the artificial gravity kicked in," said Charlie. "You girls OK?"

"Yeah," answered Vanita.

"I'm OK," said Cassie.

"I'm fine," Suzie answered, as everyone got up slowly, feeling gravity again.

"I don't know about y'all, but I'm getting hungry," said Vanita.

"Me, too," said Cassie.

"All right. Let's see what we got," said Charlie, rummaging through refrigerated compartments, located below foldout sleeping bunks, just behind the cockpit. "I stocked enough food here to last for weeks. And we'll get where we're going in a few days."

"Then why the fuck wasn't there room for my shoes?" bitched Vanita.

"Food is a necessity. We have to be prepared for emergencies. You can't eat a goddamned shoe. Get over it all ready! You gonna have a pity party all the way the Star Base, or what?" he shouted and sighed.

* * *

After breakfast the next morning, the stowaways began looking out for the freighter pilots, waiting for a chance to go shower in the big bathroom in the cargo bay of the freighter. Charlie knew the pilots' schedule and when they would be milling around, because he had a computer printout of the two-man crew's daily assignments. Charlie, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were able to roam freely in the cargo bay of the freighter when the pilots weren't around.

Sitting in the bunk area of the shuttle three days later, the group was hiding out from the freighter pilots. Cassie and Vanita were on one side, sitting next to each other, while Charlie and Suzie sat next to each other on the other side. They were discussing how they had met in a bar, formed their rock band, and how they would soon become the "USO Show to the Stars." Cassie rocked on lead guitar and drums, Suzie played keyboards, Vanita picked a mean bass, and Charlie played drums and bass. All four of them sang quite well.

"Charlie, you keep promising us girls all these loved-starved men on this 'Star Base.' What's in it for you?" asked Vanita.

"There are two planets close to Star Base," said Charlie, as he lit a joint, took a hit, and passed it to Vanita. "One is called Tyre – you know, like tear drop, but spelled T-Y-R-E - and the other is called Thorr. Both planets are about seventy percent bisexual or gay women - that's what."

"Say what? How do you know that?"

"I have my sources."

"But what's in it for you?"

"What can I say - I like a challenge," answered Charlie, thinking, I can't wait to get a girlfriend that's got a girlfriend. "On Star Base, half the women working there are bi or gay. That leaves a lot of lonely, straight men for you girls."

"That works for me," said Vanita. She turned to Cassie and Suzie. "Girls, looks like the odds are stacked in our favor." She took a drag off the joint. "Here, Suzie," she said passing the joint to her.

"No thanks. I'll pass," Suzy said and handed the joint to Cassie. "Just how high do y'all need to be? We're already in outer space."

Cassie took a hit off the joint and took in several quick, little breaths. "Well," she said, breathing out the smoke. "I have a confession to make. I've already told Charlie and..."

"And I'm way cool with it, Baby," interrupted Charlie.

"What, Cassie?" asked Suzie.

"I'm gay," answered Cassie.

"That's a good one, girlfriend," said Vanita, almost busting a gut laughing. "Don't you be fuckin' with me way out here in the middle of nowhere."

"I'm not kidding," said Cassie.

"You gotta be shittin' me?" said Vanita, as her mouth dropped open - totally shocked. "We've been best friends for over two years, now... and all those men we've gone out with. I ain't believin' this."

"It's true. It's taken me a long time to even admit it to myself."

"You're my sister. I love you anyway," said Suzie, hugging her.

"Me too, Baby," said Charlie, smiling and winking at Cassie.

Cassie and Charlie had dated, off and on, for a little over a year – since the time they had met and formed their band. Charlie had come to expect that every time they had a fight, Cassie would break up with him and eventually come back and make up. Charlie hadn't yet grasped that Cassie's admission of her sexual preference meant that she was through dating him. Charlie just assumed that he and Cassie would continue dating, and that she would bring a girlfriend along for a threesome.

"I've suspected this for a while, now," said Suzie.

"Say, what?" said Vanita, turning to Suzie. "How could you suspect something like this and not tell me?"

"Guess it wasn't my imagination - the way Cassie looked at pretty women."

"I still can't believe it."

"I thought you two were an item when we first met at the bar," Charlie said, pointing at Cassie and Vanita.

"Say what?" Vanita yelled at Charlie. "Me and Cassie are just friends – period!"

"I'm just kidding. Don't get all bent out of shape," laughed Charlie.

"We are just friends, Vanita" said Cassie. "Just like you were friends with that gay guy, Paul, that would come into the bar."

"Yeah. I loved to go shopping with Paul," Vanita said. "I'm sure gonna miss him."

"So, Vanita's a fag hag." said Charlie, cracking up laughing.

"Fuck you, Charlie!" said Vanita.

Cassie got a concerned look on her face. "Vanita, are we OK? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable around me now that you know I'm gay."

"Cassie, you just took me by surprise. I don't have a problem with gay people."

"That's a relief. I couldn't take it if I lost you as a friend."

"Girlfriend, you couldn't run me off with a stick. Come here," said Vanita, reaching out and hugging Cassie.

Hugging her back and then pulling away, Cassie said, "And I assure you, Vanita - I'm not attracted to you in that way. I really love you – but just as a friend."

"Me too," said Vanita, relieved by Cassie's statement. Then Vanita got a curious, contemplative look on her face and said, "Now, wait a minute. What's wrong with me?"

"There's absolutely nothing wrong with you," said Cassie, laughing and smiling at her. "You're one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I've ever met. You're just not gay."

"Oh."

About that time, they felt the space freighter go into a sharp descent.

"Something's wrong!" worried Charlie. "The schedule's off. It's too soon to be descending for Star Base. "Hurry! Get everything stowed and get strapped in!"

* * *

When the freighter finally docked, the two freighter pilots, dressed in navy flight suits and entered the cargo bay. As the girls and Charlie watched, in horror, out the porthole of the shuttle, three armed soldiers, uniformed in red jump suits, boarded the freighter. Apparently, the two pilots were being arrested.

One of the soldiers asked the two pilots, "Is there anyone else on board?"

"No," answered one of the pilots, as two of the soldiers took the pilots away.

Then the third soldier started a search of the freighter.

"Everyone hide! He's coming this way!" whispered Charlie, as they all started to back away from the porthole.

But it was too late. The third soldier just happened to look their way and spotted them looking out. "Come out with your hands up," ordered the soldier as he opened the door of the shuttle, pointing at them a hand-held weapon with pulsating red lights.

"Don't shoot!" said Charlie, as he and the girls exited from their hiding spot with their hands in the air. "Don't shoot. We're unarmed. We come in peace."

"This way," the soldier motioned with his weapon, taking them away.

"See!" said Suzie. "I told you so. I told y'all we were gonna get arrested."

"Hey! Shhhh," Charlie said to Suzie. He turned to the soldier and asked, "Where are we?"

"Capital City, Tyre," answered the soldier. "When we get to the throne room, you will only speak to the Czar when spoken to. Do you understand?"

"Yeah," Charlie said to the soldier, as he grinned and winked at Cassie, knowing that Tyre was one of the planets heavily populated with gay and bisexual women.

When the group finally reached the entrance of the throne room, Cassie got a glimpse of the beautiful Czar.

Wow! Cassie thought. She is smokin' hot.

Julia, the Czar of Tyre, was a gorgeous redhead. She was wearing a long, white, off the shoulder gown, accentuating her voluptuous breasts. Her diamond earrings and necklace couldn't match the sparkle in her beautiful green eyes.

"So, what have we here?" said the Czar to the pilots that stood before her. "State your names," she ordered.

"I'm Captain Lewis - and this is Lieutenant Shaw - of the U.S./Republic," answered one of the pilots.

About that time, Charlie, Cassie, Vanita, and Suzie were escorted into the room.

"What the hell?" said a stunned Captain Lewis, as Charlie and the girls joined the two pilots before the Czar.

"Charlie Berardi? You son of a bitch! What the fuck are you and these women doing here?" asked Lieutenant Shaw, realizing that they were obviously stowaways.

"You're all under arrest," said Captain Lewis to the stowaways.

Charlie just smiled slyly and gave Captain Lewis and Lieutenant Shaw the thumbs up sign, since he had been told not to speak until the Czar spoke to him directly.

"So you came alone," the Czar said sarcastically to the two U.S./Republic pilots.

The Czar was seated on her elevated throne with marble pillars on either side, looking down on the group. The floor of the throne room was made up of black and white checkerboard terrazzo squares. Brass railings lined the steps up to her majesty.

"Why are we being held?" asked Lieutenant Shaw.

"You drifted into Tyrian orbit space," answered the Czar, as her eyes met Cassie's.

"That's impossible," said Captain Lewis. "We're perfectly in line with our coordinates!"

"You Earthlings don't have enough sense to understand that the universe is expanding," said the Czar. "And the section of the universe that you're in, right now is in a time warp."

"As officers of the United States Air Force, and of the Republic, we demand that you release us immediately." said Lieutenant Shaw.

"I demand that someone introduce me to these people," ordered the Czar, pointing at the four stowaways. The Czar was much more interested in the three pretty women and the handsome young man, who had just appeared before her, than in speaking with the two pilots. She couldn't keep her eyes off of Cassie.

"I'm Charlie, and this is Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita," said Charlie, pointing out who was who.

"I'm Julia - Czar of Tyre. It's very nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, too," said Charlie, flashing his sexy Italian smile.

"Why are you here?"

"We're entertainers headed for Star Base."

"You're criminals headed for jail," yelled an angry Lieutenant Shaw, glaring at Charlie and the girls.

"Silence! One more word out of either of you two pilots, unless I ask you a direct question, and I'll have you gagged," said Julia. "So," she said, turning to the entertainers. "What kind of entertainment is this?"

"We play and sing pop and rock tunes," blurted Suzie, who had been quiet for so long that she was about to burst. "But we do a few blues songs too."

"Well, aren't you the perky one," said Julia.

Suzie was the classic perky, blue-eyed blond.

Julia turned to Vanita. "What instrument do you play?" she asked, gazing at the gorgeous and sexy African-American woman.

"Bass, madam Czar," answered Vanita, bowing nervously.

Julia's glance returned, again, to Cassie. The Czar sensed that Suzie and Vanita were straight, but she was getting strong vibes of interest from Cassie.

"Would you like a concert?" Charlie asked the Czar.

"Yes, I would," said Julia, making eyes at Cassie, as Cassie smiled back at her. Julia thought Cassie was one of the most beautiful women she'd ever seen - with her tall, slender, yet curvaceous body. She found Cassie's long, dark curly hair and big, light brown eyes extremely intoxicating.

"Our equipment is on the freighter," said Charlie.

"Comrade," ordered Julia, to one of her soldiers. "Get several men and help the entertainers get their belongings from the freighter - and set up, here, for a concert."

"Everything on that freighter is the property of the U.S./Republic," said Captain Lewis.

"You're not taking anything from our freighter," Lieutenant Shaw yelled at Julia's soldiers.

"That's it. They were warned. Gag them both - and restrain them to the brass railing," ordered the Czar. "I don't want my concert to be interrupted by any outbursts."

About an hour later, the equipment was set up and the band was ready to perform.

The band played several songs, much to the delight of the Czar. "That was wonderful," said Julia. "I think you have a bright future here."

"I have one more song I'd like to sing for you," said Cassie, finally getting up the nerve to speak to the beautiful Czar.

"All right," said Julia, as she continued making eyes at Cassie.

The band started into the final song. Cassie put down her guitar, took her remote microphone from the stand, and began singing "Come Be My Lover," while dancing seductively towards the Czar. Cassie was even so bold as to climb onto the landing, where the Czar was seated on her throne, and sing the song directly to her. Julia loved every minute of it. So much so that all she could do was stare at Cassie in silence as the song ended.

"Comrade," said Julia, breaking the silence, while continuing to gaze flirtatiously at Cassie. "Remove the gags and restraints and send the pilots on their way to Star Base."

"That crate is not theirs," said Captain Lewis, as the gag was removed and he could finally speak. "It's the property of the U.S./Republic."

"We're not leaving without that crate!" said Lieutenant Shaw, pointing at a large box about six feet wide and four feet tall that was sitting next to the band's musical equipment and suitcases.

"You're leaving right now!" Julia said to the pilots, irritated that they were diverting her attention from Cassie. "But the entertainers are staying here with me. And so is that crate - until I decide if it's safe in your hands."

"I demand that you release these people into our custody. They're prisoners of the U.S./Republic," said Captain Lewis.

"You are in no position to be making any demands! I decide who comes and goes, here," said Julia. "Everything has a price. I'm letting you off easy this time. I keep the entertainers for three months, to entertain me, and you get to be on your way to Star Base. They'll be free to go to Star Base in three months. Comrades. Escort Lieutenant Shaw and Captain Lewis out of the palace and out of Tyrian orbit space."

"Yes, Madame Czar," said one of Julia's soldiers, taking the pilots away.

Julia turned to the entertainers. "Turn off your equipment and gather your suitcases."

"I could get used to these digs," mumbled Vanita, under her breath, looking around the palace.

I think I'm in love, thought Cassie, staring at the beautiful Czar as she made her decent from her throne.

"Cassie, that was great, Baby," Charlie said, as he turned off their equipment. "I can tell - the Czar wants you bad!"

"Shhhh, Charlie! The Czar's coming this way," whispered Suzie. "You and Cassie better behave yourselves. I hope she wasn't offended by your trashy performance, Cassie."

As the group gathered their belongings, Cassie found her suitcase sitting next to the crate that the U.S./Republic pilots didn't want to leave behind. She noticed that there was also a gold key lying on the floor next to it. So she picked it up and put it in her suitcase.

"Follow me," Julia said to the group.

Suzie grabbed her suitcase and joined the Czar. "Y'all come on," she said to Charlie, Cassie, and Vanita, trying to hurry them along – not wanting to keep the Czar waiting.

Julia stared curiously at Suzie. "Y'all?" she repeated, not understanding the southern drawl.

"She meant to say you all," said Charlie, as he and Cassie and Vanita approached them.

"Oh, I see," said Julia.

As the group proceeded down the hallway, Charlie whispered to Suzie, "Jesus, square-dancing Christ, Suzie. Tone down the southern accent." Then he whispered to Cassie, Vanita, and Suzie, "Just say you guys here, not y'all. We don't want Julia to think we're a bunch of stupid hicks from Texas."

# CHAPTER 2 – JULIA

"You'll be staying in guest suites in my private wing of the palace," said Julia to the group as they walked down a long hallway. "Suzie and Vanita will occupy this suite," she said, opening a door.

"Holy shit!" said Vanita, as she and Suzie entered their suite and set their suitcases down. "Can you believe this?"

Suzie was almost speechless. "Wow!" she said, blown away by the lavish furnishings and the size of the living room. "This is, like, better than a five-star hotel," she said, walking towards a roaring fire in the fireplace and noticing a bar and kitchenette just around the corner. "Thank you, Madame Czar."

"Please. Call me Julia," the Czar said to the group.

Suzie and Vanita's decadent two-bedroom suite also came with two young, handsome, scantily clad, gay men to wait on them hand and foot.

"Get settled in. Your attendants will show you the way when it's time for dinner," said Julia. Then, she and Cassie and Charlie continued down the long hallway.

"Charlie, this will be your suite," said Julia, opening another door.

Charlie was given a single bedroom suite, which had the same amenities as Suzie and Vanita's suite and also came with two hot, topless, bisexual women to attend to his every need.

"Very nice," said Charlie, smiling at his attendants - who were wearing nothing but smiles, heels, and thongs. "Thank you, Julia!"

"You're welcome," said Julia.

"Hello, girls," Charlie said to his attendants, as the two young women took him by the arms, pulled him into the suite, and closed the door.

Julia and Cassie continued down the hallway and stopped at another door. "This is my suite," said Julia. "There's another guest suite down the hallway – or you could stay with me, if you like?"

"I'd like that," said Cassie, as she followed the Czar into her private suite.

Julia's suite was bigger than the suites that Suzie, Vanita, and Charlie occupied - combined. The living area of the Czar's suite had a fireplace and full bar. Beyond the bar area was a full kitchen. Off to the right of the fireplace and sitting area was an oversized hot tub big enough to hold six adults comfortably. To the left of the fireplace were double-doors that opened out onto a balcony, which overlooked the palace grounds and swimming pool.

"The master bath is this way," said Julia, leading Cassie through her bedroom which included a queen size bed and a fireplace. "Would you like to take a hot bath?"

"Yeah, that's sounds great," said Cassie, as they entered the lavish bathroom which featured gold and brass fixtures, a wet bar, and kitchenette.

"The closet on the left is mine," said Julia, showing Cassie into the dressing area of the master bath. "You can put your things in the closet on the right. While you're bathing, I think I'll change into something a little more casual. I'll let you know when it's time for dinner. Enjoy."

"Thanks," said Cassie, as Julia left her alone in the bathroom.

Cassie unpacked her suitcase, got undressed, and settled into a nice hot bubble bath in a king-sized tub. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and drifted into total relaxation...

"Do you mind if I join you?" asked Julia, a few minutes later.

"No, not at all," Cassie said, pleasantly surprised, as Julia slipped out of her formal gown, exposing her gorgeous naked body. Julia stepped into the bathtub, climbed onto Cassie's lap, facing her, and started kissing her passionately. The beautiful Czar grabbed a bar of soap and lathered up Cassie's breasts. She ran the bar of soap down Cassie's stomach, and then dropped it, as she ran her hand up one of Cassie's inner thighs - arousing her and immediately finding her spot. Julia continued pleasuring Cassie and was about to bring her to a climax when... "What?" Cassie said, startled awake by a knock on the bathroom door. "Who's there?" she asked, with one of her hands in her crotch and the other holding one of her tits.

"Are you OK in there?" Julia asked. "Do you need anything?"

"No!" replied Cassie, grabbing the brass railing so she wouldn't slip under water. "I'm fine."

"We have about half an hour before dinner."

"OK. I'll be out soon."

A few minutes later, Julia led Cassie out of her suite to join the others for dinner.

"With your talent and looks - and my connections - your musical group will go far here," said Julia. "The women in this section of the universe are going to go crazy over you."

Dinner was served in the party room of the palace. The party room was equipped with a kitchen, bar, stereo, StarTeli (their satellite television network), stage, dance floor, and tables and chairs. An extravagant buffet was set up along the wall next to the kitchen. Servants opened wine and champagne and kept the glasses filled, as the group and Julia ate dinner and got acquainted.

"Julia, you look different," said Suzie, noticing that the Czar had changed into slacks and a sweater. "You had on such a lovely gown, earlier - not that you don't look nice now. But I was afraid we'd need to dress for dinner, and we didn't have room to bring any dress clothes."

"That's all right. I much prefer the casual look when I'm not attending to Tyrian business," said Julia.

"Casual is all we brought – mostly jeans and tops."

"We can remedy that situation. Are your accommodations satisfactory?"

"Yes. Thank you, so much. This is, like, the best vacation I could ever dream of. And the 'cabana boys' are just precious," answered Suzie, as Vanita, Charlie, and Cassie just nodded in approval - not being able to get a word in edgewise.

"I'm glad you like it," said Julia. "However, the vacation part of your stay could be a short one. I've invited my ambassadors to come and hear you in concert - day after tomorrow. That just gives us tomorrow to find you costumes and get ready."

"That sounds great, Julia," said Charlie.

"But, right now, I'd like to hear the story about how you managed to stowaway on a U.S./Republic freighter," said Julia.

"My stepdad is the head of security at NASA," said Charlie. "I worked there for years, during the summer, while I was going to college. And after I graduated - up until now. I just called in some favors from the right people to look the other way so we could stowaway."

"But how did you find out about this section of the universe?" asked Julia. "I know for a fact that the U.S. government doesn't acknowledge our existence - and flat out denies the unending contacts being sent to Earth from here."

"That's true. But my stepdad has top secret security clearance - and he tends to drink a little too much whiskey. One night I found him passed out in his office with information about Star Base, Tyre, and Thorr up on his computer screen. To make a long story short, we needed a change of scenery - and here we are," said Charlie.

"Well, a change of scenery is putting it mildly," said Julia, wondering, what could the Earthlings be hiding, or running, from?

"Then Charlie talked us into coming with him," interjected Suzie.

"Well, I'm glad he did," said Julia, gazing at Cassie.

"I'll tell you one thing," said Vanita. "I'm not going to be able to eat like this and get into any costume - that's for sure."

"Me, too," agreed Suzie.

"You can eat and drink anything you want here and not gain an ounce," said Julia. "We've developed a pill that allows us to eat whatever we want and stay at a desired weight. I never work out, and I eat like this all the time. Also, we're in a time warp here. The second you entered this section of the universe, your aging process stopped."

"Sell my shoes - I've gone to heaven," sighed Vanita.

"Julia, you mentioned something earlier about ambassadors coming to hear us play? What can they do for us?" asked Charlie.

"They'll book you to play concerts at some of their festivals, allowing you to gain exposure," answered Julia. "If everyone's finished eating, let's go to my suite for a nightcap. Oh, by the way, your meals will be served here unless you're notified to the contrary. From now on, don't wait for me to begin. I never know when I'm going to be detained. I'll join you as often as I can."

* * *

Cassie and Julia sat next to each other on Julia's sofa, facing a roaring fire in the fireplace. Charlie, Suzie, and Vanita sat in chairs next to the sofa, also facing the fire.

"Does your musical group have a name?" asked Julia, lighting a substance in a large, elegant pipe, taking a hit, and passing it to Charlie.

"No. Not really. We've gone by 'Just Us' at gigs on Earth," said Charlie, taking the pipe from her.

"Well, that won't do. You need something a little flashier."

"We haven't given it much thought," said Charlie. He took a drag from the pipe and passed it to Suzie.

"What is it?" asked Suzie, nervously taking the pipe from Charlie.

"It's hoomana. But we just call it hoochy mama here. It's similar to a combination of your hemp and opium plants on Earth. It's all right, Suzie. Try it," said Julia, not understanding Suzie's apprehension. "Recreational drugs aren't illegal on Tyre, like they are on Earth. Anyway, you'd think your government would have figured out, by now, that it's a complete waste of time and resources to try to police it."

"Oh," said Suzie, reluctantly taking a hit - not wanting to offend the Czar - and passing it on to Vanita.

"Now, back to a name for your musical group. Let's think about this... How about... 'The Stowaways,'" said Julia, brainstorming. "No, that's not it."

Vanita took a hit from the pipe. "Here," she said, passing the pipe to Cassie.

"How about the Earthlings?" said Suzie, recommending a name for the band.

"No, that's not it, either," said Julia. "What about... 'The Rockets!'"

"I like it," said Charlie.

Cassie took a big drag off the pipe and let it out. "Yeah, that's good," she said, as she and Vanita nodded their heads in agreement.

"That is kinda catchy," said Suzie.

"This is going to be a fun project for me, for a change," said Julia. "Usually, I just deal with the mundane chore of running the planet Tyre. You're going to have a busy day tomorrow. So, I guess it's time we called it a night. Oh, here are the pills I told you about," she said, motioning to two bottles of pills on the marble and gold table between the sofa and the fireplace. "The red ones are for weight control - one pill to maintain, two to lose weight. The green ones remove alcohol and drugs from your system while you sleep. Therefore, no hangover. So feel free to indulge as much as you like while you're here."

"This is just too good to be true," said Vanita, filling her pockets with the red and green pills, as Suzie, Cassie, and Charlie did the same.

"Good night," Julia said to Suzie, Vanita, and Charlie.

Suzie, Vanita, and Charlie said good night and started for the exit of the Czar's suite.

Cassie reached out and put an arm around Julia's shoulders. Julia put her arms around Cassie's waist, pulled her close, and kissed her. Then she pushed Cassie down on the sofa and climbed on top of her. The kissing grew more intense, as they rolled around on the sofa. Completely aroused, Julia stood up, took Cassie by the hand, and led her towards the bedroom. As the two women entered Julia's bedroom, Julia noticed that Charlie was following right behind them.

Julia firmly put her free hand in Charlie's chest – stopping him cold. "I will call you when I desire you to pleasure me. Good night, Charlie."

"Good night, girls. Have fun," Charlie said, as he turned and left the Czar's suite.

When Charlie got back to his suite, he initiated sex with his attendants for the second time that day. Charlie loved to watch the two bisexual women have their way with each other. Then he would join in. The two young women were there to pleasure Charlie in any way he wanted. What he really wanted was Cassie and Julia.

* * *

"Have you ever been with a woman, before?" Julia asked Cassie, as they stood making out at the foot of the Czar's bed.

"No," answered Cassie, in between kisses.

"Just relax. You're a woman. You know what makes you feel good. Just follow your instincts and throw out all of your inhibitions."

The two women undressed each other and fell into bed, kissing and caressing each other all over their bodies. Cassie rolled Julia over on her back and proceeded to kiss her chest in-between her breasts. She sucked one of her nipples while massaging her g-spot – pleasuring her until she brought Julia to a climax. Julia climbed on top of Cassie and pulled a vibrator out from under her pillow. It was a model that they could both enjoy at the same time. They came to orgasm several times.

As they lay on their backs exhausted and satisfied, trying to catch their breath, Julia said, "Are you sure you haven't done this before?"

The next morning, Julia and Cassie joined Charlie, Vanita, and Suzie in the party room for breakfast. After breakfast, Julia kissed Cassie bye and headed out to tend to the business of running the planet, Tyre, leaving the group alone to rehearse.

"Way to go, Cassie," said Charlie, as they set up their musical equipment. "You just bagged your first broad - a Czar of a planet, too. Impressive."

"Charlie, that's degrading! You should be ashamed of yourself - as nice as she's been to us," said Suzie, referring to Julia.

"Yeah, Charlie. Don't call her that," said Cassie. "I think she's 'the one.'"

"Go for it!" said Charlie, thinking, I could get used to living here.

As soon as the band finished rehearsing, racks and racks of clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories were brought into the party room for the group to pick from. There was also new luggage provided in which to carry all of their selections.

The following evening at the palace...

The ballroom was set up for The Rockets concert for the ambassadors and invited guests. The group was stunned by the positive reaction they received from the Tyrians. They couldn't get enough of The Rockets' music.

"They love you, just as I predicted," Julia said to the group, as they came off the stage to take a break. "It's not going to take any pressure from me at all to get you bookings."

* * *

"Cabana boy," called Vanita, as she soaked in a hot bubble bath in her private bathroom.

"Yes, ma'am," answered the young hunk, as he entered wearing nothing but a loincloth.

"Would you grab a wash rag and come wash my back?"

"Yes, ma'am," he answered, retrieving a wash cloth from the linen cabinet.

"Hit me again on the champagne, first," she said, holding out her empty glass to be refilled.

The half-naked young man refilled her glass and proceeded to wash her back, as instructed.

"That was nice," replied Vanita, as he finished. "Thank you, sweet thang."

"You're welcome, ma'am. Anything else?"

"Yeah. Suzie's in her tub, taking a bubble bath too. She's waiting for you to come wash her back. So, you better move along now."

"Yes, ma'am," said the young man, as he headed for Suzie's private bathroom.

About a minute later, Vanita broke into hysterical laughter as a blood-curdling scream rang out from Suzie's bathroom. She could hear Suzie yell, "Don't come in here I'm naked! What are you doing?" Vanita couldn't help herself. She knew Suzie would freak out as soon as the young man entered her bathroom. Suzie was having a little trouble adjusting to such an open lifestyle. However, Suzie did enjoy the no-strings-attached pampering by the handsome, young, gay men.

A few days later, Cassie, Suzie, Vanita, and Charlie were having dinner in the party room.

"Where's Julia?" Suzie asked Cassie.

"I don't know," answered Cassie. "I haven't seen her since breakfast. Guess she's been detained, as she says."

"We need to get our song list together for those festivals we're playing next week," said Vanita.

"Yeah, that's right," said Suzie.

"Whatever you girls wanna play is fine by me. I gotta go. Julia fixed me up with a couple of girls, for the evening," Charlie said, getting up from the table, grabbing three bottles of champagne from a chiller, and heading for the door. "See ya in the morning."

"OK. Have fun," said Cassie.

Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita visited and worked on the song list until bedtime, but still no Julia. So they finally decided to call it a night.

* * *

"Excuse me!" said Cassie, as she entered Julia's living area - startled by the presence of Julia and a pretty, young blond, who were making out on the sofa.

"Cassie!" said Julia, obviously drunk. "There you are!"

Jealous and irritated, Cassie felt used by Julia. "Don't let me interrupt," she said and turned to leave.

"Wait!" said Julia, jumping up from the sofa and preventing Cassie from leaving. "Where've you been? I've been looking all over for you."

"Yeah, I can see that," Cassie said sarcastically. Cassie couldn't help but be skeptical that Julia was looking for her, unless she was looking with her tongue somewhere in the vicinity of the other woman's tonsils.

"Come and join us," said Julia.

"Join you?" Cassie asked, confused – thinking that Julia must be drunker than she looked.

Julia took Cassie by the hand, led her over to the sofa, and sat her in-between herself and the young woman. "Sasha was here for your concert the other day. She wants to get to know you better."

Sasha put her arms around Cassie's neck, kissed her, and began fondling her breasts. "I think you're so hot," she whispered in Cassie's ear.

Julia doesn't seem jealous at all by that woman touching me, Cassie thought, becoming extremely aroused by the touch of the other woman.

"Let's go to bed," said Julia, as she stood up and pulled Cassie and Sasha off the sofa.

"You two have fun," Cassie said, trying to regain her composure – a bit apprehensive at the idea of a threesome. She'd never done that before. And she was still somewhat jealous because Julia had brought home another woman.

Julia put her arms around Cassie's waist, pulled her close, and said, "It's Tyrian custom to share a girlfriend with a lover."

Sasha walked up behind Cassie and pulled Cassie's spandex halter top off of her. "You don't find me attractive?" she asked, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck and hugging her.

"No! I mean..." Cassie said, losing her train of thought as Sasha kissed her back and neck, while Julia kissed her breasts. Too aroused to put up a fight based on some moral high ground, Cassie grabbed the two women by the hand and led them to bed.

The threesome kissed and caressed each other all over their bodies - and pleasured each other with various sex toys. As soon as Julia was satisfied, she passed out for the night. That left Cassie alone to have more sex with Sasha. Cassie was starting to like the idea of having more that one woman interested in her at the same time. It was at that time she realized that she had only been infatuated with Julia.

The next morning, Cassie entered the party room with Julia and Sasha hanging all over her, and the hugging and touching continued through breakfast. Suzie looked at Cassie, disapprovingly, whenever she could get her attention. Vanita just laughed, under her breath, and shook her head. Charlie couldn't stop grinning, winking, and giving Cassie the thumbs up sign, which earned him disapproving looks from Suzie, too.

The following week, The Rockets played several concerts at festivals on Tyre. From the overwhelming response of the Tyrians, you would have thought The Rockets were rock legends like The Beatles or Elvis. The Rockets were an overnight success.

* * *

"There's only one problem with your instant success," Julia said to Cassie, as they lay in bed in each other's arms after having sex.

"What?" asked Cassie.

"You have no recordings to sell – or for the broadcast stations to play."

"Oh, I didn't think about that - this has all happened so fast."

"Since it would be improper of me to invest Tyrian government money to front recording expenses, we'll have to find another way to come up with some quick cash. Maybe we could raffle you off for a night?" Julia suggested slyly.

"What?"

"We'll run a contest in one of the Tyrian tabloids. We'll sell just enough raffle tickets to cover recording expenses. And I know these two voluptuous twins. I'll have the contest rigged so they win, and then you can bring them back to the palace for a foursome."

"That sounds like a fun way to make some quick cash, to me."

The morning after, Cassie joined Suzie, Vanita, and Charlie in the party room as they ate breakfast. Cassie was dressed in a bathrobe, her hair wet from a quick shower. She hadn't gotten more than a couple of hours of sleep the night before and was just exhausted – from all the kissing, fondling, and pleasuring. She had enjoyed the attention of three horny women, while stoned off her ass on hoochy-mama and hallucinogens.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," laughed Vanita, as Cassie approached their table.

"Vanita, this isn't funny," said Suzie.

"What's the matter, Baby - nympho-czar and the twins wearing you out?" teased Charlie.

"Charlie!" said Suzie, not wanting Charlie to encourage Cassie's extremely promiscuous behavior. "That's dirty."

"Sex is only dirty if it's done right," said Charlie.

"Charlie, we're eating!"

"Can I get you something, Baby?" he asked, as Cassie took a seat next to him at the table.

"Orange juice would be great," she answered.

Charlie got up from the table to get the orange juice. "You got it."

"Can I go down to you guys' suite and take a nap on your sofa?" Cassie asked Suzie and Vanita. "We've got to rehearse later for the recording session tomorrow and I've just got to get some sleep."

Sighing and giving Cassie a disapproving look, Suzie said, "I guess so."

"Sure. Be my guest," answered Vanita, grinning and shaking her head.

* * *

The Rockets' first recording went straight to the top of the charts. They were getting lots of air-play on Tyrian broadcasts. Music stores sold out of the recordings as fast as they could stock the shelves. Manufacturers couldn't make them fast enough.

Star Base was keeping tabs on the stowaways through press releases. There was always something written about The Rockets in the Tyrian tabloid magazines. They advertised, heavily, that Cassie preferred women and that she was more than available.

* * *

As Cassie entered the party room, she noticed that Charlie was watching a television over the bar. "Charlie, isn't that American football from Earth?" she asked, taking a seat next to him at the bar.

"Yeah," Charlie answered, putting her off - really getting into the game. "Throw the flag. Are you refs blind, or what?"

"How did you manage that?"

"All I have to do is tell Julia you like something, and she makes it happen. We're tapped into satellite television from home."

About that time, Cassie noticed an exceptionally large soldier, standing off to the side of the bar area, dressed in a green camouflage uniform. "Hi, I'm Cassie," she said, introducing herself to the soldier.

"Hi, Cassie. I'm Rocko," said the soldier.

Rocko was a hybrid clone - half man and half bearcat. He was six-foot five and had a human-looking body, mostly covered with fur. His facial features were comprised of a bear nose and teeth, cat whiskers, and human-looking eyes. Julia had assigned the clone to protect The Rockets – her new toy.

"Rocko, would you like some lunch?" offered Cassie.

"Yes," answered Rocko.

"Help yourself."

"Thank you," said Rocko. He grabbed a couple of large dinner plates from the buffet and loaded them up with as much food as they could hold.

Noticing that the hybrid-clone had sat down at a table and started eating, Charlie said to Cassie. "Julia won't like you fraternizing with the help."

"What?" asked Cassie.

"Him," said Charlie, pointing at Rocko, who was consuming massive quantities of food. "Julia's assigned him to be our bodyguard. You know - to protect us from all those over-exuberant fans."

"You mean to protect you from all those groupies you guys pick up," said Suzie, as she walked past the bar, headed for the buffet.

"That's all the more reason to be nice to him, Charlie," said Cassie. "I don't want somebody watching my back that would like to see a knife stuck in it. I think he looks like a big ol' teddy bear."

"Yeah, whatever," Charlie said, turning his attention back to the game. "Go! Go!"

"Do you mind?" yelled Vanita, from her and Suzie's usual table - away from the bar. "Isn't there anything else on?"

"Charlie. Why are you watching reruns of football, anyway?" asked Cassie.

"Reruns?" asked Charlie.

"Yeah, dummy. Don't you remember? We saw this game at a party last year."

"You're right! Cassie, you're a genius."

"Huh?"

"Time warp," said Charlie, as he grabbed a napkin and a pencil, from the bar, and started making notes. Get a little gambling action going here – where I know the scores in advance. This is gonna be like taking candy from a baby.

"Charlie, I hope your notes don't have anything to do with gambling on games," said Suzie, knowing that Charlie had a gambling problem that had gotten him into trouble on Earth. "I don't know where you'd hide out here."

* * *

The last day of the group's three-month stay on Tyre finally came. The Rockets were famous, now, and were starting to make a lot of money, or Lucre, as it was called in that section of the universe. Suzie and Vanita had had their vacation from men and bad relationships. They were now ready for the men on Star Base. Cassie was conceited and full of herself, because so many women wanted her. She had once thought she was falling in love with Julia. Now, she wanted to go check out all the women on Star Base. Charlie wanted to live at the palace, on Tyre, forever.

As for Julia, she wanted more time with Cassie, but it wasn't considered normal for a Tyrian to care for only one person. Tyrian women were allowed to marry other women, but weren't expected to be faithful. Tyrian men weren't allowed to marry, at all, because it was against their nature. So, Julia dismissed the strong feelings she was having for Cassie.

* * *

"Charlie, are you watching football reruns, again?" asked Cassie, taking a seat next to him at the bar.

"Hey, Cassie," he answered, totally ignoring her, as he continued to watch the game.

Cassie grabbed the remote and started changing channels. "Let's see what else is on."

"Thank you," said Vanita, as she and Suzie sat at their usual table away from the bar, working on the song list.

"Come on, Cassie. The game was just getting good!" said Charlie, trying to take the remote from her – as she switched it from hand to hand, playing keep away from him. "Give that back," he said, grabbing her around her waist and tickling her.

"No!" she screamed and laughed, as Charlie finally wrestled the remote from her and changed the channel back to the game. "All right! Touchdown!" he yelled, jumping up from his barstool, setting the remote down on the bar, and throwing his arms in the air, signaling a score.

Cassie quickly grabbed the remote and started changing channels, once again. As Charlie reached out to take it from her, she tossed it at Rocko, who was standing guard about ten feet from bar (close to the buffet table). "Rocko! Catch!" yelled Cassie.

A surprised Rocko caught the remote in his big right hand, inadvertently changing the channel to the oldies movie network.

"Look. There's Star Battalion!" said Cassie.

"Oh, my," said Suzie. "I haven't seen that movie in years."

"Me, neither," said Vanita, as she and Suzie got up from their table and headed for the bar to get a closer view of the movie.

"You girls are making me miss the game!" yelled Charlie. "Hey! Give me the remote," he said to Rocko.

"Here," said Rocko, holding the remote out for Charlie to come take it from him.

"Don't let him have it, Rocko," said Cassie, as the girls continued watching their favorite old space movie.

"OK, Cassie," said Rocko, putting the remote in his shirt pocket.

"I said give it to me," demanded Charlie, walking towards Rocko – reaching out to take the remote from him.

Rocko took a step towards Charlie, snarling and showing his fangs. Rocko puffed out his massive chest and growled so deeply, and so loudly, that the dishes on the buffet table rattled.

"Holy, shit! Down, boy! Down, Ricky," said Charlie, stopping dead in his tracks and retreating back to the bar.

"His name is Rocko, not Ricky," said Cassie, as the girls laughed at the situation.

"Whatever!" said Charlie, walking around behind the bar and pouring himself a draft beer. "Fuck! I thought he was supposed to protect us. The damn thing tried to bite me! I'm telling Julia about this."

"Go ahead and tell her. I'll tell her I like him, and he makes me feel safe," said Cassie, smiling at Rocko. Rocko smiled back at her, showing all of his big, white, bearcat teeth.

"Well, I hope the big bastard gets a hairball, or something," said Charlie, taking a big swig of beer and giving Rocko a dirty look.

"Or you could go over there and kick his ass," teased Vanita, as the girls cracked up laughing, again.

"Very funny," said Charlie.

Suzie said, as the girls turned their attention back to the movie, "That Jake Skylight is such a hunk."

"I know that's right," said Vanita.

"Just give me the princess," said Cassie.

"Princess, my ass!" Charlie yelled at Cassie. "You could have a Czar, and we could all live here forever!"

"What kind of fantasy world are you living in, Charlie?" said Cassie. "Julia could get bored with me, and dump me just any time now."

"That's not true, Cassie. Julia's crazy about you."

"Yeah - me and about a couple hundred other women."

"You promised to take us to Star Base, Charlie," said Suzie. "That was the reason we came here."

"You girls can just go on without me. I'm staying here," he said, coming out from behind the bar and taking a seat on his favorite barstool.

"Say, what!" said Vanita, as she put her hands on her hips, walked over, and got in Charlie's face.

"You heard me. I'm staying here," said Charlie, taking a sip of his beer and setting the mug on the bar.

"Charlie Berardi! We're going to Star Base!" yelled Vanita, doing her best head roll and waving a finger in his face. "And your ass is going with us!"

Cassie immediately jumped down from her barstool and got in-between Vanita and Charlie. "Hey! Come on, Charlie. You did promise to take us to Star Base," she said. "Let's go check out the women on Star Base. It'll be fun."

"Cassie, it doesn't get any better than this!" said Charlie.

"Yeah, for you!" snapped Vanita.

"Yeah, Charlie!" said Suzie.

"Charlie, I hate to be the one to have to tell you this," said Cassie, "but Julia told me, in bed last night, that she had to keep her word and send us on to Star Base. Our three months here are up."

"That's bullshit!" said Charlie. "She has the power to just blow them off. All you've got to do is just tell her you wanna stay! Please, Baby. Just tell her you wanna stay here," he begged and pleaded.

"We can come back."

"When?"

"Julia said we could come back and visit after a little grace period."

That evening after dinner, Julia and Cassie retired to the Czar's private suite for a wild night of sex, drugs, and booze. Charlie and his two attendants had a wild night, too. Vanita and Suzie went to bed early, excited by the anticipation of finally getting to Star Base. No one got a good night's sleep at the palace that night.

# CHAPTER 3 - STAR BASE

Almost every civilian and enlisted crewmember was out in the landing bay, cheering wildly, as The Rockets emerged from one of Julia's private space shuttles. Cassie, Vanita, and Suzie were wearing lots of make-up, big earrings, tight jeans, hi-heeled boots, tank tops (showing lots of cleavage), and leather jackets. Charlie was wearing a tank tee-shirt, boots, leather pants, and a leather jacket. The group stopped for several minutes to sign autographs on pictures of themselves from the Tyrian tabloids.

Finally, a short, pot-bellied soldier, uniformed in a navy jumpsuit, approached the group and broke up the autograph session. "I'm Sergeant Ortiz," the soldier said to the rock stars. "Come with me. You're all under arrest."

"What? You gotta be kidding me," said Charlie.

"See, Charlie!" said Suzie, in a panic. "I knew it! I just knew we were gonna get arrested for this - sooner or later!"

"It'll be fine. Just let me handle it!" Charlie said to Suzie. Turning to Sergeant Ortiz, he said, "What are we being arrested for?"

"Just come with me, please," said the Sergeant. "This wasn't my idea. I'm a big fan of yours, but I have my superiors."

"Oh, all right," said Charlie. "Come on girls. Let's get this over with."

The once cheering crowd became an angry mob, as Sergeant Ortiz escorted The Rockets out of the landing bay. To show their displeasure, the crowd directed a rousing chorus of boos at the Sergeant for breaking up the party.

Sergeant Ortiz led the group into a conference room, which was adjacent to the Star Base Control Center centrally located next to the landing bay. Charlie, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita took a seat next to each other at a long table and gazed out at the stars through a big observation window. The group sat in silence, contemplating their situation, as Charlie and Cassie shared a flask of Scotch. Charlie quickly hid the flask in an inside pocket of his leather jacket as three Star Base officers entered the conference room.

The officers' were uniformed in solid turquoise jumpsuits with black belts and black boots. Their communicators and transfer devices were attached to their belts. Also attached to the officers' belts were holsters, each enclosing a hand-held weapon called a scrambler, which could scramble a person's molecules enough to stun, kill, or disintegrate.

A fiftyish-looking, gray-haired gentleman took a seat at the head of the long table. "I'm Colonel Smith. This is Major Thorr," he said, motioning towards the pretty, young blond woman that walked around the table and stood behind the group. "And this is Captain Thibodeaux," he said motioning towards a tall, handsome, black man who took his place on the other side of the table, facing the group and standing next to a visual screen.

"It's very nice to meet you. I'm Charlie, and this is..."

"Cut the crap!" interrupted Colonel Smith. "We're well aware who you people are and how you got here. You're all under arrest for treason, grand larceny, and trespassing."

"What? Trespassing, maybe. But treason and grand larceny? That's bullshit! We didn't steal anything!"

"You do remember the crate that was taken from the freighter, when you landed on Tyre?"

"Yeah. But we didn't take it. Julia's soldiers mistakenly unloaded it with our musical equipment. Julia has it. Hell, we don't even know what it is... Oh, I get it, now. Your pilots screw up and to save face, they make us the scapegoats. Typical government move - make someone else take the fall!"

"Oooh! Oooh!" yelled Cassie, waving her hand in the air, getting the Colonel's attention.

"You obviously have a question. What is it?" the Colonel asked Cassie.

"And all this impacts me in what way?"

"Oh, about ten to twenty years in a federal military prison. That should be a long enough debriefing to erase the memory of you ever being here."

"Oh, my God! Bag, bag, bag!" Suzie yelled, starting to hyperventilate.

"Here," said Charlie, pulling a paper bag out of his backpack and handing it to Suzie. "Everything's gonna be just fine, Suzie," he said, as she began breathing into the bag. "We're not going to prison."

"That remains to be seen. It's all up to the military tribunal, now," said the Colonel. "The freighter from Earth, that you stowed away on, will be back in thirty days. At that time, you will be deported back to Earth to face criminal charges."

"I don't think so!" said Charlie. "As far as the American people know, you don't exist. If you don't exist, then we can't be here. If we go anywhere, it'll be back to Tyre!"

"You don't have any choice in the matter."

"We're so sorry!" apologized Suzie, pulling the paper bag away from her face, totally freaking out. "We didn't mean any harm! We'll just go back, quietly - like we came - and no one will ever know that we were even here."

"Suzie! Let Charlie handle this shit," said Cassie, drunkenly holding the paper bag back up to Suzie's face.

In the meantime, Vanita and Captain Thibodeaux kept exchanging glances, while trying to act like they were paying attention to what was going on.

"You send Julia's sweetie back to Earth," said Charlie, pointing at Cassie, "and Julia's gonna be really pissed off! You do know who I'm talking about? Julia - the Czar of Tyre?"

"Colonel, your communication with NASA has come through," said Major Thorr.

"Put it on visual, Major," said the Colonel.

"Aye, sir," responded Major Thorr, punching buttons on a control panel behind her and bringing up a visual of Jack Schick, head of security at NASA.

Jack Schick was a bald, red-faced man, who was completely over-worked and over-stressed from trying to deal with the fallout of the stowaway situation. He was sitting at his desk, drinking a cup of coffee that was heavily laced with whiskey, contemplating his future at NASA – if he still had one. "Colonel Smith," he said, acknowledging the Star Base commander.

"Schick," replied Colonel Smith.

"Hey, Charlie. Look!" said Cassie, pointing at the visual screen. "There's you're stepdad — the puss-gutted fuck."

"Cassidy Jones!" yelled Suzie, throwing the paper bag onto the table. "Your language! I'm, so sorry," she said to the three Star Base officers and Schick. "She's had way too much to drink."

"You know what your problem is, Suzie?" said Cassie. "You should stop apologizing for me and start apologizing for yourself — for being so damn perky all the time."

"Hey, Dad. What's happening in Whiskeyland?" asked Charlie.

"You son of a bitch," said Schick. "What the fuck do you think you're doing on Star Base?"

"Well, not much. We just got here. It's been a real drag, so far," said Charlie. "I'm about ready to get the fuck out of here and go back to Tyre!" Charlie took his flask out of his pocket, took a big swig, and handed it to Cassie.

Cassie was about to take a nip from the flask, when Major Thorr reached over her shoulder and took it from her. "Hey! Give that back!" Cassie yelled at the Major, taking a swipe at the flask with one hand and grabbing the table with the other hand - so she didn't fall out of her chair on her drunken ass. "Get a glass. We'll share."

"This is a formal investigation, not a nightclub," snapped the Major, keeping the flask.

"You sure are bossy to be so cute," Cassie said to the Major and then turned back around in her chair.

"Charlie, do you have any idea how much trouble you're in?" asked Schick.

"Probably nowhere near as much trouble as you're in for us being here," slurred Charlie.

"You smart-ass, son-of-a-bitch!" yelled Schick, the veins in his neck and forehead bulging - his blood pressure soaring sky high. "Just wait till your ass is in a straight-jacket in a military prison! We'll see what you have to say then."

"Actually, there's something I've always wanted to say," said Charlie, getting a serious look on his face.

"What's that?"

"Houston... We've got a fucking problem!" yelled Charlie, as he and Cassie laughed and pounded the table.

"All right. Quiet down!" said the Colonel, restoring order.

"I see those two white-trash Jones girls are there with you," said Schick.

"We love you, too," said Cassie.

"Is that Suzie Jones?" asked Schick.

"No. I'm Cassidy Jones," she responded. "Don't be rude, Suzie. Say hi to Charlie's stepdad."

"Hello, Mr. Schick," Suzie said, her hands shaking — scared to death by the whole ordeal.

"Get it right, Suzie. It's Jack Shit," instructed Cassie, as she and Charlie started laughing, again.

"Cassie, please. You're drunk and we're in a lot of trouble," said Suzie.

"Finally, the voice of reason," said Major Thorr, glaring at Cassie and Charlie. "If you're smart, you'll take her advice."

Only being able to see so far down the table, from the visual that Schick was receiving on Earth, he asked, "Is that colored gal with you?"

"What color is she?" asked Cassie. "I'll look and see."

Charlie, Vanita, and the Captain all laughed at Cassie's remark. The Major sighed and rolled her eyes, frustrated by all the inappropriate and obnoxious behavior.

"Everyone settle down!" ordered the Colonel, quieting everyone.

"Ms. Vanita Harris, is your name. Is that correct?" Schick asked Vanita.

"Yessa, Massa Schick, sir," answered Vanita - making fun of Schick's condescending and racist attitude - sending Charlie and Cassie into hysterical laughter, as the Captain tried in vain to maintain his composure.

"That's enough!" yelled the Major, at Cassie and Charlie, shaking her head at the Captain - not wanting him to encourage the out of control behavior.

"Yes, ma'am!" snapped Charlie, mockingly saluting the Major, as he and Cassie held a straight face as long as they could — and then cracked up laughing again.

"Order! Or you'll all wind up in the brig!" yelled the Colonel, restoring order, once again.

"Ms. Harris, it seems that your boyfriend was found — almost beaten to death — the day you disappeared," said Schick. "He was found in bed, covered with a blanket — with a broom next to the bed. I don't guess you'd know anything about that?"

"No, not a thing," answered Vanita.

"The police know it was you. They've got an APB out on you. You're lucky he lived. You could be facing murder one. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"Yeah. That motherfucker beat me for the last time," said Vanita.

Cassie and Charlie jumped up from their chairs and high-fived Vanita, cheering her on.

"Everyone sit down!" yelled the Colonel, as he pushed his chair back and stood up.

"Hey, y'all!" yelled Cassie "I think it's about time to shoot him the moon from outer space," she said, pointing at the image of Schick on the visual screen.

"I think so, too, Baby," said Charlie, egging her on, as he sat back down.

Cassie jumped up onto the table and bared her ass to Schick.

"Cassidy Jones! Get down from there!" yelled Suzie, as she crawled up on the table — trying to get her down.

"Everyone off the table!" ordered Colonel Smith.

Suzie immediately got down and took a seat, as Major Thorr grabbed Cassie and pulled her off the table — just as Cassie was pulling her jeans back up.

Major Thorr pushed Cassie back into her chair. "I don't think you understand the seriousness of the situation."

"Darlin', I think I could get real serious with you," said Cassie, totally embarrassing the Major - making her blush blood red.

"My name is not 'Darlin'!" yelled the furious Major, getting in Cassie's face. "It's 'Major Thorr,' to you!"

"Cassie! There's no excuse for you being so rude to the Major," said Suzie.

"There's no excuse for you, period, Suzie," slurred Cassie.

"Order!" yelled the Colonel, quieting everyone down.

"Charlie," said Schick. "I put you through school and got you work here at NASA. That job could've been permanent - but not now. I even put twenty grand in a bank account for you — so you could go into some other kind of business if you wanted to."

"I have gone into business. I invested the money in our music equipment," said Charlie. "We're really doing great here."

"Stowing away and being a fugitive from the law is not a goddamn business!" yelled Schick, as he grabbed his bottle of blood pressure medication and downed a pill with his whiskey-laced coffee. "I tried to do right by you, for your mother's sake. But, God rest her soul, she just wouldn't let me discipline you."

"Well, that didn't stop you from getting drunk and smacking her around, though, did it!" yelled Charlie.

"Look, you bastard, when that freighter gets back to Star Base, you and those women are coming back to Earth."

"I don't think so," said Charlie. He reached into his backpack and pulled out a Top Secret NASA computer printout — all about Star Base, Tyre, and Thorr. He held the document up where Schick could see what it was and then threw it onto the table in front of the Colonel. "I also have a copy in a safe deposit box on Earth. And I have a connected friend that has one, too. If we wind up back on Earth, one, or both, will go to the media, blowing this little government secret sky high!"

The Colonel and Major Thorr quickly examined the document.

"Schick! This is a major security breach!" yelled the Colonel. This situation just gets worse and worse. He has the upper hand, now, and he knows it, thought the Colonel, as he glared at Charlie.

"Just send them back to Earth for prosecution, Colonel. Nobody's going to believe a bunch of drugged-out rock star wannabe's," he said, trying to hide his concern behind a smug grin.

"Don't bet on it," said Charlie, as he picked up the document and put it back in his backpack.

"You're coming back to Earth in thirty days to face criminal charges," said Schick. If I'm going down, I'm taking you with me!

"Not gonna happen," said a confident, Charlie.

"That will be all, for now, Schick," said Colonel Smith. "I'll be in touch."

"I'll look forward to hearing from you, Colonel," said Schick, signing off.

"Star Command will have to make a ruling on this situation," said the Colonel. That could take a while. "So what do we do with you people in the meantime?" he said, sitting back down at the table – sighing and shaking his head.

"Thirty days in the brig would seem appropriate," said Major Thorr. "Then send them back to Earth."

"Darlin'," said Cassie, turning around in her chair and addressing the Major. "You can come see me for my conjugal visits - and bring handcuffs, OK?" she said, winking and smiling at her.

The Major was just livid as Cassie and Charlie made light of the situation.

About that time, a visual of Sergeant Ortiz appeared on the screen. "Colonel."

"What is it, Sergeant?" asked the Colonel.

"We're having a little trouble getting the civilians - and some of the crewmembers, too - to disperse from the landing bay," answered Sergeant Ortiz.

"What seems to be the problem?"

"I'll let you see for yourself."

The Sergeant switched screens to show the angry mob in the landing bay. They were all yelling, "We want The Rockets! We want The Rockets! We want The Rockets..."

"Colonel. How long has it been since your crew had a rock concert on Star Base?" asked Charlie.

"Never," answered the Colonel.

"They want us. We're already here. What do you think about us playing some concerts here on Star Base? Just think what it would do for morale," he said, trying to manipulate the Colonel. We're going to the brig, over my dead body, thought the claustrophobic Charlie. No way I could stay in such a small space for 30 days.

"Well," said Colonel Smith, "under the circumstances..."

"Colonel, with all due respect, they belong in the brig!" pleaded Major Thorr.

"I'll just put them under house arrest - on Star Base - for now, Major" ordered the Colonel. "I think something like this could do a world of good for morale around here. Don't you, Captain?" asked the Colonel.

"Yes, sir," answered the Captain, as he continued to gaze at Vanita — not really even hearing the question. Captain Thibodeaux didn't even notice that the Major was looking to him for support.

Yes! thought Charlie. Now, I've just got to figure out a way to get us the fuck out of here and back to the palace on Tyre.

"Ortiz, tell the crowd that the entertainers will be performing here in the near future. We'll let them know when," ordered the Colonel. "Tell them that anyone that doesn't get back to work, immediately, will be barred from the concerts."

"Aye, Sir," said Ortiz, signing off.

"Major, you and the Captain take our guests down to the infirmary, for a physical and a DNA map, and then get them settled in," ordered the Colonel.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," said Charlie. "We're not sick, and I'm not particularly in the mood to bend over and cough, right now, if you know what I mean."

"You've come from Earth. We have to screen you for infectious diseases. Follow me," said Major Thorr, as she and Captain Thibodeaux led the group out of the Control Center, headed for the Star Base infirmary.

As they headed down the hallway, Charlie pulled another flask of Scotch out of his jacket, took a swig, and then shared it with Cassie when the Major wasn't looking. They didn't have to worry about the Captain - he couldn't keep his eyes off of Vanita. Just about the time they approached the infirmary, Cassie reached out and got a good feel of the Major's tight little ass.

Major Thorr instantly got Cassie in an arm-lock and slammed her up against the wall just outside the infirmary entrance. "Don't you ever touch me, again!" she yelled. "Is that clear?" she asked, applying pressure to the arm-lock.

"Yeah!" answered Cassie. "Let me go! You're breaking my arm!" she yelled until the Major finally released her. "Man, does she have a short fuse, or what?"

"If I was her," Vanita said to Cassie, "I would've slapped the shit out of you back at the conference room."

Charlie was laughing so hard he had to sit down on the floor for a minute just to regain his composure. After all, he had dared and encouraged Cassie to grab a handful of the Major, ever since they'd left the conference room on the Control Center.

"I am so sorry — and so embarrassed," Suzie said to Major Thorr. "She's not usually like this."

"Captain, see that they get their physicals and DNA map. I'll be back later to escort them to their quarters," said Major Thorr, walking away to take a break from the irritating situation.

"Charlie, if there's a hotter piece of ass than that on Star Base, I'll marry it, tomorrow," said Cassie, so loudly that Major Thorr couldn't help but hear as she walked away.

Charlie whispered to Cassie. "All I see is a fucking bitch that would like nothing better than for us to get sent to the brig – and then back to Earth. Best steer clear of her."

Captain Thibodeaux introduced the group to Dr. Ryan Gerard. Suzie and the doctor hit it off right away. Suzie thought the tall, blond, blue-eyed doctor was just adorable – especially the dimples in his big smile.

Vanita invited the Captain and the doctor to be The Rockets' guests at their upcoming concerts on Star Base. The two men eagerly accepted. Suzie and Vanita promised to let them know when, just as soon as the concert plans were finalized.

Man, I don't feel so good, thought Cassie. "Charlie. You got any of those hangovers pills on you?" she whispered, as Vanita and Suzie continued to visit with the Captain and the doctor.

"No, Baby. I'm sorry," Charlie answered. "I took my last one a couple of hours ago. Man, are you gonna be hung over, tomorrow."

After the medical exams were completed, the Major returned to escort the entertainers to their quarters - accompanied by Dr. Gerard, Captain Thibodeaux, and a cadet with the entertainers' luggage. However, Cassie had to spend the night in the Star Base infirmary, being treated for alcohol poisoning.

The group proceeded through a maze of people movers, which were like a combination of elevators and subway cars. Finally, Major Thorr opened four doors above the Base Exchange ("BX") general store, which were vacant dorm rooms in the cadet's area of Star Base. Then she motioned for the group to take whichever room they wanted.

"OK. This is our storage area. Where are our rooms?" asked Charlie.

"These are your quarters. This is Star Base, not a five star hotel," replied Major Thorr. "I only wish I could have found worse accommodations. You belong in the brig."

"This is totally unacceptable! These aren't rooms. They're closets!" yelled Charlie, who had been totally spoiled by the suites at the palace on Tyre.

"It's either here or, if you prefer, the brig!" the Major yelled back at him.

"This sucks! We barely have room for our luggage in here. You just wait 'til Julia hears about this. We're going back to Tyre!"

Charlie was appalled by the situation. Vanita and Suzie were too goo-goo eyed over the Captain and Dr. Gerard, respectively, to care about where they were staying.

The next morning, Suzie went to the Star Base infirmary to get Cassie, who was being released. At that time, Dr. Gerard invited her and Vanita to meet him and Captain Thibodeaux for lunch around noon in the Star Base Cafeteria. Suzie showed Cassie to her quarters, got her put to bed, and told an excited Vanita about the lunch plans.

At noon, Suzie and Vanita met Dr. Gerard and Captain Thibodeaux in the cafeteria. As soon as they got their lunch trays and settled in at a big table, Suzie noticed that Major Thorr - who had seen them first - had entered the dining area, alone, and was headed towards a table on the other side of the room.

"Major Thorr!" Suzie called out. "Major! Over here!"

Oh, no, thought Major Thorr, looking their way as Suzie smiled and waved at her. I wonder where the two obnoxious ones are.

"Would you like to sit with us, Major?" asked Suzie, as Dr. Gerard and the Captain motioned for her to come join them.

"Come join us, Major," urged Dr. Gerard.

Major Thorr reluctantly approached their table, looking all around the room to be sure that Cassie and Charlie were nowhere in sight. "Ms. Jones. Ms. Harris," said the Major, acknowledging them.

"Let's not be so formal," said Captain Thibodeaux. "I'm Jason, this is Ryan, and this is Brianna."

"I'm Suzie and this is Vanita."

"Now, isn't that better?" said Ryan.

"Have a seat, Major," said Vanita, noticing the Major's apprehension. "Charlie's not here and Cassie's in bed sleeping it off. I don't think you'll have to worry about seeing her today - and maybe not even tomorrow."

"All right," said Brianna, as she set her lunch tray on the table and took a seat next to Suzie. "I can't help but notice your nails," she said, totally fascinated by Suzie and Vanita's fingernails.

"Oh, yeah. They're designer nails," said Suzie, as the group began eating their lunch.

"How do you get them to do that?" Brianna asked, staring curiously at Suzie's hands.

"I do them myself. I was studying to be a hair designer, doing nails on the side, a while back. Then our mother died - mine and Cassie's, that is - so I had to drop out of school and get a job. That's when our group got together, working at this bar called The Cave'" rambled Suzie. "Why don't you come over to my quarters when you get off work, and I'll do your nails for you. It'll be fun. Just me and you and Vanita."

"I don't know," said Brianna, hesitantly. What if Suzie's obnoxious sister shows up?

"Brianna, I can assure you, Suzie's sister will be sleeping all day today," said Ryan, picking up on Brianna's apprehension. "I could have given her medication to bring her around, but Suzie wanted her to have the hangover to insure that this kind of behavior wouldn't be repeated."

"In that case, I accept your invitation," said Brianna, warming up a bit to Suzie. "What time should I be there?"

"Our schedule is wide open," Suzie answered. "So you can join us whenever you want."

"I went in at five this morning for early watch," said Brianna. "I can join you soon. Do you like wine? I have a nice selection."

"Sure," said Suzie.

"Me, too," said Vanita.

"All right," said Major Thorr. "I have to take care of something at the Control Center, change, and get the wine. I can probably be there in about an hour."

"Sounds good. We'll see you then, Brianna," said Suzie.

"Jason. You'll know where to find me if something comes up," said the Major, as she got up from the table and left.

In the meantime, Charlie had discovered "Bobu's", a dive bar close to the BX and the cadet's dorm rooms - and the group's quarters on Star Base.

Charlie was sitting at the bar drinking a beer as Bobu stood behind the bar in front of an array of liquor bottles. Behind the bottles was a mirror. In the center of the mirror was a portrait (done on black velvet) of a late fallen Roden leader, playing poker with a group of Roden soldiers. On the other side of the bar, there was a stage and dance floor with lights above and in the floor. The walls of the bar were decorated with memorabilia of famous Rodens and pictures of bar patrons.

"I had a closet on Earth that was nicer than the room I have here," complained Charlie, referring to his quarters. "This is fucking ridiculous. We're the biggest rock stars in this section of the universe and these assholes treat us like we're illegal aliens or something."

"Well, from what I hear, you are sort of illegal aliens. No offense intended," said Bobu.

Bobu was a Roden – half-man and half-rodent. He had a furry, human-looking body, human-looking eyes, and a rat nose and whiskers. Bobu was dressed in khaki pants, a white shirt, and a loud flower print tie. He was also gay.

Then Bobu's boyfriend, Bebo, who was also a Roden, approached the bar. Bebo was a flamboyant cross-dresser who waited tables at Bobu's. He was wearing a black, sequined after-five cocktail dress and red high heels, exposing his furry chest and legs. "Bobu. I need a martini, a rum and coke, and two beers," Bebo said, standing next to Charlie at the bar.

Whoa! thought Charlie, checking Bebo out. First, a rat bartender. And now a rat in a dress. This place is as weird as Austin, Texas.

"Bebo, this is Charlie. Charlie, this is my other half, Bebo," said Bobu, introducing the two as he made the drink order. "Charlie's part of that rock band, The Rockets."

Grinning from ear to furry pointed ear, Bebo said, "I know. I recognize him from the pictures in the tabloids. It's a pleasure to meet you, Charlie. I just love your recordings. I can't wait to see you in concert here."

"Thanks, man. Nice to meet you too," said Charlie. "Say, what have you got to eat around here?"

"Well, here's a menu," said Bebo, handing one to Charlie, as he waited for the drink order. "If you want anything more than sandwiches and hors d'oeuvres, you'll have to go to The Officer's Club dining room or the Star Base Cafeteria."

"Cafeteria food doesn't sound good to me. I'm not an officer. So, how would I get into The Officer's Club?"

"Oh, that's just the name of the club. Everyone's welcome, there. It's a little pricey, though. But you're rich and famous. You can afford it. And as handsome as you are, you'll have your pick of all of those bisexual women that hang out there. That is, unless Cassie Jones shows up first. Those women can't wait for her to show up down there. Here, too. They're going to be all over her like buzzards on dead meat, you mark my word. Here's directions to both places," said Bebo, marking up a paper napkin and handing it to Charlie. "The Officer's Club dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The bar side of the club is only open from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m."

"Thanks, man. What are your hours here?"

"We never close. Bobu and I are Rodens. We only require one or two hours of sleep a night. So one or both of us are almost always here. This is Star Base, after all - we have nothing else to do."

"Here's your order," said Bobu, setting up the drinks for Bebo to serve.

"Later, Charlie," said Bebo as he left to serve the drinks.

"Yeah. Thanks for the info," said Charlie.

"You look like a man that could get into a little action," Bobu said to Charlie.

"What kind of action are we talking about?" asked an intrigued Charlie.

"A little of this. A little of that - mostly gambling. Interested?"

"Hell, yeah! And have I got a sweet deal for you. Are you familiar with American football?"

"No. But if it's a game and you can bet on it, I got all the action you can handle right here."

"In that case, I could arrange for a couple of StarTeli screens to be hooked up here over the bar with satellite that carries American football games to bet on. You interested?"

"Does a rat have an ass?" responded Bobu, as he grinned a seedy grin and stroked his whiskers.

"I'll get started making the arrangements."

"Sounds good to me."

"Great, man," said Charlie, getting up from his barstool and paying his tab. "I'm going to get something to eat. I'll be back," he said and exited Bobu's.

* * *

Suzie's cramped little quarters came with a small bed, small dresser, small table and chair, and a bathroom. Suzie set up a make-shift beauty shop out of the small table, chair, and dresser as she and Vanita bonded with Brianna over several glasses of wine.

Suzie and Vanita asked Brianna a lot of questions about herself, Ryan, and Jason – but mostly about Ryan and Jason, which she was happy to answer. Brianna shared that Jason had lost his family, on Earth, in the hurricane Katrina disaster. At the time, he was attending flight school, in Houston, to become an astronaut. This prompted him to take the military assignment on Star Base – which was a top secret, lifetime assignment and allowed no return to Earth. Ryan was from Brianna's native planet, Thorr. He was divorced, with no children, and had taken an assignment on Star Base as a change of scene. Brianna also shared that she had divorced her husband, because she had come to the realization that her sexual preference was women.

When Suzie was done with Brianna's nails, she gave her a haircut and applied her makeup.

"Suzie. Let me repay you for your time by taking you and Vanita to dinner at The Officer's Club tonight," said Brianna.

"You don't have to do that, Brianna. I love doing this. It was my pleasure – and you brought the wine," said Suzie.

"Well, I really don't want to waste this wonderful makeover that you've done. I could ask Ryan and Jason to join us."

"I'm there," said Vanita.

"Me, too," said Suzie. "We better start getting ready."

# CHAPTER 4 - ICE PRINCESS

Charlie and Cassie were walking down the hallway, dressed in t-shirts and spandex pants, headed for the Star Base gym to work out.

Charlie asked anxiously, "Cassie, have you heard from Julia?"

"Yeah," answered Cassie absent-mindedly, distracted by a group of female crewmembers as they approached them. Cassie winked and smiled at the three pretty, young women, who were uniformed in navy jumpsuits, black belts and boots. "Hope to see you girls later at our concert," Cassie said, smiling at the women.

"We'll be there," said one of the women, as all three of them smiled, seductively, back at Cassie and Charlie.

"Later girls," said Charlie, as they all proceeded down the hallway. Turing back to Cassie he said, "So tell me, already. What did Julia say when you told her about our situation over here?"

"Well, I didn't actually talk to her," Cassie said. "Sergeant Ortiz just gave me a note from her - some kind of electronic mail."

"What did the note say?"

"Not much - just that she'll be here - on Star Base - for a meeting in about three days."

"Well, when she gets here, we're going back to the palace on Tyre, to live with her."

"We can't just tell Julia we're going to live with her, Charlie."

"All you gotta do is just tell her you want us to."

"I don't think Suzie and Vanita wanna go back to Tyre. They're pretty involved with the doctor and the captain."

"That's fine. If they wanna stay here, that's their choice. But me and you are getting the fuck outta here and going back to the palace."

"I thought we were gonna play some concerts here?"

"We are. But we can take a shuttle back and forth."

"Oh. OK." As they reached the gym entrance, Major Brianna Thorr, dressed in full uniform, was exiting - ready to report for duty. "Good morning, Major Thorr. How's it going?" said Cassie, flashing her sexiest, most flirtatious smile at the Major.

The Major just gave Cassie, and Charlie, a dirty look and walked right past them without responding.

"Can I call you?" Cassie yelled after her, as the Major walked away – completely ignoring them.

Charlie just laughed and shook his head. "What an Ice Princess. Looks like you finally found a heart you can't melt with those big brown eyes of yours. And if you asked me, there are too many willing women around here for you to waste your time on that bitch. The bitch that wanted to send us to the brig - and back to Earth. Remember? Hell will probably freeze over before she speaks to you."

Not deterred, Cassie said, "We'll see about that."

Later on that day, Cassie passed Major Thorr in the hallway as she headed to join Charlie, Suzie, and Vanita for a rehearsal at The Officer's Club. "Hello, Major Thorr," said Cassie, trying to walk with her and get a conversation going. "Will I see you tomorrow at out concert?"

"I have nothing to say to you. Go away and leave me alone," responded Major Thorr, as she turned and headed in the opposite direction.

Cassie was all smiles as she entered The Officer's Club for rehearsal.

Charlie was in the middle of setting up his drum set, when he noticed that Cassie had joined the group on stage. "What are you so happy about, Cassie?" he asked, noticing her good mood.

"It would appear Hell just froze over," Cassie said, removing her guitar from its case and starting to make tuning adjustments. "She finally spoke to me."

"You mean the Ice Princess?" Charlie asked, as he adjusted his snare drum and symbols.

"That's the one."

"What'd she say?"

"She said, 'I have nothing to say to you. Go away and leave me alone.' I think I'm making progress."

"Cassie," said Suzie, as she passed out copies of the song list to everyone, "if you guys are talking about Major Thorr, you should just leave her alone. She's really mad at you."

"She's just frigid. I bet I can warm her up," said a confident Cassie. "Anyway, we just got off on the wrong foot. She'll get over it."

Vanita looked up from tuning her bass and said, "Well, you got the foot part right. She'd like to put a foot up your smart ass."

"All right girls - enough about the Ice Princess," said Charlie, over his microphone. "Test - one, two."

"Don't call her that, Charlie," said Suzie. "Her name is Brianna."

"Whatever. Who cares? We gonna rehearse, or what?"

The following evening, The Rockets played a concert at The Officer's Club to a packed house. Suzie and Vanita reserved a table, right down in front and center stage, for Ryan and Jason, since the four of them had become almost inseparable.

The Star Base women went crazy over Cassie, just as Bebo had predicted. She could have her pick of any of them. But she had already made the mistake of alienating the one she was really interested in.

Major Thorr had a morning workout routine that Cassie picked up on fairly quickly. So, the next morning, Cassie headed for the gym early to work out, knowing that she would run into her. Cassie spotted her running on the track that circled the gym and decided to join her. "Good morning, Major Thorr," said Cassie, running along side of her. "I missed you at our concert last night."

Without saying a word, Major Thorr took off running so fast that Cassie had no chance to keep up with her.

That night, The Rockets played at Bobu's. The crowd, there, was much rowdier than the one at The Officer's Club. The atmosphere seemed like The Cave, the old dive where Charlie, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita had first met and formed the band.

Once again, Suzie and Vanita reserved a table \- right down front, center stage - for Ryan and Jason. After the gig, Vanita and Jason and Suzie and Ryan went back to Ryan's quarters for a nightcap.

Ryan and Suzie were standing in front of Ryan's observation window, talking and laughing and staring out at the stars, while sipping a brandy. Jason and Vanita were sitting on Ryan's sofa, talking and sipping brandy, too. Jason reached out and put an arm around Vanita and kissed her. Vanita responded by kissing him back and running a hand over his crotch. "Would you like to see my place while I can still walk?" Jason whispered in her ear.

Once alone, Ryan took Suzie in his arms and kissed her. He reached underneath her blouse in the back, unhooked her bra, and began fondling her breasts. She returned the favor, helping him off with his shirt. Ryan picked her up, carried her to his bedroom, and made love to her.

Jason and Vanita barely made it inside his quarters before they ripped each other's clothes off. He couldn't walk any further, with a big bulging hard-on, so they cleared the coffee table, in the living room, and made love there first. Then he took her to bed for more.

* * *

Cassie was summoned to the Control Center conference room for a meeting the next afternoon. When she entered the room, she found Julia there, alone, waiting for her.

"I've missed you so much," said Julia, getting up from her chair, throwing her arms around Cassie's neck, and kissing her.

"I've missed you, too," said Cassie, in between kisses.

"This has been an extremely busy week for me, or I would've been here sooner. But I'm available tonight. So, after this meeting, I want you to come back to the palace with me for a little visit. Charlie, Vanita, and Suzie are welcome to come too."

"But we're under house arrest. They're even threatening to send us back to Earth."

"I would never allow them to send you back to Earth. Don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of this," said, Julia, as the two women stood holding each other – which escalated into fondling and more kissing.

At that time, Colonel Smith and Major Thorr entered the conference room, unnoticed by Julia and Cassie, who were kissing passionately. Finally, the Colonel cleared his throat to get their attention.

"Madam Czar," said Colonel Smith. "Ms. Jones," he said, acknowledging her, while wondering why the Czar had brought her to the meeting.

"Hey, Colonel," said Cassie.

"Colonel Smith. Major Thorr," responded Julia.

"Madam Czar," replied the Major, refusing to look Cassie's way or even acknowledge her presence.

"How's it going, Major," said Cassie, smiling and trying to make eye contact with her.

I wonder what that's all about? thought Julia, noticing the friction between Cassie and Major Thorr.

The Colonel took his seat at the head of the table. Julia and Cassie took a seat next to each other, facing the observation window. Major Thorr took a seat across from Julia and Cassie.

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" asked the Colonel, turning to Julia. "You called this meeting for...?"

"I have a proposition for you - one I think you'll like," said Julia, pulling legal documents from the briefcase that was sitting on the floor next to her and setting them on the table in front of the Colonel. "I'm offering you the treaty for which the Republic has been asking - regarding flying in Tyrian orbit space - and also a tariff free trade agreement."

Colonel Smith and Major Thorr immediately began studying the legal documents.

After a thorough review of the documents, the Major said, "Everything appears to be in order, Sir."

"I'm willing to make these concessions upon one condition," said Julia, pulling another document from her briefcase.

"What is your condition?" asked Colonel Smith.

Julia said, smiling at Cassie and running her fingers through Cassie's hair, "My creation, The Rockets, are never to be sent back to Earth." Then she handed the Colonel the agreement.

"This will take approval from Star Command. Excuse us," said the Colonel, as he and Major Thorr exited the conference room.

When the Colonel and the Major re-entered the conference room, about an hour later, Colonel Smith had to clear his throat, once again, to get Julia's attention - breaking up the laughing, talking, and kissing between her and Cassie.

"What is your answer, Colonel," asked Julia, temporarily turning her attention away from Cassie.

"The Republic accepts your offer," answered the Colonel.

"Good. But there's one more condition before we sign the treaty," said Julia, pulling a couple more legal documents from her briefcase. "This has nothing to do with the Republic. This is a contract, giving me business control over The Rockets for the next five years." Julia handed both copies of the contract to Cassie.

"I don't have a problem with that," Cassie said to Julia, taking the contracts from her. "But let me get this straight. All this means we're not going to be sent back to Earth and our house arrest is over, right Colonel?"

"That's correct," answered Colonel Smith. "And you're welcome to keep your quarters here, on Star Base, for as long as you like."

"In that case, where do I sign?" said Cassie, as she took a pen from Julia and signed both copies of the contract without even reading them.

Then Julia and Colonel Smith executed the treaty and tariff free trade agreement.

"Thank you," Cassie said to Julia, giving her a big hug and kiss, as they got up from the table. Cassie whispered in Julia's ear, "Maybe, we can come up with a way for me to properly thank you for this later?"

"Oh, I bet we can think of something," Julia whispered back to her, holding her close.

"I think this calls for a celebration," said the Colonel. "The Republic is thrilled to have Tyre as an ally. I'd like to take the four of us to dinner at The Officer's Club. Say ... in about an hour?"

"We accept," Julia answered for herself and Cassie, as she picked up her copies of all the legal documents and put them in her briefcase.

"We'll see you there in about an hour," said the Colonel.

Cassie said, taking Julia by the hand and exiting the conference room, "Let's go give Charlie, Vanita, and Suzie the good news."

Major Thorr stood up and gathered legal documents, which included Cassie's copy of her contract – which she had left lying on the table. The Major turned to Colonel Smith and said, "I have something to attend to at the Control Center, Sir. Could I please be excused from dinner?"

"You'll be there with bells on, Major. That's an order," said Colonel Smith, getting up from his chair. "This is quite a coup. The Republic has been trying to get this treaty with Tyre for almost a decade, now." And Star Command is giving me credit for this. Who knew – all we had to do was have a rock band from Earth stow away on a freighter, come here, and make friends with the Czar. Unbelievable, he thought, smiling and shaking his head. "I'll see you in an hour in The Officer's Club dining room. Make reservations for four."

Julia and Cassie arrived at The Officer's Club dining room before the Colonel and the Major, and were sitting at a table drinking champagne, talking, and kissing, when the two officers entered. The ladies were all dressed in after-five dresses. The Colonel was dressed in his military formal uniform.

"Waiter! More champagne. And keep it coming," said the Colonel, as he and Major Thorr joined Julia and Cassie.

The dinner consisted of four courses of the best selections The Officer's Club had to offer. The dinner conversation was pleasant. However, Julia couldn't help but notice how hard Major Thorr was trying to completely ignore Cassie.

"Ladies. What do you say we go next door for a little dancing?" asked the Colonel, after dinner.

"Lead the way, Colonel," said Julia.

"Sounds like a party, to me," said Cassie.

As they all got up from the table and headed for the bar section of The Officer's Club, Major Thorr whispered to the Colonel, "It's been a long day, Sir. I think I'll retire. Thank you for dinner."

"We're going dancing, Major. That's an order," the Colonel whispered back to her, politely taking her arm and escorting her into the bar.

As soon as they were seated at a table, the Colonel said, "May I have this dance, Madam Czar?"

"Of course, Colonel. Please, call me Julia," she said, as they got up from the table.

"All right, Julia. But only if you call me Ian," he said.

"Ian it is, then," said Julia, as they headed for the dance floor.

"Would you like to dance, Major?" asked Cassie.

"No, I don't want to dance with you!" snapped Major Thorr. "The only reason I'm here is because it was a direct order. And the only thing I want from you is to be left alone."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I heard you preferred women. I guess I misunderstood."

"I do prefer women. I just don't prefer you."

"What's wrong with me?"

"You're arrogant and obnoxious, for starters."

"Look, I'm sorry for the way I acted when we first got here. I don't even remember most of what I said – or what I did. But believe me, Suzie gave me an earful. Can't we just get past all that and go out sometime?"

"I don't think so! I'm well aware of your promiscuous reputation. I'm not interested in you, and I'm not going out with you. Not now. Not ever!"

"Never say never," said Cassie, grinning at the Major, only further antagonizing her. "So, I guess if you don't want to dance - a roll in the hay is out of the question?"

"I don't understand - a roll in the hay?" asked the Major, not relating to the Earthling's slang expression.

"A roll in the hay means the next dance," teased Cassie.

"Oh. No, you may not have the next dance, either."

"OK. Suit yourself," said Cassie, looking out on the dance floor, as the Colonel and Julia continued talking and dancing into the next song.

Cassie was so attracted to Major Thorr, she couldn't help but stare at her as the Major looked out on the dance floor, giving Cassie the silent treatment. Cassie was completely mesmerized by the Major's hauntingly beautiful sky blue eyes, gorgeous figure, and striking facial features. Since Suzie had started cutting her hair, and had taught her how to apply her makeup, the Major looked more like a model than a military officer.

Finally, Major Thorr turned to Cassie and broke the silence, "I know about the bet."

"Now, I don't understand. What bet?" asked Cassie.

"The one you started about how many days it would take you to get me into bed."

"What?"

"Don't act surprised. I know all about it."

"This is no act. I am surprised. I don't know what you're talking about."

"One of the cadets accidentally left his betting form out and I just happened to see it. I wondered why, every time I walked up on a group of people, they would all stop talking. Now I know why. They were all talking about the bet."

She's really cute when she's mad. Look at the fire in those eyes, Cassie thought, smiling at the Major.

"You find this situation amusing?"

"Well, no. Actually, it's starting to be a drag," Cassie answered, getting a bit irritated by the false accusation.

"Let me make myself perfectly clear. I don't like you! And I want nothing to do with you!"

"Fine!" yelled Cassie, as her smile disappeared. "But just for the record, if I was gonna place a bet on me and you getting together, the day I would pick would be never!" she said sarcastically, as Julia and the Colonel headed back from the dance floor.

"Well, we finally agree on something."

When the Colonel and Julia reached the table, the Colonel waved at a nearby waiter and said, "We'll take another bottle of champagne, over here."

"Did you miss me?" asked Julia, taking her seat next to Cassie and putting an arm around her shoulders.

"Desperately," said Cassie, leaning in and kissing her. That'll show that stuck-up Major Thorr, Cassie thought. Who needs her, anyway, when I can have a smokin' hot Czar? As Cassie pulled back from Julia, her gaze again returned to Major Thorr, who continued to obviously ignore her.

There's something going on here, thought Julia, looking curiously at Cassie and Major Thorr.

About that time, Julia spotted Charlie at the bar flirting with a female bartender. He was buying rounds of drinks and celebrating The Rockets' freedom, their business contract with Julia, and his and Cassie's return visit to the palace on Tyre, later that evening.

"Excuse me a moment. I'll be right back," said Julia, as she got up from the table and headed for the bar - leaving Cassie and the Colonel to make small talk about The Rockets upcoming concerts on Star Base, while the Major continued to give Cassie the cold shoulder.

"Charlie, I need to speak with you," said Julia, as she approached him at the bar.

"Sure, Julia," said Charlie, tearing himself away from the pretty bartender. "I'll be back," he said to her, as he and Julia moved away from the bar where no one could hear their conversation.

"I sense some sexual tension between Cassie and Major Thorr," said Julia. "I think we need to nip it in the bud."

"What do you want me to do, Julia?" asked Charlie.

"Go down to Bobu's and get some Trystanol."

"You mean that date rape drug?"

"Precisely. And when you get back, find a way to put it in Major Thorr's drink."

"But how am I going to do that?"

"Listen: I'll ask Colonel Smith to dance. Then you come over to the table to say 'hello.' Then find a way to distract the Major and Cassie and drop it in."

"OK. But who's going to sleep with her?"

"Cassie. Who else?"

"What? I must be missing something here," said a puzzled Charlie. "I thought you wanted to keep them apart. Anyway, me and Cassie are going back to Tyre with you tonight."

"No," said Julia. "I'm going back to Tyre alone tonight. I'll return for you and Cassie, as soon as I can. I think the best way to handle this is to let Cassie get the Major out of her system. You've got to understand something, Charlie. The Major is Thorrian. Most Thorrians are monogamous. And I happen to know for a fact that the Major is one of those flawed ones. Trust me. One night with that boring Major and Cassie will be through with her. Then, we can get back to our fun at the palace. And have I got some girls lined up," she said, smiling.

"But why can't I go back to the palace with you tonight?" pleaded an extremely disappointed Charlie. "We could come back for Cassie tomorrow? Please, Julia. I don't think I can take another night in that closet they call my quarters."

"I'll make you a deal. If you're successful in drugging Major Thorr, then you can return to the palace with me tonight."

"Consider it done."

"Good. Once she's drugged, go to the landing bay and contact me on my communicator," she said, walking over to the bar, writing a number on a cocktail napkin, and handing it to him.

"You got it," said Charlie, as he went running from The Officer's Club headed for Bobu's.

Charlie made it back from Bobu's with the drug in record time. He couldn't wait to get back to the wild partying at the palace on Tyre. As soon as Julia noticed his return, she asked the Colonel to dance.

Charlie gave Julia and the Colonel just enough time to reach the dance floor, before he headed over to their table. "Hello, girls," Charlie said to Cassie and Major Thorr as he approached them.

The Major responded by ignoring Charlie, as usual.

"Hey, Charlie," said Cassie. "You 'bout ready to go to Tyre?"

"I've been ready since we got here. I can't wait to get back to Tyre. Aren't you gonna to say bye to Suzie and Vanita? I think they're sitting over there." He pointed behind Cassie and Major Thorr, causing them to turn and look over their shoulders for Suzie and Vanita.

The instant Cassie and Major Thorr looked away, Charlie dropped the drug into the Major's drink.

"Looks like I'm mistaken. That's not them. I'll see you out in the landing bay," Charlie said to Cassie, as he turned and left the bar. He was proud of himself for pulling that stunt off without a hitch, and he couldn't help but laugh to himself - today was the day he bet Cassie would get the Major into bed.

Cassie and Major Thorr sipped champagne and stared out at the dance floor, while Julia and the Colonel danced. It was almost like a competition between them to see who could ignore the other the hardest.

A few minutes later, the Colonel and Julia headed back from the dance floor. Cassie and the Major hadn't spoken a word to one another while they were gone. Cassie did notice, however, that the Major was starting to get sleepy - or bored - because she kept yawning. As soon as Julia and the Colonel sat back down at the table, Julia's communicator beeped.

"Julia, here," she answered. "I see. I'll be right there. I'm sorry, Dear," she said, turning to Cassie. "An urgent matter has come up that I must attend to at once. I'm sorry, but I have to leave. I'll be back for you."

Cassie whispered in Julia's ear, "Let me come with you. I could wait for you in bed."

"That sounds wonderful. But I can't. Duty calls," said Julia, as she kissed her bye and got up from the table. "I'll return for you as soon as I can. I'm sorry."

"That's OK. I'll see you soon."

"Ian, would you escort me to the landing bay?" asked Julia. "I'd like to discuss one of my trade ideas with you."

"It would be my pleasure, Julia," answered Colonel Smith, as he got up from the table. "Major, you entertain Cassie. I think I'll call it a night, as soon as I see Julia off."

"Aye, sir," said the Major, yawning and looking even more sleepy-eyed.

As soon as Julia and Colonel Smith exited The Officer's Club, the Major looked at Cassie and said, "Entertain yourself. I'm going home."

"Suit yourself," said Cassie. Charlie's right. She really is an Ice Princess.

When the Major stood up, she had to hold onto her chair with one hand and the table with the other, to keep from falling. Cassie jumped up and grabbed her around the waist with her right arm, put the Major's left arm around her neck, and held her up.

"Man, are you hammered, or what? Some people just can't drink champagne," said Cassie, helping a tipsy Major Thorr out of The Officer's Club.

"I live that way," slurred the Major, as she pointed Cassie in the direction of her quarters.

When they arrived at Major Thorr's door, she entered a code and opened it.

"You gonna be all right by yourself?" asked Cassie. "Do you need help getting into bed?"

"I'm fine," answered Major Thorr.

"OK. See you around," said Cassie, as she let go of her and started to leave. The Major instantly started to fall, again. Cassie grabbed her around her waist and held her up, facing her. The Major looked into Cassie's eyes, threw her arms around Cassie's neck, and kissed her.

"You're really cute. Do you want to come in and go to bed with me?" Major Thorr asked, feeling the full effect of the drug.

At the same time, two cadets walked by and witnessed the whole scene. When Cassie noticed the cadets, she got the Major inside her quarters as quickly as possible and closed the door. However, the damage to the Major's reputation was already done. Once the cadets reached Bobu's with the news, it would spread like wildfire. Everyone would assume that Cassie had slept with the Major and that Charlie had won the bet.

"The bedroom's that way, Darlin'," pointed Major Thorr, giggling and trying to imitate the Earthling's Texas accent.

"OK. Here you go," said Cassie, helping her into the bedroom.

When Cassie let her go, the Major fell on her back - landing in the center of the bed. Cassie took off the Major's shoes and began turning the bed down - which was no small feat, since the Major kept trying to pull Cassie onto the bed with her.

"Come on. Take what you want. I bet tonight's the night," laughed the Major, totally out of her mind on Trystanol.

The next morning about 8:00 a.m., Major Thorr emerged from her bedroom dressed in full uniform, ready to report for duty. When she noticed Cassie asleep on her living room sofa, she was livid. "What are you doing here?!" she yelled, startling Cassie awake.

"Huh? What?" said Cassie, falling off the sofa - then standing up and getting reoriented with where she was.

"I said - what are you doing here?!"

"You were in such bad shape last night - I had to help you home."

"Apparently, I made it. So, why are you still here?" she asked, as she held her head in one hand – looking hung over.

"Don't get excited! I'm leaving," said Cassie, grabbing her heels out from under the coffee table and putting them on. She reached under a cushion on the sofa, retrieved her purse, and stood up.

"I didn't have enough to drink last night to be drunk. You must have drugged me!"

"I didn't drug you! But I suspected somebody did. That's why I'm still here. I just wanted to make sure you were OK."

"Did anyone see you come in here?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid so. You were pretty loud last night when we got here. These two cadets saw us trying to get you in the door. You kept kissing me and yelling 'let's go to bed,'" said Cassie, slightly exaggerating the story.

"Did you take advantage of me?" asked the Major, as her mouth dropped open and her eyes got big with rage. "Perhaps, I should just call security, right now, and have you arrested for sexual assault - along with drugging me!" she yelled, reaching for her voice communicator.

"No! Please don't call security. I didn't drug you. All I did was help you home."

"Why should I believe you?" she asked, as she entered the number for Star Base Security on her communicator. "Give me one good reason."

"Didn't you wake up this morning with everything on but your shoes?"

"Yes," she said - stopping to reflect, for a moment, on the situation.

"Anyone that would drug a woman and take advantage of her is about as low as you can get. I would never do that to you or any other woman."

"Sergeant Ortiz, here," said the voice on the other end of the Major's communicator. "Can I help you, Major?"

"I'll get back to you, Ortiz," said Major Thorr.

"Aye, Major," said Ortiz, signing off.

"I knew someone must have drugged you when you started coming on to me," said Cassie. "You and I both know you can't stand the sight of me."

"Well, at least we've come to an understanding there," said the Major.

"I swear. I didn't drug you. All I did was help you home. Other than that, I didn't lay a hand on you."

"But everyone will think I had sex with you - even though, apparently, nothing happened. If you didn't drug me, I bet you know who did. I think this was all a setup! Just to win a bet! If I had the evidence to prove it, you would be on your way to the brig right now!" she yelled, getting in Cassie's face. "You've made me the laughing stock of Star Base! Why would you do something so malicious to me?"

"For the last time," said Cassie, totally exasperated. "I didn't drug you. And I didn't know anything about that stupid bet until you told me about it last night... I want you, but not on a bet - and not against your will."

"Well, in that case, you should have taken advantage of me while you had the chance. Last night was as close as you'll ever get to having your way with me!"

"Don't flatter yourself! I don't want anybody bad enough to sink that low. You want me to leave you alone? You got it!" yelled Cassie, as she turned and left the Major's quarters.

# CHAPTER 5 - THE APOLOGY

The next morning around 10:00 a.m., Cassie received an electronic message from Julia. The message said that Julia had been detained but would be in touch soon. That left Cassie to entertain herself on Star Base.

* * *

"Hey! Look, everybody!" yelled Bobu, from behind the bar, noticing that Cassie had just walked in for lunch. "Attention! Can I have your attention, please?" he yelled, tapping a wineglass with a bottle opener - getting the attention of the entire lunch crowd. "Ladies, gentlemen, and Rodens - there she is. Cassie Jones is in the house!"

Everyone in the bar stopped eating and gave Cassie a standing ovation. Even a group of Rodens playing poker at a table next to the bar paused for a moment and joined in. As Cassie headed for the bar, she was greeted with handshakes and pats on the back from the cheering crowd.

"Thank you. Thank you," said Cassie, smiling and waving at everyone. "Thank you," she said, while motioning for the crowd to quiet down. Gee. Our concert here the other night must have gone over better than we thought.

As the crowd finally started to quiet down, Bebo approached the bar to place a drink order. He was dressed in a hot pink dress with a slit up the side and matching hot pink pumps \- which were about the size of gunboats. His fur and whiskers were immaculate.

"How's it going, Bebo," said Cassie, finally making it through the cheering crowd and reaching the bar.

"Just fine, Cassie," he responded rather coldly, not even looking at her as he waited for Bobu to take his drink order.

"Hey, Bobu," said Cassie, taking a seat at one end of the bar.

"Hey, Cassie," said Bobu. "Welcome to my fine establishment. What'll you have?"

"How 'bout a club sandwich and a beer?"

"You got it. And may I be the first to formally congratulate you on bedding the Major."

"What?" Oh, shit! That's what this is all about, thought Cassie. It's about that stupid bet. "Hey, Bobu, I didn't..."

"Of course you didn't know anything about the bet," interrupted Bobu. "Everyone was sworn to secrecy - to preserve the integrity of the bet."

"No, no," stammered Cassie, shaking her head, no. "You don't understand. I can't take credit..."

"Of course you can," he interrupted, once again, not giving Cassie a chance to explain. "You deserve all the credit. You're an animal!" he said, grinning a seedy Roden grin, stroking his whiskers, and giving her the thumbs up sign. "Your lunch tab is on the house."

Bebo just sighed and rolled his eyes in disgust at Bobu and Cassie. "Are you going to take this drink order or not!?" he yelled at Bobu.

"All right!" snapped Bobu, grabbing the drink order ticket from Bebo's hand.

At the opposite end of the bar of where Cassie was sitting, three male cadets, uniformed in navy flight suits, were drinking beer. "To Cassie Jones!" yelled one of the cadets, as all three of them smiled and raised a glass to her.

"Salute!" said all three cadets, in unison, as they clicked their glasses and chugged their beers.

"Maybe now that the Major finally got some, she'll get off my ass," said another one of the cadets as the three of them laughed and shook their heads in agreement.

"To the thawing of one cold fish!" said the third cadet, as they laughed, punched each other, and pounded the bar.

The tip of Bebo's black, pointed nose turned bright red and his whiskers began to quiver. "You should all be ashamed of yourselves!!!" he yelled, giving the cadets, Bobu, and Cassie, dirty looks. "Major Thorr is one of the nicest, most sincere people I've ever met."

"Booooo!" yelled all three cadets at Bebo in disagreement.

"Hey, Bebo," said the third cadet. "I'll give you ten Lucre for those hot pink pumps. We can send them to the Major. She could probably use some 'come fuck me pumps,'" he said, cracking the other two cadets up laughing.

"You want come fuck me pumps? I'll give you come fuck me pumps!" yelled Bebo, at the cadet, as he took off his hot pink pumps and threw them, hitting the third cadet and the cadet standing next to him upside their heads. "Out! All three of you out! You've all had way too much to drink," he said, waving his empty drink tray at them - his beady little Roden eyes bulging with rage. "I said OUT!" yelled Bebo, as he ran over to the cadets and started smacking them about their heads and shoulders with the drink tray. The cadets set their empty beer mugs on the bar, covered their heads with their arms, and tried in vain to protect themselves from the wrath of Bebo and the blows from the empty drink tray. Bebo was in hot pursuit, as the cadets ran for the exit. "Out! Out! Out!" he yelled, continuing to smack them with the drink tray - connecting a smack on each of them, with every word and running the cadets out of the bar.

"Hey!" Bobu yelled at Bebo. "You're running off paying customers!"

"You want some of this?" asked Bebo, waving the drink tray at Bobu with one hand, while pulling up his slip with the other, as he headed towards the bar.

"Never mind," said Bobu, as he served Cassie her sandwich and a beer and retreated to the storeroom behind the bar.

Cassie grabbed her sandwich and stepped down from her barstool. "I think I'll just take this to go," she said, hurriedly leaving the bar.

Cassie was starting to feel bad for Major Thorr. She doesn't deserve this, Cassie thought. There's got to be a way to put a stop to all the jokes and gossip about that stupid bet. If I don't do something, I'll have no chance of ever dating her. But how can I convince her that I had nothing to do with it?

The next morning, Cassie went to the gym for her workout. When she entered the weight room, she was shocked by what she saw. The Major was bench-pressing what appeared to be about 200 pounds. Cassie wondered how this could be possible. The Major was about five-feet-five and couldn't have weighed more than 115 pounds, soaking wet. She was toned, but didn't have anywhere near the muscle mass that it would take for an Earthling to accomplish such a feat. The Major looked like an Earthling woman in every way, however, she was Thorrian. Some Thorrian women were blessed with extraordinary strength and Major Thorr was one of them.

Cassie wondered if she should go over and try to strike up a conversation with the Major, or if she should just wait a while longer for her plan to unfold. About that time, a personal trainer named Sonya approached Major Thorr, handed her a towel, and then leaned in and kissed her. Cassie's heart sank. She's got a girlfriend. Neither Sonya, nor Major Thorr, noticed Cassie as she turned and left the gym. She can't stand the sight of me and she's got a girlfriend. There's only one thing for me to do now. I've got to get her out of my mind. Outta sight – outta mind. Why can't I stop thinking about her? Cassie was now determined to avoid Major Thorr.

At lunchtime, Cassie was eating alone in the Star Base Cafeteria when Suzie and Ryan and Vanita and Jason entered and joined her.

After an exchange of greetings, Cassie asked. "Have any of you guys seen Charlie?"

"No," answered Vanita, as Jason and Ryan shook their heads "no".

"Me, neither," said Suzie. "Oh, by the way, Cassie, that ad you took out in the Star Base News is sweet."

Vanita looked at Suzie and Cassie curiously. "What ad?" she asked.

Suzie reached over and grabbed a copy that was lying on a table next to them. "Here. Take a look at this," she answered, handing the newspaper to Vanita.

"Damn, Cassie. You bought the whole back page," Vanita said, reading the ad. "Look, Jason."

"I've seen it," said Jason. "Cassie, it would be a good idea for you to avoid Bobu's for a while. You've made a lot of gamblers mad with that ad - been a lot of money lost. Give it some time to blow over."

"OK. Thanks for the tip, Jason. I will," said Cassie.

"I think the ad has helped quiet all the gossip about the bet," said Ryan.

About that time, Suzie noticed Major Thorr in the food line. "There's Brianna," said Suzie. "I wonder if she's seen the ad?"

Cassie got up from the table suddenly. "Well, I gotta go," she said, grabbing her half-eaten lunch, dumping it in a nearby trashcan, and heading for the exit - making sure she got out of there before the Major saw her.

"OK. See you later, girlfriend," Vanita called out to her, wondering what Cassie was in such a rush about.

Outta sight – outta mind. Outta sight – outta mind. Damn, I can't get her out of my head, thought Cassie as she made a clean getaway from the cafeteria.

As Brianna approached the table to join them, Suzie said, "Brianna, have you seen this?"

"No. What is it?" answered Brianna, as she set her lunch tray on the table, took the newspaper from Suzie, and sat down. "Oh, my," she said, noticing the ad was about her.

The ad read...

THE APOLOGY

The other night, I helped Major Thorr home from The Officer's Club. The reason she needed help, was that someone (not me) drugged her. I spent the night on her sofa just to be sure she was OK. Major Thorr is a lady that deserves to be treated with respect. To those of you that placed bets (without my knowledge or permission) on whether something would happen between us - YOU ALL LOSE! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENED! Major Thorr and I are not lovers. We are not even friends. We have an agreement to stay away from each other.

CASSIDY JONES

P.S. I apologize to Major Thorr for my rude behavior the day I got here.

"Suzie, I don't know what to say. I would have never expected anything like this from your sister," said Brianna. "I appreciate this very much."

The ad turned the tables on the bettors. Now the joke was on them, not the Major.

Colonel Smith received information of some disrespectful behavior by three cadets directed at Major Thorr. The Colonel suspended the cadets for a week without pay and assigned them each 100 hours of community service work, which included cleaning latrines and picking up trash around Star Base.

From that day on, Cassie made sure she worked out and ate her meals at times her path and Major Thorr's wouldn't cross. Any time she saw the Major around Star Base, she would head in the opposite direction. "Outta sight – outta mind" was Cassie's mantra. Cassie occupied her time by hiding out at The Officer's Club bar – during closed hours – rehearsing on her own.

After a couple of days, Vanita got curious as to where Cassie was, since she hadn't seen her around. So she went looking for Cassie and found her on stage in The Officer's Club bar, playing the drums. "What's up, Cassie?" she asked as she walked past the bar area, crossed the dance floor, and headed for the stage.

"Hey, Vanita. Not much. I'm just hiding out, avoiding Bobu's and all the mad people - like Jason told me to," she answered.

"He didn't say to hide from your sister and your best friend."

"I'm not. I'm just hanging out here waiting for a communication from Julia."

"Well, Brianna was impressed by that apology ad. She's been looking all over the place for you - to say thanks."

Thanks for the warning, thought Cassie. "So, how are you and Jason doing?" she asked, deliberately changing the subject, as she came out from behind the drums, walked over to the edge of the stage, and sat down.

"Just the sight of that man makes me tingle all over," said Vanita, with a big smile, as she climbed onto the stage and sat next to Cassie.

"Sounds like it's getting serious."

"Well, I don't wanna jinx myself, but I think he's the one, Cassie."

"Go for it, Vanita. Reel him in."

"I'm just biding my time - don't want to scare him off. And you know there's a lot of pretty women in this section of the universe."

"As good-looking as you are - and being a rock star - you don't have to worry about them."

"I don't know about that. But God help any woman that comes between me and Jason. I'll kill her with my bare hands."

"I'll help you hide the body," said Cassie, as they both cracked up laughing. "I bet it's all gonna work out for you two."

"Speaking of betting," said Vanita. "I hate to say this, Cassie, but it wouldn't surprise me if Charlie was behind that bet about you getting Brianna into bed."

"It wouldn't surprise me either. Have you or Suzie heard from him?"

"I haven't. You might check with Suzie. I haven't talked to her this morning."

"Oh, OK. I wonder where he could be? I don't know whether to be worried or mad."

"He's probably laid up with a couple of women, somewhere – or hiding out because of that bet, or both."

"Well, if he had anything to do with that bet \- just wait till I find his ass and show him the ad."

"Oooh, I hope I'm around to see that, if he is" said Vanita, laughing. "But he'll never learn. You and I both know he had all kinds of gambling debts on Earth before we came here. There were loan sharks looking for him everywhere."

"I know."

About that time, the manager of The Officer's Club entered from the restaurant side of the club and said, "Cassie. I have an electronic message for you. I'll leave it here." He laid the printout of the message on the bar and left.

"OK, thanks," said Cassie. "I hope that's from Julia."

"You better go see. I gotta go," said Vanita, looking at the clock over the bar. "Jason should be getting home from work soon. He's been out all night on maneuvers with the flight cadets. I gotta get over to his quarters and start cooking up some breakfast. And when he gets home, we'll see what else we can cook up - if you know what I mean," she said, raising her eyebrows and grinning.

"Well, have fun," said Cassie, as she headed to the bar to read her message.

"Later, girlfriend. Don't be a stranger," said Vanita, heading for the exit of The Officer's Club.

Cassie's message was from a member of Julia's staff. It said that Julia was sending a shuttle to pick Cassie up that afternoon between five and five-thirty, and to dress formal. Cassie was thrilled and relieved to be going back to the palace on Tyre. She was tired of hiding out from all the mad gamblers on Star Base - and trying to avoid Major Thorr, too.

That afternoon at 5:00 p.m., Cassie went to Suzie's quarters to get a purse that Suzie had borrowed from her. When Cassie knocked on the door and Suzie didn't answer, Cassie punched in the code and entered. The place was empty. Becoming concerned, she placed a communication to Dr. Gerard's quarters to see if he might know where Suzie was.

"Hello," answered Suzie.

"Sis, are you OK?" Cassie asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why?"

"Well, I'm in your quarters. I think you've been robbed."

"I haven't been robbed. Everything's fine. I just moved in with Ryan and was about to start unpacking. I just talked to Vanita – and told her – and she said that Jason asked her to move in with him. She'll be moving tomorrow."

"That's great. I'm happy for you guys."

"Where've you been lately?"

"Around. Listen, I'm in kind of a hurry. Julia's shuttle will be here any minute to pick me up. I need that purse you borrowed from me. I'll be right over to pick it up."

"OK," said Suzie. I hope I can find it. I don't know where I packed that.

* * *

"Wow, Cassie. You and Julia must really be going out on the town, tonight," said Suzie, as Cassie entered Dr. Gerard's quarters. "You look fabulous."

"Thanks," said Cassie.

Cassie was wearing three-inch black heels and a black after-five dress, showing lots of cleavage. She had on diamond stud earrings and a diamond heart necklace that Julia had given her. Her hair and make-up were perfect.

"Make yourself at home. It'll take me a minute to get that purse for you. I'm still unpacking."

"OK," Cassie said, as she walked into the living room and Suzie headed for the bedroom to retrieve the purse. "Nice place, Sis," Cassie called out to her, noticing the awesome view of the stars out a big observation window. Then she just happened to turn and glance into the dining room.

"Hello, Cassidy," said Major Thorr, from where she was sitting at the dining room table. Suzie had been doing her nails, and she was letting them dry.

Oh, no! I would have just blown off getting my purse, if I'd known she was here, thought Cassie. "Tell Suzie I couldn't wait," she said, turning to leave.

"Cassidy, wait!" said the Major, stopping Cassie in her tracks. "May I just have a word with you, please? I promise this won't take long. I don't want to keep you."

"I'm really in a hurry," said Cassie, turning and walking towards the dining room. "And I think we said everything that needed to be said the other morning."

"I just wanted to thank you for the ad you put in the Star Base News. I believe you - that you didn't know anything about the bet. I accept your apology."

"OK, fine. I just wanted to set the record straight. And I promise I'll stay away from you from now on."

"That might be hard to do - and a little uncomfortable - since Suzie and Vanita and I have become close. Our paths are bound to cross. Maybe we can be friends, too?"

Ouch, thought Cassie, feeling like her heart had been ripped out of her chest and kicked to the curb. "Sure. I'm willing to bury the hatchet," said Cassie, hiding her true feelings behind a big smile. The last thing she wanted was to be just friends.

"I don't understand - bury a hatchet?"

"'Bury the hatchet' is a slang expression that means forgive and forget."

"Oh, I see. Sort of like to offer an olive branch?"

"Yeah, sort of like that... Suzie!" yelled Cassie, wishing she would hurry the hell up. "Come on. Shake a leg. I'm running late."

The Major smiled, finding the expression humorous. "Does 'shake a leg' mean hurry?" she asked with a curious look on her face, trying her best to understand the Earthling's expressions.

"Yeah," answered Cassie, smiling at the Major, as she smiled back at her. "You get it. But Suzie is on Suzie Standard Time, so she doesn't get it," she said, getting a laugh out of the Major. She is so pretty. I could just stand here and look at her all day.

Major Thorr couldn't help thinking, How could this beautiful, charming woman be the same person as the obnoxious drunk that made such a poor first impression?

About that time, the communicator beeped.

"Cassie," Suzie yelled from the bedroom. "It's Julia, for you. You can take it in the dining room."

"OK, thanks... Hello," she said to Julia. "You're here? I thought you were sending a shuttle for me. I didn't know you'd be on it. I can't wait to see you. What are we doing tonight?... OK... You didn't tell me to bring a swimsuit... Oh, is that right? I guess I won't need one, then," said Cassie, laying on thick for Major Thorr's benefit - just to let her know that she had a girlfriend, too.

"Here you go. I finally found it," said Suzie, returning from the bedroom and handing Cassie her purse. "I'm sorry it took so long. I couldn't remember which box I packed it in."

"Thanks," said Cassie, taking the purse from Suzie. "Here. You talk to Julia for a minute," she said, handing the communicator to her.

"Hi, Julia," said Suzie. "What are you and Cassie doing tonight?... How exciting!... I would love to see that.... OK.... That'd be great. Thank you, Julia."

Cassie started digging around in her purse and found her powder and lipstick. "Oh, good," she said, closing her bag. "They're still in there."

"Yeah, she's right here. Cassie, she wants to talk to you," said Suzie, handing the communicator back to her.

"You wanna do what? ... That sounds like fun. I can't wait," said Cassie. "I'm walking out the door.... Bye," she said, signing off.

At that time, Ryan, Vanita, and Jason entered.

"You won't believe where Julia's taking Cassie, tonight," Suzie said excitedly. "They're going to see that new play called 'Space Idols,' by John Starling. Then, they're going to have a party at the palace in his honor. Julia is going to Knight him. He's like the greatest Tyrian writer of all time. Isn't that exciting? And Julia said if we want to see the play, we can use her personal balcony booth. All we have to do is pick a night that we can all go and call Julia's social director at the palace. H will take care of everything for us."

"Breathe, Sis, before you hyperventilate," said Cassie, cracking everyone up laughing.

"That sounds great, Suzie," said Ryan. "I have to admit, I've really been wanting to see that play."

"Sounds good to me," said Vanita. "If it's a party, I'm there."

"Cassie, I'm glad you're getting off Star Base for a few days," said Jason. "It'll give things down at Bobu's a little time to blow over."

"I'm not afraid of Bobu. Suzie could whip his ass," said Cassie.

"This is no joke, Cassie. Be careful. That ad has earned you a few death threats. I'll walk you out to the landing bay when you're ready to leave."

"OK. Thanks, Jason."

"Death threats? That's scary, Cassie," said Suzie. "I didn't know things had gotten so out of hand."

"Don't worry about it," said Cassie. "I can always move back in with Julia." If I can't have the Major, maybe that's where I belong, she thought. "Anyway, Julia told me her booth at the theater seats six people. So, would you like to go with them, Major? You could take a date," Cassie asked, fishing to see if the Major would take her girlfriend.

"I don't think so. Julia and I are not friendly, to put it mildly," answered the Major.

"We're going to some beach resort tomorrow for a couple of days. I won't tell her you're going, if you wanna go. She'll never know unless Suzie tells her," teased Cassie.

"Oh, I won't say anything, Brianna. I promise. Please, go with us," pleaded Suzie. "It'll be fun."

"In that case, I'd love to," said Brianna.

"Brianna, you could invite that friend of yours - what's her name - that works at the gym?"

"Sonya. I'll ask her if she'd like to go as soon as she gets off work."

So her girlfriend's name is Sonya, thought Cassie. I don't know what she sees in that big Aryan-looking dike.

"Cassie, you aren't seriously thinking about moving back to the palace with Julia, are you?" asked Suzie, giving Cassie her look of disapproval. "I know what goes on over there."

Brianna's ears perked up, anxiously awaiting Cassie's answer to that question - all the while, looking at her freshly manicured nails, trying to look disinterested.

"I don't know - maybe," said Cassie, looking for a reaction from the Major, but not getting one. Julia and "seriously" in the same sentence? How ridiculous is that?

The communicator beeped, again.

"Cassie. It's Julia. She says hurry up - your glass of champagne is getting hot," said Ryan.

"I'm on my way, Sweetie," yelled Cassie, heading for the door. "Bye, you guys," she said, as she left for the landing bay, escorted by Jason.

At the party that night, Cassie finally found Charlie. He'd been living it up at the palace, ever since that night the Major was drugged and Cassie helped her home. Since he was so involved with a couple of women he had picked up, and Cassie was involved with Julia, Cassie decided to question him about his possible involvement in the bet, some other time.

After the party, Julia and Cassie retired to the Czar's private suite. Cassie was so horny; she couldn't wait to have sex with Julia. They had barely gotten settled on the sofa in Julia's living area, when a bodacious young woman entered, wearing nothing but a smile, and headed for the hot tub. Julia and Cassie quickly stripped into their birthday suits and followed the young woman into the warm swirling water. The threesome made out in the hot tub for a while and sipped champagne. After they smoked a little hoochy-mama, they retired to Julia's bedroom for a wild night of sex and drugs. It began with a three-way of erotic kissing of all their erogenous zones and escalated into a fun ride on every sex toy in Julia's toy box. After they were satisfied, they did some sublingual hallucinogens and went back to the hot tub for more champagne, hoochy-mama, and kissing. The sun was starting to come up when they finally passed out in Julia's bed.

The next day, the three women went to a beach resort for a couple of days. Now, Cassie had the attention of two beautiful women. But neither of them was the one she truly wanted. She wanted Major Thorr.

* * *

Suzie, Vanita, and Brianna were in Ryan's quarters, getting ready to go see the play. Vanita and Brianna were seated at the dining room table, as Suzie stood behind Brianna, trimming her hair.

"There. You're all done," said Suzie, as she brushed the loose hair from Brianna's face.

Brianna said, picking up a hand-held mirror from the table and admiring her haircut. "Thank you, Suzie. You did a very nice job, as usual."

"You're welcome," said Suzie, as she removed a towel and barber's cape from around Brianna's shoulders. "Brianna, I really believe Cassie's still interested in you."

"Oh, really?" said Brianna, as her face lit up. Then she became serious, trying to cover her feelings - relieved that Suzie and Vanita didn't catch her reaction, as she covered her face with the mirror.

"You could take Cassie away from Julia, if you wanted to," said Suzie, as the girls sat and primped and applied their make-up.

"What makes you think I would want to take her away from Julia?" responded Brianna.

"I saw the way you and Cassie looked at each other the other day when she came over here to get her purse."

"What?"

"There was a sparkle in your eyes when you and Cassie looked at each other. I've seen the way Cassie looks at Julia. The sparkle's not there. And I couldn't help but notice the other day, when you introduced me and Vanita to Sonya, the sparkle's not there. Not for you, anyway."

"Suzie, I don't know what you're talking about," said Brianna, becoming defensive.

"Brianna. You get Cassie away from Julia and Charlie, and she's a different person. She's the person you saw, here, the other day."

I've hardly been able to think of anything but how breathtaking Cassidy was that day, thought Brianna. "Suzie, this is just not a road I care to go down – again - with Julia."

"You – with Julia?" asked Suzie, raising her eyebrows – totally confused.

Vanita stopped putting on her mascara. "Say what? You and Julia had a thing going on?" she asked Brianna, as her mouth dropped open - stunned by the very idea.

"No! I despise Julia," replied Brianna, getting flustered. "We were interested in the same woman another time, too."

"Ah, ha! I knew it," said Suzie. "You are interested in Cassie. You finally admitted it!"

"No! I didn't mean that the way it came out," said Brianna, trying unsuccessfully to retract her statement.

"I heard you loud and clear."

"Suzie. I want you and Vanita to promise me, right now, that this conversation will never leave this room."

"My lips are sealed, girlfriend," said Vanita.

"Suzie?" said Brianna, looking her in eyes but getting no response. "Suzie, do I have your word?"

"Well, OK. But I know I'm right," Suzie replied.

"Suzie, I am not interested in Cassidy!" said Brianna, raising her voice. "And I don't want to discuss this any further!" Who am I trying to convince, really - Suzie, or myself?

"OK. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you," said Suzie, trying to smoothe things over. "Sonya seems like a nice person."

"Yes, she is," agreed Brianna. Why can't I get Cassidy out of my mind? I could never trust her — or to hold onto her.

"Brianna, I hate to be a busy body," said Vanita. "But you mentioned something, earlier, about you and Julia and some other woman? I'm sorry, I just can't let that one go. What's up with that?"

"About a year ago, I was involved with a lieutenant that was also a fighter pilot. The relationship was getting serious - at least it was for me. Then I found out that she was sleeping with Julia, too. And she was also involved in all kinds of trysts at the palace on Tyre - behind my back, obviously."

Been there, seen that, thought Vanita, about the goings on at the palace. And Cassie's just as wild as Julia.

"So, Suzie, I just can't get into the same situation again," said Brianna.

"So what happened? Did you break up with her?" Suzie asked.

"Yes. I confronted her about it one day, out in the landing bay as she and her squadron prepared to go on maneuvers. She begged me to forgive her, told me that she loved me, and swore that it would never happen again. I wanted to forgive her, but my pride wouldn't let me. We had a terrible fight before she lifted off. I told her we were through," she said, as tears welled up in her eyes. "Her squadron was attacked by a band of mercenaries, as they explored a remote planet. She was killed, and we never got the chance to try and work things out..."

"Brianna, I am so sorry," interrupted Vanita. "I didn't mean to make you to bring up sad times."

"I know you didn't, Vanita. It's all right. That's all in the past," said Brianna, wiping a tear from her eye. "Sonya and I are dating now. Sonya's a wonderful person. She's been a great comfort to me."

Sounds like a rebound relationship to me, thought Suzie.

About that time, Ryan entered. "You girls about ready? Jason and I thought we might all go out for a cocktail on Tyre before we go to the theater."

"That sounds like fun. We're almost ready," said Suzie. "Guess we better get our party dresses on," she said to Vanita and Brianna.

"Yes. I should be going. Sonya will be joining me at my quarters soon," said Brianna.

"I gotta get going, too," said Vanita, as she and Brianna got up from the table and headed out.

"We'll meet out in the landing bay in about half an hour," said Ryan.

That night, as the group sat in Julia's personal balcony booth enjoying the play, Brianna kept fighting the same thought over and over, again. She wished that Cassidy were there with her instead of Sonya.

* * *

"You sorry sack-a-shit! You mean to tell me that you're the one that drugged the Major - and left me holding the bag while you lived it up at the palace!" Cassie yelled at Charlie, as they headed back to Star Base aboard one of Julia's shuttles.

Charlie kicked back in his seat, put his feet up, and said. "Hey. I was just trying to help the Ice Princess have a little meltdown, that's all."

"I don't need any help from you to get laid!" yelled Cassie, as she got up from her seat, walked over to the bar, and poured herself a glass of champagne.

"Well, at least you finally got some - and now you can just move on," he said, adjusting his seat – really getting comfortable.

"Got some? All I did was help her home. The next morning, she threatened to have me arrested for sexual assault \- and for drugging her. Hell, I slept on the fucking sofa!"

"Oh, Baby - you're really slipping," said Charlie, as he cracked up laughing.

"Oh, you think this is funny? Well, I think you should take a look at this," said Cassie, as she pulled a copy of "The Apology" ad out of her carry-on bag and threw it at him.

"Fuck!" yelled Charlie, abruptly bringing his seat to an upright position. "Are you trying to get us killed?" he yelled, as he read the ad.

"I knew it! I knew that stupid bet had to be your idea. Don't include me in any more of your gambling schemes," said Cassie, sitting back down in her seat and sipping her champagne.

"We may not live long enough to do any more gambling schemes," he said, nervously, and then took his flask of Scotch out of his jacket pocket and took a big swig. "Why didn't you tell me about this before we left Tyre? It would've been much safer to do damage control from over there. Don't you realize we could be walking into a lynch mob?"

"We? That's your mess to clean up. As soon as we land, I'm going to my quarters to take a nap so I'll be fresh for our gig tonight."

Charlie was met by a hoard of angry gamblers, as he entered Bobu's. He was forced to refund all the bets that were made regarding the Major. However, he was able to appease the gambling crowd with his latest scheme, betting on American football from Earth.

Around 9:00 p.m., as Charlie and Cassie headed for their gig at The Officer's Club, he turned to her and said, "Your apology to the Ice Princess cost me a lot of Lucre."

"That's what you get for sucking me into one of your gambling schemes!" said Cassie.

"Wake up, Cassie! Major Thorr is just a tease! I had her all ready for you, Baby."

"Quit calling me Baby! We're not dating anymore. And I don't know if we're even friends anymore after this. I don't trust you as far as I can throw you!"

"Come on, Cassie. Don't be that way. I was just trying to help. Why didn't you just sleep with her and get her out of your system?"

Sighing and shaking her head, Cassie said, "Because I don't drug women and take advantage of them! And she has a quality that you don't understand."

"What?"

"Class."

# CHAPTER 6 - SAX AND MARRIAGE

After the gig that night at The Officers Club, Cassie and Charlie retired to their own separate quarters around 3:00 a.m.. However, around 5:00 a.m. Cassie became restless and decided to take a walk out in the landing bay. As she approached the observation deck she heard the sound of live saxophone music off in the distance – coming from the deepest, darkest depths of the landing bay.

I've got to go check that out, she thought, as she sneaked past a sleeping security guard and entered the restricted area of the landing bay. Cassie followed the sound of the music until she walked up behind a man, who was standing in the shadows of a fleet of Kobra fighter spacecrafts, getting down on some serious blues. Cassie thought she vaguely recognized the silhouette of the tall, dark figure playing the saxophone.

"Jason? Is that you?"

"Cassie?" said a startled Captain Thibodeaux, as he abruptly stopped playing his sax. "This is a restricted area. How did you get past security?"

"I was real quiet. Don't stop playing. I didn't mean to interrupt. You're really good."

"Oh, I was just fooling around," he said, feeling self-conscious. "What are you doing out here this time of night - or morning, I guess I should say?"

"I couldn't sleep," she answered, as they stood virtually in the dark, with only a faint hint of starlight surrounding them. "So I thought I'd take a walk and unwind."

"Oh. I just got off night watch. This is how I unwind."

"Does Vanita know you can play like that?"

"No!"

"You should tell her. You could sit in with us sometime."

"I don't know about that. I've never played professionally. Me and my brothers played some street gigs in Jackson Square when I was a kid growing up in New Orleans. But that's about it."

"Vanita would be impressed."

"You think so?"

"Yeah."

Jason was falling in love with Vanita; he wanted to impress her in any way he could.

"Maybe we could surprise her," suggested Cassie. "Come on. Sit in with us, sometime."

"I would need to rehearse. It wouldn't be a surprise, then."

"I could rehearse with you. We're set up in The Officer's Club bar on weekdays. They're closed during the day, so no one would know but you and me. A lunch hour here and there. A break during the day once in a while. You'd be ready in no time. Come on, Jason. What's the matter? No sense of adventure?"

"All right. You talked me into it."

"Good. I'm free most days, unless I'm with Julia."

"OK. I think that'll work."

"Well, I think I'll turn in now. I'm starting to get sleepy. Let me know when you wanna rehearse. Vanita's gonna be so surprised."

"OK, Cassie. I'll be in touch. Don't get caught sneaking out of here."

The next night, The Rockets played at The Officer's Club. Jason and Ryan had their usual table, down in front of the stage. As soon as the band started their last set, Major Thorr entered the club – alone - and joined Jason and Ryan at their table.

Through the whole set, Cassie and the Major exchanged glances. While Cassie sang and played her guitar, Major Thorr's eyes were glued to her - totally spellbound. When Cassie played the drums, she almost stared a hole through the Major - only glancing away as the Major stared back at her. Finally, The Rockets played their last song of the night, took their bows, and headed backstage.

"Hey, Cassie," said Charlie, as the group stowed away various pieces of musical equipment. "You ready to go party at the palace? Julia's shuttle is here waiting for us in the landing bay."

"Not tonight, Charlie. You go ahead," Cassie answered, as she put her guitar in its case. "I think I'll just hang out here with Suzie and Vanita - if you guys don't mind a third wheel?" she said to them.

"Sure, girlfriend," said Vanita. "It's been way too long since we hung out."

"Yeah, Cassie. That sounds like fun," said Suzie.

I hope Major Thorr's still sitting out there, alone, with Jason and Ryan, thought Cassie, as she started to follow Suzie and Vanita into The Officer's Club.

Charlie grabbed Cassie by the arm and said, "Cassie, wait!"

"What?" asked Cassie.

"I just need to talk to you a minute."

"OK. I'll be right out," she said to Suzie and Vanita, as they headed out to join Ryan and Jason. "What, Charlie?" she said, turning to him.

"What do you mean 'not tonight', Cassie? You've got to go!" said Charlie. "Come on - the shuttle's waiting for us."

"I don't have to do anything," she said, pulling away from him.

"Cassie, please don't fuck up the good thing you got going with Julia. You're gonna ruin this for both of us." If Cassie doesn't go, Julia might stop inviting me.

"Don't worry about it, Charlie. Julia's got lots of girlfriends. She won't miss me for one night."

"That's not true, Cassie. Julia's crazy about you. You're making a big mistake," he said, sighing - totally frustrated by the situation. "Don't throw away the best thing that ever happened to you to go chasing after the Ice Princess!"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yeah, right. You know she's sitting out there with Jason and Ryan. That's what this is really about. You're not fooling me. Go on out there and let that tease make a fool out of you," he said, shaking his head as he headed out of the backstage area for the landing bay. "I'm outta here!" Damn it! What the fuck am I gonna tell Julia when I show up without Cassie?

As Cassie entered the club from backstage, Sonya approached the table and began talking to Major Thorr. Then the Major got up from the table and accompanied Sonya to the bar. She was just waiting on her girlfriend, Cassie thought, feeling like she had been punched in the gut. Cassie immediately turned around and left the bar out the backstage exit, unnoticed by all.

I thought I was picking up a vibe of interest from the Major. I Guess I was wrong. And Charlie was right. She is just a tease, thought Cassie, as she went running into the landing bay. "Hey, Charlie! Wait up!" Cassie yelled, as she barely got his attention before he boarded the shuttle. "Wait up! I changed my mind. I'm coming with you!"

"That's my girl," said a relieved Charlie, hugging her, as they boarded the shuttle. "Party on!"

* * *

Meanwhile, back at The Officer's Club, Sonya and Major Thorr were having a private conversation at the bar. Then Sonya left the bar, obviously upset, and the Major headed back to the table.

"Waiter!" yelled Vanita, waving him down. "We need a round of drinks over here."

The waiter, uniformed in a white tuxedo shirt, black tie, slacks, and shoes, smiled and nodded at Vanita, as he made his way to the table. "Good evening. What can I get for you?" he asked, putting his drink tray under his arm and preparing to write down the drink order.

"Vanita," said Suzie. "You wanna get a bottle of Merlot, since Brianna's here to share it with us?"

"That'll work for starters," answered Vanita. "What do you want, Baby," she asked, turning to Jason.

Jason finished his beer and set the empty mug on the table. "I'll just have another beer," he answered.

"And for you, sir?" asked the waiter, turning to Ryan.

"I'll have another Scotch on the rocks, please," said Ryan.

"Coming right up," said the waiter, heading to the bar to fill the drink order.

I wonder what's up with Brianna and Sonya? thought Suzie, as Brianna returned from the bar, alone, and sat back down at the table. "Brianna, is Sonya not joining you tonight?"

"No," answered Brianna, looking at the empty seat on the other side of her - and around the bar, wondering where Cassie was. I thought Suzie said that Cassidy would be joining them. Maybe I misunderstood.

"We ordered a bottle of Merlot."

"That sounds good."

Jason turned to Ryan and said, "Hey, Ryan, I want a rematch on our racquetball game."

"So... Are you a glutton for punishment, or do you just like an insurmountable challenge?" asked Ryan. "You know I was a racquetball champion at the University of Thorr."

"That's what you keep telling me. But I think I'm up for the challenge."

"Suzie, where's Cassie?" asked Vanita. "I thought she was going to hang out with us tonight."

"I thought so, too," answered Suzie. "Ryan, did you or Jason see Cassie come through the bar?"

"No. I haven't seen her," answered Ryan.

"Me, neither," said Jason.

"Well, I guess Cassie went to the palace with Charlie, after all," said Suzie, rolling her eyes, flashing her look of disapproval while looking around the bar for her. "Oh, here's the wine," she said, as the waiter approached the table and started serving the drinks.

Brianna got up from the table and said to the waiter, "None for me, thanks. I hope you don't mind," she said, turning to the group, "I'm a little tired. I think I'll just go back to my quarters. I really enjoyed your music tonight."

"Well, OK, Brianna. See you later," said Suzie.

"Later, girlfriend," said Vanita, as Brianna headed for the exit of The Officer's Club.

I don't know why I was foolish enough to think I could spend an evening with Cassidy, thought Brianna, as she walked home from The Officer's Club. She's involved with Julia — and extremely promiscuous. Maybe I am better off with Sonya. Maybe I shouldn't have told Sonya that I wanted to slow things down. Maybe we should try living together.

* * *

For the next two weeks, Jason and Cassie would sneak off to The Officer's Club and rehearse every chance they got. Vanita got suspicious when Jason missed too many lunch dates. It didn't make sense that the Major and Ryan could make it, but not Jason. He was noticeably unavailable whenever Cassie was on Star Base. It was starting to look suspicious. Any time Vanita, Suzie, Ryan, or the Major would walk up on Jason and Cassie, they would stop talking. Something was going on between Jason and Cassie.

Cassie and Jason were into the third week of rehearsal. Cassie was on the drums, backing Jason, as he played sax to recorded music tracks when Major Thorr walked into The Officer's Club and caught them in the act.

"So this is what you two have been up to," said the Major, grinning at both of them, as she walked across the dance floor and stood in front of the stage.

"Looks like we're busted, Jason. That's it. You're playing tonight. Don't you think he's ready, Major?" asked Cassie.

"Yes. I'm impressed," she answered. "However, your secrecy has caused Vanita some doubts about your relationship, Jason - and yours and hers too, Cassidy. She thinks there's something going on between you two. And I have to admit, Suzie and I were beginning to wonder, too."

"Yeah, I've noticed Vanita looking at me kinda funny lately," said Cassie.

Jason put his saxophone in its case and said, nervously, "I don't know if I can pull this off, Cassie."

"Sure, you can," said Cassie. "What are you waiting for - Vanita to walk in and catch us, too? Tonight's the night. You know the song. You know plan. We've been over it a hundred times. Just relax, Jason. Butterflies never killed anybody," laughed Cassie, as she got up from the drums and turned off the musical equipment. "I'm going to my quarters to take a nap. See you guys later."

As Cassie walked out of The Officer's Club and headed for her quarters, Vanita rounded the corner, running right into her. Vanita grabbed Cassie, by her shoulders, and pushed her up against the wall, in the hallway, in a jealous rage.

"What the hell's going on between you and Jason?" asked Vanita, wrapping a hand around Cassie's throat, choking her.

"Nothing! We're just friends!" said Cassie, gasping for air - trying in vain to pry Vanita's hand from her throat.

Jason and the Major were at the exit of The Officer's Club, about to walk out, when they overheard the confrontation.

"Let me take care of this, Jason, or it will ruin your surprise," said Major Thorr, as she stepped out into the hallway, approaching the two women.

About that time, Vanita slung Cassie to the floor and sat on her. "Brianna blows you off so you decide to go after my man, huh?" she yelled, as she drew back a fist about to hit her.

"No! I swear, Vanita," said Cassie, trying desperately to get away from her. "Me and Jason are just friends."

The Major ran up behind Vanita, grabbed her clenched fist with one hand, wrapped her other arm around Vanita's waist, and pulled her off of Cassie. "Vanita, no! There's nothing going on between Cassidy and Jason."

"Say, what?" said Vanita, rendered helpless as the Major set her down a couple of feet from Cassie. Damn that girl's strong, thought Vanita, staring at her in amazement. After all, Vanita was five-seven and outweighed Brianna by almost ten pounds.

"Cassidy has just been using Jason as a liaison - lobbying to convince me to go out with her," said the Major, grasping for something to say to resolve the situation. "I have finally accepted a date with Cassidy. We'll be joining you and Jason and Suzie and Ryan, tonight, at The Officer's Club."

Vanita raised an eyebrow and gave Brianna a skeptical look. That sounds like a bunch of bullshit to me. "Cassie," she said, turning to her, putting her hands on her hips and giving her a head roll, "You could have told me that!"

"You didn't ask. Anyway, I didn't wanna jinx my chances - or start any rumors - after that bet fiasco," said Cassie, getting up off the floor and playing along with the Major's story.

"Now, wait a minute, Brianna," said Vanita. "This makes no sense. I thought Suzie told me, that you were wondering if something was going on between Jason and Cassie, too."

"Well, I don't know where she got that idea," said Brianna, noticing that Jason had entered the hallway, from The Officer's Club, and was approaching them. "I think, maybe, Suzie misunderstood," she said, trying to not look Jason's way as he snuck up behind Vanita.

As quiet and quick as a cat, Jason wrapped his arms around Vanita's waist and yelled, "Boo!"

"Ooooh!" yelled Vanita, almost jumping out of her skin - pulling away from him, as he cracked up laughing. "Jason, you almost gave me a heart attack."

"I'm sorry," he said, laughing and putting an arm around her. "You about ready to go eat lunch? I'm starved."

"Sure, Baby. I'm ready whenever you are," answered Vanita, while glaring at Cassie and Brianna. Something just ain't quite right here.

"Brianna, you and Cassie wanna join us?" asked Jason.

"I can't, today," answered Major Thorr. "I have some calibration issues, at the Control Center, I need to address."

"I'm not hungry. I ate breakfast late. You guys go ahead," said Cassie.

As Vanita and Jason headed towards the cafeteria, the Major turned to Cassie and said, "Well, I guess I'll see you, tonight."

"Yeah. I'll see you later," said Cassie. As the Major turned and headed for the Control Center, Cassie called out to her, "Hey, Major!"

"Yes," she responded, turning around and looking into Cassie's big brown eyes.

"Thanks for the save."

"You're welcome."

As the two women walked away, in opposite directions, they had big smiles on their faces.

Cassie and Major Thorr both wanted the "date" to be real, but neither of them had expressed that to the other. So they both showed up at The Officer's Club that night not knowing what to expect.

The Rockets were about to play one more song and then take their first break of the evening. Jason was a nervous wreck, hiding backstage, as he waited to go on. He had exited The Officer's Club and entered the backstage entrance about two songs earlier. Brianna was sitting with Ryan, at the usual table, down in front of the stage. When the group broke into a classic soul song called "Respect," sung by Vanita, Captain Jason Thibodeaux appeared on stage and started jamming to the shock of everyone but Cassie and the Major.

When the song ended, Jason took Vanita's microphone from the stand, got down on one knee, and pulled an engagement ring out of his pocket. "Will you marry me?" he asked.

Vanita's mouth dropped open, and her eyes got as big as saucers. "Yes!" she answered, wiping tears of joy from her eyes, as she set her bass aside.

The crowd cheered wildly, as Jason stood up, put the ring on Vanita's finger, and gave her a big kiss.

Major Thorr had champagne waiting as the group and the happy couple gathered around the table. Jason had confided in her earlier that day that he was going to pop the question. Major Thorr had confided in him that her "date" with Cassie was real - as far as she was concerned.

"Congratulations, you guys," said Suzie, as she hugged Vanita and Jason. "This is so exciting!"

"I'm very happy for you," Brianna said to the happy couple and gave them each a hug.

Charlie approached the table and hugged Vanita. "Jason, you're a lucky man," he said, reaching out to shake Jason's hand.

"I know," said Jason, shaking Charlie's hand.

Brianna quickly flagged down a waiter and ordered another bottle of champagne and another glass, as Charlie helped himself to a poured glass of the bubbly.

"Congratulations, old man," said Ryan, slapping Jason on the back and shaking his hand.

"Jason, you're performance tonight was awesome," said Charlie. "It's great to have a little more testosterone on stage."

"Charlie!" said Suzie, giving him one of her looks.

Ignoring Suzie, Charlie continued. "Man, you can sit in with us anytime."

"Thanks, Charlie. Maybe I will," said Jason. "But right now, I'd like to make a toast."

The waiter delivered another glass and another bottle of champagne, then filled the extra glass and topped off Charlie's glass.

"To Vanita - my future bride," said Jason, as they all raised a glass.

"Here, here," said Ryan, as the group clicked champagne glasses and toasted the bride-to-be.

Jason ordered more champagne, as he and Vanita, Ryan and Suzie, and Cassie and the Major sat down at the table. Charlie pulled up a chair from a nearby table and joined them, as they all continued to drink champagne and celebrate Vanita and Jason's engagement.

Jason entertained the group with the whole story of how Cassie caught him playing his sax, out in the landing bay, all the way through rehearsals, and the earlier confrontation between Cassie and Vanita that nearly ruined the surprise. He also pointed out how the Major's quick thinking, about the "made up date," saved the day.

When the Major reached out and brushed a strand of Cassie's hair out of her eyes, Charlie was concerned that it was a real date - and not a one made-up.

Cassie and the Major thought it was a real date, too.

Cassie can't be on a date with Major Thorr tonight, thought Charlie. Julia said she might be available tonight.

Vanita got up, walked around the table, and hugged Cassie. "I'm sorry, Cassie" she said. Then she whispered in Cassie's ear, "I've never been in love like this before. It's just making me a little crazy."

"Don't worry about it," said Cassie. "You two just be happy."

Vanita motioned towards the Major and said, "She saved your life this morning."

"I know," said Cassie, smiling at Major Thorr. "I already thanked her for the save."

About that time, Charlie's communicator beeped. "Excuse me," he said, as he got up from the table to take the communication in private. "Hey, Julia. How's it going? ... You're available tonight? Great! Sure I'll tell her... You're coming on the shuttle to pick us up? I can't wait – really looking forward to it... OK. We'll meet you in The Officer's Club bar in about an hour, or so... Yeah. We should be through with our last set by that time... OK, see you then..." Fuck!!! He thought, signing off. Julia's on her way. I couldn't tell her that Cassie was occupied with Major Thorr, or she might not come for us at all.

Back at the table, the celebration continued.

"Cassie, can I talk to you for a minute?" asked Charlie, as he approached her, motioning for her to come away from the table.

"Sure. I'll be right back," she said to the Major. She got up from the table and walked over to the stage area with Charlie. "What's up?"

"Julia just called. She's available tonight. She's coming on one of her shuttles to pick us up. She should be here right about the time we finish our last set."

"Well, call and tell her not to waste a trip. I'm not going. I'm busy, tonight."

"Are you fucking kidding me? Julia's coming to pick us up, Cassie. You're going!"

"No, I'm not. And you don't tell me what to do, Charlie! Julia should've asked me if I was busy tonight. We're not married!" snapped Cassie, as she turned around and headed back to the table.

What the fuck am I gonna do now? Charlie thought. Then he spotted Sonya, drinking alone at the bar. He was desperate and he had a plan. The group was so consumed with the celebration, no one noticed Charlie heading for the bar to speak to Sonya.

"Hey, Sonya. How's it going?" asked Charlie, as he sat down on the barstool next to her.

Sonya just looked at Charlie, suspiciously, and said, "What do you want? Looks like you're missing the party."

"I have a plan that will send Major Thorr running back to your bed. Interested?"

"I'm listening," said Sonya, setting her drink on the bar.

Charlie grabbed paper and pencils from the bar, scribbled a note, and said, "Here. Copy this. Cassie knows my handwriting."

"All right," she said, taking paper and a pencil from Charlie and copying the note, as instructed.

Now I'll write a note to Major Thorr, from Cassie, since she would recognize Sonya's handwriting. "All right," he said, finishing his note and taking Sonya's from her. "When we finish our last song, wait for the Major to read the note, then ask her to dance. She'll be all yours." Then Charlie headed to the table to gather the girls for the last set.

Jason and Vanita invited everyone to stick around after the gig for dancing and more celebrating.

"Drink up, girls," said Charlie, as he approached the table. "It's show time." I'm so horny I can't wait to get to the palace tonight, he thought, heading for the stage.

"I'll save the next roll in the hay for you," Major Thorr said to Cassie - just as Cassie took a big swig of champagne.

Cassie was so surprised by the Major's statement, she choked on her drink. Major Thorr had been led to believe - by Cassie - that that Earthling expression meant "the next dance." Vanita, Suzie, and Ryan looked at each other in amazement - not knowing what to think about the Major's statement. It was all Jason could do just to keep a straight face as he laughed under his breath.

"Cassidy, are you all right," asked Major Thorr, patting her on the back.

"Yeah. I'm fine. It just went down the wrong hole," she answered, finally regaining her composure. "Let's rock," said Cassie, as she and Vanita and Suzie left to take the stage.

When the group ended their last song, a waitress, who had been tipped handsomely by Charlie, approached the table and handed Major Thorr a note. It read:

Major Thorr,

Guess it's time to let you off the hook about our "date." Your girlfriend is probably waiting for you. Julia will be joining me soon. Thanks, again, for the save. Hope we can be friends.

Cassie

As Cassie came off the stage to rejoin the Major and the celebration, the same waitress handed her a note, which read:

Cassie,

Sonya has been understanding and accommodating about our "date." However, she will be joining me soon. See you at the wedding. I hope we can be friends.

Major Thorr

The timing was perfect. Sonya approached the table and asked Major Thorr to dance. The Major immediately accepted, wanting to hide the fact that she was upset by the note. As the two women took the dance floor, Julia entered the Officer's Club. Angered by the sight of Sonya and the Major dancing, Cassie grabbed Julia and laid a long and passionate kiss on her. She wanted to be sure the Major saw it - and she did. After seeing the kiss, the Major became more angry than hurt, and left the bar with Sonya.

Now Cassie was convinced that Charlie was absolutely right about Major Thorr. She was nothing but a tease. Cassie was so through with her.

That night, the Major spent the night with Sonya while Cassie, Julia, and Charlie went back to the palace on Tyre for wild night of sex, booze, and drugs.

Two weeks later...

Jason and Vanita were married in a private ceremony in the Star Base chapel. Cassie was Vanita's maid of honor, and Major Thorr stood up for Jason. Cassie and Major Thorr were dressed in black after-five party dresses. Vanita wore a beautiful white wedding gown and veil. Jason was dressed in his formal military uniform.

Cassie and the Major took turns staring, and looking away from each other during the entire ceremony. Vanita had to nudge Cassie with her elbow when it was time to hand her Jason's wedding band. Cassie wasn't paying attention to anything but how pretty Major Thorr looked.

Julia attended the wedding as Cassie's date. Sonya accompanied Major Thorr. Neither Julia, nor Sonya, could help but notice the glances that were exchanged between Cassie and the Major. Julia complained about the situation, vehemently, to Charlie, who was accompanied by a sexy redhead. After the ceremony, Julia kept Cassie occupied for the rest of the evening - to insure that no more glances would be exchanged between Cassie and the Major.

The wedding reception was held in The Officer's Club bar. Champagne flowed like water as the happy couple and their friends celebrated their marriage. The bar was closed that night to anyone that wasn't an invited guest of the wedding party.

As soon as the cake was cut, and the toasts to Vanita and Jason were concluded, Suzie said, "I have an announcement."

"This is their day, Dear," Ryan said to Suzie, shaking his head "no," while flashing a sheepish grin. I should have waited a day or two to spring this on her, he thought.

"Suzie. If you've got something to say - say it," said Vanita, "as long as it's happy news."

"Ryan asked me to marry him last night," said Suzie, "and I said yes." Then Suzie pulled her engagement ring out of her purse and put in on, as everyone cheered and congratulated her and Ryan.

"The next round of champagne is on me," said Ryan, as Vanita and Jason's wedding reception continued.

"I have a gift for the newlyweds," said Julia, getting everyone's attention. "One of my private shuttles is waiting in the landing bay. Vanita and Jason - pick any place on Tyre that you want to go, and the pilot will take you there, all expenses paid. The attendant on the flight will make all the arrangements. Enjoy."

"That's very generous of you, Julia. Thank you," said Jason.

"It sure is," added Vanita. "Me and Jason hadn't planned anything but the wedding and time off. This is great. Thank you, Julia."

"You're welcome," Julia said to Jason and Vanita. "And, Suzie and Ryan, if you would allow me the pleasure, I would love to throw you the wedding of your dreams at the palace on Tyre."

"Oh, Julia, that would be a dream come true for me," replied Suzie. "I've always wanted to have a wedding and a ball - just like Cinderella."

"Well, I don't know anything about this Cinderella, but I can assure you that her wedding will pale in comparison to the wedding I'll throw for you and Dr. Gerard. It will be the event of the year, on Tyre."

"Can we, Ryan? Please?" asked Suzie.

"Whatever you want, Dear, is fine with me," answered Ryan.

* * *

It was the day before Suzie and Ryan's wedding at the palace on Tyre. The rehearsal was held that morning in the palace chapel. Cassie was Suzie's maid-of-honor and Vanita was her bridesmaid. Major Thorr was to stand up for Ryan, Jason was to be a groomsman, and Charlie was to give Suzie away.

Julia took great pleasure in flaunting her relationship with Cassie in front of Major Thorr. She personally escorted Cassie to the wedding rehearsal. "I'm so sorry. It's my fault that Cassie is late. We overslept," Julia said, smiling smugly at Major Thorr. Then she wrapped her arms around Cassie's neck, kissed her bye, and headed out to tend to the business of running the planet Tyre.

"After the wedding, we'll change into our evening attire for the ball," said Suzie. "I want the entire wedding party to join me and Ryan for the first dance. Ryan and I will start, then Cassie and Brianna will follow, and then Vanita and Jason." Suzie believed that there was still something going on between Cassie and Brianna. This was Suzie's last ditch effort to push them together. "Any problem with that?" she asked, directing the question to Cassie and Brianna.

"No," answered Brianna.

"Whatever you want, Sis," answered Cassie. "Tomorrow's your day."

The entire wedding party was to be put up at the palace for the night. Ryan and Jason shared a two-bedroom guest suite. Suzie, Vanita, and Brianna stayed in Suzie and Vanita's old suite. Cassie and Charlie were spending so much time visiting at the palace, these days, they were practically living there – Charlie in his suite, Cassie with Julia.

The next day, at the wedding, all the guests were seated and the wedding march began to play. Ryan, Brianna, and Jason were waiting with the priest at the front of the chapel. Ryan and Jason were dressed in black tuxes with white ties. Vanita and Cassie walked down the aisle and took their places at the front of the chapel. Their long gowns were peach in color, with plunging necklines. Brianna's gown was the same pattern, but was black with white trim, so she would blend with Ryan and Jason. Finally, Suzie entered. She wore a long white wedding dress and veil, followed by a long train. Charlie, dressed in a black tux and white tie, escorted Suzie down the aisle and gave her away. No matter what their differences, Charlie was the one who had brought her to Star Base where she had found true happiness.

After the ceremony, all the guests were waiting in the ballroom for the newlyweds to start the first dance of the ball. Julia had invited dignitaries, ambassadors, and lots of pretty women from the planet Tyre. Suzie and Ryan had invited all of their friends from Star Base. Bebo, escorted by Bobu, looked especially ravishing in his red party dress and smart dinner pumps.

A cheering crowd welcomed Suzie and Ryan as they entered the ballroom as husband and wife. They took to the dance floor to start the ball as their favorite song began to play.

Cassie looked over at Major Thorr, nervously.

"Save the last dance for me," Julia said to Cassie, as she threw her arms around Cassie's neck, kissed her, and let her go.

"I will," said Cassie.

Eat your heart out, Major Thorr. You may have the first dance — but she's sleeping with me tonight, thought Julia.

Cassie walked over to Major Thorr and held out her left hand. "Can I have this dance?" she asked.

The Major didn't say a word. She reached out, took Cassie's hand, and headed onto the dance floor, as Jason and Vanita followed.

"Major, would you like to lead?" asked Cassie.

"No. You're the musician," answered the Major.

Cassie took the Major in her arms and dipped her. The Major was so startled that she instantly reached out and grabbed Cassie around the neck, holding on - afraid Cassie would let her fall.

"Relax. I won't let go," said Cassie, pulling her up.

Their eyes met, as they started to dance - and did the sparks ever fly. Cassie and Brianna had only danced a few steps when Cassie let go of Brianna's hand, wrapped her arms around her waist, and pulled her close. Brianna threw her arms around Cassie's neck. She wasn't backing off an inch. They couldn't have held each other any tighter - or closer. Cassie ran her hand up Brianna's back slowly. Brianna closed her eyes, sighed deeply, and nuzzled Cassie's ear with her face, while running her fingers through Cassie's hair.

Julia was appalled by the display. She grabbed Charlie, as he stood next to her making out with his date, and pulled him aside. "Whatever is going on between Cassie and Major Thorr - I want it stopped, immediately!" she said. "You see to it that this is their last dance of the evening. I don't care who you have to pay to dance with that boring major."

"OK, Julia," said Charlie. "Don't worry about a thing. I'll take care of it."

By the time the song reached the chorus, Cassie and Brianna were falling hard. Even though neither of them was ready to admit it, they were in love. They never wanted the song to end. But as it did, they pulled back from each other slowly. Cassie was leaning in, about to kiss a willing Major Thorr, when Julia, accompanied by a concert promoter, abruptly pulled Cassie away.

"Hey!" Cassie yelled at Julia, surprised and angered by the interruption.

Julia stepped in-between Cassie and the Major. "Cassie, this is Rita. She's one of the best concert promoters on Tyre. We've been trying to get you two together for weeks to discuss your next tour," said Julia, as she gave Major Thorr a dirty look.

"This is my sister's wedding day. I don't wanna talk about business or touring!" yelled Cassie, really just angry for the interruption, as Brianna turned and walked away.

Suzie and Vanita rushed over to Brianna, as they all headed off of the dance floor.

"Oooh! Julia and Cassie look mad," said Vanita, as she and Suzie and Brianna watched the confrontation from a distance.

"Brianna, what's just happened?" asked Suzie.

"That was my heart and my hormones overruling good judgment," answered Brianna.

"Girlfriend! From what I saw out on that dance floor, I was about to suggest that you and Cassie get a room," said Vanita, smiling and shaking her head. Those two got the hots for each other so bad, it ain't even funny.

"I never meant for this to happen. I think I'm in love," said Brianna.

As the evening progressed, Charlie was a mastermind at keeping Cassie and Major Thorr apart. He made sure that someone was always in their faces wanting to talk or to dance.

The bride and groom were about to leave for their honeymoon. A crowd of women gathered as Suzie prepared to throw her bouquet. However, Suzie ignored the crowd of eager young women, standing in front of her, and threw the bouquet to a surprised and unprepared Brianna, who was standing away from the crowd talking to Jason and Vanita about taking the next shuttle back to Star Base.

Before Suzie and Ryan left for their honeymoon, they thanked Julia for giving them the wedding of their dreams and all the guests for sharing their special day. A cheering crowd showered the newlyweds with white rose petals as they left the palace.

Vanita spotted Cassie, at the bar, grabbing another glass of champagne and went after her. "Are you dense, on drugs, or both?" asked Vanita.

"What are you talking about?" replied Cassie.

"Can't you tell? That woman's in love with you," said Vanita, motioning towards Brianna, who was exiting the ballroom headed for the landing bay.

"Vanita," said Jason, as he approached Vanita and Cassie, "We need to get going, if we're going to catch the next shuttle back to Star Base."

"OK, Baby. Give me just a second," said Vanita. Turning to Cassie she said, "Girlfriend, if you don't go after her, you're gonna regret it. 'Cause I think you're in love with her, too." Then Vanita and Jason headed for the landing bay to catch the next shuttle.

About that time, Julia approached Cassie with a good-looking, young brunette that she had picked up to join her and Cassie in bed that night.

"I'll see you later, Julia," said Cassie. "I'm going back to Star Base, tonight."

"You're doing no such thing!" shouted Julia, consumed with anger and jealousy. She let go of the young woman and pulled Cassie aside for a private conversation. "What the hell is going on between you and Major Thorr?"

"I don't know. But I'm going to Star Base to find out," answered Cassie, as she turned and walked away from Julia - heading for the landing bay.

"You get back here!" Julia yelled after her. "Cassie! Don't get involved with her! She's a monogamous ball and chain!" I can't let Major Thorr get her hooks into Cassie. I've got to do something.

Julia sent a pushy tabloid reporter to intercept Cassie before she could reach the landing bay. The reporter managed to delay Cassie, just long enough, to make her miss the shuttle that Brianna, Vanita, and Jason were on. Julia was delighted and relieved. She assumed that Cassie would just come back and join the party, since she had missed the shuttle. She was wrong. Cassie sat and waited twenty minutes for the next shuttle and went back to Star Base.

# CHAPTER 7 - ALMOST DECENT PROPOSAL

As soon as Cassie's shuttle arrived back on Star Base, she went to The Officer's Club to see if Major Thorr might have gone there for a nightcap. When she didn't find her there, she headed for the Major's quarters. Cassie stood outside Major Thorr's quarters, trying to get up the nerve to engage her door sensor, for a couple of minutes. She finally decided that she should just leave her alone, thinking that the Major had probably gone to bed. So Cassie retired to her quarters to do the same, since it had been a long day. If she had only known: The Major was sitting in her living room, sipping on a freshly opened bottle of red wine, wishing Cassie was there with her.

Cassie was familiar with the Major's morning routine, so she got up early the next morning, put on her workout attire, and headed for the Star Base gym, knowing that she would most likely run into her. And just like clockwork, as Cassie approached the gym entrance, Major Thorr was exiting, dressed in full uniform, ready to report for duty.

"Good morning, Major," said Cassie, startling the Major - who seemed distant and deep in thought.

"You're back from the wedding sort of early this morning, aren't you?" the Major asked, a bit surprised to see Cassie.

"Well, no. Actually, I came back last night."

"You came back last night?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"The wedding was over - and Julia and this tabloid reporter were really getting on my nerves. So..."

"Oh, I see," said the Major, rather coldly. You and Julia were having a lovers' spat is more likely the case. She turned and started to walk away.

"No! Wait!" said Cassie, grabbing her by the arm. "I came back last night because of you," she said, stopping the Major in her tracks. "I don't know what happened between us last night during our dance."

Apparently, you were just using me to make Julia jealous, the Major thought.

"But I can't stop thinking about you."

You didn't seem to give me a second thought, last night, after our dance, she thought. "I have no idea what you're talking about," said the Major, defensively, pulling her arm away from Cassie.

"Oh, I think you do." That's bullshit! She was into it as much as I was.

I'll never admit to having any feelings for her. Her feelings for me are probably just physical, while mine for her are much more. "I don't have time to stand around here, discussing your delusions. I have a base to run," she said, turning her back on Cassie and walking away.

"No! I won't let you just walk away!" she said, running after her and grabbing her by the arm a second time. "All I'm asking is for you to just be honest with me - and with yourself."

"Let go of me!" yelled the Major, glaring at her. I just can't let myself get entangled in a love triangle with Cassidy and Julia.

"OK! If you can look me in the eyes and tell me that last night was just my imagination – that you don't have any feelings for me - I'll walk away right now and I'll never bother you again. I swear."

The Major just looked at Cassie indifferently, not responding. Stay in control, she thought, fighting her feelings – wanting to tell Cassie how she really felt, yet afraid to.

"OK, fine," Cassie said, releasing her. "I thought you were worth fighting for. I guess I was wrong." Cassie headed for the gym entrance.

"No, wait! I do have feelings for you." I can't believe I just blurted that out.

Stunned, Cassie stopped, turned around, and said, "What did you say?"

"I have feelings for you, too. I can't stop thinking about you, either."

Cassie walked over to the Major and took her in her arms. The kissing started slowly but grew more and more passionate. It was as if, for a moment in time, the whole universe disappeared and there were only the two of them. However, reality set in quickly as a group of people gathered by the gym entrance and applauded the kissing exhibition. Up until then, Cassie and the Major hadn't noticed that there was anyone else around. Feeling a bit self-conscious, the Major pulled back.

"Is something wrong?" asked Cassie.

"No," answered the Major, glancing quickly at the gawking crowd, and then turning her attention back to Cassie. I don't care what anyone thinks, she thought, as she initiated more passionate kisses.

As they came up for air, Cassie said, "Would you like to go out with me tonight? Dinner and dancing at The Officer's Club?"

"Yes. But - no," she answered.

"What?" asked Cassie, with a confused look on her face. "Do you have other plans?"

"No. I want to have dinner with you. But, I don't want to go to The Officer's Club."

"Oh, OK," said Cassie, relieved that she didn't already have a date with Sonya. "We can go anywhere you want."

"Come to my quarters for dinner, around seven," said the Major. She didn't want to risk being interrupted by Cassie's fans, pushy tabloid reporters, or most of all, by Julia.

"OK," said Cassie, smiling and gazing into the Major's beautiful eyes.

"I have to report for duty, now," she said, giving Cassie one more kiss and reluctantly pulling away from her. "See you at seven."

"See you then," said Cassie, watching her walk away.

I may live to regret this. But at the moment I don't care, thought the Major, as she headed for the Control Center.

As Cassie entered the gym, she was greeted by a dirty look from Sonya, who had obviously witnessed or been told about the encounter between Cassie and the Major just outside the gym entrance.

I think I'll work out in the afternoon from now on, when that big dike isn't here, thought Cassie, turning and exiting the gym. Man, if looks could kill, I wouldn't live long enough for my date with the Major tonight.

At 4:00 p.m., Cassie went to Bobu's for a drink. She ordered champagne and a dozen long-stemmed, red roses for the Major. She was sitting at the bar drinking a glass of red wine and visiting with Bebo, when Charlie entered and sat down on the barstool next to her.

"Julia's really pissed at you," said Charlie. "What the fuck's the matter with you, anyhow, leaving the best thing that ever happened to you, to go chasing after the Ice Princess?"

"Who I date is none of your business!" snapped Cassie. "We've been through this before, Charlie. Julia's got lots of girlfriends. Don't worry about it. It's no big deal."

"It is to her. She may have other girlfriends, Cassie. But you're the 'constant' in her life."

"The what?"

"The 'constant.' It's a Tyrian term. It means the main squeeze."

Bobu poured Charlie a beer from the tap, set it on the bar in front of him, and said, "Here you go, Charlie."

"Thanks, man," said Charlie, as Bobu proceeded to the other end of the bar to take a drink order. "Cassie," he said, turning to her, "It's not Julia's nature to be monogamous. The others come and go. But she wants you to be her constant."

"That's the stupidest thing I ever heard of," said Cassie, taking a sip of wine and setting the glass back down on the bar.

"It makes perfect sense. Look at it this way. You've got all these women just throwing themselves at you. And Julia is willing to share you with them. Do you really wanna give up a beautiful relationship like that?"

"Charlie, you know what your problem is? You don't know the difference between a relationship and an orgy."

"I know that the Major's Thorrian. And the majority of Thorrians are monogamous, from what I've been told. You get yourself involved with her, and the next thing you know - boom! You're tied down to one woman. You mark my word."

"I'll see you later, Charlie. I gotta go take a nap and get ready for my date tonight," said Cassie, getting up from her barstool. "Bebo. I'll be back to pick up my order around six-thirty."

"OK, Sweetie," Bebo said to Cassie, as she headed for the exit of the bar. "The Major is going to just love the roses."

Oh, fuck! Cassie's already involved with her. I've got to do something, or the Ice Princess is gonna ruin everything, thought Charlie. "I need a Scotch on the rocks over here!" he yelled at Bobu, who was talking to customers at the other end of the bar.

"Coming right up," said Bobu, as he approached Charlie and poured him a drink. "Here you go," he said, setting Charlie's drink on the bar in front of him. "I'm ready for some action," he said, rubbing his furry hands together with a glint in his beady Roden eyes. "You got the line on the games for this Sunday?"

"No, not yet. Actually, I need a favor."

"Name it."

"You got any dirt on Major Thorr?"

"No. Wish I did, though. That nit-picking bitch is always ripping my furry ass about one regulation or another. She acts like 'illegal' is a dirty word. You know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I hear you. Listen. Cassie has a date with the Major, tonight. And she'll be coming by here around six-thirty to pick up some order. So, I need you to tell Cassie something that will put the Major in a bad light. Make up something, if you have to. Cassie's got a weak stomach. So make it something really gross that Thorrians do. I mean really bad."

"All right. Let me think about this for a minute," Bobu said, stroking his whiskers - deep in thought. "Oh! I got it! Some gross, vile mating ritual," he said, as he became excited and started to drool.

"Yeah. That sounds good," said Charlie, handing Bobu a hand full of Lucre for his drinks. "I gotta go. Keep the change. And if your story keeps Cassie out of the Major's bed, I'll double what I just gave you."

"Consider it done!" Bobu said with a smile, as he counted the Lucre.

"Be subtle, or Cassie will get suspicious," said Charlie, downing his drink and getting up from his barstool.

"Don't worry about a thing," said Bobu, as Charlie headed out. "I'll take care of it."

* * *

At 6:30, Cassie entered Bobu's to pick up her order. She didn't want to take any chances on being late for her date with Major Thorr. Cassie was so nervous, she decided to have a drink to lighten up. "Bobu, I'll have a glass of red wine," she said, as she took a seat at the bar.

"OK. Here you go," he said, pouring her a glass of wine.

"Thanks," said Cassie, taking a sip of her wine. "You got the roses I ordered?"

"Yeah."

"And the champagne?"

"Yeah. Relax. Everything's under control. Man, are you nervous, or what?" he said laughing and shaking his head. "But I don't blame you, though. Major Thorr was in here earlier buying wine too. She even bought candles from Bebo's private stock. That means she plans to get you drunk and seduce you."

"Oh, is that right?" said Cassie, with a sheepish grin. It won't be necessary to get me drunk.

Bobu leaned over the bar and motioned for Cassie to lean in. As Cassie leaned over the bar, cautiously, he whispered. "Right before the Thorrian takes you to bed, she'll eat menara."

"What?"

"Menara... live monkey brains."

"That's gross!"

"No, actually, it's a delicacy. It's all part of the Thorrian mating ritual. You cut off the top of the monkey's head and eat its brains out while it kicks and screams. It's delicious."

"That's disgusting! That woman doesn't eat live monkey brains. You made that up," said Cassie, not buying into Bobu's story.

About that time, Bebo walked up to the bar, handed Bobu a check and Lucre, and waited for change.

"Hey, Bebo. Isn't candles and eating menara part of the mating ritual?" asked Bobu, as he opened the cash register and made change.

"Why, yes, Dear," said Bebo, smiling and making eyes at Bobu. "Cassie," he said, turning to her. "The mating ritual is a beautiful thing. When Bobu and I..."

"Hey!" Bobu interrupted, abruptly - cutting Bebo off in mid-sentence and handing him the Lucre. "Don't just stand there! Take the customers their change. Hurry up! Don't keep them waiting!" he yelled, waving his arms frantically, shooing Bebo from the bar.

"Well, how rude!" yelled Bebo, giving Bobu a dirty look and stomping away from the bar. "Ask me a question and don't even let me get two words past my whiskers, before I'm just dismissed!" he muttered, under his breath, adjusting his bra and slip, as he hurriedly went to give the customers their change.

Bebo was referring to the Roden mating ritual. He assumed that was what Bobu and Cassie were discussing.

Bobu turned to Cassie and said, "See, I told you so. Why would Bebo lie about a thing like that?"

Oh, no, thought Cassie, as she took a big sip of wine. Cassie had wanted to be with the Major for so long. But eating live monkey brains was a little too much. She wouldn't trust Bobu as far as she could throw him. But if Bebo said it was true...

A few minutes later, Bebo emerged from the supply room behind the bar. "Here's your order, Cassie. You have fun tonight," he said, as he laid the roses and champagne on the bar in front of her.

"Thanks, Bebo," Cassie said, gathering the roses and champagne and leaving the bar. I don't know if I can do this.

Cassie arrived at Major Thorr's quarters at about 6:55 p.m. Then she decided that live monkey brains was a little more than she could stomach and turned and walked away – headed for the observation deck to think about it. Cassie didn't want to believe the story that Bobu had told her. So at about 7:15 p.m., she went back to the Major's quarters to find out.

Inside her quarters, Major Thorr was beginning to wonder if she'd been stood up. Cassie was late and the Major was afraid that Cassie might have had second thoughts and gone back to Julia.

About 7:20 p.m., Cassie finally got up the nerve to engage the Major's door sensor. As the door to the Major's quarters opened, Cassie thought, I guess it's too late to run now.

"Come in," said a relieved hostess.

"I'm sorry, I'm late. I got held up. I couldn't call. I don't have your communicator number... These are for you," Cassie said, handing her the roses and the bottle of champagne, as she entered the Major's quarters.

"Thank you. They're beautiful," she said, taking the flowers and champagne from her. "Make yourself comfortable in the living room while I put these in some water," said the Major, heading for the kitchen.

Cassie entered the Major's living room, apprehensively. Well, I don't see a live monkey, or a cage, or anything like that, so far, she thought.

"Would you like a glass of red wine?" the Major called out from the kitchen.

"Sure. That sounds good," answered Cassie, taking a quick look around the room - behind the sofa and chairs, hoping and praying she wouldn't find a live monkey.

A few minutes later, the Major entered the living room and set a large vase, containing the roses, on the coffee table. Then she exited and returned with the wine.

"Thanks," said Cassie, as the Major handed her a glass of wine. "You have a nice view," she said, making small talk, as she stood looking out the observation window at the stars.

"Come and sit with me," said the Major, taking a seat on the sofa and setting her glass of wine on the coffee table in front of her.

Cassie walked over to the sofa, set her wine on the coffee table, and sat down next to her. Once their eyes met it was all over. Cassie put her arms around the Major, pulled her down on the sofa on top of her, and kissed her passionately. After several minutes of rolling around on the sofa, a buzzer went off - signaling that dinner was ready.

"I'm sorry," said the Major, in between kisses. "I've got to get dinner out of the oven or it will burn."

"That's OK," said Cassie, as she let her up.

"I hope you like meat," she said, as she went running to the kitchen.

"Yeah, whatever you're having." As long as it's not live monkey brains.

"Cassidy, would you open the champagne?" the Major called out from the kitchen. "It's in an ice bucket in the dining room."

"Sure. No problem," said Cassie, getting up from the sofa and heading for the dining room.

As Cassie entered the dining room and popped the cork on the chilling champagne, she was thinking how good everything smelled and how hungry she was. She had been so nervous and excited about the date, she had forgotten to eat lunch.

"You sit there," motioned the Major, as she entered the dining room and set a covered plate on the table for Cassie and one for herself across from her. Then Major Thorr exited to get salad and bread.

Cassie's imagination ran wild, as she took a seat at the table, staring anxiously at the Major's covered plate. So far, she hadn't seen any signs of a live monkey. Cassie feared that maybe the Major had already killed the monkey and just had its head on the covered plate.

About that time, the Major returned from the kitchen with a basket of hot, toasted, garlic bread and a salad for Cassie. She removed the cover from Cassie's plate and motioned for her to begin eating.

"Wow. This really looks good. What is it?" asked Cassie, as the Major sat down at the table and joined her.

"Rosemary, garlic chicken. You do like chicken?"

"Yeah," answered Cassie, ready to dive into her plate. However, the suspense surrounding what was under the cover of the Major's plate suppressed her hunger, making her too queasy and apprehensive to begin eating. Cassie could hardly bear to look, as the Major reached to remove the cover from her plate. Cassie covered her eyes with her left hand, not wanting to see if there was a monkey's head on the Major's plate. She watched, horrified by the possibilities, through her partially parted fingers, as the cover came off. With a sigh of relief, Cassie removed her hand from her face.

"Is something wrong?" asked Major Thorr, wondering why Cassie was acting so strangely.

"No," answered a relieved Cassie, noticing that the Major's plate was just a big salad. "Aren't you having any chicken?"

"No. I don't eat meat. I'm a vegetarian."

"Oh, thank God," Cassie muttered under her breath.

"Have I done something to offend you?" asked the Major, staring at her curiously.

"No! But I think I've been had... I'll explain after dinner. It's sort of a gross subject."

"I'm a pilot. I have a strong stomach. Please, tell me now."

"Well, OK. When I went to pick up the flowers and champagne this afternoon, Bobu explained to me - you know - all about the Thorrian mating ritual."

"The what?" asked the Major, raising an eyebrow, shaking her head - completely drawing a blank.

"The Thorrian mating ritual. He said you bought candles and wine, and that you'd eat menara - you know, live monkey brains - right before you seduced me."

Major Thorr burst into hysterical laughter. She was wiping tears from her eyes she was laughing so hard. "And a woman of the universe, like yourself, believed a story like that? This is so funny."

That fucking Bobu! I'm going to get him for this, thought Cassie. I bet Charlie put him up to feeding me that line of bullshit. I'm gonna get even with those two sons-of-bitches. Cassie was so embarrassed, she didn't know whether to crawl under the table and die, or just leave. "Well, you think this is funny? I wasn't really late, tonight. I was out in the hallway - completely grossed out - afraid to come in here."

The Major cracked up laughing, again, upon hearing that statement. "I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you," she said, trying to regain her composure. "But that story is just so unbelievable... Bread?" she asked, picking up the basket of hot, garlic bread and handing it to Cassie, trying to change the subject.

The two women ate the entire meal with very little conversation. Every time Cassie would try to get a conversation going, in another direction, Major Thorr would start to giggle again about the monkey brains story - even though she tried, in vain, not to.

After the meal, they returned to the living room and talked and finished the bottle of champagne. However, it didn't take long for the kissing to start, again. But this time, it quickly accelerated into foreplay and moved to the Major's bedroom.

The bedroom was decorated with lit candles and the bed was already turned down. Cassie and the Major helped each other get undressed and into bed. The two gorgeous, feminine women kissed and explored each other's bodies and erogenous zones like it was the first time either of them had ever been touched. Finally, the Major pulled a Thorrian Pleasure 3000 out from underneath her pillow. It was a model that they could both enjoy at the same time. They both came to a climax - several times - and then something amazing happened. Their spirits left their bodies and joined together, experiencing such pleasure that the physical body couldn't have withstood it. After a few minutes, their spirits returned to their bodies, leaving both women breathless and completely satisfied.

"Would you like a cigarette, Major?"

"No, thank you. I don't smoke," she answered, as they both lay on their backs, staring at the ceiling, trying to catch their breath – unable to move.

"I don't smoke, either. But I may start, after that... Has that ever happened to you before? I mean - the spirit thing. Is that the Thorrian mating ritual?" teased Cassie.

"No," she answered, laughing. "There's no such thing as a Thorrian mating ritual... I was about to ask you if the spirit thing was something you Earthlings do."

"Not that I know of. That's never happened to me, before. It was great, though."

"So, you were pleased?"

"I was so pleased, I thought you'd killed me. But what a way to go," she said, getting a laugh out of the Major. "You're so pretty," said Cassie, as she rolled over, snuggled next to her, and kissed her.

"Cassidy?" said the Major, pulling back - stopping the kissing.

"Yeah?"

"I don't understand something."

"What?"

"The night that Jason proposed to Vanita - I considered our date to be real."

"I did, too."

"Then why did you send me that note?"

"What note? I didn't send you any note. But I got one from you, saying that Sonya would be joining you soon - hope we can be friends. Then I saw you two dancing."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't send you a note. But I got one from you, saying that Julia would be joining you soon. Then, in walks Julia. And you seemed happy to see her, to say the least."

"That's not true. I was just mad because you were with Sonya."

"I was angry with you for being with Julia. That's why I was with Sonya."

"That really pisses me off. When I find out who wrote those notes, they're going to the top of my shit list."

"'Shit list?' I don't understand," said the Thorrian, struggling with the Earthing's lingo.

"It's a slang expression that means a list of enemies - or people that have done something to make you mad."

"Oh."

"Do you still have your note?"

"Yes. It's right here in my night stand," answered the Major, as she rolled over in bed, pulled the note from a drawer, and handed it to Cassie.

"Charlie wrote this. I recognize his handwriting - the son-of-a-bitch!"

"Do you still have your note?"

"Yeah. You want me to go get it?"

"No. I don't want you to leave," answered the Major, snuggling next to her. "Could you join me for lunch tomorrow in the cafeteria, around noon, and bring it with you?"

"Sure. I can make it for lunch tomorrow. I bet your girlfriend wrote my note. You'd know her handwriting - wouldn't you?"

"Yes, I would. But why would Charlie do this?"

"Julia would be my guess. At first, he was afraid that if I didn't keep her happy we'd get sent back to Earth."

"But the treaty makes it perfectly clear that you're never to be sent back to Earth."

"I know. But now I think he's just afraid that if I don't go with him to the palace every single time Julia invites us, that she might stop inviting him."

"Oh, I see... Why did you keep your note?"

"As a reminder to stay away from you - because you weren't interested. I'm glad I was wrong about that. Why did you keep yours?"

"Pretty much the same reason."

"Major, would you go out with me sometime?"

"Yes. I'd like that. But what about your relationship with Julia?"

"Julia has lots of girlfriends. I don't see how anyone could consider me and her a relationship. So, why wasn't Sonya with you at Suzie's wedding?"

"We broke up. She asked me to marry her, and I turned her down. I don't return her feelings. She deserves someone who can."

"Oh," said Cassie, relieved to hear that. If she married that dike, I don't think I'd be able to breathe.

"What did you tell Julia when you left the wedding last night?"

"Well, she asked me what was going on between you and me. I told her I didn't know, but I was going back to Star Base to find out."

"How did she respond?"

"She was really pissed off. She sent a pushy tabloid reporter to the landing bay to get in my face and make me miss the shuttle you were on. Major, do you have to go to work in the morning?"

"Yes, I do."

"You sure I won't be in your way in the morning, if I spend the night? I won't be offended if you want me to go."

"No. I want you to stay with me," she answered, running a hand through Cassie's hair. "Cassidy, you keep calling me 'Major.' I have a name. You don't have to address me so formally. After all, you're not in the military."

"I know. But I think Major is a cute name for you," teased Cassie, kissing her neck.

After a while, the Major got up and put out the candles. Cassie and Major Thorr spent most of the night talking and kissing. Finally, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

When they woke up the next the morning, the Major initiated foreplay - opting for love making instead of her usual workout at the gym. When they were satisfied, she got up and went to take a shower.

The Major was rinsing berry-scented shampoo from her hair, when Cassie stepped into the shower and joined her - pleasantly surprising her. Cassie took the Major in her arms, pulled her close, and kissed her, as the water rushed over their beautiful, naked bodies. Cassie reached behind her, took a bar of soap from the rack, and washed the Major's back, while kissing her neck.

"Turn around," Cassie whispered in her ear, as the Major followed her instructions. Cassie approached her from behind, wrapped her arms around her waist, and proceeded to lather up the Major's breasts while kissing her back, right between her shoulder blades...

* * *

Around noon, Cassie and Vanita were sitting at a table in the Star Base Cafeteria, discussing new songs for The Rockets' upcoming tour. A few minutes later, Brianna and Jason entered and joined them.

"Hey, Baby," said Vanita, as Jason set his lunch tray on the table, kissed her hello, and sat down next to her. "Hey, Brianna."

"Hello, Vanita," said Brianna.

"Hi, Cassie," said Jason.

"Hey, Jason," said Cassie.

Brianna set her lunch tray on the table, sat down next to Cassie, and kissed Cassie hello.

Vanita's mouth dropped open - looking at Cassie and Brianna - taken aback.

Cassie was a little stunned at Brianna's public display of affection, yet pleasantly surprised.

"Whoa! What's up with you two?" Vanita asked Brianna and Cassie.

Brianna was marking her territory. She wanted rumors to spread, especially to Julia, that she and Cassie were seeing each other. "Cassidy and I are..." she replied, searching for the right words, while looking to Cassie for help with an explanation.

"We're dating," said Cassie.

After lunch, Cassie and the Major met in the hallway so Cassie could show her the note.

"Yes. That's Sonya's handwriting. I'll take care of this," said the Major, taking the note from Cassie.

"OK. I'll deal with Charlie."

"All right... Is your offer to take me to dinner at The Officer's Club still open?"

"Sure. When do you get off work?"

"Five. Come to my quarters for a drink, around six."

"OK. See you then," she said and kissed her bye.

At about 5:50 p.m., Cassie spotted Charlie entering Bobu's, as she was leaving her quarters for her dinner date. Cassie had something in mind for Charlie and Bobu. So when she arrived at Major Thorr's quarters, Cassie asked the Major to accompany her to Bobu's for what she explained would be a surprise, instead of having happy hour in the Major's quarters. Major Thorr didn't know what to expect, but agreed to accompany Cassie to Bobu's.

A few minutes later, Cassie and the Major entered Bobu's. Bobu was standing behind the bar, talking to Charlie – as Charlie sat on his favorite barstool drinking a Scotch on the rocks.

"Bobu, we'll have two large draft beers. Ice-cold mugs, please," said Cassie, as she and Major Thorr approached the bar, holding hands. "Hey, Charlie, how's it going?"

"Hey, Cassie," said Charlie, unable to hide the look of disappointment at seeing the two women together. "Major Thorr."

"Hello," responded the Major. I wonder why Cassidy is ordering beer?

"Major, I'm not due for an inspection for another three weeks," Bobu said, nervously, as he poured the ice-cold beers from the tap.

"My visit is strictly social. I'm not here in an official capacity," she answered.

"Well, OK, then" Bobu said to the Major, somewhat relieved. "Here you go, Cassie," he said, setting the ice-cold beers on the bar. Bobu was even more disappointed than Charlie, realizing that his story about the live monkey brains apparently didn't work, and that he wouldn't be getting any extra Lucre from Charlie, either. From the look on Bobu's face - with his droopy, beady eyes and the sagging whisker - you would have thought the family pet had died.

"All right," said Cassie, as she let go of the Major's hand. "Those beers look really cold. Thanks, Bobu," she said, picking up both beers. Then she threw one beer in Charlie's face and the other in Bobu's face - simultaneously drenching them both.

"Damn it, Cassie! This is a designer shirt! Now it's ruined!" yelled Charlie, as he grabbed a handful of napkins and tried to soak up some of the beer that was dripping off of his face, hair, and designer shirt.

Cassie set the empty mugs on the bar, took the Major by the hand, and led her away from the bar. Both women were laughing hard as they headed for the exit.

Bobu grabbed a couple of towels, tossed one to Charlie, and hurriedly tried to sop up as much beer as he could from the bar. "Hey!" he yelled - his whiskers dripping with beer, "Cassie! You get back here and pay for these drinks!"

As Cassie and the Major reached the exit of Bobu's, Cassie turned and said, "Charlie's buying your beer and his is on the house. You know - a happy hour toast from one drowned rat to another."

"Arrogant, rock star - you think you can just get away with anything!" Bobu yelled at Cassie, as several bar patrons laughed and pointed at Bobu and Charlie, who were still dripping with beer.

About that time, Bebo entered from the storeroom behind the bar and said, "What's going on out here? What a mess!"

"Thank you for my surprise," said the Major, as she and Cassie exited Bobu's - still laughing. "That was so funny."

As they headed for The Officer's Club for dinner, Cassie said, "I'd really like to buy Sonya a beer, too, Major. Where is she?"

"That won't be necessary," said the Major, as they boarded the people mover. "I've already taken care of that matter."

"What did you do?"

"I took your note with me this afternoon when I went to the gym for my workout. Sonya proceeded to tell me how you couldn't be trusted. All I had to do was hand her the note she'd written. She didn't have anything else to say."

"Nice touch, Major."

During the next week and a half, Cassie and the Major spent every night alone together in the Major's quarters. They couldn't get enough of each other. Finally, Major Thorr invited Jason and Vanita to join her and Cassie for dinner and dancing at The Officer's Club.

Around 7:00 p.m. at the Officer's Club, Vanita and Jason and Cassie and the Major were seated at a table next to the observation window, overlooking the outside entrance of the landing bay. The spectacular view consisted of about a million shining stars and was accentuated by two colorful planets off in the distance - Tyre and Thorr.

"I don't know what I want," the Major said to Cassie, as she laid her menu on the table. She put an arm around Cassie, looked on with her at her menu, and said, "Do you know what you want?"

"Yeah," answered Cassie, as she raised her menu, covering both of their faces from Jason and Vanita's view as they sat across from them. Cassie kissed Major Thorr, and was about to pull away, when the menu was suddenly ripped from her hands. There stood Julia.

"I think you've gone far enough with this little charade," Julia said to Cassie, glaring at Major Thorr and slamming the menu down on the table. "Charlie explained that you're just trying to make me jealous."

"I didn't tell him any such thing. Charlie doesn't speak for me," said Cassie.

"This is no place for us to have this discussion. I insist that you come back to the palace with me, immediately, so we can work this out. She's just been using you, Major Thorr," Julia said, turning to the Major. "So you can take your hands off of her. Now!"

Cassie could see that the Major was getting angry and was about to blow her top. So Cassie reached out and touched the Major's arm, signaling her that she would deal with Julia. "Don't tell her what to do, Julia. You don't speak for me, either," said Cassie.

"What Charlie said is obviously true. Why else would you be here with her?" asked Julia, giving Major Thorr a dirty look - which was instantly returned.

"This is a private dinner. You're not welcome, here!" snapped Major Thorr, completely losing her temper and wanting to get up and wring Julia's neck.

"Believe me, this is the last place I want to be," Julia said to the Major. "Cassie," she said, turning to her. "Let's go. My shuttle is waiting for us in the landing bay."

"Julia, you can't just come in here and start ordering me around," said Cassie. "We're not married."

"Is that what you want?" asked Julia. "All you had to do was discuss it with me. I'm not unreasonable. I want you to be happy."

"No, Julia. Please, go home. You're disrupting the whole restaurant," said Cassie, noticing that the other patrons had stopped eating and were watching the confrontation.

"I insist on having a private word with you. You can't just dismiss me! I own you!"

"You don't own me! You own a business contract. And I've worked my ass off holding up my end of the bargain."

"Well, consider this a business meeting - at the bar –this instant!" yelled Julia, as she turned and headed towards the bar. "Now!" she yelled at Cassie, when she didn't move quickly enough to suit her.

The entire scene embarrassed Jason. Vanita was thoroughly entertained. Major Thorr was livid.

Cassie got up from the table and said, "I'm sorry, you guys. If I don't go over there and talk to her, she'll just come right back over here. Excuse me, while I get rid of her," she said, leaving the table to join Julia at the bar.

Vanita got up from the table and started to follow Cassie to the bar. "You guys need something from the bar?" asked Vanita. There's no way I'll be able to hear them from way over here, she thought.

"Vanita, sit down," said Jason, grabbing her by the hand - not wanting his wife to be so obviously nosy.

"Oh, come on Baby. Let me go. You know this is gonna be good. I wanna know what they're saying. Don't you, Brianna?"

"Yes, I do," answered the Major, her eyes glued to the heated discussion between Cassie and Julia, over at the bar.

"I think we should let them settle this on their own," said Jason, getting up from his seat and helping Vanita back into hers.

"Why haven't you returned my communications?" asked Julia, as she and Cassie stood at the bar. "I left you three messages here today."

"I haven't been down here today. Vanita and I went shopping," answered Cassie.

"Where's the communicator I gave you? I couldn't get in touch with you on it, either."

"I threw that communicator away a long time ago, because you kept giving the number out to fans. The damn thing never stopped beeping."

"Why haven't you come to the palace to see me? I've missed you. You know, I know how to please you," said Julia, as she put her arms around Cassie's neck, trying to kiss her.

Cassie removed Julia's arms from around her neck. "I was 'detained,'" she said, throwing one of Julia's lines right back in her face.

In a split second, Julia slapped Cassie across the face for that remark. "Don't get smart with me," snapped Julia. "I demand that you stop seeing that bitch! If you don't, you're going to wake up and find yourself trapped in some boring, monogamous relationship from hell! Is that what you want?"

Back at the table, Jason had to physically restrain the Major from going after Julia for slapping Cassie.

"Brianna, you can't go over there and attack the Czar of Tyre," said Jason, standing between her and the bar. "The Republic would consider it a major political incident. You would most likely be court-martialed."

Vanita motioned frantically at a waiter, who was serving a nearby table, to get out of the way because he was blocking her view of the bar.

"Brianna," said Vanita, finally able to see the bar again. "Julia just left. Cassie's on her way back to the table. I can't wait to find out what Cassie said to her."

"I can't either. Excuse me. I need to speak to Cassidy - privately," said the Major, heading towards the bar and intercepting Cassie before she could get back to the table. The Major wanted to know where she stood with Cassie, and she wanted to know right now. So she took Cassie by the hand and led her to the bar next door for a slow dance, where they could talk without anyone else being able to hear their conversation.

"Are you all right?" asked the Major, as they took the dance floor.

"Yeah. I'm fine," answered Cassie, holding her tight as they began a slow dance.

"Why did she hit you?"

"She left me messages here today and I didn't return her communications. I told her I was 'busy.' That really made her mad."

"What else did she say to you?"

"She demanded that I stop seeing you - like she owns me, or something. Charlie will tell her anything she wants to hear. I think she really believes I'm just using you to make her jealous."

The Major brought the slow dance to an abrupt stop. "Are you?"

"No, of course not."

"Cassidy, I need to know where I stand with you," said the Major, pulling back from her - searching her eyes for reassurance.

"I've made my choice, Brianna. It's you," said Cassie, calling the Major by her name for the first time.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. But Julia's so damn hardheaded - I don't know what to do. She only hears what she wants to hear."

"I have a solution."

"What?"

"Move in with me."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. Unless you don't want to."

"No. That'd be great."

"I realize that we're practically living together already. But this would be official. It would mean that our relationship is exclusive. I refuse to share you with Julia, or anyone else. Is that a problem?"

"No," answered Cassie, as they looked into each other's eyes. Tell her that you love her... No, it's too soon. I don't want to blow this.

"Tomorrow is my day off. We can move your things then."

"OK."

Brianna wrapped her arms around Cassie's neck and pulled her close. I love her so much. She better not be lying to me about staying away from Julia, she thought, as they stood kissing and embracing on the dance floor.

Brianna and Cassie hadn't noticed that the song they were dancing to had ended, and that they were the only ones left out on the dance floor. They finally came up for air, just as the next song began to play.

"I think we better move," laughed Cassie, as they noticed other couples dancing around them. "Come on. I'm starved. Let's go eat," said Cassie, taking Brianna by the hand and heading back to the restaurant side of The Officer's Club. "I can't wait to see the look on Suzie's face, when she gets back from her honeymoon and finds out that we're living together."

I can't wait for that bitch, Julia, to find out that we're living together, thought Brianna.

# CHAPTER 8 – TABLOID ASSASSINS

The next morning in the Major's quarters...

Brianna was up and dressed, in jeans and boots and a sweater, getting ready to move Cassie's things into her quarters. She was excited, yet anxious, about the move. I hope I'm not rushing Cassidy into this, Brianna thought. "Cassidy," she called out from the kitchen, "are you about ready?"

"Yeah. I'm on my way," Cassie answered, as she approached the kitchen from the Major's bedroom. She was dressed in jeans and a sweater, barefoot, and carrying her shoes as she entered the kitchen.

"Oh, there you are."

"I just need to put my shoes on, and I'll be ready to go," she said, as she set her shoes on the floor.

"Would you like something to eat?"

"No, not yet. You go ahead."

"I've already eaten. I've been up for a while."

"Yeah. I had a problem with that when I woke up this morning, and you weren't in bed with me."

"I was doing some rearranging. The coffee is ready. Would you like some?"

"You know - what I'd really like, right now, is some sugar," she said, taking Brianna in her arms and laying a good morning kiss on her.

"Would you like sugar with your coffee?"

"Yes, I would," Cassie answered, kissing her again.

"Are you sure you're not hungry? I have croissants."

"No, thanks. Coffee and sugar are all I need, right now - lots and lots of sugar," she said, helping herself to more of Brianna's kisses.

"We need to get going," said Brianna in-between kisses. "Or, you know where this will lead."

"OK," said Cassie, reluctantly releasing her.

As Cassie bent down and put her shoes on, Brianna gathered a couple of coffee cups and served herself and Cassie a freshly brewed cup of mocha-flavored coffee.

"Here you are," said Brianna, motioning towards a cup on the kitchen counter, for Cassie, as she picked up her coffee and took a sip.

Cassie picked up her cup of coffee. "Thanks. This really smells good," she said, taking a big sip of coffee. Cassie got a horrified look on her face, rushed over to the kitchen sink, and spit out her coffee.

"What's wrong?" asked Brianna, rushing to her aid - patting her on the back, thinking that she might be choking.

"How much sugar did you put in this?" asked Cassie, as she rinsed her mouth out with water. "I drink my coffee black."

"That's what I thought. But then you said you wanted lots of sugar. So I put in three spoonfuls to be sure there was enough."

Brianna's statement caused Cassie to crack up laughing. She was laughing so hard, she had to hang onto the sink for a moment - trying to regain her composure.

Brianna said, staring curiously at her, "I don't understand. What is so funny?"

"I'm sorry. Let me make it perfectly clear what 'sugar' is," she said, taking Brianna in her arms and kissing her.

"So," said Brianna, as they came up for air, "'sugar' is one of your Earthling expressions that means kissing?"

"Yeah."

"I like that one. Give me more sugar."

"It would be my pleasure," said Cassie, initiating more kisses.

Brianna pulled back. "We've got to stop and go get your things moved."

"OK. Just remember where we left off."

* * *

The Major's quarters were on one end of Star Base close to The Officer's Club, the gym, and the Control Center. Cassie's quarters, the BX, and Bobu's were at the other end of Star Base. To get there, Brianna and Cassie took the people mover. The trip took about ten minutes, with all the other people loading and unloading at various stops along the way.

"Don't we need a cart or something to haul everything?" Cassie asked, as she and Brianna exited the people mover and headed for her quarters.

"Why would we need a cart?" answered Brianna.

"I've got a lot of clothes. It's too much for us to carry."

"I have no intention of carrying anything. I'll transfer everything. That's what these are for," said Brianna, motioning to the tiny electronic buttons she held in her hand.

As they passed Bobu's bar, Bebo, dressed in a hot pink pants suit, noticed Cassie and Brianna walking past. "Hi, Cassie. Hi, Major," he said, as he stepped outside the entrance of the bar - his nose and whiskers glistening amidst a big smile.

"Hey, Bebo," said Cassie.

"Hello, Bebo," replied Brianna, smiling back at him.

"What are you girls up to this fine Sunday morning?" he asked.

"We've come to pick up my things from my quarters," said Cassie.

"Cassidy has agreed to move in with me," said Brianna, unable to restrain herself. She knew that Bebo would tell Bobu, who would tell Charlie, who would tell Julia. I can't wait for that bitch, Julia, to hear the news, she thought, with a sly grin on her face.

"Well, that's a big step," said Bebo. "Congratulations. I'm so happy for you two."

"Thank you, Bebo," said Brianna.

"When you get done moving, come back by for a glass of champagne, on me, to celebrate."

"We will," Cassie said to Bebo, as she and Brianna headed for her quarters. "Later, Bebo."

When they arrived at Cassie's quarters, Cassie entered her code and opened the door. Once inside, it took the Major about ten minutes to clip the electronic buttons on all of Cassie's things. Then she pulled a small, hand-held computerized device from a pocket of her jeans, punched in coordinates, and everything disappeared.

Cassie looked around her quarters, in amazement, at the empty closet and drawers. "Where'd everything go?" she asked.

"I've transferred your things to the places in my closet and drawers, that I cleared early this morning - while you were sleeping. We're done here. It's 11:00 a.m. Would you like to go to The Officer's Club for Champagne Sunday Brunch?"

"Sure. That sounds good. I've never been to that. We usually play late on Saturday nights, so I've always slept in. But I insist on buying. After all, you did all the heavy moving," teased Cassie.

"All right. Would you like for me to transfer us there?"

Cassie became apprehensive. "Well, I don't know... I guess that'd be OK."

"It's perfectly safe," said Brianna, clipping electronic buttons on Cassie and herself. "Anyway, I'm famished," she said, punching in coordinates on her hand-held device. In an instant, Brianna and Cassie disappeared from Cassie's quarters.

* * *

"Wow!" said Cassie, feeling a bit tingly, as she and Brianna reappeared at The Officer's Club entrance. "That was awesome, Brianna. We should never go anywhere without that gizmo."

"Why?" Brianna asked.

"That would've come in real handy last night. We could've clipped one of those buttons on Julia and launched her out to the landing bay."

"There's only problem with that idea."

"What?"

"I wouldn't have transferred that bitch to the landing bay. I would have launched her into space – to the far outer realm," Brianna said, as she and Cassie entered the restaurant side of The Officer's Club.

"Table for two?" asked a waiter.

"Yeah," answered Cassie, looking around the room and noticing the three-piece jazz band that was playing. "Down front - close to the band," she said, pointing towards a couple of empty tables next to the stage.

"Right this way, Major, Ms. Jones," said the waiter, as he showed them to a table right next to the stage.

"This is festive," Cassie said to Brianna. "I get to be entertained, for a change."

"They're not real," said Brianna, referring to the three-piece band.

"What? But I can see them - right there."

"They look real. But it's just a multi-dimensional recording."

Cassie's curiosity got the best of her, thinking that Brianna might be pulling her leg. As she reached out to touch one of the band members, her hand went right through him. "Holy shit! You weren't kidding," said Cassie, as she continued to look all around the band members, as the song they were supposedly playing continued on. "They look so real."

Brianna laughed, as she took a seat at the table. "I tried to warn you." She turned to the waiter and said, "We'll have a bottle of your best champagne."

"Coming right up," responded the waiter, as he laid their menus on the table and headed to the bar to get the champagne.

After brunch, Brianna and Cassie returned home and took a nap - all cuddled up next to each other on the sofa. Around 3:00 p.m., the door sensor awakened them.

"Are you expecting someone?" Cassie asked, as they started to stir.

"No, but I better go see who it is," Brianna answered, sitting up on the sofa.

"No! Don't get up. You feel so good," Cassie said, trying to pull Brianna back down on the sofa. "Just ignore it. They'll eventually give up and go away."

"You're terrible," laughed Brianna, as the door sensor sounded again. "I have to answer it. It could be important," she said, getting up and heading for the entryway. As Brianna reached her entryway, the door sensor sounded again - causing her to hurriedly open her door, thinking it might be an emergency situation.

"Hi, Brianna," said Suzie, as she entered and gave her a big hug. "We're back early. Ryan and I thought it would be nice to spend the last two days of our honeymoon at home – before he has to go back to work. So tell me what's been going on. I've missed you," she said, not letting Brianna get a word in edge-wise, as she barged right into the living room. "Cassie?" said a stunned Suzie, startled by her presence. "What are you doing here?"

"I live here," she answered, getting up from the sofa. "Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?"

"I was just explaining to Brianna that we came back early... Did you say you live here?"

"Yeah. And we were taking a nap, on the sofa, until we were rudely interrupted by the door sensor," she said with a grin, enjoying the stunned look on her sister's face.

"Cassidy, please don't tease your sister," said Brianna, trying not to laugh.

"Is it really true? Oh, this is wonderful!" said Suzie, unable to curb her enthusiasm. "I knew it! I told you so! I knew you two belonged together. I'm so happy for you," she said, as she reached out and gathered Brianna and Cassie in a group hug.

"Did you have a good time on your honeymoon?" asked Cassie.

"Yes. The honeymoon was wonderful," answered Suzie, as the three of them took a seat on the sofa. "Now wait a minute... Don't you dare change the subject. When did this happen, Brianna?" asked Suzie, motioning at her and Cassie.

"Cassidy moved in with me this morning. However, we've actually been together almost the entire time you and Ryan have been on your honeymoon," answered Brianna.

"Ryan and I would love to take you two to dinner at The Officer's Club, tonight. We'll invite Vanita and Jason, too."

"That's fine with me," said Cassie.

"I'd like that, too," said Brianna. "You can tell us all about the honeymoon."

"I think the story about how you and Cassie went from barely speaking, to living together, would be much more interesting," said Suzie.

Two weeks later, The Rockets began their next concert tour. Their first concert date was on a Thursday night in Capital City, Tyre. Cassie had asked Brianna to go with her, but Colonel Smith had scheduled a meeting on Star Base, at the same time, that Brianna, Jason, and Ryan were required to attend. Brianna, Jason, and Ryan also had their monthly surprise night watch scheduled that day. Therefore, Brianna, Jason, and Ryan were unable to accompany the girls to the concert.

The morning of the concert...

When it was time for Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita to leave, Brianna, Ryan, and Jason walked the girls out to the landing bay, where one of Julia's private shuttles was waiting.

Charlie stuck his head out of the shuttle doorway and waved, trying to get the girl's attention. "Hey! Come on! We're gonna be late!" he yelled, as the girls said their lingering good-byes to Ryan, Jason, and Brianna, respectively.

Vanita temporarily stopped kissing Jason and yelled back at Charlie, "Since when do you care about getting somewhere on time?"

"Yeah, Charlie. We'll be there in a minute," said Suzie. Then she gave Ryan a big hug and a good-bye kiss.

"We've got interviews and a show to put on!" yelled Charlie.

"I'll see you in the morning, Ryan," said Suzie.

"See you tomorrow, Baby," Vanita said to Jason, as she and Suzie headed to board the shuttle.

Charlie was impatient, as he stood on the boarding platform of the shuttle. He couldn't wait to get back to the wild partying at the palace on Tyre. "Cassie! Let's go!" I'm so glad the Ice Princess isn't going with us. That'll put Julia in a good mood. And the parties are always better when Julia is in a good mood, he thought.

As Vanita and Suzie made their way onto the boarding platform of the shuttle, Vanita said to Charlie, "You must have one hot piece of ass waiting for you - that's all I got to say."

Back in the landing bay visitors area, Brianna and Cassie continued to kiss and talk, completely ignoring Charlie's pleas for Cassie to hurry the good-byes along.

"I'll miss you," said Brianna, holding her close.

"I'll miss you too," said Cassie.

Brianna was concerned about the situation, because she knew Julia would be at the concert that night. And it would also be the first night that she and Cassie had spent apart, since they had been together.

"I gotta go, before Charlie yells so much he can't sing tonight. See you tomorrow morning," said Cassie, kissing Brianna bye and starting for the shuttle.

"Wait!" said Brianna, grabbing Cassie by the arm. "You won't be going over to the palace after the concert, will you?"

"No, Brianna. I already told you. Me and Suzie and Vanita have a suite reserved at the Capital Plaza Hotel. Why? Don't you trust me?"

"Yes. I do trust you. But I don't trust Julia \- or Charlie, for that matter."

"Well, they'll be staying at the palace, and we'll be staying at the hotel. The only problem I see is that you don't trust me."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to act like the jealous lover." Julia better not lay a hand on her, she thought.

"Maybe you can arrange to work from home tomorrow?" said Cassie, taking her by the hand and pulling her close.

"That can easily be arranged. I have night watch. I should be getting off duty about the time you return."

"Excellent."

"Cassie!" Charlie yelled from the platform of the shuttle. "Come on! We gotta go!"

"All right! I'm coming!" Cassie yelled back at him. "I'll see you tomorrow, Brianna." Then Cassie kissed Brianna bye and headed for the shuttle.

That evening, at the concert hall in Capital City, Tyre...

Just about the time The Rockets were ready to take the stage, Julia entered through the backstage entrance. She had been drinking, heavily.

"Oh, Lord. Here comes trouble," said Vanita, as she and Cassie and Suzie noticed that Julia was coming their way.

"It's show time, girls" the stage manager said, as he popped his head around the backstage curtain. He turned and spotted Charlie, at the entrance on the other side of the stage, making out with his date for the evening. "Hey, Charlie!" he said, getting his attention. "It's show time."

"I'm ready. Introduce us," said Charlie. Let's get this show on the road. I can't wait to get this hot piece of ass in bed tonight, he thought, as he winked at his date and headed to take the stage.

"Cassie, I'm here for you," said Julia, as she approached her. "Even when Major Thorr doesn't have time for you. You can always depend on me. You just need to come back to the palace with me, after the concert - let a real woman take care of you," Julia said, slurring badly, as she threw her arms around Cassie's neck and tried to kiss her. "I've got us a couple of girls lined up for tonight."

"Julia, I'm not coming to the palace tonight. I'm staying at the Plaza."

"You'll do no such thing."

"Come on. Julia, please. It's time for us to go on," Cassie said, trying to break free of her.

"Hi, Julia," said Suzie, thinking she might be able to help Cassie by distracting Julia with a conversation. "How's it going."

"Hello, Suzie, Vanita," said Julia, finally acknowledging them.

"Hey, Julia," said Vanita. Then she grabbed Suzie by the arm and headed for the stage. "Don't get involved in that," she said to Suzie, pulling her along. As soon as Vanita and Suzie reached the curtain of the stage entrance, Vanita turned and yelled at Cassie, "Hey! Come on Cassie! They just introduced us. You're holding up the show!" she said, giving Cassie an out from the uncomfortable situation.

"I'm right behind you," Cassie said to Vanita, as she finally broke free of Julia.

After the final song of the concert, The Rockets took their bows and left the stage. As Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita walked towards their dressing room, all hell broke loose outside the concert hall. They could see, on security monitors, that there was a riot going on at the front entrance, and that there was an angry mob forming at the backstage exit. A reporter told them that someone had sold several hundred counterfeit tickets to the concert. The fans that didn't get in were storming the concert hall.

"What the hell?' said Julia, looking at a security monitor. Even in her drunken state, she was frightened by the mob scene that was unfolding outside the backstage exit. Rocko and three members of the Tyrian Secret Guard immediately rushed to her side, circling her like a shield, as one of them frantically made arrangements on his communicator to remove the Czar and The Rockets from the extremely dangerous situation.

About that time, an angry fan that had somehow eluded security approached the group backstage.

"No!" yelled Cassie, as the fan waived a revolver at Suzie. "Suzie, look out! He's got a gun!" she yelled, as she jumped in-between the man and her sister - grabbing the gun, making him point it in another direction. Then the fan turned on Cassie, trying to shoot her. He would have succeeded if Vanita hadn't jumped in and helped her, because he was much too strong for Cassie to hold off by herself for long.

Charlie was completely unaware of the situation, as he stood a few yards away, talking to his date and another young woman he had picked up to join them for the evening. A couple of shots were fired in the air, getting his attention.

"HELP!" screamed Vanita, as she and Cassie continued to struggle with the gunman.

"What the fuck," said Charlie, finally noticing the struggle, as he quickly ran to help Cassie and Vanita \- picking up a folding chair and hitting the fan in the back of the head, knocking him out cold.

"You girls OK?" Charlie asked, as Vanita and Cassie watched the gunman's unconscious body drop to the floor.

"Barely," answered Vanita, as security guards rushed over and grabbed the gun and tended to the gunman. "I feel like my heart is about to beat out of my chest."

"Cassie, you OK?" asked Charlie.

"Yeah, I think so," Cassie answered, her hands shaking noticeably. Thanks, Charlie. You too, Vanita." Cassie looked over at Suzie, who was white as sheet. "Sis, are you all right?"

"That man tried to kill me!" said Suzie freaking out. "Why, Cassie? Why did that man try to kill me?"

"I don't know."

"He's just some nut case, Suzie," said Vanita.

"Yeah, Suzie. Everything's fine now," Cassie said, walking over and putting an arm around her - trying to calm her down.

Suzie pulled away from Cassie, covered her face with her hands, and started to cry, hysterically.

"Hey, everything's under control," said Charlie, as he reached out and hugged Suzie. "It's OK, now. Everybody's OK," he said, holding Suzie as she continued to cry.

About that time, Rocko approached the group and Charlie's dates. "Come with me," said the hybrid clone to the group, as he hurriedly escorted them to a stairway that led to the roof of the concert hall. From there, the group and Julia were airlifted back to the palace.

When the group arrived at the palace, Suzie was a basket case. Cassie and Vanita tried to calm her down - but with no success. So, Julia gave Suzie some Valium - one to take then, and a whole bottle of the pills to take with her. Suzie was put to bed in her and Vanita's old suite.

Against the wishes of Cassie and Vanita, Julia allowed reporters into her private suite for interviews about the gunman and the riot outside the concert hall. Charlie, Cassie, and Vanita took a seat next to each other on the sofa, as Julia stood behind them - right behind Cassie.

"I don't know anything about any counterfeit tickets," Charlie said to the reporters.

"I don't either," said Cassie.

"That goes double for me," said Vanita. "I need a drink," she said, getting up from the sofa and heading for the bar area.

"I've already told you everything I know about the incident backstage with the gunman," said Charlie, as the reporters hailed him the hero. "Anyone tries to hurt one of my girls - it's over my dead body," he said, playing the hero part to the hilt. "If you'll excuse me, I have plans for the evening," he said, as he got up from the sofa and headed for his suite, where his dates were waiting for him.

About that time, Julia motioned for a photographer to take a picture. At the precise moment, Julia leaned over the sofa, threw her arms around Cassie's neck, and kissed her on the cheek - just as the camera flashed. Cassie pulled away from her, but it was too late. Julia came around the sofa, as Cassie started to stand up. She pushed Cassie back onto the sofa, catching her off balance. As Cassie fell back down on the sofa, Julia quickly sat in Cassie's lap and planted a kiss on her - just in time for the next camera shot.

"Julia, knock it off!" said Cassie, pushing her away and getting up from the sofa. "No more pictures!" she said, glaring angrily at the photographer.

"That will be all," Julia said to the reporters. "Show them out," ordered the Czar to one of her soldiers.

As the reporters were escorted out of the room, Suzie, unnoticed by Julia, Cassie, and Vanita, staggered back into Julia's living room.

"I think I'll just arrange ground transportation and check into the suite I reserved at the Plaza," Cassie said to Julia.

"You'll do no such thing," said Julia.

Cassie better not leave me here, alone, to deal with Suzie's freaked out ass, thought Vanita, as she drank a glass of champagne and watched the confrontation between Julia and Cassie.

"Cassie, please don't leave," Suzie said in a drugged stupor.

"Suzie, what are you doing up?" asked Cassie. "Let's get you back to bed," she said, walking over to her sister and taking her by the arm.

"Cassie, please don't leave. I'm scared."

"I'm right here, Sis. I'm not going anywhere. Let's go back to your suite."

"OK. You promise you'll stay with me?"

"I promise."

"Me, too, girlfriend," said Vanita, grabbing a bottle of champagne to take with them, as she and Cassie and Suzie headed towards the exit of Julia's suite.

About the time they reached the door, a pretty young woman entered. The young woman smiled a big smile at Cassie and said, "Hi, Cassie. It's nice to see you again." Then the young woman walked over to Julia, put her arms around her, and started kissing her neck.

"Feel free to join us, Cassie," said Julia.

Early the next morning on Star Base...

Major Thorr had been on night watch and had just stopped by the cafeteria for a quick breakfast. On her way out, she picked up a tabloid magazine that lying on one of the tables, to read The Rockets' concert reviews. However, the magazine she picked up was turned to a page showing a picture of Cassie and Julia kissing, from the night before at the palace. Brianna didn't bother to read any of the article. She couldn't get past the incriminating pictures. She slept with Julia! she thought. She went to the palace on Tyre, after she promised me she wouldn't, and she slept with Julia! I should have seen this coming. How could I be so blind as to trust her?

As soon as Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita arrived back on Star Base, Cassie proceeded to look for Brianna. When Cassie found her exiting the cafeteria, she approached her - expecting a welcome home kiss. Instead, Brianna slapped the tabloid magazine into Cassie's hand and walked away. Brianna wouldn't even speak to her. When Cassie saw the picture of her and Julia, she understood why.

"Brianna, wait! It's not what it looks like. I can explain," said Cassie, as she ran after her. "Brianna! Give me a chance to explain."

About that time, Sergeant Ortiz approached Cassie - stopping her. "Come with me," said the security officer, taking Cassie by the arm and escorting her in the opposite direction.

"Ortiz, I really need to speak to the Major, right now," Cassie said, as he took her away. "Where are you taking me?"

"Bobu's," answered Ortiz. "The place is swarming with reporters. Their sources say that the counterfeit ticket sales, to last night's concert on Tyre, originated on Star Base. An anonymous tip suggests that the band is to blame."

"That's bullshit! We didn't have anything to do with that!"

"Since you're the leader of the band, the Colonel insists that you go down there, at once, and clear this matter up," said Sergeant Ortiz, as they headed for the people mover.

When Sergeant Ortiz and Cassie arrived at Bobu's, it was like a three-ring circus full of reporters, photographers, cheering fans, groupies, gawkers, and Rodens.

Bebo approached Cassie, as Ortiz led her into the bar. "Cassie, I know you wouldn't have anything to do with something like this," he said. "This just gets my panties in a wad!"

"Thanks, Bebo," said Cassie, as cameras flashed all around her.

"Man, this is great for business!" said Bobu, with a big smile, as Bebo approached the bar. "What a killing we're making on drink sales - and on a weekday morning. What?" he said, acknowledging the dirty look he was getting from Bebo. "Well, it is good for business!"

"Lucre! Lucre! Lucre! That's all you care about!" said Bebo, as he adjusted his halter-top, while waiting on his drink order. "You'll never convince me that The Rockets had anything to do with that counterfeit ticket scam."

"Whatever. Here! Don't just stand there!" said Bobu, loading up Bebo's tray with drinks. "Deliver these and take some more drink orders."

"Let's have a little order here," said Ortiz to the buzzing crowd, as they noticed Cassie had arrived. "Out of the way," he said, pushing his way through the throngs of people - escorting Cassie to a seat at an interview table.

As soon as Cassie sat down at the interview table, she looked up and Vanita took a seat next to her. "Jason called and let me know what was going on down here," she whispered to Cassie. "I thought you could use some backup. Ryan had to put Suzie to bed. She's still pretty shook up by all of this. And Charlie's not back from the palace yet. But just between me and you, Cassie - considering all the illegal gambling that goes on down here - I think if Charlie and Bobu aren't behind that ticket scam, I bet they know who is."

"Yeah, I hear you."

Meanwhile, at the Star Base Control Center...

Jason and Ryan stood at the console in the Control Center, reading the tabloid article about the gunman and the riot at The Rockets' concert. As the Major entered, Jason looked up from the article. "Major, have you seen this!?" he asked, motioning towards the article.

"Yes. And I don't want to talk about it!" she answered curtly, as she approached them - pretending to go about her duties, checking various readings on the control panel.

"They're lucky they weren't killed!" yelled Ryan, not understanding her indifference.

"What!" said the Major, as her mouth dropped open and she got a concerned look on her face.

"Yeah - that does it, Major!" yelled Jason. "You've got to arrange the schedule, so at least one of us accompanies the girls on all of their concerts, from now on, or we hire a bodyguard to go with them!"

"Ryan, what do you mean they're lucky they weren't killed?" asked the Major.

"I thought you said you'd seen this?" said Ryan, picking up the article from the console and handing it to her.

The Major quickly read the article, which was turned to the front page, detailing the ticket scam, the riot, and the gunman. She felt as if her heart skipped a beat, as she looked at a picture of Cassie and Vanita, taken by a security camera, trying to fight off the angry fan with the gun. "Oh, my God," she said, sighing and closing her eyes. Cassidy, Suzie, and Vanita could've all been killed last night.

"Vanita said they had to be airlifted-lifted from the concert hall, to the palace on Tyre, by the Tyrian Secret Guard," said Jason.

"When Suzie got home this morning, she was still so shaken from the whole ordeal, I had to sedate her and put her to bed," said Ryan.

The Major laid the article back down on the console and said, "I had only seen the pictures of Cassidy and Julia..."

"Vanita said that Julia and a tabloid reporter staged those pictures - just for your benefit, I suppose, Major," said Jason.

The Major turned and ran for the exit of the Control Center. "I've got to go find Cassidy."

"She and Vanita are at Bobu's - for a press conference," Jason yelled after her.

Brianna ran to the people mover only to find a long line of people, who were all trying to get to Bobu's to see Cassie's interview with the tabloid reporters. So she transferred herself, not being in any mood to wait.

The press conference at Bobu's...

"For the last time, we didn't have anything to do with that ticket scam. I don't care what you sources say," said Cassie, getting angrier by the minute. "We love our fans. We would never do anything like this!"

"But Ms. Jones, what about the hundreds of fans that bought tickets to your concert and didn't get in?" asked a reporter.

"We're really shocked that something like this could happen. We feel bad for the fans that bought those tickets," answered Cassie.

"So are you - or are you not - going to take responsibility for the counterfeit ticket sales?" asked another reporter.

"What part of 'we didn't have anything to do with that,'" yelled Vanita, "do you not understand? You go find the asshole that gave you the 'anonymous tip' - and I bet you'll find out who's really behind this." She pushed her chair back, stood up, and said. "I'm outta here. You coming, Cassie?"

Cassie motioned for Vanita to lean in. "You go ahead. I'll be along in a minute," she whispered to Vanita. "I've got to think of some way to make this right with the fans."

"Well, OK," Vanita whispered back to her. "But don't you stay here much longer."

"I won't."

"I'll see you later, girlfriend," Vanita said, walking away from the interview table. One reporter dared to fire one last, redundant question at Vanita, as she headed for the exit of Bobu's. Vanita turned around, gave the reporter a go-to-hell look, shot him the finger, and left.

As Vanita walked down the hallway, Brianna appeared out of thin air, transferring in. "Shit, Brianna!" said Vanita, almost jumping out of her skin - her heart racing. "Don't scare me like that!"

"I'm sorry, Vanita. I didn't mean to startle you. What's going on in there?" asked Brianna, motioning towards Bobu's.

"Someone gave the tabloid reporters an anonymous tip that the band is behind the ticket scam."

"That's ridiculous. Who do you think is really responsible for the counterfeit ticket sales?"

"I really don't know, Brianna. I don't want to make any wild accusations."

"I understand. But I think we both have a pretty good idea. So just tell me what you think - off the record."

"Well, OK. Off the record, Charlie and Bobu would be my guess."

"That would be my guess, too. Security is aware that there's more going on at Bobu's than a friendly poker game once in a while. As soon as we have proof, that little operation will be shut down."

"Well, I gotta go. Cassie should be coming out of there any minute. She's about had it. She is one mad bitch, right now," Vanita said, turning to leave.

"Vanita, wait! Is Cassidy angry with me? She tried to explain, earlier, what was going on. I had only seen the pictures of her and Julia in the tabloid..."

"No!" interrupted Vanita. "She thinks you do no wrong. She's mad at those tabloid reporters. Oh, and another thing - those pictures of Cassie and Julia were a setup."

"I know. Jason told me."

"Julia would throw herself at Cassie and signal the photographer to snap a picture. It was pathetic, if you ask me. Oh, well - that's just Julia. Anyway, Brianna - I'll see you later. I gotta go home and get some sleep."

"All right, Vanita. You get some rest," said Brianna, as Vanita headed home. "Well, I think I'll just give Julia a taste of her own medicine, thought Brianna.

As the Major entered Bobu's and approached the group of reporters that surrounded Cassie, military personnel that were just there to gawk scattered and went back to work. Reporters were firing questions at Cassie, as Major Thorr stood quietly behind her, listening to the interview. Cassie was so angry, she didn't even notice the Major was there.

"Do you plan to refund the Lucre, from the counterfeit ticket sales, to make it up to the fans that were scammed?" asked a reporter.

"I don't have any Lucre from counterfeit ticket sales to refund!" yelled Cassie. "Why would I do something like that? I'm making more Lucre, right now, than I can possible spend. It makes no sense."

"Would you do a free concert to make up for the counterfeit ticket sales?" asked another reporter.

"I wouldn't have a problem with that," answered Cassie. "But I talked to the Czar about the situation, this morning. She says if we do - there might be more counterfeit ticket sales. And she doesn't want to reward rioters with free concert tickets. So what the hell am I supposed to do about this mess? I'm damned if I do - and damned if I don't." I've had about enough of this shit, thought Cassie, as she pushed her chair back - about to stand up and leave.

"Ms. Jones, are you and the Czar still lovers?" asked another reporter.

"No, they're not!" said Major Thorr, answering for her.

"Brianna?" said Cassie, turning around - finally noticing that the Major was standing right behind her.

About that time, one of the reporters took a picture of Cassie and the Major.

"Hey! No more pictures!" Cassie yelled at the reporter.

"I apologize. I jumped to the wrong conclusion," Brianna whispered in Cassie's ear, as she wrapped her arms around Cassie's neck and kissed her on the cheek. Brianna had a message she wanted to send to Julia - and what better way than through Julia's tabloid assassins? Brianna turned to the hungry reporters and said, "You have my permission to take this picture."

As the cameras flashed, Brianna was all over Cassie. She ran her fingers through Cassie's hair and kissed her neck. She walked around in front of Cassie and climbed onto her lap, facing her. She proceeded to kiss Cassie, long and passionately, as the cameras continued to flash.

"What's all this about?" Cassie whispered to Brianna, in-between kisses - yet too aroused to stop.

"I'm sending you're 'ex' a message," whispered Brianna, as she continued to kiss Cassie.

"Are you two an item?" asked one of the reporters, as the two women came up for air.

"Yes," Brianna said to the reporter. "This interview is over. Leave now, or I'll have Star Base Security remove you."

Brianna stood up, took Cassie by the hand, and led her out of Bobu's. Once outside of the bar, Brianna transferred herself and Cassie back to her quarters.

About an hour later, in the Major's bed...

"I'm so sorry I didn't give you a chance to explain, earlier. I should have given you the benefit of the doubt," said Brianna, as she lay in Cassie's arms after making love.

"Hey, don't worry about it," said Cassie. "I understand your reaction."

"Are you sure you're all right?" asked Brianna, noticing a couple of bruises on Cassie's arms, from the altercation with the gunman. "Maybe you should have Ryan examine you."

"No, really - I'm OK. I just need a nap. Anyway, I'm more worried about you, right now."

"Me?"

"Yeah! You shouldn't have done what you did. I don't want you to get in trouble over this. You obviously got mad about those pictures of me and Julia and got even - without thinking about the consequences. The tabloids will print those pictures of us."

"That was my intention. I wanted Julia to know that her ploy with the pictures didn't work - that we're still together."

"But this could damage your career."

"You just let me worry about my career," said Brianna, sitting up in bed - trying to look unconcerned about the situation.

Cassie wasn't fooled by Brianna's reaction. "How much trouble are you in?"

"The Colonel is on his way to Star Command, to attend meetings for the next few days. I have no doubt - I'll get, at the very least, a verbal reprimand when he returns. That's my problem. I'll deal with it. I wasn't about to let Julia get away with this!" Brianna got out of bed and put on jeans, boots, and a sweater. "I have something to attend to. You get some rest. I'll be back soon."

A few minutes later at Bobu's...

The Major was angry and had a full head of steam, as she entered and took a seat at the bar. She pretended that she wanted to order a drink, just to get Bobu to wait on her. When he approached her, she grabbed him by his tie and choked him to the point he couldn't speak - his beady little eyes bulging - his whiskers quivering.

"I'm on to you and Charlie," said the Major. "I have no doubts that you're behind the counterfeit ticket sales. And as soon as I can prove it, you and Charlie are going to jail," she said, finally letting him go.

Bobu coughed and gasped for air. "Since when are you concerned about security matters?" he asked.

"Since the fallout of your illegal activities are starting to affect people I care about. Are you familiar with the Earthling expression 'shit list'?"

"Yeah," answered Bobu, straightening his tie.

"Well, consider yourself on mine," said the Major, as she gave him a dirty look and left the bar.

"Bebo!" yelled Bobu. "I'm taking a break," he said, heading for his office.

"OK," said Bebo, watching the Major leave, obviously angry, and wondering what was going on.

Inside Bobu's office...

"Hey, Charlie. It's me," said Bobu, over his communicator. "Major Thorr was just down here. She says she's on to us - about the counterfeit tickets scam."

"What!?" said Charlie. "Don't admit to anything. I mean it! Don't admit to anything. She can't prove a thing!"

"Relax. I didn't spill the beans. But the next time we can't cover our bets, we've got to find another way to come up with the Lucre."

Noon on Sunday...

"We'll take a table for six - down in front of the stage," said Cassie, as she and Brianna, Suzie and Ryan, and Vanita and Jason entered the restaurant side of The Officer's Club. "Check out the three-piece jazz band," she said to Vanita and Suzie.

"They're really good," said Suzie, as the group was seated.

"Not bad," said Vanita. "I wonder if they know Stormy Monday."

"Go request it," said Cassie. "Just be sure to slip the bass player a few Lucre."

"I think I will," said Vanita, as she got up and headed for stage.

Brianna whispered to Cassie, "Vanita doesn't know that they're..."

"No! Shhh," interrupted Cassie.

"Doesn't know what?" asked Suzie.

"Shhhh," said Cassie, waving at Suzie to keep her voice down. "Watch this."

"Holy shit!" screamed Vanita, as her hand ran through the bass player's hand - trying to slip him a request and some Lucre. "Cassie Jones!" she yelled, running away from the stage. "You bitch!" she said, as she returned to the table.

"Gotcha," said Cassie, as everyone at the table laughed.

"You set me up! What the hell is that, anyway?" asked Vanita, as she sat back down at the table.

"It's just a multi-dimensional recording," laughed Jason.

"Jason, this isn't funny - it's creepy," said Vanita, giving Cassie a dirty look, as they all started looking over the brunch menus.

"I wonder where that waiter is with the champagne?" said Suzie. I need some water, or something, to take this Valium, she thought, holding a hidden pill in her hand.

"I'm starved. You about ready to order," Jason asked Vanita.

"Sure, Baby," answered Vanita. "I hear the Eggs Benedict is good. I'll have that."

"I think everyone's ready," said Ryan. "Waiter," he said, signaling him that the group was ready to order.

For the next hour and a half, the waiter kept the champagne flowing, as the group enjoyed Sunday brunch and the multi-dimensional jazz band.

"Brianna, this is great," said Suzie, referring to the food, champagne, and live music.

"Yes it is," responded Brianna.

"Brianna," said Jason. "What have you decided about our schedules for the girls' concert next Friday?"

"I suggest that we take a vacation day, on Friday, and leave our schedule of Saturday and Sunday off as it stands, for now," answered Brianna.

"That works for me."

"I think I can arrange that, too," said Ryan.

"From now on, if none of us are available to go with the girls," Jason said to Brianna and Ryan, "we'll hire a body guard to go with them."

"All right," said Brianna. "I'll take care of our paperwork in the morning, Jason."

"I need another glass of champagne," said Vanita, finishing off her glass and setting it back down on the table. "Where's that waiter?"

"I'll get him," said Jason. "Waiter! We need more champagne, over here," Jason said, waiving him down.

When the meal was over, the group said their good-byes and headed out to enjoy the rest of their Sunday in their own private quarters. Along the way, they noticed a mob of people clambering for the latest issue of the tabloid from Tyre. So they all bought one, too, on their way home.

Cassie and Brianna were expecting an article and pictures, about them, to be somewhere in that rag, but they weren't expecting to be the lead story on the front page. The tabloid had deliberately held the story for their Sunday edition. The headline read - "The Major and Ms. Jones Got a Thing Going On!" The centerfold contained nothing but pictures of Brianna and Cassie, making out at the press conference. There was more written about the love triangle among the Czar of Tyre, Cassie, and Major Thorr than about the ticket scam and rioting.

Cassie and Brianna stood in the hallway, with the rest of the group, while skimming the article. But they were soon forced to make a quick dash for home when they were surrounded by young female crewmembers, wanting Cassie to autograph their copies.

"I wouldn't want to be in the Major's shoes when Colonel Smith gets back to Star Base," Jason said to Ryan, Suzie, and Vanita, as they headed home.

"Neither would I," said Ryan.

In the Major's living room...

"Brianna, are you OK?" said Cassie, knowing that Brianna was in serious trouble with the Colonel.

"Yes, of course," said Brianna, as she sat down on the living room sofa and continued reading the tabloid article. Brianna was pleased that the tabloid reporter had asked Julia about the status of her relationship with Cassie. She was even more pleased, that the article went on to say that the Czar refused comment and seemed irritated that she was asked that question. Sweet revenge, thought Brianna. She got up from the sofa and walked over to where Cassie was standing, looking out the observation window. "Don't worry about this. Everything will be fine," she said, wrapping her arms around Cassie's waist and pulling her close. "Let's just enjoy the rest of our Sunday."

"Yeah, we better. You may be in the brig having bread and water, next Sunday."

"You could come for a conjugal visit... with handcuffs," she said, winking at Cassie.

"Sure. I'd love to." "Let's go soak in the hot tub before we take a nap."

"That sounds like fun."

* * *

Finally, Friday of the next week arrived and it was time for The Rockets to go to Tyre for their next concert. The group was packing their bags and getting ready to take a shuttle, when Colonel Smith arrived back on Star Base and summoned Major Thorr to his office.

As Major Thorr entered the Colonel's office, she noticed that he was standing behind his desk - leafing through the tabloid article.

"Atten-tion!" he yelled, at first sight of her. Colonel Smith, with article in hand, walked around in front of his desk and stood facing her. "Thanks to you, Major, I won't be able to sit down for a while. Matter of fact, I may never be able to sit down on my ass, again. And do you know why, Major?"

"No, Sir," answered Major Thorr, standing at attention.

"Because the General got a hold of it - that's why! He didn't just chew my ass out," said Colonel Smith, getting in the Major's face, standing about an inch from her. "He chewed around it and it fell out!!!" he yelled. "The General's under the impression that Star Base has gone to hell in a hand basket, since those entertainers got here - counterfeit ticket sales – and now this tabloid article. If he had his way, they'd be deported back to Earth on the next freighter. Our alliance with Tyre is very important to the General. He and I are extremely concerned about what this 'love triangle' will do to the treaty and free trade agreement. And you, Major Thorr, my second in command, are too busy fanning the flames of your raging hormones to be concerned about how this affects the Republic!" yelled Colonel Smith, as he waved the article in her face and began to pace.

"You're an attractive woman, Major, and there are any number of available young women for you to go after. But what do you do? You take the Czar's girlfriend away from her."

"But, Sir. Cassidy and I are living..."

"You just stand at attention and keep your mouth shut until I give you permission to speak," interrupted Colonel Smith. "And if that wasn't enough - then you flaunt the affair in some cheap tabloid! Wars have been started over less! And as an officer of the Republic, it's your duty to be a role model for the cadets - to set an example. And this is not the example we're shooting for!" he yelled, waiving the article in Major Thorr's face, again, and then throwing it on his desk. Then the Colonel walked around his desk and sat down in his chair. "At ease. You can speak, now. Do you have anything to say for yourself, Major?" he asked, giving her a cold stare.

"No, Sir. But I do know that Cassidy had nothing to do with the counterfeit ticket sales."

"And how do you know that, Major? Did she tell you so?" he asked, sarcastically.

"Yes, sir. She..."

"Major," interrupted the Colonel, "can we talk candidly for a moment?"

"Of course, sir."

"Major, I not only consider you a colleague; I consider you a friend. It's been a privilege for me to serve with you. Hell, you're the best fighter pilot the Republic has ever seen."

"Thank you, sir."

"And you know you're being groomed to take my place, as Colonel, as soon as I retire."

"Yes, sir."

"Now, I can't issue orders regarding you personal life. But as your friend, I strongly advise you to distance yourself from that Jones girl. Your career advancement is at stake here."

"No, Sir. My happiness is at stake, here."

"Well, I've given you my unsolicited advice. You're suspended for the next three days without pay. You're dismissed."

* * *

Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were waiting in Brianna's quarters for her to get back from her meeting with the Colonel. Finally, Brianna returned home with a suspension order in hand.

"Brianna, how'd it go," asked Cassie, as Brianna entered her living room.

"I'm suspended without pay for the next three days," she answered. "It could have been worse." But the report and suspension will certainly have an impact on any future promotions, she thought.

"I'm sorry, Brianna," said Cassie, giving her a hug.

"Me, too," said Suzie.

"That's rough, Brianna," said Vanita.

"It's all right," said Brianna, as she pulled away from Cassie and started to pace.

"So does this mean you won't be coming with us to the concert?" Suzie asked Brianna.

"I'm afraid so," answered Brianna.

About that time, Jason and Ryan entered Brianna's quarters.

"So... How bad was it, Major?" asked Jason.

"I got a three-day suspension," she answered, looking her order over, once again. "But wait a minute," she said, scrutinizing the order. "It doesn't say that I'm confined to quarters. Look, Jason - where it's supposed to be checked - it's not," she said, showing him the order.

"Looks like you got the Colonel on a technicality, Major," said Jason, looking on with her at the order.

"It would appear so," said Ryan, taking a look at the order. "But, Brianna - you know that this is just a clerical error. It's pretty much a given - that a suspension, for an officer, means confined to quarters."

"I don't care," said Brianna. "I'm coming with you. Let's go before the Colonel's secretary realizes her error."

"I've got the shuttle all ready and waiting for us," said Jason.

"I think - maybe - you should transfer me onto the shuttle, Jason," said Brianna.

* * *

On the shuttle ride to Tyre, Charlie thought, Julia's gonna be pissed that Major Thorr came with us.

# CHAPTER 9 - THE EARRING

The city of Daltoy, on the planet Tyre...

That evening, The Rockets arrived at the concert hall in two limos. Cassie and Brianna, Suzie and Ryan, and Vanita and Jason were in one limo. Charlie - and his "dates" for the evening - were in the other. They were quickly escorted, by security, through the crowd and into the backstage area. The Rockets did several interviews for local media and StarTeli and then headed to their dressing rooms.

Showtime...

Brianna, Jason, and Ryan were watching the concert from a side view in the backstage area, when Julia made a grand entrance accompanied by two pretty, young women and Rocko.

Julia turned to the two young women and said, "Excuse me for a moment." She walked over to where Brianna, Ryan, and Jason were standing. "Major Thorr, don't get too attached to her," Julia said, pointing out onto the stage at Cassie. "You'll never be able to hold onto her. You're too inadequate in every way," she said, with a smirk, and turned to walk away.

"Julia," said Brianna.

"Yes," she answered, turning around.

"If I'm inadequate, I wonder where that leaves you - considering the fact that Cassidy left your bed, and she can't stay out of mine," Brianna said with a smile.

Julia's smirk disappeared, as she took a step in Major Thorr's direction, with an angry look in he eyes - trying to think of a comeback line.

"Ladies," said Ryan, stepping in-between Brianna and Julia. "There's a concert going on."

"She'll be back!" Julia snapped at the Major. "You mark my word." Then she walked away to rejoin her dates, as Rocko escorted them to their seats.

After the concert, The Rockets signed autographs for fans with backstage passes, for about an hour. As they were about to leave the concert hall, to head for the Daltoy Royal Hotel, Suzie asked Julia for more Valium – discretely.

Cassie and Brianna, Suzie and Ryan, and Vanita and Jason retired to their three-bedroom suite, as soon as they arrived at the hotel. They ordered a light dinner, wine, and champagne from room service. After dinner, the couples lounged on sofas in the living area of the suite and visited. However, it wasn't long until Cassie and Brianna decided go to their room so they could be alone.

"Would you guys like another glass of champagne?" asked Suzie, as she got up from the sofa she was sharing with Ryan.

"I would," answered Vanita. "How 'bout you, Baby?" she said to Jason, who was sitting next to her on another sofa.

"Sure," answered Jason.

"I'll take one more, and then I think it's time to call it a night, Suzie," said Ryan.

"OK, Ryan," said Suzie. I really need a Valium right now, she thought, as she tried to gather all the empty glasses.

"Suzie, let me help you," said Vanita, as she got up, gathered hers and Jason's empty glasses, and followed Suzie to the bar area of the suite.

Suzie walked around a counter and into the bar area. She set hers and Ryan's empty glasses on the counter and grabbed a bottle of champagne from the chiller. About that time, there was a knock at the door.

"It's almost midnight. I wonder who that could be?" said Ryan.

"Me, too," said Vanita, as she set her champagne glasses on the counter of the bar.

I hope that's Julia. Please be Julia, thought Suzie. "I'll get it," she said, setting the bottle of champagne on the counter of the bar. I'm completely out of Valium, and she promised she'd get me some more.

"No. I'll get it," said Vanita, heading for the door. "You go ahead and pour us a night cap, while I get rid of whoever it is."

"I better go with you," said Jason, getting up from the sofa and accompanying Vanita to the door. "Let me get it," he said, taking his wife by the arm, stepping in front of her, and unlocking the door.

As the door came open, there stood Julia. "Hello, everyone," she said, as she barged right into their suite.

Shit, thought Vanita, surprised to see Julia. This can't be good.

"Hi Julia," said Suzie, as Ryan and Jason followed suit, exchanging polite greetings with the Czar.

"What's up, Julia?" asked Vanita.

"I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you on your performance tonight," Julia said, giving Vanita a big hug. "You were all just wonderful."

"Well, thanks, Julia," said Vanita. All Vanita and Jason could do was look at each other with a here comes trouble look on their faces as Julia headed for the bar area where Suzie was pouring champagne.

"Excellent performance," Julia said, as she walked around the counter of the bar, hugged Suzie, and slipped her the requested Valium - where no one else could see.

Suzie slipped the bag of pills into her jeans pocket and said, "Thanks, Julia. Would you like a glass of champagne?"

"Why, yes, I would. Thank you, Suzie," she answered, as Suzie grabbed a fresh glass, poured her some bubbly, and handed it to her.

I hope she doesn't stay long, thought Vanita, as Jason closed the door and they started back to the living area of the suite.

In the meantime, Cassie and Brianna were enjoying a soak in the hot tub in their private bathroom.

Out in the living area of the suite, the group and Julia were having a glass of champagne and making small talk about the concert.

"Suzie, where's Cassie?" asked Julia, as she finished her glass of champagne.

"She's gone to her room, Julia," answered Suzie.

"But the night is young. She should be up partying."

"It's been a long day, Julia," said Vanita. "We were about to go to bed, too."

"Which room is Cassie's?" Julia asked. "I just want to congratulate her on her performance, and I'll be on my way."

"Maybe you could congratulate her in the morning," Vanita suggested.

Julia looked around the suite. "That must be her room," she said, pointing to the only door of the three-bedroom suite that was closed. "Surely she's not asleep yet," said Julia. She got up from the sofa and walked towards the closed bedroom door.

"Julia, I don't think that's a good idea," said Vanita, jumping up from the sofa and getting in-between Julia and Cassie's bedroom. "I'll give Cassie your message in the morning," she said trying, unsuccessfully, to steer Julia out of their suite.

Cassie and Brianna were making out, as they soaked in the hot tub - their beautiful naked bodies pressed tightly next to one other.

"I'm really enjoying your suspension, Major," said Cassie, as she began kissing Brianna's neck. "I, hereby, appoint myself 'your love slave.'"

"I like the sound of that," responded Brianna.

"Matter of fact - when we get back to Star Base," Cassie said, "I think I'll make some changes to your suspension order."

"Oh, is that right?" said Brianna.

"Yeah. I think I'll confine you to the bedroom and have my way with you all hours of the day and night."

"I can't wait," said Brianna, as she gazed into Cassie's eyes - thinking how much she loved her.

Maybe this is finally the right time to tell Brianna that I love her, thought Cassie. About that time, the bathroom door flew open.

"Julia, no! You can't go in there," said Vanita, as Julia entered anyway.

"What the hell?" said Cassie, as she looked up and saw Julia.

"Well, hello Cassie," said Julia, staring at her beautiful naked body.

"You bitch! Get out!!!" screamed Brianna, pointing towards the door.

"Well, there's no need to be rude, Major Thorr," said Julia.

"Of all the unmitigated gall - I said get out!!!" yelled Brianna, glaring angrily at Julia.

"I just came to congratulate you on a brilliant performance, Cassie," said Julia, completely ignoring Major Thorr's demands for her to leave. "Cassie, I'm so proud of you. Come join me in my suite for a celebration. I've got a couple of new girls, I'd like you to meet," she said, smiling and making eyes at her. "They are so hot for you."

"That sounds like fun, Julia," said Cassie, smiling back at her. "You go ahead. I'll get dressed and be right there."

Brianna couldn't believe her ears, as she gave Cassie a cold stare, pulled away from her, and retreated to the other side of the hot tub.

"All right. I'll see you in a few minutes," said Julia, smiling smugly at Brianna, as she headed out.

"I am so sorry, you guys," said Vanita. "I didn't have a chance to warn you, before she just came right in here. Please, excuse me," she said - totally embarrassed, blushing and covering her eyes - trying not to look at their naked bodies. "I'll leave you two alone, now," said Vanita, heading out of the bathroom.

"Lock it, Vanita," said Cassie, referring to the bathroom door.

"Will do," said Vanita, as she locked the door and closed it behind her.

"What are you doing way over there?" Cassie said to Brianna. "Come here," she said moving towards her.

Brianna retreated from Cassie's advances – offended by the friendly exchange between her and Julia. "Don't you have a party to go to?"

"No," said Cassie, laughing. "I just told Julia what she wanted to here, to get rid of her. I could tell she was wasted."

"Wasted?"

"Yeah. She's drunk or on something."

"You mean she's on drugs?"

"Yeah. Don't get mad. What was I supposed to do? - let you get out of the tub, in your birthday suit, and kick her ass. Like you're not in enough trouble, as it is," said Cassie, wrapping her arms around Brianna and pulling her close.

"What would have happened if I hadn't been here?"

"I would've got rid of her - like I did, just now. Trust me."

"Why should I?"

"Because, I love you."

"Do you, really?"

"Yes."

"I love you, too."

When the group returned to Star Base, Brianna and Cassie enjoyed every minute of the Major's suspension - most of which was spent confined to the bedroom.

Two weeks later, a tabloid ad came out which read: "Ladies! Win a Night with Cassie Jones!" The ad went on to explain that there would be a raffle, and that the lucky winner could pick any hotel on Tyre, or Thorr, that they wanted to stay in. The raffle tickets cost one Lucre apiece and were sold, exclusively, at Bobu's bar.

That same morning, Cassie was to meet Charlie at Bobu's, at 11:00 a.m., to discuss changes to the song list for an upcoming concert. When she arrived, she joined Charlie at the bar and ordered a cup of coffee.

"Hey Charlie," said Cassie, taking a seat next to him at the bar.

Charlie looked up from the tabloid he was reading, while sipping a beer, and said, "Hey, Cassie."

Cassie pulled a list out of her jeans pocket. "Here's my suggestions for the new song list," she said, laying the list on the bar and taking a sip of her coffee.

Charlie set his beer and the tabloid on the bar. "Let's see what we got here," he said, picking up the song list. "I don't have a problem with these changes. We'll just need to run through these songs before we play them at a concert, to make sure we're all on the same page."

"That's a good idea," she said, continuing to sip her coffee. She picked up the tabloid that was sitting on the bar. "What the hell?!" Cassie said, as she started to read the ad about the raffle. "You son-of-a-bitch! I'm gonna kill you!" she yelled, slapping Charlie with the ad.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" said Charlie, cracking up laughing, as he yanked the ad out of her hand. "That ad is all you and Julia's doing. I had nothing to do with it."

"Yeah, I bet you didn't!"

"No - really!" he said, setting the tabloid back down on the bar. "You and Julia planned that scam out in bed one night. Don't you remember? The raffle money pays for our recordings. No out-of- pocket expenses for us. It's brilliant business... And as I recall, Julia even rigged it the first time - where those twins, with the great big tits, won. You've gotta remember that. You girls had a hell of a good time at the palace that night."

Oh, no! Now I remember, she thought. "Charlie, I can't go spend the night with some fan!"

"You don't have any choice. It's in our contract. And, hey - you really should've read that thing before you signed it."

"Well, no shit!" she said, looking at the ad, again, realizing that the drawing was just three days away. "Charlie, I can't do this. I'm living with Brianna, now."

"Well, I could've told you that moving in with the Ice Princess was a really bad idea – but you didn't ask me."

* * *

"Suzie, I need an extra suitcase," said Cassie, as she entered Ryan's quarters with tabloid ad in hand.

"OK. Give me a minute to get one out of my closet," said Suzie, as she went to retrieve it.

Cassie walked into the living room and stared out the window at the stars, contemplating the inevitable, as she waited for Suzie to return with the suitcase.

"Where are you and Brianna going?" Suzie asked, as she entered the living room carrying a suitcase.

"I'm moving out," said Cassie.

"You're what?! Cassie, no! What's wrong?"

"Haven't you seen this?" Cassie asked, handing her the ad.

"No." Suzie took the ad from Cassie, read it, and said, "Cassie, you can't do this!"

"I have no choice! It's in our contract."

"If you do, Brianna will throw you out! And I wouldn't blame her!"

"Well, thank you very much, Sis, for stating the obvious," said Cassie, picking up the suitcase. "That's why I'm moving out, to save her the trouble. I gotta go. Thanks for the suitcase."

* * *

Brianna came home, unexpectedly, to retrieve a report that she needed, and found Cassie in the bedroom packing a suitcase. "Cassidy, what are you doing?" she asked.

Cassie handed Brianna the tabloid ad and said, "Oh, I guess you haven't seen this."

"Yes. I've seen the ad about the raffle," said Brianna, setting the ad on her dresser. "So, where do you think you're going?"

"You made it clear, before I moved in here, that this was a commitment. The raffle is in our contract. I can't think of a way out of this... I made a big mistake, not reading the contract before I signed it," she answered, as she unloaded a handful of her clothes out of a drawer and into a suitcase. "I'll just leave, now, and save you the trouble of throwing me out."

"You're not going anywhere," said Brianna, as she unloaded a handful of Cassie's clothes out of the suitcase and back into the drawer. "I have my raffle ticket," she said, pulling a ticket out of a pocket of her uniform. "See," she said, showing it to Cassie and returning it to her pocket. "You just better hope I win," she said, smiling and winking at her. "Put the rest of your clothes back in the drawer. I'll see you later." Then Brianna kissed Cassie bye and went back to work.

I can't believe how well Brianna is taking this, thought Cassie. I've got to find a way out of this mess. Then she got an idea.

A few minutes later, Cassie entered Bobu's and took a seat at the bar. "Hey, Bobu," she said.

"Hey, Cassie," said Bobu, as he wiped down the bar with a towel. "What'll you have?"

"I'll have a glass of red wine," she answered.

"Here you go," he said, pouring her a glass and setting it on the bar.

"Thanks," Cassie said, taking a big sip of wine. "Bobu, I've got a proposition for you."

"I'm all ears," he said, smiling and making his furry ears wiggle.

"What will it cost me to buy up all the remaining raffle tickets?"

"Sorry. All the tickets are gone - all ten thousand of them."

Cassie got a panicked look on her face and asked, "What do you mean they're all gone? They can't be all gone!"

"Yeah. We're all sold out... And might I say," he said, grinning a seedy Roden grin and stroking his whiskers, "you must have some really hot stuff."

"But the tickets have only been on sale for a few hours. You can't be sold out already. Sell me all the tickets - I don't care what it costs."

"Sorry, we're sold out," he said, as he started hanging up clean wineglasses in the rack over the bar.

Cassie motioned for Bobu to lean in.

"What?" he asked, stopping his task for a moment - leaning over the bar.

"Let me put this another way," whispered Cassie. "I'll buy up all the raffle tickets that you've already sold."

"No can do," said Bobu, backing away. "And I must say, it pains me for you to insinuate that I would do something illegal."

"You son-of-a-bitch! Illegal should be your middle name!" Cassie said, raising her voice. She quickly regained her composure, not wanting to draw the attention of the other bar patrons. Then she said calmly, "Sell me all the raffle tickets. Just name your price."

"Absolutely not! I have scruples," said Bobu, as he walked away from her to take a drink order at the other end of the bar.

Cassie didn't know what she was going to do, now. The drawing for the raffle was in three days. Some lucky woman was going to spend Saturday night, at the hotel of her choice, with Cassie Jones.

Three days later, around 6:00 p.m., at Bobu's...

Cassie was sitting at the bar, waiting for the winner of the raffle to arrive. The drawing had been held that morning, so the winner could be notified – giving her some lead time to get there and claim her prize. The identity of the winner was to be a surprise.

About that time, a busty redhead walked into the bar. She was greeted by a thunderous cheer from the crowd. However, the woman walked right past Cassie and joined Charlie, and another woman, at a nearby table. She wasn't the winner.

Bobu tapped a wineglass, with a bottle opener, to get the attention of the crowd. "Ladies, gentlemen, and Rodens - can I have your attention, please? The next woman that walks through that door, will be the winner of the raffle."

The crowd was gathered so heavily in front of the entrance of Bobu's, Cassie couldn't see the door. Finally, a beautiful, young woman emerged from the crowd.

Wow!!! thought Cassie, as the beautiful, young woman headed her way, wearing a short skirt, three-inch heels, and a vest with no bra - showing lots of cleavage. I don't know how I'm going to resist this. The woman gave Cassie a 'come take what you want' look, as she approached her at the bar. Oh, thank God, Cassie thought. It's Brianna. Cassie was relieved - but at the same time, completely amazed by Brianna's incredible luck.

Brianna claimed her prize and headed for the landing bay. She had a shuttle waiting, that she would fly herself, to take them to the hotel of her choice on Thorr.

* * *

"Do they have a casino in the hotel we're staying at?" Cassie asked, as Brianna strapped her into the co-pilot seat of the shuttle.

"Yes," answered Brianna. "Why do you ask?"

"You're on a roll. I've never seen anyone beat the odds like this before. One ticket out of ten-thousand - and you won! I can't believe your good luck."

"You're the one that's going to get 'lucky' tonight - as you Earthlings say. Anyway, there was no luck to it."

"What?"

"I wasn't taking any chances," Brianna said, sitting down in the pilot's seat and strapping herself in. "I bought all ten-thousand tickets."

"You what?! You don't make that kind of Lucre on a pilot's salary. I promise - as soon as we get back to Star Base, I'll replace your Lucre."

"That won't be necessary," said Brianna, as she entered coordinates, set the flight plan in motion, and took off from Star Base. "There's something I haven't told you."

"What?"

"My name is not really Major Brianna Thorr."

"Then who are you?"

"I'm Princess Brianna of Thorr."

"You're a princess?"

"Yes."

"Then why do you work as a Major on Star Base?"

"I was born to fly - just like you were born to make music. Don't worry about the Lucre. Let's just have a good time, tonight."

"Now, wait just a minute, here. Why didn't you tell me you bought up all the raffle tickets - instead of letting me sweat it out all this time?"

"I was just having some fun with you. After all, you tease me constantly."

"Are you teasing me about being a princess?"

"No," answered Brianna, smiling at her.

"Yeah, right. Princess - my ass." She's really pulling my leg now.

"It's true. I'm Princess Brianna of Thorr."

Yeah, right. And I'm the Easter bunny."

"I don't understand - Easter bunny?"

"Don't change the subject. What I really wanna know is how'd you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Buy up all those raffle tickets! I tried to buy them all up, the morning they went on sale. But I was too late."

"Apparently, I was the only one who read your contract the day you signed it. At the time, I didn't care what you signed. Since then, I've thought long and hard about a way to break it. But I haven't come up with a way to do that, thus far. Anyway, I knew the raffle was coming up, and I assumed that Bobu would be selling the raffle tickets - and I was right about that. So, I bought all the tickets about a two weeks ago, and paid Bobu to keep quiet."

"You've known about this for two weeks!? Why didn't you tell me? You could've let me off the hook!"

"Well, I think you owe me an explanation of how you were going to handle this - if I had only bought one ticket \- and someone else had won the raffle."

"I had a plan."

Brianna immediately turned on the automatic pilot, turned her seat around towards Cassie, and gave her undivided attention. "This should be good," she said. "I can't wait to hear it."

"I had it all worked out with Bobu - that if you weren't the winner - one of his cousins was going to shoot me with a scrambler."

"No! You can't do that!" yelled Brianna, totally horrified by such an idea.

"Yeah, we could. He said it would be no problem to get a hold of one."

"I have no doubts that Bobu can obtain illegal weapons! That's not the point!"

"His cousin was just going to stun me. I was just going to act like I was hurt - really bad - until the winner went away."

"A scrambler is not a toy! One of those, in the hands of someone that's not properly trained - and they could've killed you!"

"Well, that's the only thing I could come up with."

"Promise me you won't ever pull a stunt like that."

"All right. All right. Don't get mad."

"I'm not angry. It's just that your lack of respect for weapons is frightening!" she said, staring out the cockpit window - shaking her head - not reassured.

"Hey! Come on - don't be mad at me. Everything turned out OK," said Cassie, reaching out and taking her by the hand.

"Yes. This time." Poor judgment kills more people than anything, she thought.

"Well, there something I haven't told you, too."

"What?"

"You really look hot tonight, Hon."

"Hon?"

"That's short for honey," she said, smiling at her.

"Oh." She is such a charmer. Why do I let her play me so easily? thought Brianna, as she smiled back at her. "So, what I'm wearing pleases you?"

"Yeah! But I'm not really dressed to go out anywhere," she said, referring to the jeans and sweater she was wearing.

"Don't worry about that. I packed a suitcase for us."

"Well, you're just full of surprises," she said, leaning over and kissing her.

That Saturday night, Cassie and Brianna stayed in a penthouse suite in Vernice, Thorr. They went out to an exclusive restaurant for dinner and dancing. Then they went back to their suite and made love and talked for most of the night.

The next morning, Cassie and Brianna boarded the shuttle to return to Star Base. Cassie was seated next to Brianna, in the cockpit, staring curiously at all lights and buttons on the control panel of the shuttle.

"So, what does this button do?" asked Cassie, pointing at it.

"No! Don't push any buttons," said Brianna.

"I won't. What is it?"

"That's a missile launcher," Brianna answered, as the shuttle took off.

"Wow! Wouldn't you like to drop one on those babies in Julia's back yard?"

"Yes, and no," laughed Brianna. "As much as that thought appeals to me, I don't want to start a war... I'm serious, Cassidy. If you sit up here with me, you can't push any buttons."

"How 'bout if I push your buttons?" said Cassie, reaching out and massaging Brianna's neck and running her fingers though her hair.

"That would be the exception."

"Do you have an automatic pilot on this thing?"

"Yes, I do. I'll turn it on, and you can push all of my buttons."

They had only been lying on the floor of the cockpit, making-out, for about a minute, when an alarm sounded.

"Get back in your seat! Hurry!" said Brianna, as she pushed Cassie off of her and into the co-pilot seat. She quickly strapped Cassie in and pulled a harness over her, so she couldn't move. Then she did the same for herself, released the automatic pilot, and took back control of the shuttle.

"This is cool! Are you gonna blow something up?" asked Cassie.

"No. Nothing that exciting - meteor shower. Hang on. This could get rough. Here it comes!" she said, as a meteor hit the shuttle hard.

Brianna flew the shuttle in-between meteors with the precision of a surgeon. Unfortunately for Cassie, she had to turn the shuttle on its side, and even upside down, as she maneuvered her way through the meteors - revolving continuously - right side up - sideways - upside down. "Hold on! I can't avoid them all," said Brianna, as the shuttle was jarred extremely hard, again.

"Fuuuck!" yelled Cassie, completely terrified. Cassie dug her nails into the arms of the co-pilot seat, as the shuttle continued to revolve right side up, sideways, and upside down. "Shiiit!" she screamed, starting to become nauseous.

Finally, the shuttle made it beyond the meteor shower and leveled out, allowing Brianna to turn the automatic pilot back on. "Are you all right?" she asked, as she unbuckled her seat belt, removed her harness, and got up to check on Cassie.

Cassie had motion sickness so bad all she could do was moan. So, Brianna went to the refrigerator and got a liquid for motion sickness, for Cassie, and fruit and water for herself.

"Here. Take this," said Brianna, as she returned. "Sip it slowly," she said, pouring the liquid down Cassie's throat.

Then Brianna sat down in the pilot's seat and started eating.

Cassie turned to Brianna and said, "How can you eat after that?"

"It's getting close to lunch time. Aren't you hungry?"

"No. I think I just need to lay down." Cassie was green; she was so sick.

"Well, I guess a 'roll in the hay' is out of the question," teased Brianna.

* * *

At the Wednesday happy hour gig at The Officer's Club, Vanita and Cassie couldn't help but notice that something was wrong with Suzie.

"Hey, Sis. You OK?" Cassie asked, as she and Suzie and Vanita waited backstage to go on.

Suzie just looked past Cassie, with a glazed look in her eyes, and said, "Yeah, I'm fine." The she excused herself to go to the bathroom, so she could take another Valium.

"Something just ain't quite right about that girl," Vanita said to Cassie, watching Suzie walk away.

"Yeah. I've been noticing something too. I was hoping it was just my imagination," Cassie said.

"She looks like she's running in slow motion. Could she be on something?"

"Squeaky clean, Suzie?" said Cassie, laughing and shaking her head. "Are you kidding me?"

"I hear you - but something's definitely wrong." Vanita leaned in and whispered to Cassie, "Maybe she's pregnant."

About that time, Charlie emerged from his dressing room and approached Vanita and Cassie. "What've you girls got your heads together about?" he asked.

"Nothing," said Cassie. "We're just waiting for Suzie to get out of the bathroom so we can go on."

"Oh, here she comes," said Vanita.

The group was about halfway through the second song of their opening set, when Suzie collapsed on stage. The Rockets, and the crowd at The Officer's Club, were stunned and concerned, as Ryan jumped up onto the stage, picked Suzie up, and carried her to the Star Base Infirmary.

Cassie, Brianna, Vanita, and Jason were standing in the hallway just outside the emergency room of the infirmary, when Ryan emerged with the results of Suzie's medical tests.

"The results of Suzie's blood work, indicates that she has a dependency on Valium," said Ryan.

"Suzie?!" said a shocked, Cassie. "Why would you give my sister Valium, Ryan?!"

"I didn't!"

"Well, where else would she get it?"

"I don't know!"

Cassie got in Ryan's face and said, "You live with her - and you're a doctor, for crying out loud! How could you not notice how strange she's been acting lately?!"

"Well, apparently, she did a better job of concealing the problem from me than she did from you. But you're right. I should have seen the signs."

"Cassidy! This isn't helping Suzie," said Brianna, taking Cassie by the hand and pulling her away from him. "Ryan," she said, turning to him. "Suzie has been distant ever since she got back from that concert - you know - the one with the gunman and counterfeit tickets..."

"That's it!" interrupted Vanita. "It was Julia. Don't you remember, Cassie? Julia gave Suzie a Valium that night at the palace - just to calm her down."

"Oh, yeah!" said Cassie.

"She must've given her a stash to take home with her, too."

"That would explain a lot," said Ryan, reflecting back on Suzie's behavior since the incident with the gunman.

"So, what happens now, Ryan?" asked Brianna.

"Suzie's going through withdrawals, right now," he answered. "I plan to keep her here for a couple of days - for detox. She won't be available for any concerts for two to three weeks. She'll have to do this on her own. You can all see her when she goes home."

"Ryan, I'm sorry about shooting my mouth off," said Cassie. "I'm just worried about Suzie."

"I understand," said Ryan. "I am too."

"Let us know if we can do anything," said Jason.

* * *

Finally, after suffering through withdrawals from her Valium addiction, Suzie was her old self, again. Brianna invited Suzie and Ryan and Vanita and Jason to join her and Cassie for dinner. After dinner, the group retired to Brianna's living room and visited over several bottles of wine. Ryan and Jason were sitting on the sofa, with Suzie and Vanita seated on the floor in front of them, respectively. Brianna was seated on the floor across from them, separated by a coffee table, leaning up against a chair \- with Cassie sitting on the floor next to her.

"You guys should have seen Vanita," said Cassie, entertaining everyone with a story about the group's stowaway from Earth. "She was about to jump out of the freighter and go after a carry-on bag full of her shoes that Charlie had thrown out," she said, cracking everyone up laughing - with the exception of Vanita.

"We could use Charlie, right now, to come over and throw out a couple more bags of shoes," said Jason.

Vanita turned around, looked her husband straight in the eyes, and said, "Jason! You better leave my shoes alone."

"Woman, I bet you've got a hundred pairs of shoes..."

"Oh - oh!" interrupted Suzie. "I've got one. I've got a great story!" she said, getting everyone's attention. "One time, we were all going to the beach. And Charlie was working the graveyard shift at NASA, so he was supposed to get off at six in the morning. Me and Cassie and Vanita got off work, at The Cave, at two. So Cassie and Vanita decided that we should go over to Vanita's and drink Margaritas, because Vanita still had to pack. We were gonna take a nap, while we waited for Charlie. Next thing you know - it's four in the morning. So, I laid down on the sofa and took a nap. But Cassie and Vanita decided they'd just stay up and keep drinking, because they were afraid if they took a nap - they might not be able to get back up. So by the time Charlie got there to pick us up, Cassie and Vanita were really drunk. And when we got to Galveston, that morning, all Vanita had packed in her suitcase was shoes."

Vanita just gave Cassie and Suzie a dirty look, as everyone laughed at Suzie's story. "You bitches shut up about my shoes, goddammit!" said Vanita.

"I had to make Suzie come with us to Star Base," said Cassie. "She got a real bad case of cold feet right before we took off."

"Cold feet?" Brianna asked Cassie, struggling to grasp the Earthling's slang expression. "I don't understand."

"She got a bad feeling - had a change of heart."

"Oh."

"Anyway, I had to drag Suzie away from the open door of the freighter. She was trying to jump out. She was so afraid that we were gonna get arrested and put in jail - that I finally told her that I'd just say I kidnapped her."

"Well, you guys were so stoned on pot - you didn't have enough sense to be afraid," said Suzie. "You all acted like it was no big deal. You would've thought we were just going to the mall, or something – not traveling to another universe."

"Your stowaway is an incredible story," said Ryan, laughing and shaking his head.

"Unbelievable," seconded, Jason.

Brianna got up, refilled the wineglasses, and returned to her place on the floor next to Cassie.

"Well, let me tell you something about Cassie," said Suzie. "Charlie's roommate was a drug dealer. So, Cassie was always high on something."

Cassie immediately shot Suzie a dirty look and shook her head no. "Hey, Suzie. Come on - don't bring that up," said Cassie, as she reached over and covered Brianna's ears with her hands.

"Tell me more, Suzie," said Brianna, removing Cassie's hands from her ears. "Cassidy doesn't tell me anything about her past."

Cassie was getting uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "Suzie, that's enough," said Cassie, not being able to cover Brianna's ears, due to her exceptional strength, as she held Cassie's hands.

"What's the matter, Cassie? You can dish it out but you can't take it?" laughed Vanita.

"Yeah, Cassie," continued Suzie. "The only reason Cassie's alive, today, is because she's afraid of needles. Several of her friends died from heroin overdoses."

"Ryan, can't you do anything about your drunk wife?" pleaded Cassie.

"Suzie, maybe you should slow down on the wine," said Ryan.

"I'm OK. Anyway, Cassie was a real heartbreaker, on Earth," said Suzie.

"Did you leave all your old girlfriends behind?" Brianna asked Cassie.

"No," said Suzie, not giving Cassie a chance to answer. "She left all her old boyfriends behind - that is, except for Charlie. She brought him with her. Cassie has a short attention span when it comes to relationships."

"Suzie, that's enough!" said Cassie.

"More wine, Suzie?" asked Brianna, wanting to hear more.

"Sure," answered Suzie, holding out her empty glass.

"Brianna, no! She's had enough to drink. Don't give her any more," said Cassie, as Brianna let go of Cassie's hands and refilled Suzie's glass, anyway.

Suzie took a big sip of wine and said, "Julia was Cassie's first girlfriend. Cassie thought she was the one when they first met."

Fuck! I can't believe she's telling Brianna all this shit! thought Cassie.

"The one?" asked Brianna, not understanding the expression.

"The one she would marry. Then Cassie just broke up with her. Cassie's been with you, now, about as long as she was with her, Brianna."

"Knock it off, Suzie!" yelled Cassie, becoming flustered. "I mean it!"

About that time, Suzie started to slur, badly. "Well, are you gonna ask Brianna to marry you, or not, Cassie?"

Cassie was stunned and didn't know what to say. "I don't know. It's none of your business!" she yelled at Suzie. "Maybe I'm waiting for her to ask me," said Cassie, not wanting Brianna to feel pressured into marriage.

"Suzie, it's time for us to go home," said Ryan, as he gathered his drunk wife from the floor and headed for the door. "Thank you, Brianna, for a nice evening," he said, as they exited.

"We've got to get going, too," said Vanita, as she and Jason stood up to leave. "Thanks for dinner, Brianna. We'll see you two tomorrow."

"Thanks, Brianna. Good-night, Cassie," said Jason, as he and Vanita headed out.

* * *

Brianna reported for duty the next morning at 8:00. About 9:00 a.m., the door sensor of the Major's quarters announced a visitor.

Oh, what now? thought Cassie, as she crawled out of bed and went to the door dressed in a nightshirt. When Cassie opened the door, she was surprised to see her sister standing there. "Hey, Sis. Thanks a lot for last night," Cassie said, sarcastically, as Suzie entered. "Shouldn't you be home sleeping it off? - like I was trying to do."

"Cassie, I am so sorry about last night. Please don't hate me," said Suzie, looking extremely distraught.

"I don't hate you. Hey, don't worry about it. It's not like I never got drunk and made an ass of myself, before. See ya, later. I'm going back to bed," she said, taking Suzie by the arm - trying to escort her back out into the hallway.

"Cassie, no," said Suzie, refusing to leave. "I mean - I'm sorry about asking you - if you were gonna ask Brianna to marry you."

"I couldn't believe you did that. I was about ready to strangle you last night – for that, and all the other shit you told Brianna. The last thing I wanna do is run her off – especially, with a premature marriage proposal. I thought I'd just wait until she brought the subject up and let her ask me. You do know she's divorced?"

"Yes. But you don't understand, Cassie. Ryan explained things to me. He's Thorrian - like Brianna. She can't ask you to marry her, because she's a princess. She has to be asked to get married."

"She's really a princess?"

"Yes."

"I thought she was kidding about that."

"No. It's true. Ryan noticed that she was really hurt, when you said you didn't know if you were gonna ask her to marry you. And she took what you said like the relationship had gone as far as it was going."

"No wonder she was about as affectionate as a rock last night. She said she was tired, so I left her alone."

"Cassie. Ryan said - after last night, she probably thinks all you want is sex - and that's the only reason you told her you loved her. He said she'd probably break up with you today, if she hadn't already last night.

"What?! She's gonna break up with me?"

"This is humiliating to her."

"Well, thanks a lot, Suzie! I knew to look out for Julia and Charlie. They'd do anything to break us up. But you're my sister - and Brianna's best friend. I didn't know I had to look out for you, too!"

"I'm so sorry, Cassie... But I have an idea."

"I should be afraid to ask," said Cassie, grimacing and shaking her head. "But at this point, I don't have anything to lose - but the love of my life!" she yelled, totally pissed off at Suzie. "So go ahead! What's your idea?"

"You've got to ask Brianna to marry you, today - if you really love her."

"I love her so much, I can't see straight. But how the hell was I supposed to know she couldn't ask me to get married?"

"You should've talked to her, Cassie."

"I do. I tell her I love her and how pretty she is all the time."

"I'm sure she loves that. But that's not really communicating with her. You never tell her anything about yourself or your past. She's trying as hard as she can just to understand you - with all your slang, teasing, and profanity."

"Well, I would think that talking about my past would run off Jesus! I was kinda hoping she'd stick around!"

"We've got to take a shuttle to Tyre and get her an engagement earring. You've got to propose to her, today, or you're gonna lose her."

"Don't you mean an engagement ring?"

"No. Thorrian women receive a single diamond stud earring for their engagement. You do know that her ears are pierced and that she has an extra hole in her left earlobe?"

"I didn't notice."

"Get dressed. Let's go."

* * *

Major Thorr was supposedly teaching a class on fighter pilot strategy to the cadets. But instead of presenting the lesson she had prepared, she just gave them some busy work and sat at her desk pondering the inevitable. I've been made of fool of, she thought. Cassidy doesn't really love me. She just said she did, because she wanted sex. And the sex was so good, and she loved her so much, it was going to be the hardest thing she had ever done to break up with her. But it had to be done.

* * *

On the shuttle ride home, Cassie and Suzie admired the diamond stud earring all the way back to Star Base. Cassie was planning to take Brianna to The Officer's Club for dinner and then to the observation deck to propose. Cassie was going to ask Brianna out, as soon as she got home.

When Cassie arrived at the Major's quarters, Brianna was already there. She was cold and distant, towards Cassie, as she stood in her living room drinking a glass of red wine and looking out her observation window at the stars.

"Brianna, I'd like to take you out to The Officer's Club for dinner, tonight," said Cassie, as she entered Brianna's living room.

"I'm not hungry," said Brianna.

"Would you join me for a drink?"

"I have a drink."

Brianna took a sip of wine, set the glass on the coffee table, and continued gazing at the stars. Just make a clean break, she thought. Just tell her it's over - and please move out, immediately.

This is not going well, Cassie thought. What if she says 'no' because of everything Suzie told her? What am I going to do then? But, I've got to give it a shot. So -OK - just out with it! "Brianna, I love you. I want you to be my wife."

Brianna couldn't believe her ears, as she turned around and looked at Cassie. "What did you say?" She was stunned, beyond words, as she noticed the diamond stud earring that Cassie held in her hand.

"I said - I love you. Will you marry me?" If she says no, I'm gonna jump out an airlock, Cassie thought.

Brianna ran to Cassie and threw her arms around her, knocking her off balance and onto the sofa. Then she gave her a big kiss.

"Is that a yes?" Cassie asked, as they lay on the sofa in each others' arms.

"Yes!" she answered, kissing her again. "Yes."

"Then this would be yours," Cassie said, handing her the diamond stud earring.

"It's beautiful. I love it," said Brianna, taking the earring from Cassie and admiring it. "Would you put this on me?" she asked, handing it back to her.

"Sure," said Cassie, as they sat up on the sofa.

Cassie took the diamond stud from Brianna and inserted it into the extra hole in her left earlobe. Then they sealed their engagement with a kiss.

Brianna knew that Ryan must have told Suzie, and then Suzie told Cassie, about Thorrian customs. But that didn't matter. The only thing that mattered to Brianna was that Cassie did propose to her. Cassie offered to take Brianna out to The Officer's Club, or any place on Tyre or Thorr, to celebrate. But she surprised Cassie by wanting to go to Bobu's, instead. Brianna wanted the news to get to Julia, as soon as possible, that Cassie would soon be the Major's wife.

# CHAPTER 10 – GELDORF

That evening at Bobu's, Suzie and Ryan, and Vanita and Jason, joined Brianna and Cassie for an engagement celebration. Just as Brianna expected, Bobu immediately contacted Charlie, who in turn told Julia about the engagement. It only took a little over an hour for tabloid reporters to descend on Bobu's. After a brief interview and photo session, Brianna and Cassie excused themselves, so they could go home and have a private celebration.

* * *

Julia was pacing the floor, in the living room of her private suite, drinking a Scotch. She was livid upon hearing the news of Cassie's engagement to Major Thorr. "I appreciate you bringing me this news in person, Charlie," said Julia.

"No problem, Julia," he said, as he poured himself a Scotch.

"Charlie, there is no way in hell I'm going to allow Major Thorr to brainwash Cassie into marrying her! I thought Cassie would have that boring, monogamous major out of her system, by now - as long as she's been living with her."

"I hear you, Julia," said Charlie, taking a sip of his Scotch and shaking his head.

"I have an important meeting, first thing in the morning. As soon as it's over, I'm going to Star Base to have a serious talk with Cassie. Somebody's got to talk some sense into her. I just can't believe she would settle for Major Thorr."

* * *

The next morning in the Major's bed...

Brianna and Cassie began to stir as the alarm clock sounded.

"Good morning," Brianna said to her fiancée, as she turned off the alarm.

"Good morning," said Cassie.

"It's 0-700. I guess I better get up. It's time for my workout."

"I've got a better idea. How 'bout I give you a workout," Cassie said, rolling Brianna over on her back, climbing on top of her, and initiating foreplay...

Brianna said, lying in Cassie's arms about a half an hour later. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," said Cassie.

"We need to set a date for the wedding."

"Whenever you want is fine with me."

"I want to make you my wife as soon as possible."

"Me too, Hon. That magic love potion I've been slipping in your coffee could wear off at any time. I don't wanna give you a chance to change your mind."

"Stop teasing me," said Brianna, laughing. "There's no way I'm changing my mind. What does your concert schedule look like for the near future?"

"I'll have to check my new itinerary. The tour starts back up soon. A lot of dates have been added to make up for concerts we missed - you know, while Suzie was recovering from her little Valium trip. I think we get a two-week break next month. If you want a honeymoon, we should wait 'til then."

"I want a honeymoon, but I don't want to wait until next month to marry you."

"Sounds like you want your cake and eat it, too."

"Your Earthling expression sort of makes sense, in this case."

"We could elope this weekend and go on the honeymoon next month."

"I don't understand - elope?"

"It means to run off and get married - just the two of us. We wouldn't tell anybody."

"That sounds very romantic, but I can't do that. I have to be married in a royal ceremony, on Thorr, for it to be legal."

"Because you're a princess?"

"Yes."

"Well, it looks like we're getting married next month."

Star Base, around 8:00 a.m., just outside of Bobu's...

Charlie had arrived from Tyre for an early morning meeting at Bobu's. He and Bobu wanted to be sure that no one else would be in the bar, when they exchanged winnings from bets placed on American football. Charlie had finally figured out the time warp, regarding the final scores of the football reruns. He and Bobu were making Lucre – big time - with that scam.

At the same time, two men pushing a big, four-wheeled cart, posing as delivery people, followed Charlie into the bar. The two men pulled scramblers on Charlie and Bobu and took them into Bobu's office.

Around 8:30 a.m., in the Major's quarters...

"Cassidy?" said Brianna, as she stood in her bedroom, dressed in full uniform, ready to report for duty.

"Yeah, Hon," Cassie called out from the bathroom, where she was putting the finishing touches on her makeup.

"What are you doing today?"

"I'm meeting Charlie at Bobu's this morning, around eleven, for a meeting about the concert tour," said Cassie, as she entered the bedroom dressed in a designer bra and panties. Then she put on a pair of black jeans and boots and a red, silk blouse. "I'll get my new itinerary this morning."

"Good. We can look it over and set a wedding date."

About that time, the communicator interrupted.

"This is Major Thorr," Brianna said, engaging the communicator.

"I need to speak to Cassie," said a voice they both recognized as Bobu's.

Glancing at a blank communicator screen, Brianna said, "That's odd. There's no visual. In that case, I won't bother to turn the visual on from our side either."

"Well, who wants to see Bobu this early in the morning anyway?" Cassie whispered in Brianna's ear and then kissed her on the cheek.

"I see your point," Brianna said, as she wrapped her arms around Cassie's waist, pulled her close, and began kissing her neck.

"What do you want, Bobu?" said Cassie. "We're busy."

"I need to speak to you about the equipment," he answered.

"Oooh, that tickles," Cassie said with a shiver, pulling her head back, as Brianna began kissing one of Cassie's ears. "What about the equipment?" she said to Bobu.

"The equipment was delivered here for your gig tonight, Cassie."

"Don't tell me - tell Charlie" said Cassie, as the kissing between her and Brianna became more intense.

"The equipment needs to be set up."

Cassie said, as she and Brianna briefly came up for air in-between kisses, "Bobu, you know damn good and well I don't set up equipment. Are you drinking up all the profits down there - this early in the morning, or what?" she joked.

The man that held a scrambler to Bobu's head was not amused. He whispered to Bobu that he better convince Ms. Jones to come down there, or he and Charlie would be taken for a ride in space and wouldn't return.

"Charlie's not back from Tyre, yet. And I think one of your guitars is missing," Bobu said, grasping for something to say that would lure Cassie down there.

"What?!" Cassie yelled at Bobu, as the kissing between her and Brianna came to an abrupt halt. "I brought two guitars, with me, from Earth. They, both, better be there!"

"I'm sorry, Cassie," said Bobu. "I have a new cleaning crew. If you would just come down here and check it out... I don't want to call security, or involve you, Major, if I'm wrong."

"I'll be right there," said Cassie, as she ended the communication.

"Do you want me to go with you?" Brianna asked.

"No. I have to meet Charlie there in a little while, anyway."

"I could send Ortiz."

"No. Don't do that. It would look like I was accusing someone of stealing, before I even go down there and check it out. I'll call Ortiz if something's missing. If everything's OK, I'll just visit with Bebo 'til Charlie gets there."

"All right. I'll see you later," said Brianna, running her hands down the front of Cassie's blouse - getting a good feel of her tits and then kissing her bye.

"Brianna - no fair - feeling me up like that and then leaving."

"I'm sorry. I almost forgot. I have an officer's meeting at 0-900. I really have to go. I promise I'll make it up to you later. Meet me for lunch, around noon, in the cafeteria. Bring your new itinerary, so we can set a wedding date."

"Or... How about meeting back here for lunch, instead?"

That sounds even better," said Brianna, kissing her once more, and leaving to attend her meeting.

* * *

As Major Thorr entered the Star Base Control Center, she noticed Jason, Ryan, and the Colonel, standing over by the conference room entrance talking to an attractive young woman that she didn't recognize.

"I heard about your engagement, Major. Congratulations," said Ensign Mark Scott, as the Major approached the control console. "Steve and I are so happy for you."

"Thank you, Mark," she said, with a big smile.

"There's already an article about the engagement in this morning's tabloid. The Colonel didn't seem too happy about it, though. He was mumbling something under his breath about the Czar and the treaty."

"Thanks for the heads up, Mark," she said, as she proceeded in the direction of the conference room.

"Major Thorr, I'd like you to meet the newest member of our crew. This is Lieutenant Mia Stone," he said, motioning towards the young woman. "She just took a lateral move, over here, from Star Command."

"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant," said the Major.

"Thanks, Major," said the Lieutenant. "I can't help but notice your engagement earring. How nice."

"Thank you."

"There's an article about your engagement is in this morning's tabloid," said Ryan.

"Front page," added Jason.

"I heard," the Major responded.

"I haven't seen the tabloid - I just got here a few minutes ago. So, who's the lucky girl?" asked Lieutenant Stone.

"The lucky girl? That would be me. I'm marrying Cassidy Jones," the Major answered.

"Really? The Cassie Jones - of The Rockets - Cassie Jones?" asked the Lieutenant, as her eyes lit up and her mouth dropped open.

"Yes. That's the one."

"Oh, I just love her... I mean - I just love their recordings," said the Lieutenant, trying to curb her enthusiasm. "I think she's just wonderful."

"I think so, too," said the Major.

"Since you have pull - think I could get an autograph?"

"That could be easily arranged. I'll introduce you to her."

"Sounds like fun. I can't wait."

"All right, then," said the Colonel, taking control of the conversation, not wanting to hear any more about tabloids or the Major's engagement. He was truly concerned about the effect the Major's marriage would have on the treaty between the Republic and Tyre. "It's time for our meeting. Everyone to the Conference Room," ordered Colonel Smith, leading the way, as the officers followed.

* * *

About that time, Cassie had arrived at Bobu's. She didn't see Bobu, anywhere, so she began taking an inventory of the equipment that was spread out on the stage. Then, one of the men posing as a delivery person, snuck up behind her. "Here we go," he said, grabbing her and putting a chloroformed cloth over her face - knocking her out.

A few minutes later, out in space, aboard Geldorf's mercenary warship...

"So this is the rock star, Cassie Jones," Geldorf said to his assistant, Jon, and two of his male crewmen.

"Yes, that's Cassie Jones - in the flesh," answered Jon, as they stood over Cassie's unconscious body, as she lay on the floor of the control center.

Geldorf was a frail man, not much bigger than Cassie. His dark, receding hairline was slicked back. He was wearing a pink satin bathrobe, with a matching feather boa, pink house shoes, and fishnet hose. "That's a nice red, silk blouse she's wearing. I bet it will fit me. I want it. Take it off of her," he ordered. "Carefully! Don't wrinkle it!" he said, as the two crewmen started to remove Cassie's blouse.

"Here, let me help you," Jon said to the crewmen, as they held Cassie up in a sitting position, and he carefully unbuttoned her blouse and removed it.

"Oooh, my!" squealed Geldorf, playfully biting his right palm. "Is that what I think it is? Is that a Thorrian designer bra?"

"Yes, Boss. I believe it is," answered Jon.

"Oooh - that bra is to die for!" said Geldorf, elated at his find. "I want it too. Take it off of her."

Jon removed Cassie's bra and handed both items of clothing to Geldorf.

Geldorf took a wooded hanger from a nearby clothing rack and said, "This is just wonderful!" He carefully placed the silk blouse on the hanger, draped the bra over it, and placed the hanger on the clothing rack. "Well, nobody wants to look at that," he said, as they stood over Cassie, staring down at her bare breasts. "Let me see," he said, rummaging through the clothing rack and pulling an old, long-sleeved, white shirt from it. "Here. Put this on her." he said, handing the white shirt to one of his crewmen.

* * *

About an hour later, back at the Control Center, the officer's meeting was breaking up. About that time an alarm sounded, signaling the approach of an enemy warship. Major Thorr couldn't believer her eyes. It was Geldorf.

"Major Thorr, would you like to take care of this situation?" asked Colonel Smith.

"It would be my pleasure, Sir," she answered. My engagement and ridding the universe of that monster - it doesn't get any better than this, she thought. "Battle stations!" she ordered, as everyone took their places on the Control Center.

"Major. He's attempting to contact us on visual," said Ensign Scott.

"Unbelievable - that he would have the nerve to come this close to Star Base. By all means, Ensign Scott, put him through," said Major Thorr. "Captain. Get a laser lock, set to destroy, and wait for my command."

"Aye, Major," said Jason, as he set the laser coordinates and waited for her command.

The visual of Geldorf appeared on the communicator screen. "Major Thorr! Girl, how the hell have you been?" he asked, with a smug grin on his face.

"Prepare to fire, Captain," ordered Major Thorr. "You've got thirty seconds to live, Geldorf. Do you have any final words?"

"Girl, I just have one question for you. It's 10:00 a.m. - do you know where your rock star is?" he answered, as he and his men laughed hysterically.

"If you have a point, you better make it quick," said the Major, not amused, at all, by Geldorf's reference to her fiancée.

"Your lover, Cassie Jones... Well, I guess I should say fiancée," Geldorf said, noticing her diamond stud engagement earring. "Very nice stone. Anyway, she's here with me."

"That's impossible. She's here on Star Base."

"Wanna bet? When's the last time you saw her?"

"Your thirty seconds are up. I don't have time for this."

"Was she wearing black jeans and boots and a red silk blouse?" he taunted, arrogantly.

Major Thorr's mouth dropped open, as her heart lodged in her throat. How could he possibly know what Cassidy was wearing this morning? she thought. The Major immediately switched the vocal communication to Star Base Security. "Sergeant Ortiz," she said, in a panic. "This is an emergency. It's extremely important that I speak with Cassidy Jones, at once! I think she's at Bobu's. Transfer yourself over there and get back to me ASAP!"

"Aye, Major," answered Security Officer Ortiz. "I'll have an APB put out on her, too."

"Who is Geldorf?" Lieutenant Stone asked Ensign Scott, who was seated next to her at the controls.

"He's a masochistic drag queen," answered the Ensign. "He and his crew are mercenaries in this section of the universe. He's managed to evade us for years. His specialty is robbing and plundering defenseless, or more primitive, planets. He gets his kicks by torturing his victims. I feel so sorry for the Major. It's unlikely we'll be able to get Cassie back, alive, if he really has her. I hope he's bluffing."

"Major," said Ortiz, over the communicator.

"Ortiz, did you find her?" asked a frantic Major Thorr.

"No, ma'am," answered Ortiz. "I'm at Bobu's. I found him and Charlie tied up in Bobu's office. Bobu says he was forced, with a scrambler to his head, to call Cassie this morning and lure her down here. I'm sorry, Major. It appears that Cassie's been abducted from Star Base."

The Major closed her eyes and sighed. She was devastated and scared to death that she might never see her fiancée again. When she finally looked back up at the visual, a gloating Geldorf was smiling back at her.

"Girl, I suggest you take that laser lock off. Now! Unless you want to kill your fiancée, just like you killed my lover. You bitch!" Geldorf yelled.

"Major Thorr didn't kill your lover," said Colonel Smith. "He was a war criminal killed in the heat of battle."

"Remove the laser lock, Captain," ordered the Major, as Jason followed her order.

"There - that's better," said Geldorf, as the laser lock was lifted. "Major, when we get through with your fiancée - would you like her shipped back to you in an urn, a coffin, or a body bag?" taunted Geldorf, as he sat down in his Captain's chair and began filing his nails.

"If you hurt her, I'll hunt you down - even if it takes the rest of my life!" yelled Major Thorr.

"How does it feel, Major?!" yelled Geldorf. "Just wait till you wake up one morning, about a year from now, and she's still gone. And it still hurts just as bad as the day you lost her. That's how I feel. You murderer!"

"You bastard! I'm going to kill you!" screamed the Major, completely losing control.

"You're relieved of duty, Major. That's an order. I'll take over here. This is too personal," said Colonel Smith. Turning to Geldorf the Colonel said, "Your prisoner is a United States citizen. I demand that you release her, at once."

"OK, girl, if you insist," Geldorf said to Colonel Smith. "Take the United States citizen out to the landing bay and toss her out an air-lock. You heard the Colonel," he said, as he and his crew laughed - knowing that they had the upper hand.

"No!" yelled Major Thorr.

"He's been known to do that to his victims," whispered Ensign Scott to the Lieutenant.

"Let me take her place," pleaded Major Thorr. "You don't really want her. You want me," she said, ignoring the Colonel's order relieving her of duty.

"That's an interesting proposition, Major. I'll think about it," said Geldorf, as he grabbed a blond wig, which was sitting atop a Styrofoam head, from a nearby table. Then he began working on the wig with a rat-tailed comb and a can of hairspray.

"No! No trading places!" yelled Cassie, as she jumped into the picture. "It's a trap, Brianna. They'll kill you. Blow this garbage scow to pieces!"

Oh, thank God. She's still alive, thought the Major.

Cassie had come to several minutes earlier. She had been lying on the floor behind Geldorf, listening to the conversation, pretending to still be unconscious. She was immediately restrained by Geldorf's crewmen, who placed her wrists in shackles that hung from the ceiling, directly behind Geldorf.

"I'm going after her," said the Major.

The Colonel switched off the vocal communication from their side. "You're not going anywhere, Major."

"Major, I'm willing to make a trade," said Geldorf.

The Major switched the communicator back on. "Name it," she said.

"I heard a rumor that the Republic has a time machine. I'll trade you - your fiancée for the time machine. That way, I get to be with my lover - via the time machine - and you get your fiancée back."

"It's a deal."

The Colonel switched off their side of vocal communication again. "No deal," he said to the Major. "We don't make deals with war criminals. What do you think you're doing, Major? We don't have a time machine to trade. Geldorf is obviously insane. He can't get away from us. We'll just stall until he gives in and releases her."

"Girls. Listed up. Here's the deal," said Geldorf. "Major Thorr will come, alone, on an unarmed freighter with the time machine. She'll transfer the time machine to me. Then I'll transfer the rock star to her."

Major Thorr switched the vocal communicator back on. "Agreed," she answered, as she stared at Cassie, who was standing shackled in the background.

The Colonel switched off the communication. "Major, that's suicide. I won't allow it."

"Colonel, I think all we need is a diversion," suggested Lieutenant Stone. "Then Major Thorr could transfer onto Geldorf's ship – and then transfer herself and Cassie, off."

"Oh, you think so, Lieutenant?" asked a skeptical Colonel Smith. "And what would this diversion be?"

"A big empty box would be transferred onto Geldorf's ship, first. Geldorf would think it was the time machine. The box could be rigged with mild explosives - just enough to cause it to smoke, as they break it open. That would distract Geldorf and his crew, so the Major could transfer on. Then the Major could transfer herself and Cassie off."

"That could work," said the Major.

"But if Geldorf figures out there's no time machine before the Major and Ms. Jones transfer off, then he kills both women. That's too risky, Lieutenant," said the Colonel.

"But, Sir, it's worth a try," the Major said to the Colonel, in pure desperation.

"But how would you defend yourself on an unarmed freighter – even if that did work, Major?" asked the Colonel.

"I could go with her - and rig weapons on the freighter, so we could defend ourselves," said the Captain. "We could create just enough firepower to make a getaway. Then a fighter squadron could move in and take Geldorf out."

"Geldorf isn't the brightest star in the universe. This could work," pleaded Major Thorr.

"Girls, don't keep me waiting," said Geldorf, who could see the officers, on visual, but couldn't hear their conversation. "If you think you can just stall for time, you're dead wrong. See this?" he said, holding up a needle and syringe. "This is a deadly virus. The rock star will be injected with the virus very soon. After that, you'll have about forty-five minutes to give her the antidote, or she will die. This conversation is starting to bore me. We'll be leaving your airspace now. You've got less than an hour to bring me the time machine." Geldorf disappeared from the visual, as his warship started to pull away from Star Base.

"He's getting away!" yelled the Major. "I'm not about to let him take Cassidy! I'm going after her."

"You're not going anywhere, Major. And that's an order," said Colonel Smith.

"Then consider this my resignation," the Major said, as she headed for the exit of the Control Center. I'll get a freighter from the Czar of Thorr, if I have to.

"With all due respect, Sir, a United States citizen has been taken from Star Base - right out from under our noses. We can't just do nothing," said Captain Thibodeaux.

He's got a point. Doing nothing would make us look weak, the Colonel thought. "Major, wait!" said the Colonel, as she reached the exit of the Control Center. "It's against my better judgment... But take the Captain with you - and Dr. Gerard, too. You'll need medical assistance. Good luck."

"Thank you, Sir. Let's go!" the Major said to Captain Thibodeaux and Dr. Gerard, as they ran for the exit of the Control Center.

The news of Cassie's abduction, from Star Base, had spread like wildfire. As Brianna, Jason, and Ryan entered the landing bay, Suzie and Vanita went running after them.

"Brianna, please bring my sister back," said Suzie, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I won't be back without her," said Brianna, hurriedly moving towards the freighter, focused on the mission at hand.

"Ryan, I can't lose my sister!" Suzie cried, hysterically, as she reached out to him.

"We'll do everything possible, Suzie," said Ryan, holding his wife - trying to calm her down. "Keep the faith. I've got to go," he said, kissing her bye and hurrying towards the freighter – pushing a cart of medical supplies and equipment.

"Baby, you kick that punk's ass," Vanita said to Jason, holding back her tears - trying to put up a brave front.

"I plan to," said Jason, giving her a hug and kiss. Then he hurriedly proceeded to the freighter. "This way," he said to a soldier, who was driving a power mover loaded with explosives, munitions equipment, and a large box.

* * *

"It's time for her shot," Geldorf said to Jon and his crewmen, as they approached Cassie, where she stood shackled in chains - her arms raised in the air. "Push her sleeve down," he said, motioning with the syringe, to one of his men.

"No! I've got a thing about needles. Please, don't give me a shot!" begged a terrified Cassie, jerking and pulling on the shackles - trying to break free.

"Shut the fuck up! You're starting to get on my nerves!" yelled Geldorf, coming at her with the syringe. "Get control of her. Hold her arm still!" he yelled at the crewmen.

"Nooo!!!" screamed Cassie, continuing to jerk and pull on the shackles - trying, in vain, to pull herself free.

"I said get control of her!" ordered Geldorf. He tapped the syringe and waived it in Cassie's face - taunting her, with an evil smirk on his face.

"Please don't give me a shot," begged Cassie, as Geldorf started to remove the plastic cap from the needle. In desperation, Cassie kicked Geldorf as hard as she could - in the crotch.

"Oooh! You fucking bitch!" screamed Geldorf, as he dropped to his knees in agony, grabbing his balls. "I told you assholes to get control of her! Ooooh!"

One of the crewmen punched Cassie in the stomach, taking the fight out of her.

"You'll pay for that," said Geldorf, his face racked with pain and rage. "You were just going to get a shot. Now, you're really going to get it! Get the elecro-shocker and hook it up to her nipples," he said, turning to his crewmen, as he capped the syringe and put it back in his pocket. "Let's see how many volts she can take."

"OK, Boss," said one of the crewmen, as he retrieved the electronic device.

"No! Please, no!" pleaded Cassie. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. It's just - needles really freak me out. I am so sorry."

"Not half as sorry as you're gonna be," said Geldorf, finally able to get up from the floor.

"No! Please, no!" begged Cassie, as one of the crewmen unbuttoned her shirt and the other gagged her and put metal clamps on her nipples.

Geldorf and his men stepped away from Cassie, as he pushed a button on a hand-held remote. "Take that," he said, sending a jolt into Cassie's body through the metal clamps attached to her nipples, as she screamed a muffled scream - her body jerking, rattling her shackles. "Now you know how my balls feel. You fucking bitch!... What the hell's wrong with this battery? She only got a little jolt. That won't do. Get me a fresh battery!" he yelled at one of his crewmen. "Then, we'll turn up the voltage and go again." Geldorf walked, gingerly, over to Cassie's limp body and gave her the shot.

"Boss," said Jon. "Maybe we should wait until we get the time machine, before we give her any more jolts. This could kill her. What if the Major demands to see her or talk to her, before she makes the trade."

"You're probably right. I didn't think of that. The Major will surely insist on seeing her, or speaking to her, before she transfers the time machine to us. But of course, I have no intention of giving the rock star back to her. We'll need her as a hostage, so we can make our getaway," said Geldorf, grimacing and rubbing his sore balls. "We can have more fun with the electro-shocker, later. After all, getting the time machine, and reuniting with Zeke, is the most important thing," he said, referring to his dead lover.

"For now, why don't you just have the girls take her out to the landing bay and work her over?"

"Good idea," said Geldorf, engaging the intercom button. "Girls. Get in here!"

A few minutes later, three very masculine, muscle-bound women entered Geldorf's control center. All three women were about six feet tall and weighed about two hundred pounds each. The women were dressed in leather and were decorated with tattoos and every conceivable body piercing.

"Take this bitch out to the landing bay and teach her some manners," ordered Geldorf.

* * *

Brianna piloted the freighter, while Jason installed weapons and rigged the visual communicator so that he and Ryan wouldn't be seen - making it appear that the Major was alone. In the meantime, Dr. Gerard set up a portable examining table, computer, and medical supplies. They were on a race against time to rescue Cassie, before she died from the deadly virus she had been injected with.

Back on Geldorf's warship, the three women had reached the landing bay with Cassie. The women proceeded to beat Cassie, senseless, as the landing bay crew cheered them on. The three women, each, took a turn - two of them holding Cassie up, while the other one beat her, until an argument broke out among them about whose turn it was hold her up, and who's turn it was to beat her.

A few minutes later, Geldorf was surprised, when he looked up and noticed that the three women had returned from the landing bay. "What are you girls doing back so soon?" he asked, as he put on a curly, blonde wig.

"It was my turn to beat her," answered the first woman.

"No! It was my turn to beat her," said the second woman.

"It just wasn't fun, anymore. She passed out," said the third woman.

"You girls get back out there and beat that bitch 'til my balls stop throbbing," Geldorf yelled at the three women. "Now, play nice!" he said, as the women headed for the exit of the control center.

"Freighter ship approaching," said one of Geldorf's crewmen, as he sat at the controls, monitoring the freighter.

"Wait!" Geldorf said to the three women. "Bring the bitch back in here, and put her on the table over there," he said, referring to a concrete slab in an area of the control center he used to torture his victims. He also had another slab table, a rack, and whips and chains for his amusement.

Out in the landing bay, Cassie was laying face down on the floor passed out.

"You got us in trouble!" yelled one of the women, as she reached out with a foot and turned Cassie over on her back.

Cassie came to, holding her ribs, and moaning. She was cold, barely breathing, and in severe pain.

Another one of the women stomped on Cassie's left hand, breaking it, while the third woman kicked Cassie in the head, knocking her unconscious.

Geldorf looked up from his makeup mirror, as the three women carried Cassie into the control center. "Nice job, girls," he said, putting his lipstick aside, for a moment - noticing how bad Cassie looked. "Put her on the slab over there. Turn her over on her side, with her back facing this way. We'll tell Major Thorr that she's passed out from the injection, if she insists on talking to her."

Back on the freighter, Major Thorr was putting on a protective suit over her uniform. The suit and helmet would protect her from beams fired from scramblers. She loaded and checked her scrambler, getting ready to transfer onto Geldorf's warship.

At the same time, a squadron of Julia's soldiers were fast approaching on one of her warships. Julia was trailing a safe distance behind in another warship.

"Brianna," said Ryan "Transfer on - and transfer off. I'll need every second I can get, to figure out what virus Cassie's been injected with."

"I will," she responded. "Jason, bring up the visual," ordered the Major, as she prepared to make contact with Geldorf.

"Go ahead, Major," said Jason.

"Prepare to receive the time machine," the Major said to Geldorf.

"Girl, send it on," said Geldorf, who was wearing a red dress and heels, a blond wig, and lots of make-up. He was anxiously looking forward to rejoining his dead lover, Zeke, by way of the time machine.

"Where is my fiancée?" asked the Major, noticing from the monitor that Cassie was no longer standing behind Geldorf, shacked.

"We're letting her lie down," said Geldorf, switching the camera view to where Cassie could be seen, lying on the slab table with her back turned. "As you can see, she's not feeling well."

"I demand to speak to her," insisted the Major.

"She's passed out from the injection," said Geldorf. "Do you want to quibble and waste time until she dies, or do you want to make the exchange?"

"I'm transferring the time machine to you, now."

"Good choice."

The big empty box was transferred onto Geldorf's warship, first. Geldorf and his crew attempted to open it, which set off the smoke from the explosives. Major Thorr transferred on about thirty seconds later. She managed to get off two shots from her scrambler, disintegrating two armed crewmen, as Geldorf looked up from the box and noticed that she had transferred on. He quickly ducked behind a console, as she fired her scrambler at him and missed.

The Major was on her way to Cassie, when the three large, leather-clad women jumped her from behind, causing her to drop her scrambler. A scuffle ensued, as Major Thorr tried, in vain, to fight off all three women. But they were each as strong as she was. The Major only managed to knock out one of the women, as the other two got control of her - much to Geldorf's delight.

Geldorf said with a smirk on his face, "Get her out of that protective suit, and strap her down on the table next to her fiancée. I'll take care of her, personally." Geldorf's smirk disappeared, as the box came open and he realized that it was empty. "You bitch! Where's the time machine!?" he ranted and raved. "Major Thorr. I'm going to kill you - very slowly - and very painfully, for this."

At that time, a squadron of Julia's soldiers, lead by Rocko, transferred onto Geldorf's warship. With one mighty blow from each of Rocko's enormous fists, delivered simultaneously, he knocked out the two women holding the Major.

The Major ran to Cassie, as Geldorf picked up a scrambler and fired it at her - desperately trying to kill her. Scrambler beams bounced off of the Major's protective suit, as she attached a transfer button to Cassie's jeans and transferred herself and Cassie off of Geldorf's warship.

As soon as Cassie and the Major assimilated back onto the freighter, Dr. Gerard got Cassie situated on the examining table, took a blood sample, and entered it into the computer for analysis of the virus.

As the Major removed her helmet, she finally got a good look at her fiancée. Both of Cassie's eyes we blackened and blood was running from her nose and mouth. "She's been beaten! Geldorf is not getting away with this!" she screamed in a rage. "Jason, we've got to get the Tyrian soldiers off of Geldorf's warship, immediately, so we can attack and get the fighter squadron to destroy it!"

"I think you should take a look outside," said Jason.

The Major looked out the observation window and saw one Tyrian warship next to them and another one a safe distance behind them. "Please, tell me that Julia's not on board that second warship. The last thing I need, right now, is to have to deal with her. She can't be on that warship."

"I'm afraid so," said Jason. "I've already talked to her."

"Contact her," ordered the Major.

"I'm way ahead of you, Major. Here she is," said Jason, as he engaged a communication with the czar. "Madam Czar," he said to Julia, "Major Thorr would like to speak to you."

"I'm here," Julia said over the communicator.

"Get your soldiers off of Geldorf's warship, immediately, so we can destroy it," said the Major.

"There's no way you can destroy anything with that freighter," said Julia. "You don't do anything, until I signal you that Cassie and my comrades are safely cleared."

"Cassidy is here with me. I'm not unarmed, and I'm not alone. Get out of my way!"

"I'll be in touch, as soon as my comrades are cleared. Don't you do anything until I give you the all clear," said the Czar, signing off.

In the meantime, Ryan continued to assess Cassie's condition.

"Ryan, how bad is it?" asked Brianna, turning to him.

"Serious," answered the doctor. "She's unconscious."

"The virus. What about the virus? Oh, my God, Ryan," she said, looking at her watch - realizing that time had run out to give Cassie the antidote for the virus she had been injected with. "I didn't get to her in time. Geldorf is not getting away with this! He's a dead man!" she yelled, completely losing control, with tears welling up in her eyes. "Jason, transfer me back onto Geldorf's warship," ordered Major Thorr, as she grabbed a scrambler. "Julia's soldiers are taking too long to transfer off. His ship is starting to pull away! I'm going to kill that bastard for this! Captain! I said transfer me - now!"

"No way. You're not thinking clearly," said Jason.

"That's an order, Captain."

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"Never mind, I'll transfer myself!" she yelled, completely losing control as tears rolled down her face - thinking that Cassie was already dead, or soon would be.

"Brianna!" said Ryan, as he grabbed her and shook her to get her attention. "Cassie's still alive! You can't come apart, now. We've got to get her back to Star Base as soon as possible."

"She's still alive?" said the Major.

"Yes. But I don't know how long I can keep her that way out here."

"Back to Star Base, Jason," she ordered.

Ryan gave Jason a name of a surgeon to contact on Thorr he would need to assist him.

"Brianna, I need you to help me," said Ryan.

"What do you want me to do," she asked.

"Cassie has a head injury - possible skull fracture."

Oh, no. This can't be happening, she thought – scared speechless.

"I'm going to give her something for pain and a drug to help her regain consciousness. I need you to talk to her and keep her awake, while I try to figure out what she's been injected with."

"But time has run out to give her the antidote, Ryan. How could she still be alive?"

"I don't know yet," said Ryan, as he administered the drugs. Then he waved a hand-held medical device over Cassie's body, checking for other injuries. "She has rib fractures, a fractured left collarbone, and a broken left hand. Don't worry about that. We can easily repair the broken bones. The blood running from her mouth is just the result of a loose tooth. I removed it, temporarily, so she wouldn't swallow it. These injuries are painful but not life threatening. It's the head injury I'm concerned about... Cassie. If you can hear me, open your eyes," he said to her, getting no response. "Talk to her, Brianna. Take her right hand. But don't touch her anywhere else. Talk to her."

"Cassidy, open your eyes if you can hear me," said Brianna. "Cassidy, please, open your eyes," she asked, again, as she got no response. "Squeeze my hand if you can hear me. Please, come back to me. I need you," she said, as she kissed Cassie's right hand and then held it next to her face.

"Not tonight, Hon, I've got a headache." said Cassie, as she squeezed Brianna's hand and opened her eyes.

"That's all right. I can wait until tomorrow night," teased Brianna, smiling back at her.

"Cassie, don't talk," said Ryan. "Keep your eyes open and stay awake. You're doing great, Brianna," he said to her. "Just keep her awake. The virus test results are ready."

"Cassidy! Look at me!" said Brianna, as Cassie tried to close her eyes. "Don't close your eyes."

"She's been injected with influenza," said Ryan.

"No! It can't be that. The tests have to be wrong. We both know there's no antidote for influenza," replied Brianna. "That's fatal. I can't lose her, Ryan."

"No, Brianna. Influenza is fatal to Thorrians \- like you and me. She's an Earthling."

"What are you saying, Ryan?" said Brianna, touching Cassie's cheek. "I can tell she has a fever."

"On Earth, they take the inoculation to boost their immune system. The injection isn't fatal to her," he answered. "Her fever is only 100 degrees. That's not a problem. Just keep her awake. Talk to her."

Ryan did a consult with the surgeon from Thorr that would be joining him in the OR on Star Base.

Jason called and let Vanita and Suzie know that Cassie was alive, but in serious condition, and that they were on their way back to Star Base.

"Just hold on. You're going to be all right," said Brianna, as she continued talking to Cassie - trying to keep her awake. "I love you."

"I love you, too," said Cassie, as she squeezed Brianna's hand and looked into her eyes.

Then Cassie closed her eyes.

"Cassidy, no! Don't close your eyes," pleaded Brianna. "Ryan, something's wrong."

Cassie had flat-lined. Ryan quickly began working to revive her.

Cassie entered a tunnel with a bright light at the other end. As she walked into the light, she felt a love and peace come over her like nothing she had ever felt before.

A voice, coming from the light, said to her, "Don't take another step unless you're sure you want to stay here."

"Am I dead?" asked Cassie.

"There's no such thing as death," answered the voice. "You must decide whether to stay here, or to return to the physical."

Cassie could hear Brianna's voice calling to her from the physical realm, "Cassidy, please don't leave me. I love you so much. Please, come back to me."

Cassie opened her eyes, abruptly returning to the physical.

"She's back," said Ryan, as he continued to work on her.

"Stay awake," Brianna said to her.

"Jason," said Ryan. "We've got to get Cassie to the infirmary right away."

"We're close enough to Star Base to transfer you," said Jason.

"Do it, now!" said Ryan.

In an instant, Cassie, Brianna, and Ryan were transferred to the emergency room of the Star Base Infirmary.

# CHAPTER 11 – MEMORIES

Dr. Gerard prepped Cassie for surgery right away. The pressure to her brain, caused by the severe blow to the head, had to be relieved in order for her to survive. Dr. Stefani Droz, a laser neurosurgeon from Thorr, had arrived and was reviewing internal scans with Dr. Gerard, as they prepared for surgery. At this time, they discovered that Cassie was also bleeding internally from her spleen.

Suzie and Vanita were sitting in the Star Base Infirmary waiting room when Jason arrived and gave them all the information he had about Cassie's condition. Then Jason left to file his report of the mission.

A few minutes later, Brianna entered the waiting room. She had reluctantly left the emergency room, at Ryan's insistence.

"How is she, Brianna?" asked Suzie, as she and Vanita rushed over to her.

"Serious," answered Brianna.

"Maybe it's not as bad as it looks," said Vanita, trying to be positive.

"She flat-lined. Ryan brought her back," said Brianna.

"Oh, no," said Suzie, scared to death at the possibility of losing her sister.

"If she dies, I don't know what I'll do. I just can't lose her," said Brianna, becoming emotional.

Vanita reached out, put her arms around Brianna, and held her. "You're not gonna lose her, Brianna. Don't even think like that. Cassie's got the hardest head in the universe. She'll be fine. You mark my word."

"I should have gone with her to Bobu's," said Brianna, pulling away from Vanita and starting to pace. "We received a call from Bobu this morning that was peculiar. He said something about one of Cassidy's guitars being missing. I knew I should've gone down there with her - or sent Ortiz. But I let her talk me out of it and go down there alone."

"Brianna, unless you got a crystal ball or something, there's no way you could've known something like this would happen," said Vanita.

"No. This is all my fault for not going with her," said Brianna, completely breaking down in tears, as she sat down in one of the waiting room chairs.

"No, it's not your fault," Suzie said, taking a seat next to Brianna and putting an arm around her. "The only reason Cassie is still alive is because of you. You rescued her and brought her back," she said, trying to be supportive.

Suzie's statement didn't make Brianna feel any better. She knew that without the help of Julia's soldiers, neither she nor Cassie, would've made it back to Star Base alive.

In the meantime, Julia had arrived on Star Base. As Brianna, Suzie, and Vanita sat in the waiting room, Julia and Charlie were raising hell with the nurses, just outside the emergency room, demanding to know Cassie's condition. The only information the nurses would give was that Ms. Jones was in serious condition and that she was in surgery. Just to get them out of their way, the nurses promised to call and let Julia and Charlie know when the operation was completed.

Julia had an open invitation to stay in the Colonel's guest suite anytime she visited Star Base. So, she and Charlie went there to have a drink and wait for Cassie to get out of surgery.

* * *

Dr. Droz, assisted by Dr. Gerard, used laser technology to repair and stop the bleeding from Cassie's spleen. Then Dr. Droz used the laser to relieve the pressure in Cassie's brain. Next, Dr. Gerard fused Cassie's broken bones and replaced a tooth. After the operations were complete, the two doctors monitored Cassie closely in the Priority Care Unit.

Two hours later, Dr. Droz and Dr. Gerard entered the waiting room to inform Brianna, Suzie, and Vanita of Cassie's condition. Julia and Charlie, who had been alerted by the emergency room nurses, instantly joined them.

Upon seeing Julia and Charlie, Brianna became agitated, "Your presence is not needed or welcome here!" she yelled at them.

"One of my comrades informed me that Cassie appeared to have been beaten. I'm not leaving this infirmary until I know she's going to be all right!" Julia yelled right back at her. "I demand to see her, Dr. Gerard!"

"Cassie is in serious condition," said Dr. Gerard. "No one but immediate family - which only includes Suzie and Brianna - will be allowed to see her at this time."

"Major Thorr isn't related to her!" snapped Julia.

"Fiancée is considered family. I'm going to have to ask you both to leave," Dr. Gerard said to Julia and Charlie.

"Not until you at least give me a status report on Cassie's condition," insisted Julia.

"Ms. Jones has suffered a skull fracture," said Dr. Droz. "I was able to relieve the pressure to her brain. But the extent of the damage has not yet been determined. We can't make that assessment until she regains consciousness. The sooner she comes to, the better her chances of a full recovery. Dr. Gerard fused her broken bones - which included ribs, collarbone, and left hand - and also replaced a tooth. We were fortunate that we were able to stop the internal bleeding from her spleen, by laser, without putting her through any further trauma by doing invasive surgery. She's in Priority Care right now. We'll let you know when she regains consciousness. I have to get back to her," said Dr. Droz, as she left the waiting room headed back to the Priority Care Unit.

"Come on, Julia. Let's go back to the Colonel's guest suite and wait there," said Charlie, escorting Julia out of the waiting room.

That bitch is staying in the Colonel's guest suite?!, thought Brianna. I don't need this. I really can't deal with her right now. As soon as Julia and Charlie were out of the waiting room, Brianna said, "I want to see her, Ryan."

"I do, too," said Suzie.

"Me, too," said Vanita.

"All right. But just briefly," said Ryan. "Dr. Droz and I have tests to run."

Dr. Gerard showed Brianna, Suzie, and Vanita to Cassie's room in the Priority Care Unit, which was a big, glassed-in room with state of the art medical equipment. Cassie was dressed in a hospital gown and had an oxygen mask over her face. Underneath her gown, she wore a sheer elastic support around her ribcage. She was hooked up to a heart monitor and had an IV in her left arm. Her broken left hand was set in a soft plastic cast that could be removed for showering, or just to let the skin breathe.

"You've got five minutes," Ryan said to the girls, as he checked monitors. "Dr. Droz needs to run another test soon."

The girls quietly approached Cassie's bedside. Suzie and Vanita were visibly shaken upon seeing the seriousness of Cassie's condition first hand.

"Cassie, me and Brianna and Vanita are here to see you," said Suzie, her voice quivering – her hands shaking.

"Cassidy, I'm here. I love you. Can you wake up and talk to me?" said Brianna, as she took Cassie's right hand and kissed her on the cheek. I swear I'm going to kill the animals that did this to her if it's the last thing I ever do.

"Cassie, you quit acting like we're on vacation, or something. It's time for you to wake up now," said Vanita, trying to cover how concerned she was with humor, while fighting back tears – afraid of the very real possibility of losing her best friend.

About that time, Dr. Droz entered Cassie's room.

"You'll have to go back to the waiting room now," said Ryan, ushering Brianna, Suzie and Vanita out of the room. "You can all come back later."

* * *

Julia and Charlie were in the Colonel's guest suite having a Scotch. "This is all my fault, Charlie," said Julia, completely distraught – almost in tears.

"Hey, don't beat yourself up over this. This is all Major Thorr's fault. Geldorf is her enemy," said Charlie, as he took Julia in his arms, trying to comfort her.

"I should've never let Cassie leave the palace in the first place. I've never had a constant, but she was the one. She's just settling for that boring, monogamous Major. If I had known Cassie was that desperate to get married, I would've married her myself. Why couldn't she have just told me she wanted to get married?"

"I don't know."

"I could never be monogamous. But I could've had my affairs away from the palace – at least, until she got bored with the monogamy and things got back to normal."

"I understand what you're saying."

"Charlie, you're a good friend. I want you to move back to the palace, permanently," said Julia, as she pulled away from him.

"Really?"

"Yes. And maybe the two of us can come up with a way to get Cassie back to the palace, too... If she lives."

* * *

Brianna, Suzie, and Vanita were waiting for news about Cassie as Jason joined them in the waiting room with water and sandwiches. However, they were unable to get Brianna to eat much of anything. Two hours later, Ryan entered.

"Ryan, how is she?" asked Brianna.

"Sorry - no change. I just came to see how you girls were holding up," he answered.

At that time, a nurse entered the waiting room. "Dr. Gerard," said the nurse. "Ms. Jones is awake. She's asking questions."

"Ryan, what does that mean?" asked Suzie.

"It's a good sign. It means the brain damage may not be as severe as we feared," answered Ryan.

"I want to see her, Ryan," said a relieved, Brianna.

"Me, too," said Suzie.

"Me, too," said Vanita.

"You can all see her, for a few minutes, but then she needs her rest," said Ryan.

Ryan led Brianna, Suzie, Vanita, and Jason down the hallway to the Priority Care Unit. At the same time, Julia and Charlie were also on their way to the Priority Care Unit. The emergency room nurses, whom they had bribed, had notified them that Cassie had regained consciousness.

"Ms. Jones' prognosis is encouraging," Dr. Droz said to Ryan, Jason, and the girls, as they entered Cassie's room. "I'll leave you to visit with her. Make it short. I'll be back to check on her soon."

"Thank you so much," Brianna said to Dr. Droz, as she exited.

"Cassie, how are you feeling?" asked Ryan, as they approached the left side of the bed.

"Like I've been hit by a truck," Cassie answered.

"I'll give you something to make you more comfortable," said Ryan, as he administered more intravenous pain medication.

"Hey, Cassie," said Suzie.

"Hey, Sis. Where am I? What happened?" asked Cassie.

"You're in the infirmary. You had an accident," answered Suzie, not knowing what to tell her since they had all been instructed, by Ryan, to let Cassie regain her memory on her own - not to traumatize her any further by telling her what she'd been through.

Brianna walked around the bed on Cassie's right side and smiled at her. Brianna was about to lean in and kiss Cassie on the cheek, when Cassie said to her with a blank stare, "Who are you?"

Brianna's smile quickly disappeared, as her mouth dropped open and she looked to Ryan for some sort of explanation. Cassie didn't know who she was. She couldn't remember. "I'm..." said Brianna, searching for words.

"Suzie, where's Julia?" interrupted Cassie, not even giving Brianna a chance to answer her.

"I'm right here, Sweetie," said Julia, as she and Charlie entered the room. Julia and Charlie had actually been eavesdropping at the door and staring through the glass the entire time. Julia just couldn't help herself. She smiled smugly and gloated at Major Thorr as she rushed to Cassie's bedside and kissed her on the cheek.

"There are too many people in here," said Dr. Gerard. "Brianna, would you and Suzie and Vanita and Jason wait out in the hallway, please? I'll be right out."

Brianna reluctantly left the Priority Care Unit with Suzie, Vanita, and Jason, as requested. She wanted to strangle Julia for taking advantage of the situation, but she didn't want to make a scene and confuse Cassie any further.

"Cassie, you're going to be all right. I'll see to it," said Julia. "You've had an accident, and you're recovering from an operation. I'll be right by your side, taking care of your every need, until you're released from the infirmary."

"Me too, Baby," said Charlie. "You just get well."

"Charlie, get me out of here. I wanna go back to the palace," pleaded Cassie.

"We've got to do whatever the doctor says, for now," said Charlie.

"You'll have to remain here, in the infirmary, for a few days," said Ryan. "Cassie, do you know who I am?"

"No," she answered.

"I'm Dr. Gerard. Dr. Droz and I performed your operation. Where do you live, Cassie?" he asked, trying to assess her memory loss.

"I live with Julia at the palace on Tyre."

"How are you feeling now? Are you more comfortable?"

"Yeah," she answered, as the pain medication took full affect.

"I'll leave you to visit with Julia and Charlie, now. I'll be back to check on you, later," Ryan said to Cassie. "You've got five minutes to visit. She needs her rest," he said to Julia and Charlie, as he left the room.

"Ryan, what's wrong with Cassidy?" asked Brianna, as he joined the group in the hallway. "I don't understand. She knew me when we were on the freighter."

"It's too soon to tell. It could just be that she's disoriented from the operation," he answered. "Or..."

"Or what, Ryan?" interrupted Suzie. "What's wrong with Cassie? She knows me but she doesn't know Brianna."

"She could have some memory loss. It's too soon to tell whether it's temporary or permanent," he answered. "In her mind, she's back at the time when you first arrived in this section of the universe - living with Julia, on Tyre."

"Ryan - I'm her fiancée. I want Julia and Charlie barred from seeing her," demanded Brianna, glaring angrily at them though the glass.

"Cassie asked to see Julia," answered Ryan. "And for now, Julia and Charlie are having a calming effect on her. I'm sorry, Brianna. As your friend, I would like to accommodate you. But as Cassie's doctor, I have to do what's best for her right now. It's extremely important to her recovery that she regain her memory on her own. Anyone that is allowed to see her will have to understand that. We can't just go in there and tell her what she's supposed to remember. It would be damaging to her recovery. She would be even more confused than she already is. I can't stress that enough. Is that understood?"

"Yes," answered Suzie, as Vanita and Jason nodded, acknowledging that they understood.

"Brianna?" said Ryan, waiting for a response.

"I'll comply - for now. But I'm not about to stand by and let Julia and Charlie manipulate her!" snapped Brianna, staring through the glass at Julia, who was sitting on the side of Cassie's bed, holding her hand.

"Go home and get some rest, Brianna. I really believe the memory loss is temporary. She'll most likely know you in the morning," said Ryan. "It will be my pleasure to bar Julia and Charlie from seeing her as soon as she remembers you. I've got to go consult with Dr. Droz. I'll see you at home, Suzie," he said, about to walk away.

At that time, Julia and Charlie exited the Priority Care Unit, so Cassie could rest.

"Dr. Gerard, when will Cassie be able to travel?" asked Julia. "I want to take her to the palace to recover as soon as possible."

"You aren't taking my fiancée anywhere!" yelled Brianna.

"Major Thorr, you're obviously too incompetent to protect her!" Julia yelled back at her. "As soon as she's able to travel, she's going back to the palace, with me, where she belongs."

"Over my dead body!"

"You would be dead right now if it weren't for my special forces helping you with Geldorf!"

"Ladies - keep your voices down," said Ryan.

"Did you eliminate Geldorf?" Brianna asked Julia.

"No," answered Julia. "You told me to get my comrades off of his warship, so you could destroy it. That's why I backed off. I wasn't about to put myself, or my comrades, at risk due to some make-shift weapons you assembled on a freighter."

"You let him get away - and you call me incompetent?!"

"At that point, I was too concerned about Cassie to care about Geldorf. Why didn't you eliminate him?"

"I didn't have a chance. There wasn't time. Cassidy needed immediate medical attention or she would've died."

"Well, then, I'll post a bounty for Geldorf's capture. As soon as he's found, I'll have him executed. Someone has to step in and correct your mistakes and clean up the mess you made, Major Thorr."

"That's enough! This is an infirmary," said Ryan, as he and Jason stepped in-between the two women. "Everyone go home. You can all see Cassie in the morning."

Early the next morning, when Brianna arrived to visit Cassie, Julia was already there. Julia was sitting on the bed next to Cassie, kissing her and holding her right hand. Brianna turned in disgust and reported for duty. She decided she would come back later. She didn't want to have a confrontation with Julia in front of Cassie. After all, Cassie didn't remember her.

At lunchtime, Brianna returned to the infirmary only to find Julia and Charlie there with Cassie. Julia was sitting on the bed with Cassie, this time, feeding her soup.

As soon as Brianna got off duty that afternoon, she went back to the infirmary and found Julia there with Cassie - again. It seemed that Julia, Charlie, or both were always there with Cassie. Brianna tried, for the next three days, but couldn't get a moment alone with Cassie.

The next day at the infirmary, Brianna experienced more of the same. Julia knew that the Major would try to visit Cassie at lunchtime - and the approximate time she would arrive, because Julia had obtained a copy of the Major's work schedule. So, Julia set the Major up to see her giving Cassie a back massage.

Brianna was seething, as she watched through the glass, until the massage was finally finished.

"How was that?" Julia asked, as Cassie turned over on her back.

"That was great," said Cassie.

Julia caught a glimpse of the Major, peering in through the glass, as she helped Cassie on with a green, silk nightshirt. As she buttoned up the nightshirt, she fondled Cassie's breasts and kissed her passionately - all the while knowing that Major Thorr was standing out in the hallway watching.

Brianna turned and headed for Ryan's office. She was livid. Ryan was there, having lunch with Suzie, as she stormed into his office in a jealous rage. "Ryan, if you don't get Julia out of Cassidy's room, I'm going to break both of her hands!" yelled Brianna.

"What's the problem, now?" asked Ryan. The entire nursing staff has complained, all morning, about Julia and her intimidating and condescending attitude, he thought.

"I tried to visit Cassidy alone, again. But Julia was there, as always. And this time she was giving Cassidy a massage that was nothing short of foreplay!"

"What? I ordered a massage therapist for Cassie, not Julia," said Ryan. "Cassie's not well enough for that kind of physical activity in her condition. You stay here with Suzie. I'm going down there to have a talk with Julia, right now," he said, as he got up from his desk and headed for Cassie's room.

A few minutes later, Brianna and Suzie could hear Ryan showing Julia out of the infirmary.

"Dr. Gerard, I'll be back tomorrow morning for Cassie, as soon as she's released," said Julia. "I've made all the arrangements to have her comfortably moved to the palace."

That statement sent Brianna shooting out of Ryan's office, followed by Suzie.

"You're not taking my fiancée anywhere!" yelled Brianna. "You keep your hands off of her."

"You must be referring to her massage," said Julia, grinning slyly. "Dr. Gerard prescribed a light massage for Cassie. We both know that the caress of a lover's touch is much more healing than that of a stranger. That would be you, Major Thorr," she laughed.

"You bitch! It's just a matter of time until she remembers me!" Brianna yelled, getting in Julia's face.

"You'll have to leave now, Julia," demanded Ryan, as he pulled Brianna aside and stepped in-between the two women.

"Fine! But I'll be back in the morning to take Cassie home," said Julia. "Suzie, we'll need your help gathering Cassie's things from Major Thorr's quarters."

"You're not taking Cassidy - or anything of hers - from my quarters. Or from Star Base, for that matter!" yelled an angry and agitated Major Thorr.

"Oh, yes, I am!" Julia yelled right back at her. "She asked to go home with me. And if you won't cooperate, I'll just have something comfortable of hers sent from Tyre for her to go home in. She has plenty of clothes in the closet we share, anyway. If you really loved her, Major Thorr, you would want her to be safe. And you've already demonstrated that you can't protect her!" Turning to Ryan, she said. "Dr. Gerard, I'll be back at 8:00 a.m. for Cassie. Have her paperwork in order." Julia turned and left the infirmary, with a gloating smile on her face.

"Cassie's being released tomorrow!? And Julia's taking her back to the palace with her?" said Suzie, glaring at Ryan.

"Yes. I'm afraid so," Ryan answered.

"This can't be happening," said Brianna, in a state of shock and disbelief.

"Ryan, why didn't you say something about this earlier, instead of letting me and Brianna get blind-sided like this?" said Suzie.

"I was waiting to break the news to both of you - in private," said Ryan. "And all the while, hoping Cassie would regain her memory, so I wouldn't have to."

"There's got to be something you can do, Ryan."

"I'm sorry, Suzie. My hands are tied. Cassie asked to leave with Julia. Cassie's not a prisoner here. I can't hold her against her will. She'll be well enough to travel tomorrow, and Julia has the resources to take care of her as well as we can."

"But, Ryan," said Brianna, "Cassidy is in Priority Care. She can't possibly be well enough to travel."

"I've only kept Cassie in the Priority Care Unit her entire stay to keep fans and tabloid reporters away. She was well enough to be moved to a regular room a couple of days ago. And Julia has arranged for a doctor to be with them during their flight back to Tyre... I'd hoped Cassie would regain her memory and it wouldn't come to this. But I have to release her in the morning."

"Suzie, come home with me, and I'll help you pack Cassidy's things," said Brianna. "If she wants to be with Julia, who am I to stop her?"

"Brianna, no!" said Suzie. "Don't let Julia get to you. Cassie loves you. As soon as her memory comes back, she'll get rid of Julia. You haven't even had a chance to be alone with her. If you did, I know she'd remember you. It seems like Julia always gets here right before you do... That's it! Think about it. She must know your schedule."

"She may be on to something, Brianna," said Ryan.

"Cassie's alone, now, Brianna. Go see her," said Suzie.

"I can't, right now," answered Brianna. "I almost forgot - I have a meeting, regarding the trade agreement, with some Thorrian and Tyrian ambassadors. Colonel Smith was called away to Star Command. I have to fill in for him. I was supposed to be in the conference room five minutes ago. The meeting will probably run late. Since Julia obviously knows my schedule, she'll probably be with Cassidy when I return."

"I heard that Julia has a late dinner every night, around nine, at The Officer's Club," said Suzie. "Come back and see Cassie after nine."

"It's worth a try, Brianna. You've got nothing to lose by talking to her," said Ryan. "Seeing you could jar her memory."

"All right. I'll come back after nine," said Brianna, as she left Ryan's office.

The Major was extremely frustrated and angry about the situation. But there was one unanswered question that she couldn't get out of her mind. What was Charlie and Bobu's' involvement in Cassie's abduction? So after her meeting, she was determined to find out. And there was only one way to find out - Bobu.

The Major entered Bobu's about 5:00 p.m. and spotted Bobu behind the bar filling drink orders.

"I'd like a word with you, Bobu," she said.

"I'm busy," he answered.

"Make time. Now!" she said, as she walked around behind the bar, grabbed him by his tie, and led him out of the bar.

When they got to the delivery zone outside of Bobu's, she shoved him into an airlock.

"Are you crazy!?" he screamed.

"Yes. I guess I am," she answered.

"Please! Let me out of here," pleaded a terrified Bobu, with his beady Roden eyes bugged out of his furry face.

"Did you know that Cassidy was beaten so severely, she doesn't even know who I am?!"

"I'm sorry about that. Please don't kill me. I was forced, with a scrambler to my head, to call and lure her down here that morning."

"Why you? Tell me how you and Charlie are involved in Cassidy's abduction. And I mean the truth, not the line you two are throwing out about being innocent victims. Tell me - now! - or I'll launch you into space. I have nothing to lose at this point."

"OK. Just don't kill me," he begged. "Me and Charlie scammed the two men that abducted Cassie."

"Scammed them how?"

"On football bets. The games were re-runs from last season. Time warp. Charlie already knew the scores. My sources say that Geldorf paid the two men - double the Lucre we beat them out of - in exchange for taking Cassie. And they were talking among themselves about Geldorf getting even with you - and some crazy ass thing about a time machine. I don't know anything about that. Then the two assholes made me and Charlie pay up, anyway."

Major Thorr pulled Bobu from the airlock and escorted him to Star Base Security. She had the answer to her question, but she didn't feel any better knowing that Geldorf took Cassie to get even with her.

Sergeant Ortiz had Charlie brought in for questioning that afternoon. Ortiz interrogated Bobu and Charlie, separately, for about two hours, alternating back and forth. Unfortunately, Bobu's confession was coercion by Major Thorr and was not admissible. Charlie wasn't about to admit to anything. However, Sergeant Ortiz was smart enough to get Bobu to turn Charlie in by saying that Charlie was pointing the finger at him, regarding the betting scam. Then Charlie testified against Bobu, trying to transfer blame to him.

Charlie and Bobu were charged with gambling fraud, which carried a minimum of six months in jail, if convicted. Julia used her power, influence, and attorneys to plea-bargain Charlie's sentence to three months house arrest at the palace on Tyre – which was a three month's vacation, as far as Charlie was concerned.

Bobu was given a year's probation and assigned 100 hours of community service work on Star Base, in exchange for not filing assault charges against Major Thorr. The StarTeli screens were removed from Bobu's that afternoon.

At 9:00 p.m., Brianna headed to the infirmary to visit Cassie. As she entered her room, she noticed that Cassie was having a nightmare. Brianna quickly turned on the light and raised Cassie's bed to a sitting position. Then she sat on the side of the bed and touched her. Cassie, startled awake, sat up and threw her arms around Brianna's neck. Brianna held her carefully, happy to just be alone with her for a moment.

Cassie pulled back and looked at Brianna. "I'm sorry," Cassie said, as she let go of her, realizing that she wasn't Julia.

"That's all right," said Brianna, as she reluctantly let her go.

"I was having that nightmare, again. Thanks for waking me up, Major."

"You're welcome." Now wait a minute. She just called me Major. "Do you know who I am?"

"Yeah. You're Major Thorr."

"You remember me?" Brianna asked, full of hope, thinking a miracle had happened.

"Sort of. I remember seeing you when I woke up the first day I was here. I asked Vanita who you were. She's the only one around here that doesn't answer every question I ask with a question."

"Oh," said Brianna, trying hard not to show her disappointment that Cassie didn't have a clue who she was.

Cassie, in her drugged and disoriented state, assumed that Major Thorr was a fan.

"What was the nightmare about?" asked Brianna, wondering if it was about the abduction.

"I can't remember it after I wake up. It seems I'm trying to get away from somebody – a spaceship or something. Must have something to do with the accident I had. Nobody will tell me what happened. I don't suppose you'd like to tell me?"

"You don't need to worry about that. Just concentrate on getting well."

"You sure are pretty."

"Thank you," said Brianna, flashing her beautiful smile.

"I'm getting out of here tomorrow. I can't wait."

"That's what I hear."

"It's really nice of you to come visit me. I could get you some free concert tickets, if you want."

"I'd like that."

"I don't know how long it'll be 'til I can play again, though," said Cassie, as she became sleepy and started to yawn.

"I better go and let you get some rest." At that time, Brianna noticed that Cassie had already fallen asleep. So, she decided to stay and just be with her for a while. She held Cassie's right hand while she slept, and ran her fingers through her hair, thinking how much she loved and missed her. Finally, after about an hour, Brianna kissed Cassie on the cheek and left.

The next morning, Major Thorr was on the Control Center, knowing that Julia and Charlie would soon be leaving for Tyre with Cassie. She wanted Cassie to be safe and happy. She loved her enough to let her go.

At that time, Colonel Smith approached the Major and put a hand on her shoulder. "Major, this has been quite an ordeal for you. You've got to be worn out. Why don't you take a three-day leave and get some rest?"

"No, Sir! I mean – I would rather work, Sir," she replied, staring out of the observation window at the stars.

"All right, then. Carry on."

The next thing Major Thorr saw was Julia's shuttle leaving Star Base for Tyre. Her heart was breaking, knowing that Cassie was going back to live with her.

A communication came into the Control Center from the infirmary. It was Ryan. "Major, I'd like to see you in my office right away."

"I don't think so, Ryan. I'm fine. The Colonel has already tried to get me to take a three-day leave. Under the circumstances, I prefer to work."

"She's here. She remembers. She's asking for you. Stop by my office, first, before you go see her."

"I'll be right there," said a shocked, but ecstatic, Major Thorr, as she went running for the exit of the Control Center headed for the infirmary.

"Major!" the Colonel yelled after her.

"Yes, Sir?" she answered, as she reach the exit.

"I'll see you in three days. That's an order."

Minutes later, Brianna entered Ryan's office. Ryan and Suzie were there waiting for her.

"Cassidy remembers me?" asked Brianna. "What happened, Ryan? You said she asked for me?"

"Yes. All I know is that she had some sort of break-through," he answered. "Maybe your visit last night triggered her memory."

"I want to see her."

"I don't want to delay you. I just wanted you to know that she doesn't remember everything. She has regained her memory up until the day she was abducted. Don't be alarmed. She has headaches, and then she remembers things."

"I saw Julia's shuttle leave. What happened?"

"Suzie and I were here in my office, about to go check on Cassie, when one of the nurses in Priority Care contacted me about loud voices coming from Cassie's room. So, we went down there to see what was going on."

"Apparently, Cassie had just told Julia and Charlie that she wasn't going back to the palace with them," said Suzie. "I think that's what started all the yelling. As we walked up, Julia and Charlie were both yelling at Cassie – that she was, too, going back with them. Then we heard Cassie yell at them that she wasn't going with them, she was getting married, and that was final. Ryan had to threaten to call security to get Julia and Charlie to leave."

I wish I could have witnessed that, thought Brianna, with a smile. "I want to see her, Ryan."

"You go on ahead," said Ryan. "I'll get her medication ready for you to take home with you."

"I can take her home?"

"Yes. You're the best medicine for her, at this point, Brianna," answered Ryan. "Suzie and I will be there in a few minutes."

* * *

Cassie was trying to look as normal as possible for Brianna. She had even put on her makeup. She was dressed and standing next to the bed as Brianna entered the room.

"Major, I'm so sorry I couldn't remember you," said Cassie, reaching out for her.

"I won't have you apologize for any of this," said Brianna, as she walked over and took Cassie in her arms and kissed her. "None of this was your fault," she said, helping a very weak Cassie sit down on the side of the bed.

"I love you, Major.

"I love you, too."

"Have you changed your mind about marrying me?"

"No. I want to marry you as soon as possible."

"Then where's your engagement earring?"

"It's at home in my jewelry box. It didn't seem appropriate, under the circumstances, for me to wear it today... Cassidy, do you remember my name?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"You keep calling me, Major," she said, trying to assess Cassie's memory loss.

"I could call you Darlin', instead. No, wait! You don't like for me to call you that. I called you that the first time I ever saw you, and you yelled at me that your name was 'not Darlin' – it's Major Thorr, to you'," teased Cassie.

Brianna smiled and laughed. "As long as you love me and you know who I am, you can even call me Darlin', if you want to."

When Ryan and Suzie entered the room, Cassie was sitting on the side of the bed with her arms around Brianna's neck, kissing her.

"I hope you brought my walking papers, Ryan," said Cassie, as she noticed that he and Suzie had entered the room.

"You're free to go. I have your medication here to take home with you," said Ryan, handing a small sack to Brianna. "Take her home, Brianna. She can have anything she wants to eat. But no alcohol or physical activity – that includes sex – for the next two weeks."

"You're such a drag, Ryan. Don't pay any attention to him, Hon," Cassie said to Brianna. "I feel fine."

"You've had laser surgery on your brain, Cassie," said Ryan. "Your broken collar bone and the broken bones in your hand and your ribs have been fused back together. You need to allow yourself two weeks for the healing process to be completed. Two weeks is not that long. Your injuries would take months to heal, if you were on Earth, not a couple of weeks. Let me put it another way. If you don't follow my instructions, you'll find yourself right back in here."

"OK. OK. Anything but that," said Cassie.

"I'll see that she does," said Brianna.

"Good luck with that, Brianna," said Suzie, laughing.

"Thanks, Ryan," said Cassie. "Let's go home, Hon."

# CHAPTER 12 - THE BODYGUARD

Early the next morning, Brianna woke up and reached out to touch Cassie, but she wasn't there. Brianna was so physically and emotionally drained from the whole abduction ordeal, she feared she had only dreamed that Cassie had come home to her. "Cassidy?" she called out to her in a panic, as she threw back the covers and started to get out of bed.

"Yeah, Hon," answered Cassie, as she walked back into the bedroom.

Breathing a sigh of relief Brianna said, "Oh, there you are. Where did you go?"

"To the bathroom and to get a drink of water."

"Tell me if you want something. I'll get it for you."

"You were asleep."

"Wake me up next time. Come back to bed. You need to rest."

Cassie climbed back into bed slowly and snuggled next to Brianna. "Nice earring."

"Yes, it is," Brianna said, smiling at her, helping her get under the covers. "I want us to be married as soon as possible." That way, I can legally keep Julia and Charlie away from her – just in case there are any more memory losses.

"That's fine with me. Let's get dressed and go wake up the Star Base priest."

"I don't mean right this minute. I mean, as soon as you're well – just as soon as Ryan releases you. Anyway, you know I have to get married on Thorr for it to be legal."

"Oh, yeah, because you're a princess... You not going to work today?"

"No. I've taken a three-day leave."

"All right," said Cassie, kissing Brianna and fondling her breasts - trying to initiate foreplay.

"Cassidy, please stop," requested Brianna, but not really wanting her to. "Ryan said no love making for two weeks."

"He said 'no sex.' We got him on a technicality, Hon," said Cassie, continuing to caressing her.

"I'm afraid I'll hurt you."

Cassie experienced a stabbing pain in her ribs and couldn't hide her grimace from Brianna.

"If you don't stop, I'll sleep in the guestroom until you're well."

"No! Don't do that," said Cassie, as she calmed down.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yeah."

"Me too. You stay here. I'll get us something to eat."

The next morning, Cassie woke up in a cold sweat. She sat up in bed abruptly, waking Brianna. Cassie had just had the recurring nightmare again. But this time, she remembered the dream.

Brianna sat up in bed, put her arms around Cassie, and said, "Are you all right?"

"Who's Geldorf?" Cassie asked, holding her head – experiencing one of her headaches and memory flashbacks.

"You're remembering what happened to you. I'll get Ryan," said Brianna. She got up, put on a robe, and left the room to call him.

A few minutes later, Ryan and Brianna entered the Major's bedroom. Cassie was sitting up in bed, leaning back on a big pillow that was propped up against the headboard. Ryan sat down on the side of the bed and began examining Cassie, looking into her eyes using a small, hand-held penlight computer device. "Cassie, does your head hurt?" he asked.

"Not now," she answered. "It comes and goes, and then I remember things. So, who the hell's Geldorf? And why did those three stomping dikes beat me up? I think it's time for somebody to tell me what happened."

"I agree," said Ryan, standing up and putting the computer device in his shirt pocket. "You were abducted from Star Base and held for ransom."

"What? " Cassie said with a stunned look on her face. "Why me?"

Brianna sat down on the side of the bed next to Cassie. "Geldorf is a mercenary and a war criminal," she answered. "He blames me for the death of his lover - also a mercenary - who was killed in a skirmish with the Republic. I feel like this is all my fault. Geldorf took you to get even with me."

"Brianna, that's not a fair assessment. That's only part of it," said Ryan, defending her. Turning to Cassie, he said, "Your friend Charlie and Bobu are responsible for a gambling scam that..."

"Gambling scam?" interrupted Cassie. "What's that got to do with me being abducted and used for a punching bag?"

"It's complicated," answered Brianna. "Two of the men that had been scammed were reimbursed by Geldorf in exchange for taking you off of Star Base. Geldorf wanted to trade you for a time machine. He knew I would cooperate if he took you."

"There's a time machine?"

"Apparently so. We suspect that Julia has it."

That must be what was in the big crate that Julia took from the Republic pilots, thought Cassie. And I bet that's what that gold key I found goes to.

"I'm so sorry this happened to you," Brianna said to Cassie, feeling guilty.

Cassie reached out and put an arm around Brianna's waist and hugged her. "Hey, I'm gonna be fine. Don't blame yourself for this. I bet you rescued me and blew him away, right?"

"You don't remember the rescue?"

"No."

"I didn't get a chance to eliminate him. But I will."

"That's enough information for you to process, for now, Cassie," said Ryan. "Try to go back to sleep and get some rest," said Ryan. "And starting tomorrow, I want you to get up, get dressed, and walk for short distances outside of your quarters."

"That sounds good to me," said Cassie.

"For short distances, only - ten or fifteen minute walks. And only if Brianna, or someone, is with you."

"OK."

Finally, the Major's three-day leave was up and it was time for her to report for duty. Suzie and/or Vanita would stop by Brianna's quarters every day, around mid-morning, to check on Cassie. At noon, Brianna would come home and have lunch with Cassie. Afterwards, Brianna would take her for a short walk per Ryan's instructions. Then Cassie would rest until Brianna got home from work. After about a week, Cassie was really feeling good. However, she was bored in the afternoon, all by herself, while Brianna was on duty. So, Cassie began venturing out on her own.

One afternoon, Cassie spotted Brianna in the hallway looking over some notes, as she was about to enter a flight class that she was teaching. Cassie approached her quietly from behind, wrapped her arms around her waist, and gave her a big hug.

"Cassidy?" said Brianna, pulling away from her - startled by her presence. "What are you doing out walking by yourself?"

"I was bored without you being home," she answered. "Anyway, Ryan said I could start walking more."

"But not by yourself. I'll assign one of the Cadets to accompany you while I'm on duty."

About that time, Cadet Abar approached.

"Cadet Abar," said Major Thorr, stopping him. "It will be your assignment, until further notice, to accompany Cassidy around Star Base while I'm on duty."

"Aye. Major," he answered. "It would be my pleasure to hang out with one of the most famous and most talented women in the universe."

Oh, shit, thought Cassie. Why did she have to pick this kiss-ass, son-of-a-bitch?

Abar was a wide-eyed, ambitious twenty-year old, who was only too eager to please. He had bright red hair, green eyes, and a muscular six-foot frame. He was dressed in a cadet's khaki green uniform with black boots. He was also armed with a scrambler.

"You've had enough exercise for today," Brianna said to Cassie. "Cadet Abar, escort Cassidy to my quarters."

"Yes, ma'am," he answered.

"I'll be home in about an hour," she said. Then she kissed Cassie bye and entered the classroom.

The next morning, in the Major's quarters...

Cadet Abar reported for duty at around 9:00 a.m., as the Major left for the Control Center.

Cassie emerged from the bedroom wearing a sweater, jeans, and boots. As she entered the living room, Abar said, "Good morning, Ms. Jones. What pretty earrings you have on. And they go so nicely with your sweater."

"Ms. Jones was my mother. Call me Cassie," she said.

"Doesn't the Major call you Cassidy?"

"Yeah - whatever. Just pick one. Call me anything but Ms. Jones."

"Yes ma'am. Whatever you say, Cassie."

I hate this! I don't need a fucking baby-sitter, thought Cassie. I've got to find a way to ditch this dork. "You know what, Abar? I think I'll just hang out here until the Major comes home for lunch. So, why don't you go find something else to do and come back after lunch?"

"I'll wait with you."

"That won't be necessary. I'll be fine here by myself."

"No can do. I have my orders."

Cassie walked towards the kitchen to get a drink of water, just to get away from him.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" he asked, following her closely into the kitchen.

"No. I'm just gonna to take my water and go lay down for a while," she said, pouring herself a glass and heading for the bedroom.

"I must tell you, Cassie. You're the best blues guitar player in the universe."

"You obviously have never heard Big Muddy," she said, as she tried to distance herself from him.

"Who?"

"Never mind," she said, picking up her pace – practically running for the bedroom door.

"And you're so modest, too," he said, picking up his pace to stay with her.

Fuck! I don't know how much more of this shit I can take, she thought.

"If I could play and sing like you, I wouldn't be able to get my big head through the doorway."

Finally, Cassie reached the bedroom and closed the door behind her, almost taking Abar's nose off. She laid down on the bed and tried to nap, but she wasn't sleepy. And she was feeling too good to lie around. So she got up, walked over to the bedroom door, and opened it about a half inch, very quietly. What is it going to take to get him out of here? she thought, peering out at Abar as he stood guard in the hallway. Then she got an idea. "Abar," she called out through the partial opening in the bedroom door.

"Yes ma'am," Abar answered, as he walked over to the bedroom door. "What can I do for you?" he said, trying to peer in through the small opening.

"I need you to run an errand for me."

"I can't do that. Major Thorr gave me a direct order to stay with you."

"This is really embarrassing... And it's sort of an emergency."

"What is it?"

"We're out of tampons, and I started my period."

"Oh," said Abar, blushing blood red.

"Please, Abar. I won't tell the Major. I'll be right here. I can't go anywhere."

"Well, OK. I'll go to the BX and be right back. You stay put."

"I will. Hurry!"

As soon as Abar left, Cassie arranged the pillows in the bed and pulled the covers over them, making it look like she was in it. Then she headed out for Bobu's. She figured she would just visit with Bebo for a while, and get back home before Brianna got there for lunch. She knew that suck-up, Abar, wouldn't tell the Major that he'd disobeyed a direct order. Brianna would never know.

As Cassie entered Bobu's around 10:00 a.m., she noticed Rocko sitting at the bar alone. "Hey Rocko," she said, approaching him. She shook one of his big, furry hands and gave him a hug. "How's it going?"

"It's going fine," he answered, smiling a big smile at her - showing off his big, sharp fangs.

"Hi Cassie," said Bebo, as he approached from behind the bar. "You're looking well."

"Thanks, Bebo," she responded. "I'm feeling well."

"What can I get for you?"

"I'll have some orange juice and another round for my friend, Rocko, on me," she answered, taking a seat next to Rocko.

"So, Rocko. What brings you to Star Base? Did Julia finally give you a vacation or something?" asked Cassie.

"Yes. Something like that," he answered.

There was no one else in the bar, so Cassie, Rocko, and Bebo visited until the place started to fill up around lunchtime. Then Bobu came in to help with the lunch crowd.

"I better get going. It must be close to noon," said Cassie. "Hey, Bobu. What time is it?"

"It's ten minutes past noon," he answered.

"Oh, shit! I lost track of time," said Cassie, knowing that she should've been home before noon.

"Look out, Cassie," said Bobu, "future ball and chain at ten o'clock."

When Cassie turned to look, Brianna was standing right next to her, giving Bobu a dirty look for his remark.

Brianna turned to Cassie, completely exasperated, and said. "Are you trying to give me heart failure?!"

"No, of course not," answered Cassie.

Bobu hurriedly poured Cassie an ice-cold draft beer and set in down on the bar in front of her, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.

"You know you're not supposed to be drinking!" Brianna said to Cassie, picking up the beer and setting it out of reach.

That bastard, Bobu, thought Cassie. He knows I didn't order a beer. But, now, Brianna thinks I did.

"Don't you have anything to do?" Brianna snapped at Bobu, getting rid of him.

Turning to Cassie she said, "When I got home for lunch, Abar was there - but you weren't. He didn't know where you were. He thought you were sleeping. I was scared to death that you had been taken from my quarters! I monopolized the entire security staff - just tracking you down," she said, taking a deep breath, trying to regain her composure – angry and relieved, all at the same time.

Cassie reached out, put her arms around Brianna's waist, and pulled her close. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

Brianna put her arms around Cassie's neck and held her for a moment. Then she abruptly pulled away from her. She's not charming her way out of this conversation. "Why did you send Cadet Abar on an errand and then sneak off? We're not out of anything. And you know you're not supposed to be out walking alone."

"I had to get away from him. He was driving me crazy. He had his nose so far up my butt he could see out my belly-button."

"What!?" asked Brianna, totally confused.

"You know - he's a brown-noser."

"Brown-noser?" she said, shaking her head, not relating to the Earthling's slang expression.

"He's so overly complimentary. He doesn't mean any of it. He's not for real."

"Oh."

"And he was always under foot. I couldn't turn around without bumping into him."

"Today was his first day on the job. You haven't given it a chance. Anyway, I assigned him to protect you, not to be your best friend. I just don't want anything to happen to you."

"Why are you so paranoid?"

"Geldorf hasn't been captured yet." Brianna was really more concerned about the men that had abducted Cassie from Bobu's. So far, there were no clues as to who they were. "Aren't you afraid to come down here?"

"No. I don't believe lightning strikes twice in the same place. Anyway, what if it takes weeks - or months - to capture Geldorf? Or longer."

"Considering the amount of Lucre that has been put up for his bounty, it shouldn't take long for someone to turn him in."

"Well, just take a deep breath and relax, then. Geldorf's the criminal, not me. I refuse to be a prisoner in our home! All this over-protective business is smothering."

"Well, excuse me for smothering you!" said Brianna, becoming defensive. "I just want you to be safe."

"I'm sorry! Don't get mad," Cassie said, taking Brianna by the hand. "I didn't mean that the way it came out. You aren't smothering me... But that Abar sure was. He's like a fly in your face at a picnic. I thought I was going to have to jump out of an air-lock to get away from him - or push him out of one."

"Then we'll get someone else to accompany you while I'm on duty," said Brianna.

Oh, goody! - a different baby-sitter. "Let's go home. I'm hungry," said Cassie, getting up from her barstool. As she and Brianna headed out, she turned and said, "Hey, Rocko. See ya, later. Don't be a stranger."

"I won't. Bye, Cassie," he said, watching Cassie and the Major leave Bobu's.

At that time, Brianna finally noticed that Rocko had been sitting at the bar, next to Cassie, the entire time.

Over lunch, Brianna told Cassie the story of how Rocko had assisted in her rescue. Cassie told Brianna that she was surprised to run into Rocko at Bobu's and that he said he was on vacation, or something.

"Why don't you go take a nap for the rest of the afternoon, and then we'll go out to The Officer's Club for dinner," suggested Brianna, as they finished eating.

"That sounds like fun," said Cassie.

"I'll call Suzie and Vanita and see if they can all join us around seven. I have some business to take care of. You get some rest. I'll be home in about an hour or two. Don't go anywhere."

* * *

When Brianna entered Bobu's, Rocko was still sitting at the bar drinking a beer.

"Hello, Rocko," said the Major, approaching him. "We've never been formally introduced. I'm Major Thorr." Then she reached out a hand to him.

"Hello. It's nice to meet you, Major Thorr," said Rocko, shaking her hand.

"Can I speak to you in private?" she asked, motioning to an empty table away from the bar.

"Yes ma'am," he answered, getting up from his barstool.

As they moved to the table and sat down, the Major said, "I just wanted to thank you for saving my life - and Cassidy's, too."

"You're welcome," Rocko responded.

"Cassidy said that you're on vacation or something. Is that correct?"

"No ma'am. The Czar court-marshaled me for helping you during the rescue mission. Her orders were to rescue Cassie, but not to assist you in any way."

"I'm sorry," she said, thinking, the bitch wanted me to be killed, so she could have Cassidy all to herself. "So, Rocko, why did you help me?"

"Because Cassie is my friend. She is my only friend. When Cassie lived at the palace, she always treated me like I was a real person, not a hybrid-clone. Suzie and Vanita were polite. But I could tell Cassie liked me. And I like her. And even a hybrid-clone, like me, can see that Cassie really likes you. That's why I helped you. So, the Czar decided that I was flawed - that I cared too much about individuals - and that I had to be let go. I don't like the Czar or Charlie. I would tear Charlie's head off and rip his brains out, if Cassie would let me."

That statement instantly endeared Rocko to the Major. She despised Julia and Charlie. "Well, you have two friends, now. How would you like to be Cassidy's bodyguard?"

"I would like that, Major Thorr."

"Please, call me Brianna. Do you have a place to stay?"

"No, Brianna."

"Come. Go home with me. You'll be mine and Cassidy's guest tonight. Tomorrow, I'll find you a place of your own here on Star Base."

"Thank you, Brianna."

When Brianna came home with Rocko and gave Cassie the news, Cassie was thrilled. Brianna invited him to join them for dinner at The Officer's Club, but he was tired and wanted to turn in. So, Brianna got him settled into the guestroom, showed him the kitchen, and told him to help himself to anything he wanted to eat, or drink – which was everything edible he could get his big, furry hands on.

That night at The Officer's Club, a good time was had by all. Ryan even let Cassie have one glass of wine with dinner and one slow dance with her fiancée.

The next morning, Major Thorr ordered Cadet Abar to clean the latrine floor, in the Cadets' barracks, with a toothbrush. It was his punishment for disobeying her orders about staying with Cassie. Then the Major found Rocko a place of his own, near her and Cassie, and equipped him with a scrambler and a voice communicator. With Geldorf still on the loose, she wanted to be able to contact Rocko at any time.

Early one morning, about a week and a half later, Brianna and Suzie were walking and visiting in one of the hallways of Star Base.

"So, when's the wedding, Brianna?" asked Suzie.

"We haven't set a date yet," Brianna answered.

"Will it be soon?"

"As soon as Cassidy is well. I want her to be able to enjoy the honeymoon. She has an appointment with Ryan, tomorrow. He said he would call and let me know if she's released. I know she'll say she's released, whether she is or not... Suzie, I'm so afraid of another memory loss - and more interference from Julia and Charlie."

"Ryan says her memory's fine." We're best friends. Why doesn't she ask me to be her matron of honor? thought Suzie. "Brianna, I'd be happy to help you with wedding plans." Suzie really wanted to be in Brianna and Cassie's wedding. Since Brianna was a princess and a member of the Royal Family of Thorr, Suzie envisioned something grand - like out of a fairy tale. And she couldn't wait to be a part of it.

"I could really use your help with the guest list."

"Sure. I'd be glad to." That's part of the matron of honor's duties. Maybe Brianna will ask me soon. Or... maybe Cassie is going to ask me, as her sister, to be her matron of honor. That would be fine, too.

"Major Thorr," said a voice over her communicator.

"This is Major Thorr," she answered.

"The Colonel wants to see you in the Control Center at once. There's a meeting in the conference room."

"I'm on my way," said the Major. "We'll talk later, Suzie."

As the Major entered the conference room, she found Julia and Colonel Smith sitting at the table, having a heated discussion. Captain Jason Thibodeaux was also in attendance, sitting next to Julia, facing the big observation window.

"Have a seat, Major," said Colonel Smith, motioning for her to take a seat across from Julia and the Captain. "Geldorf has been captured. He's in the brig."

The Major instantly displayed a glare of rage in her eyes that she was unable to hide. "Request for permission to interrogate the prisoner, Sir."

"Request for permission to assist," said Jason, getting up from his chair. I'll hold him while you hit him, he thought, looking towards the Major in a show of support.

"Permission denied. Both of you sit down. I won't have my two best officers acting like vigilantes," said the Colonel, as the Major and the Captain took their seats at the table. "Geldorf will be tried just like any other war criminal. You two stay away from the brig. That's an order," he said to the Major and the Captain.

"Colonel, I paid the bounty for Geldorf's capture. I demand that you release him into my custody, so he can be tried on Tyre," said Julia.

"I would like to accommodate you, Julia," said Colonel Smith. "But as I said before, my hands are tied. A military tribunal judge and a prosecutor are already on their way from Star Command. We have to try him here. This is where he committed the crime. And this is where he was turned in. It's our jurisdiction. And since Geldorf is Thorrian, Thorr is the only attempt he could make, as far as a change of venue. There's no legal precedent to try him on Tyre. He's being booked for the Jones girl's abduction and attempted murder as we speak."

"Your laws are almost as ridiculous as the ones on Earth!" snapped Julia. "On Tyre, we have a two-strike rule for violent criminals. If convicted of two violent crimes, you're simply put to death. That's why we rarely have any violent crime, Colonel. Undo the paperwork that's being processed, now, and I'll take him back to Tyre for what he deserves."

"Do it, Colonel. It couldn't be more obvious that he's guilty," said Major Thorr.

"Major, I...," said the Colonel.

"Colonel," Julia interrupted. "We have concrete evidence from your visual recording that Geldorf abducted Cassie. Strike one. Then he had her beaten - almost to death. Strike two. We could have a Tyrian jury seated in two hours. Then we could break for lunch. With the evidence we have, we could have a conviction by about four o'clock, execution at five, and be done with this whole mess by happy hour."

"Send him to Tyre, Sir," pleaded the Major. "On Tyre, it's guaranteed that Geldorf would get the death penalty if convicted. Here, his lawyer might be able to avoid it and just get him prison time. And Geldorf is well trained, by his ex-lover, as an escape artist."

"Yes. I've heard that, Major. But..."

"There's your loophole, Colonel," Julia interrupted. "Let him escape. My comrades will catch him and we'll be on our way back to Tyre."

"Do it Colonel. Even with a conviction here, no jail cell will hold him. It would just be a matter of time until he escaped."

"I'm sorry, Major. But I'm obligated to enforce the laws we have here. So let's just hope he gets the death penalty." The Colonel leaned on the table and looked directly at the Major. "Don't do anything stupid - like go down to the brig for a visit. If you lay a hand on Geldorf, you'll be court-martialed and there won't be a thing I can do to help you. Matter of fact, I think you should stay away from the trial, too. You're personal involvement would surely be construed as bias by the defense attorney. All we'll need from you is a sworn affidavit along with your report of the rescue mission. We'll have the Captain and Dr. Gerard testify on behalf of the Republic. And of course, as the victim, Ms. Jones won't be required to testify. So, if there's nothing else, you two officers are dismissed," said Colonel Smith to the Major and the Captain. "Julia. You're welcome, as always, to stay in my guest suite for the duration of Geldorf's trial."

"Thank you, Colonel. I think I will," said Julia. "I'll retire there, now, and have some things sent over from the palace."

Brianna didn't like the idea of Julia staying in the Colonel's guest suite for the unforeseeable future. That gave Julia every opportunity to interfere with Brianna and Cassie's wedding plans.

"We may agree on Geldorf's punishment, Major Thorr," said Julia, as she and the Major and the Captain exited the Control Center. "But I'm opposed to you marrying Cassie. And I plan to talk some sense into her while I'm here on Star Base. Somebody's got to."

"The wedding will take place soon, and there's nothing you can do to stop it," said the Major.

"Don't count on it. And even if the wedding does take place, you'll never be able to satisfy her – or hold on to her. She'll be bored with you before the ink dries on the marriage certificate. It's just a matter of time until she's back in my bed." Then Julia turned and headed in the direction of the Colonel's guest suite.

What if Julia's right? thought Brianna.

"She's baiting you. Just ignore her," said Jason.

"That's easier said than done," replied Brianna.

At that time, Cassie and Rocko rounded the corner on their way to meet the Major for lunch and ran right into Julia.

"How are you feeling, Sweetie," asked Julia, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck, hugging her, and kissing her on the cheek.

"I'm fine, Julia," answered Cassie, taking Julia's hands from her neck and trying to walk away from her.

Julia gave Rocko a cold stare and thought, I should have had him executed, for disobeying me, instead of a court-martial.

The Major witnessed the scene and quickly headed their way.

"Have you heard the news?" Julia asked Cassie.

"What news?" Cassie asked.

"Geldorf's here on Star Base."

Overhearing the conversation, the Major went running up to them and said to Julia, "How dare you blurt out that kind of information, after all she's been through." She turned to Cassie and said, "Geldorf is in the brig. He's no threat to you."

Oh, fuck! What if those three dikes that beat me up are here somewhere? thought Cassie, panicked and scared – and unable to hide it.

"Come and stay with me in the Colonel's guest suite, Cassie" said Julia. "I can guarantee your safety."

Major Thorr could see the fear in Cassie's eyes. "You're perfectly safe here. There's no way Geldorf can harm you now."

"I'm not scared of Geldorf," said Cassie. "I bet he's not so tough without those three big dikes to hide behind."

"But the men that took you from Star Base haven't been found," said Julia. "Star Base Security has no clue who they are. They could still be here."

A flood of memories entered Cassie's mind about the beating she took from the three women. The Major could tell from the expression on Cassie's face that she was scared, even though she tried to hide it. Cassie was OK physically, but she hadn't dealt with the emotional trauma of the beating.

"Don't let her frighten you. I'm here, and Rocko's here," the Major said to Cassie. "We won't let anything happen to you."

"Major Thorr has already proven she can't protect you. Please, stay with me – for safety's sake," Julia pleaded with Cassie. "I'll be here for the duration of Geldorf's trial. If you're ever afraid, just come stay with me."

"Your help is not needed or wanted!" the Major yelled at Julia. "And your fear tactics are a pathetic ploy for attention!"

Cassie stepped in-between Brianna and Julia. "Let's go home," she said to Brianna, taking her by the hand and leading her away.

"Cassie, please don't settle for her. If you want to get married that badly, I'll marry you," Julia yelled after them.

As Cassie, Brianna, and Rocko walked toward the Major's quarters, a swarm of tabloid reporters approached and started questioning Cassie about Geldorf's capture.

"Ms. Jones, what do you think about your kidnapper being captured?" asked one of the reporters.

"She has no comment," said the Major, as she and Rocko pushed their way through the crowd.

* * *

All Geldorf could hear was footsteps, as Major Thorr and Sergeant Ortiz walked down the corridor of the Star Base brig towards his cell. The Colonel had ordered the Major not to go there, but she ignored the order and went anyway.

At first sight of the Major, Geldorf jumped up from his cot. "She can't be here! Get her out of here!" he screamed, terrified. These poor accommodations, this hideous prison garb, and now her? he thought.

"Open it," Major Thorr said to Sergeant Ortiz, as they stood in front of Geldorf's cell.

"Please don't do this, Major. I have direct orders from the Colonel, not to let you in here," said Ortiz.

"I'll take full responsibility. Open it! That's an order!"

"Keep her away from me!" yelled Geldorf, as Ortiz opened the cell door. "I have my rights."

"You're dismissed, Ortiz. Leave the door wide open," said Major Thorr.

Sergeant Ortiz reluctantly walked away as ordered.

"I never laid a hand on your fiancée," said Geldorf, trembling in fear.

"The door's open. I dare you to run," said Major Thorr, stepping away from the cell door. "I'll give you a big lead."

"Oh, no. You'd just shoot me in the back with your scrambler."

"I'm unarmed," she replied, raising her arms in the air - turning from side to side, showing that she had no weapon. "Well, that was your last chance to run. Now, I just can't decide whether to break all of your ribs or fracture your skull first," she said, pushing up her sleeves and taking a step towards him. "And since I want you to enjoy this beating as much as Cassidy enjoyed hers, I think I'll break all of your ribs, first, and then fracture your skull!"

"You against me is unfair! You know I'm no match for you!"

"You want fair? I think you against me is more than fair in comparison to Cassidy against three two-hundred pound dikes."

"Please, don't hurt me," begged Geldorf, as he ran to the far end of his cell – trying to get away from her. "My soldiers simply misunderstood my orders. I never meant for them to hurt her. I just wanted the time machine. You know how hard it is to get good help," he pleaded, as he crouched down and covered his head with his arms – expecting the worst. Then nothing. When Geldorf finally looked up, Major Thorr was already on the other side of the bars and his cell door was closed.

"My fiancée is going to make a full recovery. If she had died, or been permanently injured, I would have snapped your neck the minute I walked in here. I hope you get the death penalty. But if you don't, I'll eliminate you as soon as you escape," she said and walked away, headed home.

* * *

Ryan sat at his desk looking over Cassie's medical information. "Everything checks out fine, Cassie," he said. "You're released to resume normal activities. However, I want you to wait another two weeks before you start playing the drums again. Any questions?"

"No. Thanks for everything, Ryan," answered Cassie, getting up from her chair to leave.

"You're welcome. And I highly recommend that you start playing your guitar some every day. It'll be good therapy for your hand. Start off slowly - about fifteen minutes or so, and then increase the time by fifteen minutes each day, until you regain full range of motion. Oh, by the way, Brianna left a message for you to come straight home."

"OK. Thanks again, Ryan," she said, as she headed out of his office.

When Cassie walked out into the hallway, Suzie was there waiting with Rocko. He was holding a guitar case that contained Cassie's acoustic guitar.

"Hey, Sis," said Cassie. "What's up?"

"I brought you your guitar. And I wanted to talk to you about the wedding plans," said Suzie.

"Ryan gave me a clean bill of health. I guess we can set a date now."

"I don't think you and Brianna realize how much planning goes into a wedding, Cassie. You've got to buy dresses for you and Brianna and the matron-of-honor. You really shouldn't wait 'til the last minute to let the wedding party in on the details. You've got to order food, send out invitations, order a cake... It's a lot of work."

"I wanted to elope."

"You can't do that."

"I know. Brianna has to have a royal wedding on Thorr. Look, Sis, she left me a message to come straight home after my appointment with Ryan. That must mean those tabloid reporters are lurking around."

"Cassie, I need to know if I'm going to be in your wedding, or not. The matron-of-honor is in charge of throwing a bridal shower. It takes time to plan. If you and Brianna have asked someone else, just say so."

"No. We haven't asked anybody to be in the wedding. We haven't even set a date yet. I'm sure Brianna will ask you to be in the wedding, as soon as we set a date. I'll talk to her tonight and have her get back to you. I gotta run. See ya later," said Cassie, as she and Rocko headed for the Major's quarters.

When Rocko and Cassie got to the door of Brianna's quarters, Rocko opened the door, set Cassie's guitar inside, and turned and left. Cassie was about to ask him where he was going, when she looked down and noticed a trail of red rose petals on the floor. She followed the trail all the way to the closed bedroom door. When Cassie opened door, Brianna was already there in bed.

"Don't keep me waiting," said Brianna, as she turned down Cassie's side of the bed, exposing her beautiful naked body, while motioning for Cassie to come join her.

Cassie kicked off her shoes, took off her jeans and panties, and hurriedly joined Brianna in bed. Brianna helped her finish undressing and initiated foreplay, running a hand down Cassie's bare stomach and down an inner thigh. Then Brianna pulled their favorite toy out from under her pillow and climbed on top of Cassie. For the past two weeks, they had been resigned to watching StarTeli movies in bed to help keep their minds off of sex while Cassie was recovering. So they made sure the pleasure was well worth the wait...

"I love you so much," said Brianna, exhausted and satisfied.

"I love you, too," Cassie said. "Wow. It's been too long."

"I don't think I could have waited one more day to make love to you."

As Cassie lay on her back, Brianna assumed her favorite snuggle position next to her, with her head on Cassie's chest.

"You feel so good," said Cassie, wrapping her arms around her. "Now wait a minute. How did you know I was released?"

Brianna raised her head for a moment and looked into Cassie's eyes. "Ryan called me, as soon as you left his office. I told him, yesterday, to send you straight home if you were released," she said and then laid back down.

"I thought you couldn't pull rank at the infirmary?"

"Not as a Major. But I can as your fiancée. How would you like to go soak in the hot tub, with a bottle of champagne, and make wedding plans?"

"That sounds like fun."

"I'll get the bottle and the glasses and be right there."

The bathroom was decorated with lit candles as Cassie and Brianna made out and enjoyed a soak in the hot tub.

Brianna began fondling Cassie's breasts. "I'm sorry, Cassidy. I've missed being close to you so much. I just can't keep my hands off of you."

"So my rack turns you on, huh?" teased Cassie.

Brianna cracked up laughing. "'Rack'? You mean breasts?"

"Yeah."

"I'll never get used to all of your funny expressions. But, yes, your 'rack' turns me on. That does mean aroused, right?"

"Yeah. And turn about is fair play," Cassie said, fondling Brianna's breasts and kissing her neck. She paused for a moment and said. "Hey, Suzie seems upset that she hasn't been asked to be in our wedding. She's wanting to help pick out wedding dresses and throw us a shower."

"The Thorrian wedding is quite different from the Earthling wedding," said Brianna, grabbing her glass of champagne and handing Cassie hers. "You and I and the High Priestess will be the only ones in the actual ceremony. We will be wearing ceremonial robes. The only dresses we'll need are party dresses for the ball. I've already taken care of that. I'll talk to Suzie tomorrow and explain everything."

"What about wedding rings?"

"Gold wedding bands are provided by the Royal Family of Thorr. All we have to do is set a date and submit a guest list. The Czar will have the staff at the palace take care of everything."

"The Czar of Thorr? We're getting married at the palace on Thorr?"

"Yes. My twin sister is the Czar of Thorr."

"There's two of you?"

"We're not identical."

"Well, you're just full of surprises. How come you're not the Czar?"

"She was born first... Cassidy, have you ever meditated?"

"Yeah. I tried it once. Charlie's roommate was into that."

"What happened?"

"I fell asleep."

"Well, that won't do. A meditation between you and I, guided by the High Priestess, is part of the wedding ceremony. We can't have you falling asleep during our wedding. You'll have to learn to focus. I'll teach you."

"OK. Will we exchange vows?"

"Yes."

"I'm not sure how I'm going to answer."

"I was hoping for an affirmative," said Brianna, with a disturbed look on her face. "You aren't having second thoughts about getting married, are you?"

"I wasn't going to say no, Brianna," she said, laughing. "I just meant - do you want me to say I do, or I will, or what?"

"Oh," she said, relieved. "A simple yes will do. Would you like to go to the beach for two weeks on our honeymoon?"

"Yeah! That'd be great."

"Then I'll reserve the beach house. How about setting the wedding date a week from Sunday?"

"That works for me."

The next day, Brianna explained the Thorrian wedding to Suzie. She requested that Suzie not throw a bridal shower, because she and Cassie didn't need anything.

The following week, Brianna worked with Cassie on meditation techniques. She taught her how to breathe and how to focus on her inner spirit. Cassie found the experience energizing, unlike her first experience when she fell asleep.

Brianna had been noticing, for a while, that Cassie hadn't touched her guitar since her abduction.

"Is your left hand all right?" asked Brianna

"Yeah. It's fine," Cassie answered.

"Then why haven't you been playing your guitar?"

"There's no need to right now. We don't have any gigs scheduled. Charlie won't be available for a while. He's got that house arrest thing."

"I know. But, I would like to hear you play. How about playing a private concert for me? I love to hear you play and sing."

"Maybe later. I'd rather make out with you right now," she said, as she took Brianna in her arms and kissed her.

The next day, Suzie and Vanita set up an afternoon rehearsal at The Officer's Club. They didn't want to get rusty, waiting on Charlie's house arrest to be up. When Cassie didn't show up for rehearsal, Suzie called Brianna's quarters but Cassie wouldn't answer the communicator. Suzie came to the door of Brianna's quarters, but Cassie wouldn't answer the door, either. So Suzie called Brianna, at the Control Center, to see if she knew where Cassie was. Brianna immediately called Rocko.

"Rocko, where are you and Cassidy?" asked Brianna.

"We're in your quarters, Brianna," answered Rocko.

"Why didn't Cassidy go to rehearsal? Suzie's looking for her."

"I don't know."

"Were you there when Suzie called and came by?"

"Yes ma'am."

"You two stay there. I'm on my way home."

A few minutes later, Brianna entered her quarters. Cassie and Rocko were sitting at the dining room table playing cards.

"I'd like to speak to you in private," Brianna said to Cassie.

"OK, Hon," said Cassie, getting up from the table and following her into the bedroom.

As soon as Brianna closed the bedroom door, Cassie took her in her arms and started kissing her.

"This is not why I came home," Brianna said in-between kisses. "I really need to speak to you about something."

"OK," said Cassie, temporarily stopping the kissing. "What?"

"Why didn't you go to rehearsal?"

"I didn't feel like rehearsing today. I'm glad to see you, though," she said, trying to initiate more kissing.

"Cassidy, what's wrong?" asked Brianna, pulling away from her.

"Nothing."

"Don't tell me nothing is wrong. I know you. Why didn't you answer the communicator, or the door, when Suzie called?"

"I didn't hear her - I guess," she said, looking away.

"Cassidy, look at me," said Brianna, as she reached out and took Cassie's face in her hands, looking her straight in the eyes. "Please, tell me what's wrong. Why don't you want to play your guitar anymore?"

"I don't remember how."

# CHAPTER 13 - THORRIAN MATING RITUAL

Ryan had arranged for Dr. Droz, the neurosurgeon who treated Cassie's skull fracture, to re-examine her. Brianna, Cassie, and Ryan were seated in Ryan's office when Dr. Droz entered with Cassie's test results.

"Ms. Jones' scans indicate that she is healing nicely," said Dr. Droz. "However, we have no way of predicting how much of her memory she will ultimately recover. But, I must say, I'm puzzled as to why her ability to play the guitar has been affected. My recommendation, at this point, would be for her to see a hypno-therapist – to see if the cause could be from emotional trauma, before we proceed with something more invasive."

"I can recommend a colleague of mine," offered Ryan.

They think I'm crazy. "I don't need a shrink," said Cassie.

"A what?" Brianna asked Cassie, staring curiously at her.

"I think we need an interpreter. I don't understand the Earthling's expressions," said Dr. Droz.

"Let me talk to her," Brianna said to Dr. Droz.

Cassie became self-conscious and defensive. "Quit talking about me like I'm not here! I'm not crazy!"

"Cassidy, we don't think any such thing," said Brianna. "Ryan and Dr. Droz are just trying to help you."

"I don't need any doctor poking around in my head. I'm fine."

"Cassie, have you ever been hypnotized?" asked Ryan.

"Yeah," she answered. "There was this guy, in a bar one night, that was hypnotizing people. He gave me this suggestion that lasted about two weeks. Every time a phone rang, I would cluck like a chicken. I really don't think hoodoo voodoo is what I need right now."

"Cassie, we're not talking about parlor games. We just want to help you regain the rest of your memory. You do want to play your guitar again, don't you?"

"Yeah. But I don't see what good hypnosis will do."

"Please, let them help you," pleaded Brianna, taking Cassie by the hand - looking at her with a worried look on her face. "Do it for me."

No fair, playing the 'do it for me' card, thought Cassie. "Oh, all right," Cassie said, caving to Brianna's wishes. What a waste of time this is going to be.

That week, Cassie had several hypnotherapy sessions with a colleague of Ryan's named Dr. Leri. On the fourth visit, she had a break-through.

* * *

"Rocko, where are you and Cassidy? I've been waiting for you in the Star Base Cafeteria for ten minutes," asked Brianna over her communicator when she couldn't find Cassie for lunch.

"We're in The Officer's Club," answered Rocko, yelling over loud music.

"Rocko, can you turn the music down? I can barely hear you."

"No, I can't. Come to The Officer's Club bar."

"I'm on my way."

A few minutes later, Brianna entered the bar side of The Officer's Club. Her curious stare immediately turned into a big smile. Cassie was on stage playing her guitar, loudly, completely oblivious to anyone else in the room. Brianna persuaded a waiter to bring lunch from The Officer's Club dining room, for herself, Cassie, and Rocko. Finally, Cassie looked up and noticed that Brianna and Rocko were there, seated at a table down front of the stage, eating lunch.

Cassie smiled and winked at her fiancée. "Hi, Darlin'. I'm back."

The next afternoon, Cassie, Suzie, Vanita, and Rocko were in The Officer's Club bar so the girls could rehearse. They were on stage setting up their musical equipment and instruments.

Cassie said, as she and Rocko finished setting up Charlie's drum set, "I can't play the guitar and drums at the same time."

"Ryan says you're not supposed to play the drums for two more weeks, Cassie," said Suzie.

Vanita looked up from making tuning adjustments to her bass. "We can use the drum machine."

"I could probably play the drums," said Rocko.

"Oh, you think so?" replied Cassie, as she and Suzie and Vanita started laughing.

You Earthlings do it. How hard could it be?"

"He's got a point."

"I know that's right," said Vanita.

"I wonder what Charlie and Julia will think?" asked Suzie.

"Who gives a rat's ass what they think? You guys work on the song list for a few minutes," Cassie said to Suzie and Vanita. "Come on, Rocko. I'll show you the basics."

Cassie worked with Rocko for about half an hour, showing him how the drum set worked. She even played a Karaoke tune, so he could hear an example and play along. The massive half-man, half bearcat was quite a site behind the drums. He was also a quick study. Much to the girls' amazement, Rocko was quite good on the drums.

"Hey, Rocko. Can you sing too?" asked Cassie.

"No," he answered. "I only have one set of vocal chords. I can only speak."

The girls and Rocko worked on several songs and then decided to take a break. They didn't notice that Julia had walked in halfway through their last song.

"What the hell is going on here?" snapped Julia, approaching the girls and Rocko as they stood on stage.

"We're rehearsing," answered Cassie, as the group came down from of the stage to take a break.

Vanita took Suzie by the arm and directed her to a nearby table - just far enough away from Julia and Cassie, so they wouldn't appear nosey, but not too far away to hear their conversation. "This is gonna be good," Vanita said to Suzie, as they took a seat and watched the confrontation.

Julia glared angrily at Rocko, as he stood close by Cassie. "Don't even think about playing a concert with that hybrid-clone."

"We just don't wanna to get rusty, Julia. So until Charlie's house arrest is up, we'll play whatever gigs around here we can get. If you have a problem with Charlie's ass not being here – you take it up with him!"

"Well, I would think that you would take more interest in Geldorf's trial than in wasting your time like this," said Julia, changing the subject. "You do know that his defense attorney has managed to avoid the death penalty?"

"I don't give a fuck what happens to that queen! He can rot in jail for all I care! I just hope all this shit's over with by the time I get back from my honeymoon."

"Your head injury must be more severe than I feared, if you're really going through with this wedding."

"I'm getting married, Julia. Get used to the idea."

"You poor baby. You're so brain damaged you don't understand what you're getting yourself into."

"I'm not brain damaged!"

About that time, Brianna emerged from the shadows of The Officer's Club, where she had been silently listening to Cassie and Julia's entire conversation.

"Ooh... This just got better," Vanita whispered to Suzie, pointing out that Brianna was there and was walking towards Cassie and Julia.

"Maybe we should call Ryan or Jason," said Suzie. "This could get out of hand."

"Maybe we should just let Brianna kick Julia's ass, so she'll leave Cassie alone."

Unaware of the Major's presence, Julia said, "Cassie, please. Give yourself some time to get well. You haven't thought this through. She's Thorrian. She'll expect you to be faithful. Like I said before, if you want to get married that badly – I'll marry you. All you have to do is just move back to the palace. You could always keep Major Thorr as a mistress, if you wanted to. Though, she's so selfishly monogamous I don't know why you would want to."

"Get away from my fiancée!" yelled Brianna, as she walked up on Cassie and Julia.

"Cassie, think! Do you really want to have sex with just her for the rest of your life?" yelled Julia, pointing at the Major - while sighing, rolling her eyes, and shaking her head.

"You bitch! That does it!" yelled Brianna, going after her. I'm going to choke the life out of her.

Cassie grabbed Brianna, trying in vain to hold her back. But she was unable to match Brianna's strength as Brianna set her aside as if she was a feather. "Rocko! Help! Get Brianna," said Cassie.

Rocko reached out, wrapped one mighty arm around Brianna's waist, and picked her up. He held her like a loaf of bread under his arm – keeping her off of Julia, as she struggled to get free, unsuccessfully.

"Your marriage is doomed, Major Thorr," said Julia, giving her a dirty look. Smiling and winking at Cassie, she said, "You're welcome to come visit me in the Colonel's guest suite, anytime."

"Get out now, Julia, or I'll have Rocko turn her loose," said Cassie.

"I'm not afraid of her," said Julia, laughing and walking away.

The next morning, the girls and Rocko were rehearsing in The Officer's Club bar when Cassie got a voice communication from Charlie.

"Hey, Cassie. How are you feeling?" asked Charlie.

"Good," she answered.

"No more headaches – memory losses?"

"I'm fine," she answered, defensively. I'm not brain damaged. I wish people would quit asking me that. "What do you want, Charlie? We're busy rehearsing."

"I'm just worried about you – that's all."

"Well, don't be. I'm just fine."

"Cassie, please tell me you're not really going through with this wedding."

"Oh... So, that's what this is really all about? I gotta go, Charlie."

"Cassie, wait! Please, just hear me out."

"Nothing you can say will change my mind, Charlie."

"Cassie, Julia really cares about you. And I do, too. Please don't go through with this wedding. All you've got to do is move back to the palace - and the three of us could have a dream life here."

"That's your dream, Charlie, not mine. I'm in love with Brianna. We're getting married. And that's final."

"Cassie, please, don't marry Brenda."

"That's no problem. I don't even know anybody named Brenda!"

"You know who I mean... the Ice Princess!"

"Fuck you, Charlie! Don't call her that!"

"OK. But if you insist on going through with this wedding, you be damned sure you get a prenuptial agreement. Take my word for it, Cassie. She's a golddigger."

"This conversation is over," Cassie said, abruptly ending the communication.

Two days later, Cassie went to the Star Base gym for a light workout while Brianna was on duty.

Brianna's Thorrian ex-girlfriend, Sonya, approached Cassie as she was exiting the walking track. "Brianna's too good for you," said Sonya. "I can't believe she's marrying you."

"I agree. I can't believe she's marrying me, either," said Cassie.

"You are nothing but Earthling trash."

"You're no prize yourself, Sonya."

"You Earthlings have the morals of animals. You're just as bad as Tyrians. It's just a matter of time until Brianna sees you for what you are."

"You know what, Sonya? I really don't care what you think of me. But, you really should be thanking me. After all, I took up for you - just the other day."

With a look of skepticism she said, "Took up for me, how?"

"I was at Bobu's, and someone said that you weren't fit to lie down with Rodens. And I said, 'yes you were'!"

Angered by that statement, Sonya grabbed Cassie by the throat, with both hands, and shoved her up against a wall. "You think you're so smart. I'd love to finish where Geldorf left off."

Gasping for air Cassie said. "Go ahead. Hit me."

"I'm not stupid," Sonya said, regaining her composure and releasing Cassie. "If I hit you, Brianna would never forgive me. She'll eventually come to her senses about you." Sonya walked away, just as Brianna was approaching.

Watching Sonya walk away, obviously angry, Brianna said to Cassie. "What's going on here?"

"Nothing. Sonya was just wishing us luck on our wedding," answered Cassie.

Brianna looked at Cassie with a raised eyebrow, not believing a word of it.

"What are you doing down here? It's just three o'clock. Are you off duty, already?" Cassie asked.

"Yes," said Brianna. "I just came to get you. I don't want you to overdo."

"I was on my way home to take a shower. Wanna join me?"

"I'd love to."

As they walked home from the gym Cassie asked, "Would you like to go to The Officer's Club for dinner?"

"No. I'm in no mood to deal with those tabloid reporters that are covering Geldorf's trial." Or Julia, either.

"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about those assholes."

"I've invited Suzie and Ryan and Vanita and Jason for dinner, around seven. We need to discuss the wedding plans with them. They'll be joining us at the palace on Thorr the day before the ceremony."

"Well, you better do some fast cooking."

"I'm having dinner catered by The Officer's Club. So, I'm all yours until about six."

"Then let's not dilly-dally."

"What? I don't understand."

"Hurry."

* * *

The palace was located in the city of Vernice, Thorr. Beautiful gardens and fountains lined the long driveway up to the palace door, which was burgundy in color. The palace was a four-story-tall, white brick structure with white columns, and covered what would be about four city blocks. Behind the palace were servants' quarters, stables for the royal family's horses, and an Olympic-sized indoor/outdoor swimming pool and pool house.

Brianna and Cassie arrived at the palace two days before the ceremony, in a limo provided by palace security. They were escorted into the palace by the Thorrian National Guard. A couple of the palace servants were lined up just inside the palace door, as Brianna and Cassie entered.

"Welcome home, Princess Brianna," replied a distinguished-looking gentleman, who was dressed in a butler's uniform.

"Thank you, Demitri," said Brianna, giving him a big hug.

A woman dressed in a maid's uniform said, "Your Royal Highness – it's so good to see you. It's been too long."

Brianna reached out and hugged the woman. "Helga, it's good to see you too. This is my fiancée, Cassidy Jones. Cassidy, this is Demitri and Helga."

"Ms. Jones," they both said, acknowledging her.

"Hey. How's it going," said Cassie, as she looked wide-eyed around the palace. Cassie was thinking that this place made the palace on Tyre look like a flophouse. Maybe me and Brianna should have dressed up for this, she thought, feeling self-conscious that they were dressed casually in jeans. Cassie couldn't believe the size of the place, the gold and brass fixtures, art work and sculpture, and the servants who were actually servants - and not just sex objects to have your way with (like the ones at the palace on Tyre). "Wow. This place is awesome," she said to Brianna, shaking her head. "You're pretty awesome too, Your Royal Highness," she teased, whispering in Brianna's ear.

"Cassidy, please," Brianna said, laughing. "You don't have to address me so formally. After all, you'll be a member of the Royal Family soon. Come with me," she said, as she took her fiancée by the hand and led her down a hallway and into a large party room with a bar. "I have some business to attend to. You make yourself comfortable at the bar. I'll join you for a drink as soon as I can." Brianna kissed Cassie and headed out of the room.

I can definitely use a drink. "Hurry back," Cassie said to Brianna, as she left the room. Cassie was feeling a bit overwhelmed and intimidated by the whole scenario, as she walked over to the bar and took a seat on one of the barstools.

Behind the bar, there was a bartender and a waitress dressed in servant's uniforms. The waitress was a pretty thirty-something, with sandy blond hair and big blue eyes. The man was handsome, yet slightly older, had brown eyes, light brown hair, and a receding hairline.

"What will you have?" asked the bartender.

Cassie said, continuing to look around in awe, "How about a glass of red wine?"

"Would you like something to eat?" asked the waitress.

"No thanks. I think a drink is all my stomach will take, right now," answered Cassie.

"Wedding jitters?"

"Not until I got here."

The bartender set a glass of red wine on the bar in front of Cassie. "Here you go."

"Thanks," said Cassie, taking a big sip of her wine.

"So, you're Cassie Jones - the rock star," said the waitress.

"Guilty," said Cassie.

"I'm Anton, and this is Adrianna," said the bartender, motioning to the waitress.

"Hey. It's nice to meet you guys. You two don't seem so stuffy - like the two servants I met coming in," said Cassie, taking another big sip of wine.

"We try not to be," said Adrianna.

Anton reached with an open bottle ready to pour. "How about a topper on that wine, Ms. Jones?"

"Yeah. Thanks, Anton. You guys call me 'Cassie'," she said, setting her glass on the bar and pushing it towards the bartender. "Charlie sure had the right idea about getting a prenuptial agreement. Brianna should've asked me for one," said Cassie, talking to herself out loud.

"Who?" asked Anton.

"Drummer for The Rockets," she answered. "Say \- do you have shuttles that run to Star Base?"

"Yes," answered Adrianna. "Why do you ask?"

"I might as well face it. Just look at this place. I'm not good enough for Brianna. It's just a matter of time 'til she realizes it, too. You don't really think the Czar of Thorr is gonna let her marry somebody like me? Get real. I might as well head back to Star Base right now."

"Do you love her?"

"More than I ever thought possible. I didn't know what love was 'til I met Brianna."

"I think she would be extremely disappointed, to say the least, if you were to leave. Is that what you want?"

"No."

"Maybe you should stick around, at least until the princess gets back," said Anton. "I bet you could tell us some stories about your concert tours," he said, changing the subject.

"I would like to hear one," requested Adrianna.

"Well, OK," said Cassie, trying to think of one that wouldn't make her look bad if it got back to Brianna. "Charlie was dating this girl from Tyre that lived out in the country on this farm. Anyway, we had this incompetent tour director named Dac that always got the information on our itineraries wrong. He would forget to book the entire floor when we stayed in hotels - and then fans would bother us. He would make us late for interviews, because he would forget to arrange for ground transportation. The problem was we couldn't fire him, because he was the son of Julia's trade ambassador. So me and Charlie came up with a plan to make him quit. Well, actually we stole the idea from a rock band on Earth. But anyway..."

"What did you do?" asked Anton.

"Well, Charlie bought a couple of goats and six chickens from this girl that had the farm. I helped them smuggle the animals into the hotel we were staying at, and then we put them in Dac's room while he was out to dinner one night. We made sure they had plenty of water and lots to eat, too."

"Oh, how funny," said Anton, as he and Adrianna started to laugh.

"Then me and Charlie and this girl hid and watched Dac when he got back to his room. He freaked out. He was yelling and screaming at those goats. They had eaten half of one of his designer ties and chewed up a bunch of his shoes - and all the furniture in his room, too."

By that time, Anton and Adrianna were wiping tears from their eyes, they were laughing so hard.

"What happened next?" asked Anton.

"Dac stormed out of his room, yelling that he was going to complain to the manager. As soon as he got on a transporter and headed downstairs, we got the animals and loaded them on another transporter and pushed the button for the lobby. And, oh man, those animals had pooped everywhere. Those goats had chewed that room to pieces."

"I think that's one of the funniest stories I've ever heard," said Adrianna, laughing.

"I can just imagine the stunned looks on people's faces, in the lobby, when the transporter door opened and they saw the animals," laughed Anton. "How did hotel management react, Cassie?"

"Apparently, someone saw us bringing the animals into the hotel and told on us. The hotel manager threw me and Charlie out - and told us to never come back. But it was worth it, even though we had to pay for all the damage. Dac quit - right there on the spot."

In the meantime, Brianna had entered the party room and was pleased at how Cassie, Adrianna, and Anton were getting along.

"Brianna, there you are. Would you like something to drink," asked Anton, as she approached the bar.

"Yes. Red wine, please," she answered, as she sat down on a barstool next to Cassie. "So, what do you think about my twin sister?" Brianna asked Cassie.

"I don't know. I haven't met the Czar," Cassie answered. "I've been here visiting with Anton and Adrianna the whole time you were gone."

"Adrianna is the Czar - and my twin sister. Anton is her husband – and also a Thorrian Ambassador."

Cassie's face turned bright red. "You set me up," she said to Brianna.

"Don't blame Brianna for this. This was all mine and Adrianna's idea," said Anton. "We've found, in our positions, it's the quickest way to get to know someone." Then he served red wine for everyone.

"Brianna, it's so good to see you," said Adrianna, as she walked around the bar.

Brianna stood up and gave her twin sister a hug.

"I was afraid Cassie was going to go back to Stare Base, a little earlier, though," said Adrianna. "She was afraid the mean old Czar would never let you marry her because she's not good enough for you."

"Cassidy, that's not true. Don't you even think about leaving, or we'll have to have one of those Earthling 'shotgun weddings' that I've heard about," teased Brianna, causing Cassie to laugh.

"And for the record, Cassie, as Czar or Thorr, I approve of this marriage," said Adrianna. "There's not a doubt in my mind that you really love my sister."

"Thanks," said Cassie, breathing a sigh of relief.

"Come here and give me a hug, too," said Anton, as he approached Brianna.

"Anton, it's so good to see you," said Brianna, releasing her sister and giving him a hug.

"I think I'll have dinner served in here, tonight," said Adrianna. "We can eat in the formal dining room tomorrow night with the friends and family."

"That sounds good to me," said Brianna.

Adrianna said to Anton, "Let's go change into some casual clothes. Brianna, we'll meet back here around six for happy hour. Dinner will be served around seven."

"That will be fine," said Brianna.

Brianna took Cassie by the hand and led her out of the party room.

As Cassie and Brianna walked down a long hallway, Cassie asked. "Where am I staying tonight?"

Brianna got a puzzled look on her face. "With me. Where did you think?" she asked, as they reached the end of the hallway and entered a large suite.

"We aren't married yet. I didn't know if I would be staying in another room, or what."

"This isn't Earth. The customs there are bizarre. No wonder you Earthlings get 'cold feet' right before the wedding. I plan to keep you and your feet very warm. All night long," said Brianna, as they entered the suite and closed the door.

Later that evening, Adrianna, Anton, Brianna, and Cassie visited and had a casual dinner in the party room. The Czar and her husband really made Cassie feel welcome and at ease. Anton even brought out his guitar, and he and Cassie played and sang. Finally, the group said their good-nights and retired for the evening, around midnight.

The next afternoon, Suzie and Ryan, Vanita and Jason, and Rocko arrived at the palace on Thorr.

Vanita was as wide-eyed as Cassie was the day before as she entered. "Holy shit, Cassie. Can you believe this place?"

"No. I was so nervous when I first got here - I started to just leave," answered Cassie. "Hey Rocko. How's my big teddy bear doing?" she said, smiling at him.

"I'm good," he said, smiling back at her showing off his big, white fangs.

"Where's Brianna?" asked Suzie.

"She had something to take care of," answered Cassie. "She said she'd join us in a few minutes. You guys follow me," she said, as she led them to the party room.

Cassie entertained the group with the story of how Brianna set her up to meet the Czar and Anton, and how they were dressed as the bartender and the waitress. This time, the real bartender and waitress took care of the group, as they sat at a large table next to the bar.

"She really put one over on you," laughed Jason.

"Now, that's funny," said Vanita.

"Well, it is now," said Cassie. "It embarrassed the shit out of me at the time, though."

Ryan laughed and said, "I can see how that would be a real icebreaker."

"Brianna was probably just getting back at you for all the teasing you do to her," said Suzie.

"Hello, everyone. Sorry to keep you waiting," said Brianna, as she entered, welcomed each one of them, and took a seat next to Cassie.

After the group had visited for a while, Demitri and Helga entered the party room.

"Princess Brianna, your guests' rooms are ready," said Demitri.

"Thank you, Demitri," replied Brianna.

"Your Royal Highness, the Czar would like to speak to you about seating arrangements for dinner this evening," said Helga.

"Thank you, Helga. If all of you will go with Demitri and Helga, they'll show you to your rooms," said Brianna, leaving to tend to dinner arrangements.

"I'll go with you guys," said Cassie, following the friends and family out of the party room.

* * *

Happy hour was held in the foyer just outside of the formal dining room. Brianna and Cassie, Suzie and Ryan, Vanita and Jason, and Rocko were all there, talking and having champagne cocktails and hors d'oeuvers. The girls were dressed in after-five dresses. Ryan, Jason, and Rocko were dressed in suits.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Adrianna the Czar of Thorr and Anton of Thorr," said Demitri, announcing their arrival to the group.

Brianna introduced everyone and happy hour continued.

"Where have you guys been?" Cassie said to Anton and Adrianna. "Anton, I'll take a refill," she said, handing him her empty champagne glass. "That's a nice suit. You better put your bartender uniform back on - wouldn't want to spill anything on it."

Adrianna and Anton cracked up laughing at Cassie's remark. "Brianna, we just love her. She is so funny," said Adrianna, referring to Cassie. "She's brought laughter to this stuffy old palace. Promise me you two will come and visit as often as possible."

"We will," answered Brianna.

About an hour later, Demitri entered again. "Dinner is served," he announced and escorted the family and friends to the formal dining room.

Everyone entered and took a seat, according to where their place cards were set. Adrianna was at the head of the table. Anton was seated on her right. Suzie, Ryan, and Rocko were seated, in that order, on Anton's side of the table. Brianna was on the Czar's left, with Cassie seated next to her, and then Vanita and Jason. The group was served a lavish six-course meal by the palace staff, as everyone continued to get acquainted. After dinner, the group went to the party room for cordials. The party broke up around 1:00 a.m.

* * *

Brianna said to Cassie the morning of the wedding, as they lay in bed in each other's arms. "Last chance to change your mind."

"I love you," said Cassie. "I'm not gonna change my mind. If anyone was having second thoughts about this wedding, I would think it would be you."

"Not a chance. I've never loved anyone as much as I love you."

* * *

Brianna, Cassie, and the High Priestess of Thorr were in the chapel, alone, to begin the wedding ceremony. Brianna and Cassie were seated before the altar in a lotus position, holding hands, guided in meditation by the High Priestess. The three women were dressed in off-white ceremonial robes. Brianna wore a tiara, signifying her position as Princess of Thorr.

The inside of the chapel was circular and the seats were elevated on different levels. The entire ceiling was a beautiful mural of Thorrian saints. The walls were decorated with stained glass trimmed in gold. The music in the background was haunting, and yet soothing - sort of like chanting. Incense was burning in order to expel any bad spirits that weren't in favor of the union of these two souls.

Finally, the High Priestess summoned an altar boy to show the family and guests into the chapel to witness the wedding. Everyone was seated quietly, as the High Priestess brought Brianna and Cassie out of their meditation. The High Priestess instructed Brianna and Cassie to rise and join right hands. As soon as everyone was seated, the ceremony began.

"Do you, Princess Brianna, take Cassidy to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, forsaking all others, till death do you part?"

"Yes," answered Brianna, as she smiled and looked into Cassie's big brown eyes.

The High Priestess blessed the two wedding bands that lay on the alter beside her. "Place this ring on Cassidy's finger to seal your vow," instructed the High Priestess, handing Brianna a gold wedding band.

Brianna let go of Cassie's right hand, took the ring from the Priestess, and placed it on Cassie's ring finger on her left hand. Then she kissed Cassie's left hand.

"Do you, Cassidy, take Princess Brianna to be your wedded wife. Will you love her, forsaking all others, till death do you part?"

"Yes," answered Cassie, as she smiled and looked into Brianna's haunting, sky-blue eyes.

The Priestess handed the other ring to Cassie. "Place this ring on Princess Brianna's finger to seal your vow."

Cassie placed the ring on Brianna's ring finger on her left hand, as instructed, and kissed her left hand.

The High Priestess lit the two candles on the altar behind her, and handed one to Brianna and one to Cassie.

"Light the eternal flame of love and devotion," instructed the Priestess, as she motioned to the unlit candle on the altar.

Brianna and Cassie took their lit candles and lit the one lone candle on the altar, at the same time. Then they extinguished their single candles and laid them on the altar.

The High Priestess instructed Princess Brianna and Cassie to kneel before her. She blessed their union with holy water, touching each of them on the head with a drop - first Princess Brianna and then Cassie.

"Rise and join right hands," said the High Priestess, as Brianna and Cassie followed her instruction. "As High Priestess of Thorr, I now pronounce you as one. You may seal your union with a kiss."

Brianna and Cassie kissed and then exited holding hands, followed by the High Priestess, through a side entrance of the chapel. As soon as the newlyweds and the High Priestess were cleared, the ushers lead the family and guests from the chapel to the ballroom.

* * *

"Ladies and gentlemen. Princess Brianna of Thorr and Cassidy Jones Thorr," announced Demitri, as the newlyweds entered the ballroom to the cheers of their family and friends.

Waiters and waitresses hurriedly served everyone a glass of champagne so the Czar could make a toast.

"To Brianna and Cassie. May you have a long and happy marriage, and grow to love each other more with each passing day," said Adrianna.

"Here, here," said Anton, as everyone cheered and toasted the happy couple.

"Now it's time for Princess Brianna and Cassie to start the ball with the first dance," said the Czar.

Brianna and Cassie took the dance floor and danced their first dance as a married couple. Just like "their dance" at Suzie's wedding, they were completely oblivious to anyone else being in the room. But this time there was no, Julia, Charlie, or tabloid reporters to interrupt their kissing. After the first dance, Brianna danced with Anton and Cassie danced with Adrianna, as the other guests and family members joined in.

Suzie said to Cassie and Brianna, as they all came off the dance floor, "I am so happy for you two."

"Thanks, Sis," said Cassie, hugging her sister.

Then Suzie turned to Brianna and hugged her. "Now, I have two sisters," said Suzie.

"I guess we have you to thank for pushing us together at your wedding, Suzie," said Brianna. "I'll never forget that dance," she said, smiling at her wife.

"Me, neither," said Cassie, reaching out and taking Brianna by the hand, smiling back at her.

"That's when I knew I was hopelessly in love with you."

"Me, too."

Vanita walked up and put her arms around Cassie and Brianna. "How's the happy couple doing?"

"Great," said Cassie.

"I've never been happier," said Brianna.

"Where are Jason and Ryan?" Cassie asked, looking around for them.

"They spotted crab and lobster on the buffet table. 'Nough said?" answered Vanita.

Suzie looked over towards the buffet table. "Yeah. There they are – stuffing their faces," she said, as she, Vanita, Cassie, and Brianna started to laugh.

The buffet was set up in the ballroom along the wall next to the kitchen. There was also wedding cake, even though it wasn't part of the traditional Thorrian wedding. But Brianna liked cake, and it was traditional for her Earthling wife. However, the cake was flat, not tiered, and had "Brianna & Cassidy" written on it. Brianna thought the tiered cake looked too much like the cardboard version that whores jumped out of at bachelor parties. When it was time, Brianna and Cassie cut the cake and shared the first piece.

As the ball raged on, champagne flowed like water. Brianna and Cassie visited with friends from Star Base - such as Colonel Smith, Lieutenant Stone, Ensign Scott and his boyfriend, Mark, Sergeant Ortiz, Bebo (without Bobu, who was not invited), and many others. Brianna was introducing Cassie to several Thorrian ambassadors and dignitaries when Adrianna approached.

"Cassie, it's time," said Adrianna.

"What's going on," asked Brianna.

"You'll see," said Cassie, as she walked away with Adrianna, in the direction of the stage.

Brianna looked up onto the stage and noticed that Suzie, Vanita, and Rocko had replaced the band that had been playing. As Adrianna and Cassie joined them on stage, Rocko handed Cassie her guitar and took his place behind the drums.

"This is an unexpected treat for me - to be standing here, on stage, with one of the most famous rock groups in the universe," said Adrianna, speaking into Cassie's microphone. "The newest member of the Royal Family of Thorr has a surprise for Princess Brianna. So without further ado: Ladies and gentlemen - The Rockets!"

The crowd cheered wildly as Cassie began to speak.

"Thank you... Thank you. This song is dedicated to my wife, Brianna. I love you, Darlin'," said Cassie, as she winked at her, causing Brianna to smile and laugh. Then she sang Brianna's favorite love song to her.

Quite a crowd had gathered outside the palace gates. Fans and well wishers were there, hoping to get a glimpse of the newlyweds - the Princess and the rock star. Finally, Brianna and Cassie walked out onto a balcony and waved to the crowd, as suggested by Adrianna, so the crowd would disperse.

"When are we leaving for our honeymoon?" asked Cassie, as she and Brianna returned to the ball.

"I just want one more dance with my beautiful wife," Brianna answered. "Then we'll thank everyone for coming and say our good-byes. All we have to do is go. Our bags have already been packed and loaded on a shuttle."

"I can't wait."

* * *

"Holy shit! You call this a beach house?" asked Cassie, as she and Brianna entered just before sunset. "I'd like to see what you call a mansion."

The beach house, owned by the Royal Family of Thorr, was a two-story mansion on a private beach. The front of the house, which contained the master bedroom suite, faced the ocean and was all glass, with a spectacular view of the ocean and surrounding mountains. The servants' quarters and stables for the horses were located behind the house. The servants left the newlyweds alone, unless they were summoned by Princess Brianna.

Brianna and Cassie changed into shorts and t-shirts, got a bottle of champagne and two glasses, and went out onto the deck to watch the sunset. They talked and laughed and toasted their marriage, as the sun disappeared into the ocean. The kissing quickly turned into foreplay as they came out of their clothes and stood naked out on the deck, making out and becoming extremely aroused. They moved to the master bedroom and fell into bed, as a big red moon appeared to rise up out of the ocean and witnessed the consummation of their marriage. It started with kissing of all their erogenous zones and ended with multiple orgasms with their favorite sex toy. They talked and kissed for most of the night, while looking out the bedroom windows at a magical view of the moonlit ocean, and then fell asleep in each others' arms.

The next day, Brianna and Cassie lounged on the deck, swam in the ocean, and napped in a big hammock, located on the deck next to a big hot tub. They were really enjoying the sunshine, the warm tropical breeze, and the smell of the salt water. It was a nice change from the cold of outer space.

"Tomorrow, we should take the horses and a picnic lunch and ride up the mountain trail, for a swim in the river," Brianna suggested late one afternoon, a few days later. "I know of a nice spot next to a waterfall."

"OK," said Cassie, holding her wife close, as they watched the sunset from the hot tub. "Darlin', how 'bout me and you go to bed and do the Thorrian mating ritual?"

"You know there's no such thing as the Thorrian mating ritual," laughed Brianna.

"You're Princess Brianna of Thorr, and I'm Cassidy Jones Thorr. I think us two getting together could be considered the Thorrian mating ritual."

"All right. If that's what you want to call it."

The next morning, a stable hand saddled two horses and tied them to the deck of the main house. After breakfast, Brianna and Cassie headed out of the beach house dressed in jeans, t-shirts, and boots. Brianna was carrying a picnic basket, full of wine and food, that she had prepared herself.

Brianna strapped the picnic basket to her horse's saddle and said, "We'll ride down the beach this way," she pointed, as she mounted her horse. "Then we'll take the trail up into mountains to the river. Cassidy, is something wrong?" asked Brianna, as Cassie just stood there, looking at her horse. "You do know how to ride a horse, don't you?"

"No."

"You're an Earthling - from Texas - and you don't know how to ride a horse?" asked Brianna, as she started to laugh.

"I grew up in the city, not the country. We've actually progressed beyond covered wagons, Brianna. We have air and ground transportation in Texas, too," she said, defensively. "Believe it or not, we don't ride horses to work anymore."

Brianna dismounted her horse. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stereotype or offend you." Brianna proceeded to show Cassie how to mount, and the basics of riding a horse. "When we get up into the mountains, just hang onto the saddle horn and let the horse maneuver the rocks however she wants. They're sure footed and they know the way up the trail."

Cassie nervously replied, "OK."

After a while, Cassie got the feel of riding a horse and was really starting to enjoy it. Just as Brianna had said, the horses knew their way up the mountain. So all Cassie had to do was hang on and enjoy the ride. Finally, Brianna and Cassie reached the spot in the river with the waterfall that Brianna had mentioned earlier. They dismounted and tied the horses to a tree where they could graze and drink from the river. Brianna spread out a blanket on the ground and set the picnic basket on it.

"Are you hungry?" asked Brianna.

"No," Cassie answered.

"Then take off your clothes and let's go for a swim" said Brianna, as she stripped into her birthday suit and went running for the river.

Cassie took off her clothes and went running into the river after her.

"Let's go out to dinner, tonight," suggested Brianna, as she and Cassie held each other and made out in the river next to the waterfall.

"Go out where?" asked Cassie.

"There's an island close by. I want to go out to dinner and dancing with my beautiful wife."

"That sounds like fun. How do we get there?"

"On the yacht."

"What yacht?"

"The Royal Family's yacht. It's housed two miles down the beach near the slip. It's only a two hour cruise to the night clubs and casinos."

"If you have a yacht, why don't you just park it out front of the beach house?"

"It's too large. It would block the view."

Later that afternoon aboard the yacht, Brianna, Cassie, and crew set sail for the island of Los Renos.

Cassie was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and sunglasses, as she popped her head into the galley area of the yacht. "Her Royal Highness would like a bottle of champagne," she said to one of the crewmembers, who just happened to be the headwaiter, Reginald.

"It's over there in the chiller!" snapped Reginald. "Get into your uniform, immediately, and serve Princess Brianna a bottle and two glasses. Hurry up! I can't do everything," he said, as he frantically motioned towards a uniform and a dressing room.

So, Cassie changed into a servant's uniform, grabbed a couple of glasses, and got the champagne out of the chiller. She placed the glasses and champagne on a tray and headed back out onto the deck of the yacht.

"I found the champagne, Darlin'," said Cassie, as she approached her wife, who had changed into a black two-piece swimsuit. "You look so hot!" she said, as she looked her wife up and down, with her tongue hanging out, playfully panting and fanning her face with her free hand.

Brianna was just about to tell Cassie how cute she looked in the servant's uniform, when they were interrupted.

"How 'dare' you speak to Princess Brianna in such a disrespectful manner! You're dismissed!" Reginald yelled at Cassie, as he grabbed the tray of champagne from her. "Your Royal Highness," he said, turning to Brianna. "I am so sorry. Please accept my deepest apologies."

"Reginald, it's all right," said Brianna, trying hard to hold back her laughter.

"I said you're dismissed!" he yelled at Cassie, again, infuriated by her total lack of respect for his authority – and the princess, too. "Princess Brianna, I promise she will be discharged the minute we dock. Now, go!" he yelled at Cassie, as his eyes bugged out of their sockets, in anger - the veins in his forehead bulging, as he waved her off in the direction of the galley.

Cassie completely ignored Reginald. "Darlin'. What do you say me and you get it on, right here, while Reggie looks out for your wife." Cassie said, winking at Brianna, as she crawled onto the lounge chair with her, kissing her bare stomach and tickling her ribs.

"Stop that!" screamed Brianna, who was extremely ticklish, as she kicked her feet and laughed, hysterically.

"Get off of her!" Reginald yelled at Cassie. "Security! Security! Help!" he yelled, as he grabbed Cassie and tried to pull her off of Brianna.

"Reginald, no!" said Brianna, pushing him away from Cassie with one arm, while holding her close with the other, as a security officer approached. "Reginald, this is my wife, Cassidy."

Reginald was an opera fan, not a rock fan, so he didn't recognize Cassie. "Your wife?" said Reginald, as he swallowed hard and turned bright red in the face.

"Yes. And as you can see, she has a unique sense of humor," said Brianna, as she and Cassie cracked up laughing.

"False alarm. False alarm," said Reginald to the security officer, waving him off. "Princess Brianna. Cassidy. I am so sorry. Please, call me if there is anything I can get for you," he said, as he retreated towards the galley, totally embarrassed.

"It's all right, Reginald. No harm done," replied Brianna.

"Yeah. It's OK, Reggie. I was just foolin' around," said Cassie, calling after him as he disappeared into the galley. Turning to Brianna, she said, "Your Royal Highness, can I have my way with you – just one more time, before Captain Bly makes me walk the plank?"

"You can have anything you want," said Brianna, making eyes at her wife, "as long as you take that uniform home and surprise me with it one night."

"You got it."

"Cassidy?"

"Yeah, Hon.?"

"Who's Captain Bly? And what's a plank?"

Later that evening, Brianna and Cassie, dressed in after-five dresses, sipped champagne on the deck of the yacht as it approached Los Renos. They spent the evening dining and dancing in one of the finest hotels. On their way back to the yacht, hours later, they decided to walk through the casino, just for fun. About two hours and several-thousand Lucre later, they headed back to the yacht. Brianna and Cassie donated the Lucre they won to one of Princess Brianna's charities.

Brianna and Cassie were the perfect complement to each other. Opposites attract, even though they were the same sex. Brianna was educated, sophisticated, and blue blood royalty. Cassie was street smart, creative, and a mutt from Earth. Brianna's upbringing as a princess, and her military career, were somewhat ridged and confining. Cassie put fun, passion, and excitement into her life. Brianna made Cassie happier than she ever thought possible - and brought out her best.

Brianna and Cassie spent the rest of their honeymoon at the beach house, enjoying the sunshine and the ocean – and most of all each other. They never wanted the honeymoon to end. But, finally, the last day of the honeymoon came and it was time to return to Star Base.

# CHAPTER 14 - SEX, LIES & STAR BASE

Aboard a Thorrian National Guard shuttle headed for Star Base, Cassie and Brianna sat next to each other on a sofa in the lounge area of the shuttle, as they made their way back from their honeymoon.

Cassie said to Brianna, "Let's turn around and go back to the beach house."

"I wish we could," said Brianna. "But I have to get back to Star Base."

"The beach house is a 'Julia-free' zone," Cassie whispered in her ear, and began kissing her neck.

"That sounds like heaven. Don't tempt me."

"Why don't we just quit our jobs and move there?"

"I really can't do that."

Cassie abruptly stopped the kissing. "Why not?"

"If I resign as Major, I will have to resume my duties as Princess Brianna."

"I don't have a problem with that. Think about it. We could just stay in bed, when we weren't playing on the beach."

"We have to get out of bed, sometime," laughed Brianna. "Anyway, if I were to resume my duties as Princess, we would have to live at the palace on Thorr. Trust me. I actually have more freedom as a Major. And what about your career with The Rockets? Suzie and Vanita would be very disappointed if you quit. And you're playing and singing is one of the many things I love about you."

"Well, OK. But can we go to the beach for vacations... and for anniversaries?"

"Yes, of course. We can go there as often as we can arrange time off."

"Sweet."

"Princess Brianna," said the pilot over the intercom.

"Yes, Captain," she answered.

"Your luggage has been transferred to your quarters on Star Base. We will be landing there momentarily."

"Thank you."

* * *

Rocko - and a large group of reporters - met Brianna and Cassie as they exited the shuttle at the Star Base landing bay.

"Ms. Jones! Ms. Jones!" said a reporter, waving a microphone in her face.

"Jones Thorr. My name is Jones Thorr, now," said Cassie, as she and Brianna and Rocko made their way through the crowd.

"Ms. Jones Thorr!" yelled a reporter. "Geldorf has been found guilty of kidnapping and attempted murder. How do you feel about the verdict?"

"I kinda suspected he was guilty," deadpanned Cassie, looking at the reporter like he had lost his mind.

"Major Thorr," asked another reporter. "How do you feel about the conviction and the upcoming sentencing - considering the fact that Geldorf's attorney has managed to avoid the death penalty?"

"I was hoping he would get the death penalty. Any sentence he gets, now, won't be long enough to suit me," answered the Major.

"Ms. Jones Thorr, will you be attending the sentencing phase of the trial," yelled another reporter.

"No," she answered. "I think I'll be washing my hair, or having a root canal, or something, that day."

"She has no further comment," Brianna said to the annoying reporters. "We're done, here," she said to Rocko.

Rocko cleared a path for Brianna and Cassie, escorted them to the Major's quarters, and left them alone to get settled and unpack. Brianna and Cassie entered and found a "welcome home" banner, hanging in the entryway. There were flowers on the dining room table, a bottle of champagne on ice, and a note that read, "We missed you. Dinner is in the fridge," signed by Suzie, Ryan, Vanita, and Jason.

"I'm not really hungry, right now. Are you?" asked Brianna.

"No," answered Cassie.

"Would you mind if I invited them all over for a drink? This was so sweet of them."

"No, Hon. Go ahead and ask them."

A short while later, the whole gang joined Brianna and Cassie for happy hour in the Major's quarters.

"You guys have a nice tan," said Suzie. "I just love the beach."

"Then all of you will have to join us next time we go," said Brianna.

"Sounds like you had a good time," said Vanita.

"Yeah, we did. I didn't wanna come back," said Cassie.

"How's it been going here?" asked Brianna.

"Star Base has been a three ring circus with Geldorf's trial going on," said Jason. "He's been convicted."

"We heard that coming in," said Brianna.

"The sentencing phase of the trial comes next," said Ryan. "At least it's almost over."

* * *

Brianna and Cassie, Suzie and Ryan, and Vanita and Jason were at The Officer's Club the next evening for happy hour and an early dinner.

"I don't think this was such a good idea," Brianna whispered to Cassie, as they entered the club. "I don't know why I let Suzie talk me into this. With the sentencing phase of Geldorf's trial still going on, it's just a matter of time until those tabloid reporters surface." Or Julia.

"Hopefully, it'll all be over soon," Cassie said to Brianna, as the group was seated at a table. "I'm not giving any more interviews on that subject."

"Neither am I."

Brianna and Cassie were pleasantly surprised that they weren't bothered at all throughout the entire meal. But as they were leaving the club, Julia and a young woman were entering.

"Well, I see you went through with it," Julia said to Cassie, as she stared at Cassie's wedding band. "I guarantee you, Major Thorr, this monogamous relationship will get very monotonous to Cassie, very soon."

"Do I detect what the Earthlings call 'sour grapes'?" Brianna responded with a big grin on her face, as she stood with her arms around Cassie's waist, hugging her.

"You may be married to her, Major Thorr. But I own her!" said Julia.

"You don't own me, Julia!" yelled Cassie. "You own a business contract."

"In that case," Julia said to Cassie, "I'll expect you and Suzie and Vanita for a 'business meeting' here tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. Don't be late!" Then Julia and her date entered the Officer's Club.

"She is such a bitch," said Brianna, rolling her eyes and shaking her head in disgust.

"I know," said Cassie, as the group started to walk away. "Don't expect me for lunch tomorrow, Brianna. I'll have to go to that meeting."

"I know. But I don't have to like it."

At 10:00 a.m. the next morning, the jury had reached a verdict. Geldorf was sentenced to life in prison.

At 11:00 a.m. at The Officer's Club bar, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were all present for the business meeting called by Julia – but no Julia. So they waited and visited among themselves, wondering what the meeting was about.

At 11:30 a.m. Cassie said, "I guess Julia has been 'detained'."

"Maybe we should just go," said Vanita.

"Yeah. Maybe we should," said Suzie.

About that time Julia entered. "I'm sorry I'm late. I wasn't about to miss Geldorf's sentencing. He's been sentenced to life in prison."

"Good. Now my life can finally get back to normal," said Cassie.

"Your life ceased being normal when you married Major Thorr," said Julia.

"I thought this was a business meeting?"

"It is. It's about your next concert tour. We've had to reschedule all of the concerts you've missed."

"I don't have a problem with that. You know we've been rehearsing."

"Charlie needs to rehearse with you. He can't come here. So you'll have to come to the palace."

"We'll send his drums over to the palace and he can rehearse with our recordings."

"This is non-negotiable. As your business manager, I insist on a rehearsal at least once a week, until Charlie's house arrest is up. A couple of my comrades will be here, in the morning, to load the equipment on my private shuttle. You have a rehearsal scheduled for noon tomorrow at the palace."

"I'm not going to the palace to rehearse. This is bullshit!"

"Don't you girls think it would be a good idea for the four of you to rehearse?" Julia asked Suzie and Vanita.

"Whatever," answered Vanita, not wanting to get in the middle of Julia and Cassie's argument.

Suzie said reluctantly, "I guess we could." Brianna's not going to like this, one bit.

"Then it's all settled. I'll expect you aboard my shuttle at eleven tomorrow," Julia said to the group.

"We're not going to the palace," said Cassie. "We'll rehearse, here, as soon as Charlie's house arrest is up."

"What's the matter Cassie? Your wife won't let you go?" asked Julia.

"My wife doesn't tell me what to do," answered Cassie, defensively. "We don't need to rehearse. We don't even have any concerts scheduled right now."

"Your concerts are scheduled to begin the day Charlie's house arrest is up," said Julia, as she handed each of them a concert schedule. "You'll be on that shuttle tomorrow or I'll consider your contract with me broken. If the business contract is broken, then so is the treaty. If you don't want to be sent back to Earth, you better be on that shuttle," said Julia. Then, she exited The Officer's Club.

"What are we gonna do?" asked Suzie, in a panic. "I don't wanna be sent back to Earth. I can't lose Ryan. But if you go over there, Cassie, Brianna's gonna freak out."

"For crying out loud, Suzie, calm down before you hyperventilate," said Cassie. "I'll think of something... I know! We could go over there and rehearse and then be home in time for dinner. No one would ever have to know we went to the palace."

"I don't lie to my husband," said Suzie.

"Not unless you're taking Valium, huh, Suzie?" said Cassie.

"I didn't lie. I just didn't say I was."

"Well, we just won't say about this, either."

"I don't know... What do you think, Vanita?"

"All I gotta do is tell Jason I'm going to Tyre. He'll just think I'm going shopping," answered Vanita.

"That's it!" said Cassie. "We'll just say we're going to Tyre. That's not a lie, Suzie. They'll just assume we went shopping... Damn it! I don't know why Julia had to schedule our concerts to start up the minute Charlie's available."

"She's just giving you a hard time for getting married, if you ask me," said Vanita.

"Yeah. She's just doing this to piss off Brianna," said Cassie. "Brianna can't find out about this, you guys."

"I don't want to lie to Brianna. She's my best friend," said Suzie. "I don't know what to do. Maybe we shouldn't go."

"We have no choice but to go rehearse, now – with concerts scheduled," said Vanita.

"That's true. And you guys don't wanna get sent back to Earth, do you?" asked Cassie.

"No! Of course not," answered Suzie.

"The only way I'm going back to Earth is in a body bag," said Vanita.

"I think we should just tell them," said Suzie. "Ryan and Brianna and Jason aren't stupid. What if they find out?"

"Suzie. As long as you keep your big trap shut, they'll never know. They'll just think we went shopping," said Cassie.

"Cassie, we'll have to tell them, sooner or later, about the concert schedule."

"She's got a point, there, Cassie," said Vanita.

"Better later, than sooner. I don't wanna deal with my wife about this mess until I have to," said Cassie.

The next morning, Geldorf was sent to a maximum security prison to begin serving his life sentence. The fact that the press would be swarming all over Star Base, made it even more believable that the girls just wanted to go shopping on Tyre to get away from it all.

A few weeks later, The Rockets were rehearsing in the party room at the palace on Tyre. Julia had the bar and a buffet set up to make it festive. Finally, the group stopped to take a break and work on their song list.

Julia whispered in Cassie's ear, as she took her by an arm and pulled her aside. "You and I could go to my suite while they work on the song list. It would be like old times."

"I'm married, Julia," Cassie answered.

"Well, don't blame me. I tried to warn you. Why don't you just relax and go with it. Major Thorr will never know. We could start with a nice soak in the hot tub," she said, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck – tying to kiss her.

Cassie pulled away from her. "We're here to rehearse and that's it."

"You'll be back in my bed sooner or later," laughed Julia. "If you think not, you're just deluding yourself."

* * *

"Major, where are The Rockets playing?" asked Ensign Mark Scott, as he sat at the controls.

"They aren't playing anywhere right now," replied Brianna. "Why do you ask?"

"I just happened to be out in the landing bay, earlier, and saw them loading their musical equipment on a shuttle."

"That couldn't have been Cassidy, Suzie, and Vanita. I believe they went to Tyre to go shopping. Someone must have stolen their equipment," said Major Thorr, in a panic. "I'll call Ortiz."

"No, Major. They were boarding the Czar's shuttle. Cassie and Vanita were carrying their guitars. Suzie and Rocko were with them."

The Major's eyes got big and her mouth dropped open. "Cassidy was boarding one of the Czar's shuttles?"

"Yes."

Brianna was stunned. What is going on here? About that time, Jason and Ryan entered the Control Center.

"Jason. Ryan. Do you know where Vanita, Suzie, and Cassidy have gone?"

"To Tyre," answered Ryan.

"I assume they've gone shopping," said Jason. "They've gone the same day and time for weeks now."

"That's what I thought, too. However, Ensign Scott saw them leave, earlier, on one of Julia's shuttles - with their musical equipment," said Brianna. "I'm going to contact Rocko and get to the bottom of this." Brianna placed a communication to Rocko.

"Hello," said Rocko.

"Rocko, where are you and Cassidy?" asked Brianna.

"At the palace on Tyre. We're in the landing bay about to head back to Star Base," he answered. "It's Brianna, Cassie."

"Oh, fuck!" said Cassie. Rocko was just supposed to say we're on Tyre.

"Why is Cassidy over there, Rocko?" asked Brianna.

"The Rockets just finished rehearsing," he answered.

"Rehearsing?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Girlfriend, you're in deep shit," Vanita whispered to Cassie.

"Cassie, I told you so. I knew she would find out," said Suzie.

"Put a sock in it, Suzie," said Cassie. "Does she wanna talk to me, Rocko?"

"Do you want to talk to Cassie, Brianna?" asked Rocko.

"You better believe I do - but not on the communicator. I'll have a talk with her as soon as she gets home," Brianna said to Rocko, as she ended the communication.

"No. She doesn't want to talk to you, Cassie," said Rocko.

"Oh, shit." What am I gonna tell her? thought Cassie.

* * *

Brianna was waiting in the Star Base landing bay, when the girls and Rocko arrived back from Tyre. She was angry with her wife and friends for deliberately deceiving her. As the group emerged from one of Julia's shuttles, Brianna said to Cassie, "Why did you lie to me?"

"I didn't lie. I said I was going to Tyre," answered Cassie.

At that time, Jason and Ryan walked up behind the group, undetected, and stood listening.

"You think omission isn't lying? I assumed you'd just gone shopping. You know I don't want you to go the palace on Tyre!"

"I know. That's why I didn't say anything. I didn't want to upset you."

"You didn't want to upset me?! So, you thought lying to me wouldn't upset me? Rocko said you were rehearing. What else is going on behind my back, besides rehearsing?"

"Nothing! We've just been rehearsing."

"You mean today wasn't the first time you went over there?"

Oops, that came out wrong. "No. We've been rehearsing for the past few weeks."

Brianna had a shocked look on her face. "This has been going on for weeks? Are you having an affair with Julia?"

"No! I swear. We've just been rehearsing. That's all - just rehearsing."

"That's the truth, Brianna. We've just been rehearsing," said Suzie.

"Why should I believe any of you?" Brianna said to Suzie, Cassie, and Vanita. "All three of you have been deceiving me and Jason and Ryan for weeks."

"Julia blackmailed us into it, Brianna," said Vanita.

"What?" said Brianna. "Blackmailed you, how?"

"She scheduled our concerts to start back up the day Charlie's house arrest is up."

"Charlie can't come over here to rehearse," said Suzie. "So, Julia made us go over there. Julia said if we didn't, our contract with her would be broken. And if our contract with her was broken, she said she would break the treaty and we would be sent back to Earth. I'm sorry, Brianna. I don't want to go back to Earth. I can't lose Ryan. Please don't hate me," she said, as she started to cry.

Brianna reached out and hugged Suzie, trying to calm her down. "Suzie - I don't hate you. I'm just upset with all of you for not telling me about this. Julia can't send you or Vanita or Cassidy back to Earth. If she even attempted to pull something like that, I could arrange for political asylum, on Thorr, for all of us. I would never allow you to be sent back to Earth. I just don't understand why no one trusted me enough to tell me about this. Especially, my wife!" she said, glaring angrily at Cassie.

"It's not their fault," said Cassie. "I wouldn't let them tell you. I knew you wouldn't like it."

"You got that right!" said Brianna, letting go of Suzie and getting in Cassie's face. "Just how long did you think you could keep a concert schedule a secret?"

"I was gonna tell you, Brianna."

"When? Opening night?"

"I'd like an answer to that question, too, Vanita," said Jason.

"Me too, Suzie," said Ryan, as he and Jason stood behind the group.

"How long have you guys been standing there?" asked Suzie, as she and the girls turned and saw Jason and Ryan.

"Long enough." answered Ryan, walking over and putting an arm around his wife's shoulders. "I would never let you be sent back to Earth, Suzie."

"Vanita. I could have told you Julia was just bluffing, if you'd let me in on this," said Jason, obviously irritated.

"Oh, Baby. Don't be mad at me," said Vanita, wrapping her arms around Jason's waist and giving him a hug. "At least I didn't come home with any more shoes," she said, trying to lighten things up.

"Well, that's a good thing," Jason said, laughing.

Rocko headed out of the landing bay, pushing a big cart loaded with the musical equipment – heading for The Officer's Club to set it up there.

"Let's go home," Ryan said to Suzie, as they all headed out of the landing bay. "I want to see a copy of the concert schedule."

"I do, too," said Jason.

"Brianna, please. Don't be mad at me," pleaded Cassie, as she and Brianna walked towards the Major's quarters. "Julia made us rehearse at the palace just to piss you off. That's why I put off telling you about the rehearsals."

"You didn't tell me about the rehearsals! Can't you see that that's the problem? I don't know what's more confusing – your logic or your Earthling expressions."

"Hey, I'll quit the band right now and we can move to Thorr."

"We've already been through this. I'm more comfortable here - as a Major and a pilot – than in resuming my duties as Princess. And music is who you are."

"Then we have to rehearse."

"I get that. It's just that you didn't trust me enough to tell me what was going on. So, now, how can I trust you? And don't even try to convince me that Julia doesn't come on to you while you're over there."

"I love you, Brianna. I wouldn't cheat on you."

Brianna gave Cassie the cold shoulder for couple of days. She didn't like it one bit that Cassie was spending time at the palace on Tyre. But she understood that they had to rehearse to be able to play concerts. Finally, Cassie charmed her way back into Brianna's good graces. The make-up sex was great.

* * *

The concert hall at Capital City, Tyre was packed with fans on opening night. Publicists for The Rockets had heavily billed the concert as Cassie Jones's comeback from her abduction and near death experience.

Brianna, Jason, Ryan, and Rocko accompanied Cassie, Vanita, and Suzie to the concert hall that night. They were all backstage waiting for the concert to start, as Charlie and sound engineers made adjustments to power-pack remote transmitters, monitors, and to Cassie and Vanita's guitar and bass.

Brianna couldn't help but notice how nervous Cassie was. Since Cassie loved to perform, it was out of character for her to be acting that way. "Are you all right, Cassidy?" asked Brianna, a bit concerned.

"Yeah, Hon. I'm just having trouble hearing out of this remote," she said, as she pulled at her earpiece monitor. "Where did that engineer run off to? He was right here a minute ago," she said, looking away, trying to divert Brianna's attention away from her.

"Let me take a look at it," said Brianna, taking the monitor from Cassie's ear, pretending to make an adjustment, and putting it back in Cassie's ear. "How's that?"

"That's great. Thanks."

Cassie hadn't told anyone that she still had occasional headaches and remembered things – or had temporary blackouts of memories caused by the headaches. She was afraid that she might have one of her spells during the concert.

"Something's wrong," Suzie whispered to Brianna. "Why is Cassie so nervous?"

Brianna whispered back to Suzie, "I don't know."

"OK, girls. It's time," said Charlie. "Cassie, we'll go on first - then bring you on. Just relax, Baby, and do it like you did at rehearsal. You're gonna be great."

"Break a leg, girlfriend," Vanita said to Cassie, as she, Suzie, and Charlie walked away to take the stage.

The Rockets, minus Cassie, broke into a fanfare as the crowd began chanting "Cassie! Cassie! Cassie!..."

About that time, Julia and two young women approached Cassie and Brianna. Julia had obviously been drinking, and she was not happy that Major Thorr had accompanied Cassie to the concert. "If you forget anything, tonight, just be sure it's 'her' and not the music," Julia said to Cassie, as she pointed at Brianna. Julia laughed, as she and the two young women walked away to take their seats.

"Don't pay any attention to her. You're going to be wonderful," Brianna reassured Cassie.

The stage manager approached. "Cassie, it's time."

"OK," Cassie responded. She kissed Brianna and followed the stage manager to the stage.

As Cassie stood behind the curtain about to walk out on the stage, the crowd continued chanting "Cassie! Cassie! Cassie!..." Then it happened. She got one of those headaches. The Rockets were introduced, by the announcer, and started into their first song. But Cassie missed her cue to take the stage. So the group started their opening number a second, and then a third time. The announcer introduced the band again. Finally, Cassie heard the introduction. She was holding her head, as she walked out onto the stage – as a stunned crowd watched in silence. Her head was pounding, as she looked across the stage at Brianna, who had joined Jason, Ryan, and Rocko on the other side of the stage where they could watch the performance. Brianna was just about to walk out onto the stage and get Cassie, when Cassie's headache subsided. Cassie waved at Brianna, signaling that she was all right. All of a sudden, Cassie broke into the opening number on her own. The stunned crowd went wild cheering, as the band joined in. The rest of the concert went off without a hitch. Cassie was back.

After the concert, the reporters swarmed The Rockets. Cassie Jones's comeback was a complete success. Some of the tabloid reporters even accused the band of staging the dramatic opening.

* * *

"Does your head still hurt?" asked Brianna, as she slid into bed next to her wife.

"No," answered Cassie.

"I'm so sorry about your head injury," said Brianna, as she snuggled next to her and wrapped her arms around her.

"It's not your fault they beat me up."

"Yes, it is. Geldorf took you to get to me. It's all my fault."

"No, it's not. When I had the headache, tonight, I remembered."

"Remembered what?"

"I kicked Geldorf in the balls."

"What? I don't understand."

"I kicked Geldorf in the nuts."

"Please speak English, or I'll have to call Suzie for an interpretation. And I'm certain they've already gone to bed."

"You know – in the testicles."

"Cassidy, no! I can't believe he didn't kill you right there on the spot."

"Well, I couldn't help it. I'm scared to death of needles. When he came at me with that shot, I freaked out."

Two weeks later, The Rockets had a break in their schedule. Charlie, Suzie, and Vanita were at Bobu's for a business meeting, waiting on Cassie to get there. When she and Rocko finally joined them, she slammed her songbook down on the table and yelled at Bobu to bring her a cup of coffee.

"Who pissed in your cereal?" Charlie asked Cassie, as she and Rocko took a seat at the table.

"Brianna hasn't been home for a while. That's why Cassie's in a bad mood," Suzie answered for her.

"I tried to warn you. You get married. They get comfortable. And then they cut you off," said Charlie.

"Brianna didn't cut me off. She's just not home!" snapped Cassie. "She's been on maneuvers for over a week, now. I'm really starting to get worried."

"I'm right there with you, girlfriend," said Vanita. "I'm worried about Jason, too."

"I don't guess you've heard from Jason?"

"No. You know they're not allowed any communication while they're on maneuvers."

"Yeah, I know." God, please let Brianna be OK. Protect her from all those crazy assholes out there - like Geldorf.

"You guys," said Suzie. "I'm sure they'll be home safe and sound soon."

"Fuck you, Suzie," said Cassie. "That's easy for you to say – since you're home every night, all safe and sound, humping the doctor."

"Cassie! Your language."

"All right, girls," said Charlie, interrupting Cassie and Suzie. "Let's get back to work on the song list."

"I don't like these songs, Charlie," said Suzie. "You know the rule: if two of us vote against a song, it's out."

About that time, Brianna and Jason entered Bobu's and approached the group. No one noticed their arrival because of the argument that broke out between Charlie and Suzie about Charlie's new song suggestions.

"Hello," said Brianna, as she approached Cassie from behind and wrapped her arms around Cassie's neck. "I missed you, so much," she whispered in her ear, kissing her cheek.

"I missed you, too. Come here," said Cassie, as she pulled Brianna onto her lap and began kissing her passionately.

In the meantime, Jason had approached Vanita, who initiated passionate welcome home kisses, too.

"I'm outta here," Cassie said to Charlie, Suzie, and Vanita. "You guys can pick out whatever new songs you want," she said, getting up from the table. Then she and Brianna headed home.

"Same goes for me," said Vanita. "I'm going home to be with my husband."

Three weeks later at The Officer's Club, The Rockets were sitting at a table, having a meeting about their concert itinerary. Charlie pulled the latest tabloid out of his backpack and handed it to Cassie. "You've got to do something about this, Cassie." The title article read, "Cassie Jones's Marriage to Princess Softens Bad Girl Image."

"So?" said Cassie, looking at the headline and tossing the paper onto the table.

"Read the fine print, Cassie. Right there where it says 'concert ticket sales plummet on Tyre,'" said Charlie, shoving the tabloid back at her.

"Our concert ticket sales are up on Thorr. What do you want from me?"

"Get a divorce would be my first choice."

"I'm not divorcing my wife!"

"Charlie! That's uncalled for," said Suzie. "No one expects you to do that, Cassie."

"Tyre is our big Lucre maker because of all the gay and bisexual women," said Charlie. "You're the draw, Cassie. Leave the ball and chain at home - at least for the next few concerts on Tyre."

"Fuck you, Charlie. You don't tell me what to do," said Cassie. "If I wanna bring Brianna with me, I will."

"Cassie, this is un-fucking believable. You are so pussy whipped!"

"That's quite a statement coming from somebody that thinks with his dick!"

"All right, you guys," said Suzie, trying to restore order.

"Are you girls ready to retire?" asked Charlie.

"It doesn't really matter to me," answered Cassie. "I don't need the Lucre. As far as I'm concerned, we've already done it," she said, referring to their success.

"I'm with you, girlfriend. I love to play. But at this point, I could be happy just being a housewife," said Vanita.

"I'm not ready to retire," said Suzie. "Brianna would understand about not coming with us, Cassie - just temporarily."

"You're Brianna's best friend, Suzie. And your siding with Charlie on this?" asked Cassie.

"I love Brianna, Cassie. You know that. But I love my career, too. I'm just not ready to give it up."

"Well, I'm not particularly happy about Brianna being a fighter pilot."

"I heard that," said Vanita, thinking about Jason.

"So, I think I'll just quit the band, get Brianna to quit her job, and we'll just go live at the palace on Thorr," threatened Cassie.

"Cassie, no! Please don't do that. You're my sister, and Brianna's my best friend. I couldn't stand it if you two moved away from Star Base. Please, promise me you won't ever do that," pleaded Suzie, getting emotional.

"All right, all right, Suzie," said Cassie. "Don't have a stroke."

"You tell your wife to stay home, or I will," Charlie said to Cassie.

"You don't tell my wife anything, Charlie!" yelled Cassie.

"Don't tell me what, Cassidy?" asked Brianna, as she stood right behind Cassie.

In the heat of the argument, no one noticed that Brianna had entered The Officer's Club.

Cassie got up from the table and grabbed the tabloid. "Not here. Let's go home," she said, taking Brianna by the hand and leading her out of The Officer's Club.

Brianna couldn't help noticing the tabloid article that Cassie was carrying, as they exited The Officer's Club. She didn't know what to think, but expected the worst. Thoughts of compromising pictures of Cassie and Julia ran through Brianna's mind, all the way home. When they entered Brianna's quarters, Cassie handed Brianna the tabloid.

"I don't have a problem with this at all," said a relieved, Brianna, as she read the headline. "Did you think I would be upset by this?"

"No. Not the headline. Read the fine print."

"Your concert ticket sales are plummeting... because of me? Cassidy, I don't want to jeopardize your career. I know how much it means to you and Suzie and Vanita. Maybe I shouldn't accompany you to any of your concerts for a while."

"This is what I want you to do..."

* * *

Two days later, the girls, Jason, Ryan, and Rocko boarded a shuttle, to be flown by Jason, headed for the next concert. Charlie caught a ride with them, because he had spent the night on Star Base with one of the waitresses that worked at The Officer's Club.

Noticing that Brianna wasn't with Cassie, Suzie asked, "What did you tell Brianna, Cassie? About not coming with us? I hope you didn't hurt her feelings."

"It's none of your business what I told my wife. You didn't want her to come with me. She's not here," answered Cassie.

"I don't want you to be mean to her! Where is she? I tried to find her, yesterday, to explain everything – to be sure she wasn't upset."

"I sent her to visit her sister."

"'Atta girl," Charlie said to Cassie. "You gotta let broads know, up front, who's the boss."

"Cassie, where's your wedding band?" asked Suzie.

"It's in my pocket where it belongs," answered Cassie. "You want me to look single - that's exactly how I intend to act."

"You better behave yourself - or I'll tell her."

"I don't care. Tell her whatever you want."

"That's my girl," said Charlie. "We are gonna have so much fun this trip."

Throngs of reporters and fans met the group as they arrived at their hotel on Tyre. Cassie usually just took Brianna and went straight to their room. However, this time she stopped and signed autographs and answered questions from news magazines, StarTeli, and tabloid reporters.

"Ms. Jones, where is your wife?" asked a reporter.

"I don't know right this moment," she answered, as she continued signing autographs and flirting with all the female fans.

"Ms. Jones! Ms. Jones!" asked another reporter. "This is the first time you've played a concert on Tyre that's not sold out. How do you feel about that?"

"I think some girl's gonna get lucky, tonight," she answered, as she and the group headed into the hotel to check in.

Charlie was thrilled by Cassie's behavior. Suzie was shocked and appalled.

As cameras rolled, a StarTeli reporter, who was assigned to cover the concert said, "There you have it. Cassie Jones has shown up for this concert, minus her wife, and isn't wearing her wedding band. It would appear the honeymoon is over. But some girl is going to get 'lucky' tonight. This is Max Rollins for StarTeli network."

That's all it took. Not only was this concert sold out, in a matter of minutes, but all of the remaining concerts on the Tyre schedule as well.

Just before the show that evening, Cassie, Vanita, Suzie, and Charlie were waiting just off stage, to be introduced, as Julia and an attractive young woman approached the group.

"I'm glad to see you've finally recovered from your head injury," Julia said to Cassie, referring to Major Thorr's absence. "You're welcome to join us after the concert."

"Thanks, Julia. If I don't get a better offer, you can count on it," said Cassie.

"In that case, I will count on it. See you later," said Julia, as she and the young woman went to take their seats.

Charlie was so excited by Cassie's behavior, it was all he could do not to get a hard on. Suzie was worried about the state of Cassie and Brianna's marriage.

Finally, The Rockets were introduced and hit the stage. The concert was packed with rowdy female fans. Cassie seductively played to them all night long.

In the meantime, Brianna was watching the concert on StarTeli.

"Who wants to get lucky, tonight?" asked Cassie - right before the last song of the concert.

The stage was immediately bombarded with hotel room keys and women's panties - thrown at Cassie by horny female fans. Right before the encore, Rocko walked out onto the stage, with a paper sack, and helped Cassie gather all the keys.

After the concert, Cassie and Rocko proceeded to a limo just outside the backstage exit of the concert hall.

Julia, followed by her date, went running after Cassie, catching her as she and Rocko reached the limo. "Cassie, I'm going to show you the time of your life tonight," she said, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck, pulling her close, and giving her a kiss.

"Sorry, Julia. As you can see, I got a better offer," said Cassie, shaking the sack full of keys in Julia's face, as she pulled away from her and started to get into the limo.

Suzie came running up to the limo. "Cassie! Please, don't do this," pleaded Suzie. "Brianna will divorce you. Think about what you're doing."

"Go nag your husband," said Cassie.

"Cassie! Wait up!" said Charlie, as he came running up to the limo. "Aren't you glad, now, you didn't bring Brenda along? Let me come with you, Baby. I think you've bit off more than you can chew. Let me help you with all those horny women."

"Cassie, we could all go together," suggested Julia. "I have a penthouse suite."

"I don't need any help," said Cassie, climbing into the limo, as Rocko pushed Charlie away. "I'll catch up with you guys at the concert tomorrow. Just go on without me."

Rocko climbed into the limo next to Cassie and they sped away from the concert hall, headed to a nearby hotel.

* * *

"Ms. Jones, welcome," said the manager of the Hotel Del Tyre. "I didn't know you would be staying with us, tonight. I'm sorry. The penthouse suite is taken, but we have another..."

"Don't worry about it, "Cassie interrupted. "Let's see how many of these are for this hotel," she said, as she dumped all of the room keys out of the paper sack and onto the check-in counter. "I think I'll take this one," said Cassie, picking up one of the keys on the counter. "Some girl's gonna get lucky tonight."

Cassie and Rocko proceeded to the transporter. When they arrived on the desired floor, Rocko pulled a key out of his pocket, handed it to Cassie, and then went to his own room.

Brianna was sitting on the living room sofa, waiting for Cassie, as she entered the penthouse suite. Without saying a word, Cassie took her wife by the hand and led her into the bedroom. The bed was already turned down. Cassie stripped Brianna down to her birthday suit, kissing her passionately. Brianna responded by undressing Cassie and pleasuring her with one of their favorite toys. Then Cassie pleasured her.

"I love you," said Cassie, satisfied and exhausted, lying in her wife's arms.

"I love you, too," said Brianna.

"I just can't get enough of you," she said, snuggling next to her.

"Cassidy, where's your wedding band?"

"In my jeans pocket."

Brianna reached onto the floor, grabbed Cassie's jeans, and retrieved her wedding band. "There," said Brianna, as she placed Cassie's wedding band back on her finger. "I really enjoyed your concert, tonight."

"Thanks, Hon. It was so funny. I wish you could have seen the look on Suzie's face when I left with that sack full of room keys. She begged me not to go. She said you'd divorce me."

"Maybe we should let her in on what's really going on. She's my best friend. I don't like deceiving her."

"I'm your wife! Let her stew for a while. After all, she didn't want you to come with me. And you know what a big mouth she's got. She'd tell everybody what's really going on – which would defeat the whole purpose of us sneaking around."

"She didn't mean anything by not wanting me to come with you. She just loves her career and isn't ready to give it up. I understand her position."

"I wanna relax in the hot tub with a bottle of champagne."

"All right. I'll get a bottle and two glasses and meet you there."

* * *

"What took you so long to get here after the concert?" asked Brianna, as they soaked in the tub and sipped champagne.

"There was a traffic jam caused by the concert," answered Cassie. "Then I had to get rid of Julia and Charlie."

"That doesn't surprise me," she replied, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck, holding her close.

"Julia just assumed, when I showed up without you, that she and I were getting together. After I got rid of her, Charlie came running up to the limo. He wanted to come with me."

"That might have been fun."

"What?"

"We're in the penthouse suite. I could have dangled him out of the window, by his balls, until he decided to go bother someone else."

That statement broke Cassie up into hysterical laughter. "That's really funny, Hon."

"I made you laugh."

Finally, Cassie caught her breath. "Then Charlie said, 'aren't you glad you didn't bring Brenda along'?"

"What?!" yelled Brianna, pulling away from Cassie, as her mouth dropped open. "Who's Brenda!?"

"You. Don't get excited. He deliberately mispronounces your name just to irritate me. Come back here," she said, taking her wife in her arms.

"Oh, you mean just to be disrespectful?"

"Yeah. Exactly."

"Then he better beware of 'Brenda' from now on."

"Rocko had to push him away from the limo."

"Remind me to give Rocko a bonus."

The next morning, Cassie, Brianna, and Rocko headed to the next concert site on a shuttle flown by Brianna. When they arrived, they checked into their secret hotel. Brianna and Cassie spent the afternoon relaxing in their suite, until it was time for Cassie and Rocko to leave for sound check at the concert hall.

* * *

"How could you cheat on Brianna!?" Suzie snapped at Cassie, as The Rockets were about to be introduced. "I hope she divorces you! You deserve it!"

"Whatever," said Cassie, winking at Vanita, when Suzie wasn't looking.

After the concert, Rocko escorted Cassie to her and Brianna's secret hotel suite and then went to his own room.

As Cassie entered the suite, she didn't see Brianna anywhere. Then Brianna appeared from behind the door and closed it. She was dressed in a sexy leather outfit and high-heeled boots. She playfully wrapped a whip around Cassie's neck, kissed her, and led her to the bedroom. Brianna proceeded to undress her wife, handcuff her to the brass headboard, and pleasure her with a new sex toy that she had acquired that afternoon along with the leather outfit. When Cassie was satisfied, Brianna unlocked the handcuffs. Cassie untied the leather strings on Brianna's leather vest, removed it, and began kissing one of her nipples, as she unzipped Brianna's leather pants and helped her out of them. She pushed Brianna down on the bed, kissed her all over, and made love to her.

# CHAPTER 15 – CHAMELEON

Early the next morning, Brianna flew her shuttle back to Star Base, so she would already be there when the group arrived back from the concerts. Cassie and Rocko joined Suzie, Ryan, Vanita, and Jason on their shuttle ride back to Star Base. Suzie gave Cassie the cold shoulder all the way home.

When the group, minus Charlie (who had gone to the palace), arrived back on Star Base, Brianna met them in the landing bay. "Welcome home," she said to Cassie, giving her a big hug and kiss.

Suzie was stunned by how loving and affectionate Brianna was towards Cassie. She was expecting to see a big fight break out between them. "Brianna," said Suzie. "Have you not seen the tabloid articles about our tour?"

"You mean the articles about all those women claiming to be Cassidy's secret lover?" Brianna asked.

"Yes. And you're not upset?"

"No, not at all. Cassidy's secret lover was me."

Suzie threw down her carry-on bag. "Cassidy Jones!" she yelled, getting in Cassie's face – realizing that she had been had.

"Jones Thorr," said Cassie, correcting her while grinning slyly.

"I know what your name is!" yelled Suzie. "How dare you let me think that you were cheating on Brianna!"

Then Brianna put Cassie's wedding band back on her finger, which Cassie had given to her for safekeeping.

"Cassie, you told me you lost your wedding band," Suzie said, giving her a dirty look. "Brianna, why didn't you let me in on this?"

"Cassidy! I thought you were going to tell Suzie and Vanita about our plan," Brianna said to Cassie, trying to act surprised, as coached by Cassie.

"Gee, Hon," Cassie said to Brianna. "I guess it just slipped my mind. I knew I was forgetting something. Sorry about that, Suzie," said Cassie.

"Yeah, I bet it just slipped your mind," said Suzie, sarcastically.

"We did it to revive interest in your concerts," explained Brianna.

"Looks like the plan worked, too," said Cassie.

"It sure did," said Vanita. "The rest of our concerts are all sold out."

"Someone could have let me in on the plan," said Suzie, sulking. "Now, wait a minute," she said to Vanita, catching knowing glances between her and Cassie. "You knew too? That would explain why you never seemed all that concerned."

All Vanita could do was laugh, as Jason and Ryan just looked at each other and shook their heads.

On their way home, Brianna and Cassie ran into Sonya.

Sonya just looked at Brianna and shook her head. "I tried to warn you. That is the biggest mistake you've ever made," she said, pointing at Cassie. "I would never have thought you would put up with such promiscuous behavior."

"Who gives a fuck what you think about anything?" snapped Cassie, glaring at Sonya.

"Cassidy," said Brianna, as she stepped between Cassie and Sonya. "Not that I owe you an explanation," Brianna said to Sonya, becoming defensive, "but the tabloid articles are all lies."

"She obviously has you brainwashed!" Sonya said to Brianna and walked away.

"Have a nice day," Cassie called out after Sonya.

"Please don't antagonize her," Brianna said to Cassie.

"I wouldn't do that, Hon," said Cassie, as she and Brianna headed home. "Oh, by the way, I forgot to ask – how was your visit with your sister?"

"We had a nice visit. Adrianna and Anton send their love. As soon as you get a break in your concert schedule, they would like for the four of us to get together for a weekend – either at the palace or at the beach house."

"Oh, the beach house would be great."

* * *

The Rockets continued their tour, accompanied by Rocko. Usually, on the weekends, Brianna, Jason, and Ryan joined the girls. However, on this particular weekend, Brianna was unable to go with Jason and Ryan, because Colonel Smith was on vacation. She was, therefore, obligated to stay behind and command Star Base in his absence.

Major Thorr was on the Control Center when a strange-looking character transferred in. The stranger was about five-foot ten inches tall and had horns protruding from his forehead. Otherwise, he appeared to be a male human. He was wearing boots, jeans, and a tan shirt.

As the Major approached the intruder, she noticed that he was holding the old tabloid article with the pictures of her and Cassie kissing at the press conference. "Who are you? And why are you here?" asked Major Thorr, as she stared curiously at the intruder.

"It's you," he answered, looking at the article and then back at Major Thorr.

"Lieutenant Stone, have Ortiz come to the Control Center, immediately," ordered Major Thorr.

"Aye, Major," responded Lieutenant Stone, as she sent Ortiz an emergency electronic message.

"I've come for you," said the intruder to the Major, reaching out a hand to her.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Major Thorr responded.

The intruder looked back at the article. "Then I'll take her," he said, pointing to Cassie's picture.

"Lieutenant!" said the Major. "What's keeping Ortiz?"

"I'm right here, Major," said Security Officer Ortiz, as he entered the Control Center. "Let's go," he said, as he grabbed the intruder and handcuffed him.

"Ortiz, have the security staff investigate this matter, at once, and find out how he got in here. And see that it doesn't happen again," said Major Thorr.

"Aye, Major," he answered, escorting the intruder from the Control Center.

Major Thorr said to Lieutenant Stone and Ensign Scott, as they sat at the control console, "I'm going to lunch, now. If you need me, I'll be in the cafeteria."

A few minutes later, Major Thorr was in the cafeteria eating lunch when Sergeant Ortiz approached, with his lunch tray, and sat down and joined her.

"Any problems getting rid of our intruder?" asked the Major.

"No," answered Ortiz.

Sergeant Ortiz scarfed down his lunch like a starved animal, got up, and left the cafeteria. Major Thorr thought that this was odd behavior but then dismissed the thought.

"Major Thorr," said a voice on her communicator.

"Yes, Lieutenant," she answered.

"Ortiz was just found tied up in the landing bay. The intruder is somewhere on Star Base. We haven't been able to locate him, as of yet."

"That can't be. I just saw Ortiz leave the cafeteria. I'm on my way to the Control Center. Have Ortiz meet me there."

About a minute later, Major Thorr entered the Control Center.

"You sure got here fast," said Lieutenant Stone to Major Thorr. "You must have been right outside the Control Center when I contacted you."

"Major, a message came in for you, right before you walked in," said Ensign Scott.

"Play it for me," she responded.

Ensign Scott and Lieutenant Stone just looked at each other – a bit confused that the Major would ask for a private message to be played on the Control Center intercom. But, as ordered, the Ensign switched the controls and played back the message: "Hi, it's me," said Cassie's voice on the recording. I'm home a day early. I've really missed you. Our last concert of the tour was an outdoor thing. It got canceled because of bad weather. I'm beat. I'm gonna go take a nap. See you when you get home from work. I'll be waiting for you in bed. I love you."

"I'm going home," said Major Thorr, as she left the Control Center.

About five minutes later, Major Thorr entered the Control Center.

"You're back, already? I thought you were going home," said Lieutenant Stone.

"What do you mean – I'm back? I just got here," she answered.

"You came in here about five minutes ago, picked up your voice communication from Cassie, and said you were going home," answered the Lieutenant. "Are you all right, Major?"

"What message from Cassidy?" asked the Major.

"Per your request, Major, I just played the message for you," said Ensign Scott. "Cassie's home. You said you were going home."

"But I haven't been here." Then Brianna got a horrified look on her face. "Oh, no. Chameleon!" she said and went running for the exit of the Control Center. "Lieutenant, send Ortiz to the officer's corridor. I've got to find the Chameleon before he figures out where my quarters are – before he gets to Cassidy."

Major Thorr was terrified that she wouldn't make it to her quarters before the Chameleon figured out where it was - and got to Cassie. She knew the Chameleon was a Tyrian biological experiment gone bad. He was supposed to be a break-through for genetic engineering and military intelligence. He had the ability to take on another person's likeness by just being around them. This would enable him to infiltrate situations that the regular Tyrian army couldn't – giving the Tyrians a huge advantage over their enemies. But his fatal flaw was that he couldn't be controlled. So, Julia had issued an order for the Chameleon to be destroyed. However, the mad scientist that had created the Chameleon had other ideas and sold him on the black market. The Major had heard a rumor about a possible sale and was about to have that rumor confirmed. She didn't know that Geldorf had made the purchase several months prior to being sent to prison.

Geldorf had his mercenaries work with the Chameleon, using torture and punishment to gain some control over him. After Geldorf was sent to prison, he had his people send the Chameleon to Star Base to get even with Major Thorr for killing his war criminal lover. The Chameleon's mission was to kill the Major, her wife, or both. But the Chameleon had a mind of his own.

Suzie, who was headed home, spotted the Major in the hallway of the officer's corridor, just outside her own quarters. "Hi, Brianna. We're back," she said to Major Thorr.

"Where are my quarters?" asked Major Thorr.

"Right over there," pointed Suzie. "Are you all right, Brianna? You don't look well. Let me see you home. Then, I'll get Ryan to come and take a look at you." Suzie entered Major Thorr's code, helped her into her quarters, and went to get Ryan.

Cassie was in bed, asleep, as Major Thorr entered the bedroom and climbed onto the bed with her.

"I want sex," said Major Thorr.

"What?" said Cassie, startled awake. "Oh. Hi, Hon."

"I want sex! Now!" yelled Major Thorr, as she pulled the covers off of Cassie and ripped off Cassie's nightshirt.

"OK... I hope I don't fall asleep on you, though. I'm really tired."

Major Thorr began kissing Cassie very hard and fast on the lips.

"Hey! Slow down. What's the big rush?" said Cassie, as the Major began fondling her breasts – squeezing them hard. "Ouch! Not so rough."

In the meantime, Brianna was running through the corridor of the officer's quarters, looking for the Chameleon, when Suzie and Ryan approached her.

"Brianna?!" said Suzie, surprised to see her back out in the hallway. "What are you..."

Brianna abruptly interrupted Suzie, "I know this is going to sound peculiar – but have either of you seen me?"

"See, Ryan. I told you she was disoriented."

"Then you have seen me. Where was I?"

"I helped you home – just a few minutes ago. Don't you remember?"

"You helped me home? Oh, my God!" said Brianna, as she started to run past Suzie and Ryan, heading for her quarters.

Ryan reached out and grabbed Brianna, stopping her in her tracks. "Hold on, Brianna. Are you all right?"

"Yes. Let me go. The Chameleon is on Star Base. Apparently, it's in my quarters with Cassidy. See what's keeping Ortiz. I'm going to need back-up."

"I'm on it," he said to Brianna, releasing her, as she went running for her quarters. "Suzie, go home and lock the door. Don't let anyone in. Not even me."

"What? What's going on, Ryan?" asked Suzie, totally confused.

"Just go. There's no time to explain," he said, trying to reach Ortiz on his communicator.

"OK, Ryan," said Suzie, as she hurried home.

Brianna could hear Cassie yelling from the bedroom, as she entered her quarters. "If this is some kind of Thorrian PMS, we've got a big problem! Stop it! You're hurting me!" screamed Cassie, as the Major began sucking one of her nipples, very hard – then biting her. "Ouch! What the hell's gotten into you? Get off of me!" yelled Cassie, trying in vain to push her away.

Brianna rushed into the bedroom and pulled the likeness of herself off of Cassie. The Chameleon responded by wrapping its hands around her throat and choking her to the floor. Gasping for air, it took all of Brianna's strength to pry its hands from her throat. Finally, she managed to kick free. Brianna and the Chameleon rolled around on the bedroom floor, each trying to gain control over the other, as Cassie watched in horror. Cassie started to get out of bed to help her wife, but she couldn't tell them apart. Then the fight spilled into the living room – out of Cassie's sight. All Cassie could hear from the bedroom were the sounds of breaking glass and furniture, as the fight between Brianna and the Chameleon raged on. Finally, there was silence.

As the Major re-entered the bedroom, Cassie pulled a scrambler out of the nightstand.

"Everything's all right, now. Please, put down the scrambler," requested the Major.

Cassie sat up in bed, waving the scrambler at her. "You stay away from me!" she said, rubbing her sore breasts with her free hand.

"It's me."

"How do I know it's really you?"

"Remember our honeymoon at the beach?" she asked, as she started towards Cassie.

"You could've gotten that information from a press release. Don't you take one more step – or I'll shoot!"

"All right. Don't shoot!" said the Major, as she stopped and raised her hands in the air.

"Tell me something that only my wife would know."

"Do you remember the promise you made to me, on the deck of the yacht, as we sailed to Los Renos?"

"Huh?"

"Well, I'm still waiting," she said, smiling and winking at Cassie.

"Oh, yeah!" said Cassie, remembering the servant's uniform she had brought back from their honeymoon. "Thank God. It's you," she said, as she reached to set the scrambler on the nightstand. But as soon as Cassie laid the scrambler down, it went off and disintegrated the lamp that sat on the nightstand. Cassie closed her eyes and put her face in her hands. "Holy shit! I almost killed my wife."

"I'll take that," said Brianna, as she took the scrambler from the nightstand, disengaged it, and put it away in her closet. Brianna returned and sat down on the side of the bed next to Cassie. "Are you all right? I can get Ryan to come take a look at you."

"No. I'm OK," she said, wrapping her arms around Brianna's neck and holding her as tight as she could. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"I can't believe I almost killed you," Cassie said, her hands still trembling.

"Promise me you'll never touch my scrambler again."

"I promise. I won't ever pick that thing up again... So, what the hell was that, Brianna? Do you have an evil twin, or something?"

"No. That was the Chameleon. It can duplicate the appearance of another by simply being around them."

"I wanted to help you, but I couldn't tell you two apart – not just by looking."

"That's all right. It's best that you stayed out of the way. Ryan came and helped me until Ortiz got here. It took me, Ryan, and Ortiz to get control of it."

"What if that monster comes back?"

"Don't worry about that. Ryan sedated it, and Ortiz had it taken away in shackles and chains. It will most likely be transferred to a facility for the criminally insane. It won't be back."

* * *

One Saturday night, Brianna was unable to join the group for their late night gig at Bobu's. It was her turn to make a surprise visit on the night crew on the Control Center. Since she was to arrive Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m., she went to bed about the time The Rockets took the stage.

The Rockets finished their last set at 2:00 a.m. As they were leaving the stage, Ortiz delivered a message to Charlie. His stepdad, Jack Schick, had died of an apparent heart attack at the age of fifty-two. The pressure of his job at NASA, and the constant stress of keeping the secret of the stowaways covered up, had taken its toll. The girls and Jason and Ryan all noticed that Charlie was visible shaken by the news. So the girls sent Jason, Ryan, and Rocko home and stayed to have a few drinks with Charlie, after the gig, to try and comfort him.

"Charlie, I don't mean to make excuses for what we did," said Vanita. "But the way your stepdad drank and smoked – this might have happened even if we hadn't stowed away,"

"I know," said Charlie, as the four of them sat at a table, alone.

"I'll never regret coming here, Charlie," said Suzie. "I'm really grateful to you for that."

"Thanks, Suzie," he said.

"Charlie, don't ever feel guilty about bringing us here. This is where we belong," said Cassie.

"Speaking of belong: It's 3:00 a.m. It's time for me to go home to my husband – where I belong," said Vanita.

"Me, too," said Suzie. "You coming, Cassie?"

"Yeah. I guess I better get going too," she answered.

Cassie, Vanita, and Suzie got up from the table, hugged Charlie goodnight, and started to head out of Bobu's.

"Cassie, please stay and have one more drink with me," said Charlie, as he took her by the hand.

"OK. Just one more drink and I gotta go. You guys go ahead. See you tomorrow," Cassie said to Vanita and Suzie, as they left.

"Come on. Let's go sit at the bar and talk about something else," said Charlie.

"OK. I'm right behind you," answered Cassie, following Charlie to the bar and taking a seat next to him.

"Bobu. Another round – and two shots of tequila," said Charlie.

"I don't want a shot, Charlie," said Cassie. "Wine's enough for me."

"Just one," said Charlie, as Bobu set their drinks and two shots of tequila on the bar in front of them.

"Sorry to hear about your stepdad, Charlie," said Bebo, as he sashayed up to the bar to place a drink order.

"Me, too," said Bobu. "The next shot of tequila is on me."

"Thanks guys," said Charlie. "Here we go," he said to Cassie, referring to the shots of tequila. "Drink up."

Charlie downed his shot and then Cassie apprehensively downed hers.

"I've missed you, Baby," Charlie said to Cassie. "I really miss your friendship."

"We're still friends, Charlie," she said.

"It doesn't seem like it – not since you got married. I just can't see you with her, Cassie. She's all wrong for you. You belong with Julia. And one of these days you're gonna come to your senses."

"All right, Charlie. If making a pitch for Julia is the real reason you wanted me to stay for one more drink, I'm outta here," she said, as she got up from her barstool.

"No! I'm sorry. Don't go. Finish your glass of wine. I promise I won't mention Julia, again. I just don't want to be alone right now."

"OK," she said, as she sat back down on her barstool.

Bobu set up another round. "Here's two shots on the house," he said.

"Thanks, man," said Charlie.

"You can have mine, Charlie," said Cassie.

"Come on, Baby. Don't make me drink alone. Not tonight," he said, playing on her sympathy and milking it for all it was worth.

"OK, Charlie. But this is it. Don't order any more shots for me. I gotta get going."

Then they downed their shots of tequila. When Cassie wasn't looking, Charlie took one of the pills that removed alcohol from your system, and then motioned at Bobu for another round of shots. By the time Bobu set them up, again, Cassie was really feeling the effects of the tequila. She was drunk. As she and Charlie sat at the bar and visited, time got away from them.

"What time is it, Bobu?" asked Cassie.

"Quarter of four," he answered.

"Oh, shit. I gotta go home," she said. "Brianna will be getting up soon to go to work."

"What time is she getting up?" asked Charlie.

"At five."

"Well, if you go home and wake her up at four, and then she has to get up at five – won't that interrupt her sleep?"

"Yeah. I guess so. I don't know. I think I better go home," answered Cassie, as she tried to stand up.

"Whoa! Careful!" said Charlie, as he helped her sit back down. "Let's just have one more shot, and then I'll walk you home. I need to catch a shuttle back to the palace, anyway."

"OK," said Cassie, slurring badly.

At that point, Cassie thought Charlie's suggestion of another shot sounded like a good idea. So they downed their last shot of tequila and headed out of Bobu's. Charlie had to help Cassie; she was so drunk. As they were leaving, a waitress from The Officer's Club that Charlie occasionally dated was entering.

"Hey, Rhonda," said Charlie, smiling and flirting with the pretty young woman – while standing there with Cassie's arm around his neck, holding her up.

"Hello, Charlie," she answered, acting very interested.

"Wanna go back to the palace with me, tonight?"

"Sure, Charlie. That sounds like fun."

"Just help me get Cassie home, and we'll be on our way."

"Let's go," she said, wrapping Cassie's other arm around her neck, as they headed out of Bobu's.

"Goodnight, Cassie. Goodnight, Charlie," said Bebo, as they left the bar at about 4:20 a.m.

At 4:30 a.m., Charlie and Rhonda were standing at the door of the Major's quarters, holding Cassie up.

"Cassie, enter your code, Baby. Me and Rhonda gotta get going," said Charlie.

"Okey-dokey," said Cassie, as she started pushing the security buttons on the panel next to the door. "Well, shit. That wasn't it. Let me see... Oh, yeah! Now I remember... Dammit! That wasn't it either," she yelled, very loudly, as she continued pushing buttons. "Oops! That was the door sensor. Shhhh... Ya'll be quiet, so when Brianna comes to the door – we won't wake her up."

"OK, Baby," said Charlie, as he cracked up laughing.

Brianna was startled awake by the door sensor. Then she noticed that Cassie wasn't in bed next to her. She got up, put on a robe, and hurriedly rushed to her door and peered out the security monitor, noticing that Charlie and another woman were holding Cassie up. "Cassidy? Are you all right?" asked Brianna, as she opened the door, thinking Cassie might be injured. Then she smelled the liquor and realized that her wife was just very drunk.

"Hello, Major Thorr," said Charlie, as he smiled very smugly.

Brianna responded to Charlie with a dirty look and didn't even acknowledge Rhonda. She took Cassie from Charlie and Rhonda and took her inside.

"Thanks for tonight, Cassie," said Charlie.

"Anytime, Charlie," yelled Cassie, as Brianna closed the door in their faces.

Brianna deposited Cassie on the sofa in her living room. Next, she went to the bedroom and came back with a pillow and blanket, throwing them at Cassie. "You come home in this condition. This is where you sleep!" snapped Brianna.

"Come here, Darlin'. Let's do the Thorrian mating ritual. I bet I can make you scream and claw your face," said Cassie, trying to pull Brianna onto the sofa with her, as Brianna pushed her away.

"Don't you even think about touching me! Do you know it's after four-thirty in the morning? Where have you been, and why are you so drunk? Answer me! Why were you with Charlie and that woman?"

But Cassie had already passed out. So Brianna showered, dressed, and went to work. She was furious.

At about 1:30 p.m., Brianna entered Bobu's. She wanted answers about what happened the night before between Cassie, Charlie, and that woman. Then she noticed that Suzie and Vanita were sitting at the bar talking to Bebo.

"Hi, Major," said Bebo, as Brianna approached the bar.

"Hey, Brianna," said Vanita.

"Hi, Brianna," said Suzie.

"Hello," said Brianna, obviously in a bad mood.

"What are you doing down here, Brianna? Me and Vanita are here looking for an earring that I lost last night," rambled Suzie.

"I'm sorry, Suzie," said Bebo. "So far, no one's turned it in."

"Oh, OK. Maybe I lost it at home, somewhere," said Suzie.

Noticing that something was wrong with Brianna, Vanita said, "Girlfriend, you look upset. What's up?"

"Charlie- and some woman - brought Cassidy home around four-thirty this morning. She was extremely drunk – just like the day you arrived on Star Base," Brianna answered.

"Oh, no," said Suzie. "Cassie said she was just going to stay and have one more drink – 'cause Charlie begged her to – when me and Vanita left here at three."

Cassie's in deep shit, thought Vanita.

Suzie and Vanita explained about Charlie's stepdad's death, and that the girls had stayed after the gig, a little later than usual, just to console him.

"Charlie and Bobu kept pushing shots of tequila on her. That's what happened," said Bebo. "Cassie said she only wanted wine. But after they talked her into one shot – they just kept them coming. Men can be such pigs!"

"Did they twist her arm and pour the liquor down her throat?" asked Brianna, sarcastically.

"Well no, but Bobu can be a silver-tongued devil sometimes. And that Charlie can be just as bad, if not worse. Charlie was really playing on her sympathy, too, using his stepdad's death."

"Cassidy is not a child. There's no excuse for the condition she came home in last night. Or, I guess I should say, this morning! A lot can happen between three and four-thirty." I wonder what else went on? "What time did Cassidy leave here, Bebo?"

"She and Charlie left at four-twenty, on the dot. What time did you say she got home?"

"Around four-thirty," answered Brianna. "Bebo, are you sure about the time Cassidy left here?"

"Yes. I remember it very distinctly. I was delivering a tray of drinks to a table near the door, as Cassie and Charlie were leaving – and Rhonda was coming in. Rhonda asked me what time it was. Then, Charlie asked her if she'd like to go to the palace with him. He said all they had to do was help Cassie home and they'd be on their way."

"Brianna, that's about how long it takes to get home from here on the people mover," said Vanita.

That's true, thought Brianna, somewhat relieved, yet still very angry with her wife. "I've got to get back to the Control Center. I'll see you later," she said and exited Bobu's.

* * *

Suzie punched in the security code to the door of Brianna's quarters. She and Vanita entered and found Cassie still asleep on the sofa – at two in the afternoon.

Vanita walked over to the sofa and yelled, "Cassie!"

"Huh! What?" Cassie said, startled awake – abruptly sitting up on the sofa.

"If you wanna stay married, you better wake your ass up!" said Vanita. Then she headed to the kitchen for a glass of water.

"What's going on?" Cassie asked.

"You got drunk as a skunk last night!" yelled Suzie. "That's what happened!"

"Keep your voice down. I think my head's gonna explode," said Cassie, holding her head in her hands.

Vanita returned from the kitchen. "Here," she said, handing Cassie a glass of water and a couple of the anti-hangover pills that she had left over from her days of living at the palace on Tyre.

"Girlfriend, you're in deep shit. You have no idea how much trouble you're in," said Vanita.

As Cassie took the pills, Vanita and Suzie explained to her what had happened and how angry Brianna was at her.

"You're gonna have to do major damage control on this one, Cassie," said Vanita. "You're one lucky bitch that Brianna ran into me and Suzie at Bobu's this afternoon, to find out what really happened last night. Or she probably would've put you and all your shit out in the hallway by now. If you were my wife, I would've killed your drunk ass last night – and Charlie and that ho that brought you home, too. Brianna didn't know what to think, Cassie. You made it look like you were fuckin' around on her."

"Nothing happened. I just shouldn't have let Charlie talk me into those tequila shots – that's all," said Cassie.

"Brianna's at the Control Center. You should send her flowers and have dinner waiting for her when she gets home," said Suzie.

"That's a good idea," said Vanita. "And you better buy yourself some kneepads, too. 'Cause you're gonna be doin' a lot of groveling, tonight. I wish I could be a fly on the wall to hear this," she said, as she grabbed Suzie and they headed for the door. "Good luck, girlfriend. You're gonna need it."

"Thanks for the pills, Vanita," said Cassie.

Cassie called Bebo and had a single red rose sent to Brianna at the Control Center. The card simply read – "I love you. I'm sorry. Cassidy."

When Brianna headed home from work around 4:30 p.m., the crew on the Control Center breathed a sigh of relief. She had nit-picked their every move regarding one regulation or another, taking her anger at Cassie out on them.

As Brianna entered her quarters, Cassie greeted her wearing fishnet hose, high heels, and the servant's uniform that she had brought home from their honeymoon. "I'm sorry," said Cassie, reaching out and taking her wife by her left hand and kissing it. "I promise. It will never happen again."

"It better not," said Brianna, as she closed the door - becoming very distracted from her anger and quite aroused by her wife's sexy outfit.

"As you can see, I keep my promises. Your wish is my command," said Cassie, as she wrapped her arms around Brianna's neck, pulled her close, and kissed her. "I have champagne on ice and your favorites from The Officer's Club warming in the oven. I will be happy to serve you when you're ready. Are you hungry?"

Brianna responded by wrapping an arm around Cassie's waist and running her other hand up Cassie's skirt. The kissing became more and more intense, as they moved to the bedroom. Cassie helped Brianna out of her uniform and into bed. Then Cassie turned on some erotic music, did a seductive strip tease, and joined her wife in bed.

# CHAPTER 16 – THE ZEROIDS

The next morning, the Major's and the servant's uniforms were lying on the floor next to the bed. Cassie's bra and fishnet hose were hanging from the lamp that sat on the nightstand. A tray of empty dishes, an empty bottle of champagne, and empty champagne glasses were sitting on the floor next to the nightstand.

That evening, Brianna and Cassie, Vanita and Jason, and Suzie and Ryan were having dinner at The Officer's Club.

"Can I tell them, Ryan?" asked Suzie. "I won't say a word, if you don't want me to."

"No, Dear. I don't mind," he answered.

"Ryan and I are trying to have a baby," said Suzie.

"That's wonderful news, Suzie," said Brianna. "I can't wait to be an aunt."

"Me and Jason have been talking about having a baby, too," said Vanita.

Jason looked at his wife and grinned. "You know I'm all for having a family."

"Go for it! This is great!" said Cassie, excited by the idea. "If you guys get pregnant, you'll be on maternity leave. You know what that means – don't you, Brianna?"

"No. What?" Brianna said to Cassie.

"It means that we can use your vacation days to go hang out at the beach house – instead of using them up on our concert tours." Cassie turned to Suzie and Vanita, "You guys hurry up and get pregnant. I think you should go home, right after dinner, and get busy working on it. Or better yet – let me get that waiter, and you can get your orders to go."

"Cassidy!" said Brianna, trying hard not to laugh at her wife's spin on the situation – as everyone looked at each other and cracked up laughing.

Later that evening, as Cassie and Brianna walked home from dinner. "What do you think about children?" Brianna asked Cassie.

"I think they should be seen and not heard," Cassie answered.

Two weeks later, Brianna and Cassie were celebrating their first wedding anniversary at The Officer's Club. They had reserved the entire restaurant and bar for the evening. Vanita and Jason, Suzie and Ryan, Rocko, and numerous Star Base friends joined them. Adrianna and Anton had even managed to arrange their schedules so they could attend. Several toasts were made wishing the couple continued happiness in their marriage. After dinner, Brianna and Cassie and their guests moved to the bar side of club for an evening of dancing.

"Any regrets?" asked Brianna, as she and Cassie danced a slow dance.

"No! I love you, Brianna. I always will," said Cassie.

The next morning in the major's bedroom, Brianna was up and dressed in her uniform, ready to report for duty. "What are you doing today?"

Cassie threw back the covers and sat up in bed. "I don't know. Nothing, really. I thought I'd see if Vanita and Suzie wanna go shopping on Tyre. What time do you get off work today?"

"I have a training class first thing this morning. Jason and I are going to take the cadet fighter pilots on a maneuver. I should be home by five-thirty."

Dressed in a long nightshirt and panties, Cassie got out of bed. "OK," she said, walking over to her wife and giving her a good-bye kiss. "I'll see you later."

"I've got a few minutes before I have to leave. I'd like to talk to you about something."

"OK, Hon, what's up?"

"I want to have a baby."

Cassie's mouth dropped open, stunned from the statement. "You what?" she said in a negative tone, looking at Brianna like that was the worst suggestion she'd ever heard.

"I want to have baby."

"You mean you want to adopt a baby?"

"No. I want to have a baby."

"So you wanna do an artificial insemination with some guy?"

"No."

What the hell is she saying? "So, you want a divorce – so you can screw around and get pregnant?"

"No, of course not," she answered, staring curiously at her wife, not understanding her negative reaction to the idea. "I want us to have a baby."

"That's not possible, Brianna. The last time I looked in my pants, I didn't have a penis. And guess what? The last time I looked in yours, you didn't either."

"Please don't tease me. I'm serious."

"I am, too!"

"There's a new procedure that I've been reading about, developed by a doctor on Tyre. They can take an egg from me and an egg from you – and with the help of a sperm donor..."

"I don't want a clone baby!" yelled Cassie, interrupting her.

"This wouldn't be a clone baby. It would be ours."

"I don't want a baby. That's the end of discussion. We're not doing it."

"This is important to me. I want to have a baby, very much."

"The world we live in is too dangerous to bring a baby into. I said no – and that's final."

"Major," said Jason's voice over Brianna's communicator. "The cadets are ready for flight. They're waiting for us in the landing bay. I'm just about ready to leave the Control Center. I'll be there in a few minutes."

"I'm on my way, Jason," said Brianna. "We'll discuss this later when I get home," she said to Cassie.

"You get pregnant – I'm outta here," said Cassie.

"How could you be so cold about something I want this badly?" Getting no response from Cassie, Brianna turned and left her quarters headed for the landing bay – angry with her wife and very hurt.

Fuck! I can't believe I talked to Brianna like that, thought Cassie. I better get my ass out to the landing bay and apologize before she leaves for her training flight. Cassie quickly got dressed and went running out of the Major's quarters headed for the landing bay. As Cassie reached the entrance of the landing bay, an alarm sounded. A voice came over the intercom and said, "This is not a drill. Military personnel only on the landing bay. All non-military personnel go to your quarters and stay there until further notice. All military personnel take your battle stations."

Cassie tried to get out onto the landing bay, but security wouldn't let her through. Finally, she saw Jason enter the landing bay, heading for his Kobra fighter. "Jason! Jason!" she yelled, frantic to get his attention.

"What is it, Cassie? I'm in a hurry. This is a war situation," he answered.

"Brianna and I just had a big fight. Tell her I love her – and I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said."

"I'll try. I think she's already taken off. I gotta go," he said, as he turned and ran to board his fighter.

About that time, Vanita, Suzie, and Ryan approached Cassie, just outside the landing bay entrance.

"Cassie," said Ryan. "Come with us."

* * *

Sitting in Ryan's living room, Cassie, Vanita, Suzie, and Ryan waited together for the end of the fighting, as he explained to them about the Thorrian's and Tyrian's most dreaded enemy – the Zeroids.

"We have to stay prepared for the Zeroids. That's why Brianna and Jason are periodically on maneuvers. We never know when they will attack. This time they've attacked Star Command," said Ryan, as he sat in a chair facing the girls, who were sitting on the sofa.

"What do the Zeriods want, Ryan?" asked a concerned Suzie.

"Space in the time warp that we live in," he answered. "They want to be forever young. They live just outside of our section of the universe. So, the Zeroids want to take over Star Command, Star Base, and eventually Tyre and Thorr. We also have to protect the planet Pirougue. They do most of the manufacturing of our fighters, freighters, shuttles, and munitions – in exchange for our protection."

Frightened and panicked Suzie said, "But, Ryan. What's to keep the Zeroids from just attacking Star Base and taking us over? I'm scared."

"The Zeroids are intellectually and technologically inferior to us. Our fighter pilots are far superior to theirs."

"Then why are they a threat?" asked Vanita.

"They're only a threat because of traitors, like Geldorf, that sell our military secrets and technology to them," said Ryan. "The Zeroids are incapable of inventing or operating anything that they haven't been trained to use."

Cassie got up from the sofa where she was sitting with Suzie and Vanita. "Then why doesn't the Republic just kill all the Zeroids and be done with them?" she asked, as she started to pace and stare out the observation window – scared to death of the possibility of losing Brianna.

"Because there are so many of them - that would be almost impossible. The Zeroids would have to take over Tyre, Thorr, and Pirogue for all of their people to be able to live in our section of the universe. That's how outnumbered we are," explained Ryan. "Star Base and Star Command are our first lines of defense. Our best plan of attack is to stay ahead of them – strategically and technologically."

Vanita got up from the sofa and joined Cassie over by the observation window, putting an arm around her as they both stared out into space. "I don't like the sound of this," said Vanita. "I am scared shitless. I don't know what I'll do if something happens to Jason."

Cassie said, reaching out and holding Vanita, "I hear you." Brianna is out there dealing with all of this - after that fight we had. Please, God, don't let that be the last conversation I have with her.

* * *

The fighter squadron from Star Base assembled in formation on the fly and raced for Star Command. Communicator transmissions revealed that Star Command was holding its own, but its protective shield was staring to show damage.

"Lock lasers and prepare to fire," commanded Major Thorr, as the squadron moved in on the Zeroids fighter pilots that were attacking Star Command. "Fire!" she ordered, as she locked and rapid-fired on the enemy, taking out a Zeroid fighter with every laser beam.

Captain Jason Thibodeaux, on her wing in the formation, followed suit, as the rest of the squadron joined in. As the Zeroids began to scatter and retreat, Major Thorr's mind started to wander and she stared at the red lights on her control panel. She was distracted by the fight that she and Cassie had had about her wanting to have a baby. About that time, a Zeroid fighter was moving in on her to get a lock. Lucky for her, Captain Thibodeaux took the Zeroid out before it could eliminate her.

"Get your head in the game, Major, before you get yourself killed!" yelled Jason, over the communicator. "Listen, Major. Cassie said to tell you she's sorry about the fight – she loves you."

That's all Major Thorr needed to hear. She quickly got back in the game– with a vengeance - and in the process, took out every Zeroid fighter she got in her sights. The Republic squadron patrolled the area around Star Command for about an hour after the fighting had stopped, just in case the Zeriods attempted a second attack.

After about three hours of waiting in Ryan's quarters, the announcement finally came over the intercom that the fighting was over and everyone was free to resume normal activity on Star Base. Cassie, Vanita, Suzie, and Ryan went out to the landing bay to wait for Brianna and Jason, hoping and praying that they made it back alive. They waited and waited as Kobra fighters landed and pilots emerged to be greeted by their loved ones. There were many unconfirmed reports that several Republic fighters were lost in battle. Every fighter that made it back to Star Base remained on the landing bay tarmac, ready to take off, just in case the Zeroids were bluffing their retreat.

Finally, Jason emerged from the darkness of the outer deck of the landing bay. Vanita ran out to greet him, throwing her arms around him and hugging him so tightly that he could barely breathe.

Not seeing the Major anywhere in the landing bay, Cassie went running over to Jason and Vanita. "Jason. Where's Brianna?" she asked – about to freak out and trying not to think the worst.

"She'll be along in a few minutes," Jason answered. "She's sitting out there in the cockpit of her fighter. We lost three cadets today. She's really taking it hard. She tried to tell the Colonel that they weren't ready, but he insisted that they go, anyway, because we were so outnumbered."

Cassie let out a big sigh of relief. "Oh, thank God, she's OK."

"I gave her your message, Cassie."

"Thanks, Jason," said Cassie, as she went running out onto the landing bay to find her wife – completely ignoring the security guard that yelled after her that she couldn't go out there. As Cassie neared the outer deck of the landing bay, she saw Brianna walking towards her with her head down, carrying her flight helmet.

"Brianna," said Cassie, running to her and taking her in her arms. "I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking."

"No, you were right. This is too dangerous a place to raise a child," said Brianna, holding her.

"Brianna, I didn't mean what I said earlier. I would love to have a baby with you. It's just - I don't know if I can do that egg-fusion thing that you were talking about. And I couldn't stand the thought of you having a baby with someone else... There's something I haven't told you."

"What?"

"I had an abortion on Earth, by this quack."

"What?" Brianna pulled back and looked into Cassie's eyes. "You had an abortion?"

"Yeah."

Brianna was stunned that Cassie would even consider such a thing – due to the fact of how badly Brianna wanted a baby.

"So, I just don't know if I can do that egg-fusion thing... After you left, I couldn't stop thinking – what if that's the last conversation we ever have?" Cassie started to tear up. "I don't know if I'm more ashamed about how I talked to you this morning – or for letting myself get into the situation of an unwanted pregnancy. I know I should've told you about it. But it's something I've really tried hard to forget. Vanita's the only one that knows about it."

"It's all right," Brianna said, pulling her close. "That's your choice. But I just want a child so much..."

"Major Thorr," said Colonel Smith's voice over the Major's communicator, interrupting their conversation, "report to my office at once."

"Aye, Sir. I'm on my way," responded the Major. "I'll be home as soon as I can. We'll talk then," she said to Cassie, kissed her bye, and headed for the Colonel's office.

# CHAPTER 17 - ALL KNOCKED UP

When Brianna arrived back home, Cassie joined her in a long, hot shower. Afterwards, they put on nightshirts and retired to the bedroom with a bottle of red wine.

Brianna sat up in bed with a glass of wine, staring curiously at her wife. "Tell me about your abortion."

"That can wait till tomorrow," said Cassie, setting her glass of wine on the nightstand and getting into bed next to her. "You need to get some rest." Cassie didn't really want to talk about it - at all.

"Please tell me now." Like I could sleep on this kind of information. "Was it Charlie's baby?"

"No. It was his roommate's - Dave. He's the one that taught me how to play the guitar. We got high on pot and booze one night, while Charlie was at work... got carried away and didn't use protection. And boom, I'm pregnant."

"What did Charlie think about your pregnancy and the abortion?"

"I never told Charlie anything about it - Dave, either."

"Why?"

"I didn't wanna raise a kid with either of those two assholes."

"Why couldn't you have just kept the baby and raised it yourself?"

"I couldn't afford a baby. And there was all the drugs and booze... I was afraid it might be deformed or retarded. So, me and Vanita scraped together all the money we could, and she took me to this doctor her boyfriend knew."

"You said something about a quack - a procedure of some kind?"

"That's a bad doctor."

"Oh."

"Come to find out, after the abortion, he'd lost his license to practice medicine. His nickname was 'The Butcher.' Then I got an infection. And I couldn't go to the hospital, because I didn't have any insurance. I thought I was gonna die."

"What did you do?"

"Vanita got her boyfriend to get me some antibiotics from his drug dealer. In hindsight, I probably should have told Charlie that I was pregnant – and let him think that it was his. He probably would have paid for a safe abortion."

"But how did you keep him from finding out?"

"After I found out I was pregnant, I just started a fight with him when he got home from work one morning and then moved back in with Suzie. Then Vanita took me to get the abortion."

"You were living with Charlie?" This just keeps getting worse.

"Yeah. Every time we had a fight, I'd go back and live with Suzie. So, he didn't think that much about it. I'm sure he just thought it was PMS."

"What?"

"My period."

"Please speak English."

"My menstrual cycle."

"Oh."

"He just figured that I'd be back as soon as I cooled off – as usual."

"How did you keep the abortion from Suzie when you moved back in with her? Didn't she notice that you were ill?"

"Yeah. But I just told her I had the flu. I couldn't think of anything else to say. You know what a big mouth Suzie has. If I told her, I might as well have put a big, flashing neon sign in Charlie's front yard that said 'Cassie's pregnant.'"

The next week, Brianna and Cassie were sitting side-by-side in big leather chairs, waiting on their test results from a fertility clinic on Tyre. The room was decorated with pictures of babies delivered by the doctor, stuffed animals, and bookshelves full of books on fertility and child rearing.

A young man entered the room dressed in a long, white coat. "Hello, I'm Dr. Macy," he said, as he took a seat behind his desk, facing them.

"Hello, doctor. I'm Brianna and this is my wife, Cassidy."

"Hi doc," said Cassie, nervously fidgeting in her chair.

"Your test results are very encouraging," said the doctor. "I can guarantee the Earthling can conceive. Cassidy only needs to have a procedure to clean out her uterus. Then she can have a baby."

"Doctor, we're here because I want to have a baby," said Brianna.

Cassie was relieved by Brianna's statement. She really didn't want to give birth to a baby.

"Well, that gets a little more complicated," said the doctor, looking back at the test results. "Your eggs are weak, Brianna. I'm sorry to say - you're almost infertile. However, the Earthling is extremely fertile - even after the questionable abortion."

With a very disappointed look on her face, Brianna said, "But doctor. What about the new procedure I've been reading about? I believe it's called egg-fusion."

"That procedure is experimental and very expensive. There's only a fifty-fifty chance that you could conceive using that procedure. The Earthling is still your best option."

"No! You don't understand," said Brianna, becoming flustered. "I don't just want a baby. I want to give birth. It's extremely important to me. I don't care what it costs."

Cassie reached over and took Brianna by the hand. "Brianna, he didn't say you couldn't have a baby. Fifty-fifty isn't zero," she said, trying to be supportive.

"The egg-fusion procedure isn't your only option. Another is to take an egg from Cassidy, fertilize it, and then make you the surrogate mother," the doctor said to Brianna.

"I'd like to try the egg-fusion procedure, first," said Brianna. "I want the baby to be part mine and part Cassidy's."

"That option is a long shot. But we have a new fertility drug that might help. However, it could take a period of time for the drug to become effective in your system."

"I'll take it."

"All right. But if you choose this method, you have to be willing to give it several tries. It's not impossible, but it is highly unlikely that you'll get pregnant on the first try." The doctor looked at the computer screen sitting on his desk. "According to my schedule, it appears I've had a cancellation. I can do the procedure on Cassidy, right now. Then you can come back in two weeks, Brianna, when you're ovulating, for the egg-fusion procedure."

"All right. Thank you, doctor," said Brianna, smiling – somewhat encouraged.

Oh, shit, Cassie thought. What have I gotten myself into? Cassie let go of Brianna's hand, as the palms of both of her hands started to sweat. "Now wait a minute," Cassie said to the doctor. "Are you gonna put me in the hospital?"

"No," answered Dr. Macy. "The procedure you need is done here in the office. It will only take about thirty minutes."

"Whoa! Does this procedure involve needles?" asked Cassie, becoming nervous.

"No. It's done by laser. It's painless. I'll slightly sedate you to relieve your anxiety. After the procedure, I advise bed rest for the remainder of the day. Then tomorrow you can resume normal activity. Come with me," he said to Cassie, as he got up from his desk. "You can wait here, Brianna."

Two weeks later, Brianna and Cassie went back to Tyre for the egg-fusion procedure. The doctor took an egg from Brianna and an egg from Cassie. Then the eggs were put into incubation so they could merge. As soon as the eggs became one, the sperm was injected into it. The whole fusion process took from twenty-four to forty-eight hours to take. There was a possibility that the incubation could be aborted by incompatibility. Brianna selected a deceased Thorrian professor's sperm donation.

Cassie convinced Brianna to stay in a hotel on Tyre that night. Cassie's intuition told her that the egg would be ready for artificial insemination the next day. That way, they wouldn't have to make another trip from Star Base. And Cassie was right. The next morning, the fusion was complete and Brianna's temperature was well within range for insemination. After the fertilized egg was inserted into Brianna's uterus, pregnancy could occur from twenty-four hours to two weeks. After two weeks, the possibility of becoming pregnant was nil and would require another try.

"You go check the test results. I'm too nervous to look," Brianna said to Cassie the next day, as they sat on her living room sofa.

Cassie got up from the sofa. "OK, Hon." Then she headed into the bathroom to check the pregnancy test kit.

"Am I pregnant?" asked Brianna, anxiously, as Cassie returned to the living room.

"Sorry, not yet. The test was negative."

Cassie stood looking at another pregnancy test kit two weeks later. "The test is still negative." She couldn't help but notice the disappointment on Brianna's face. "Hey, don't be disappointed or discouraged. The doctor warned us it might take several tries. Something to do with that fertility drug taking effect, I bet."

"I know," said Brianna. "But I can't help but be disappointed. I want a baby so much."

"Then we'll just keep trying till we do. How 'bout a glass of red wine? You better take advantage of being able to have wine while you can. After you're pregnant, you'll be drinking sparkling cider for nine months."

"I think I could use a glass right now... You're intuition is usually correct. Do you really think the procedure will work?"

"Yes. There's not a doubt in my mind."

Brianna and Cassie, Vanita and Jason, and Suzie and Ryan were having an early dinner at The Officer's Club around five o'clock. It was a Wednesday night. So, The Rockets were about to play their happy hour gig from seven to nine.

As the waiter served the wine, Cassie noticed that Vanita was served a glass of sparkling cider. "What's with the sparkling cider?" Cassie asked Vanita. "This is your favorite wine."

Vanita and Jason looked at each other, flashing big smiles. "We have an announcement," said Vanita. "I'm pregnant."

"That's great," said Cassie.

"That's wonderful," said Suzie.

"Congratulations," Ryan said to Jason, reaching out and shaking his hand.

Brianna smiled and said, "I'm so happy for you," hiding her envy, since she wanted a baby so badly herself.

* * *

Brianna and Cassie had just landed on Star Base, returning from their second attempt to get Brianna pregnant, using the egg-fusion procedure. As they exited the shuttle, Suzie came running out onto the landing bay.

"Brianna! Brianna!" said Suzie.

"What is it, Suzie?" asked Brianna.

"I'm pregnant," she answered, as she hugged her best friend.

"That's wonderful news, Suzie. I'm so happy for you."

Then Cassie hugged Suzie. "Congratulations, Sis."

"You're next, Brianna," said Suzie.

"I hope you're right," Brianna responded anxiously.

"Forty-eight hours," said Cassie.

"What?" Brianna said to Cassie.

"I bet you'll be pregnant in forty-eight hours."

"Do you really think so?"

"That's what my intuition tells me."

* * *

Brianna, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were sitting in Brianna's living room, waiting for the results of Brianna's pregnancy test. Vanita and Suzie were sitting in chairs across from the sofa, where Brianna was sitting next to Cassie – holding her hand so tightly she almost cut off circulation.

"Ouch, Hon," Cassie said to Brianna.

"Oh, sorry," Brianna said, releasing her grip on Cassie's hand. "It's time. Go check the test results. I can't bear to look."

Cassie stood up from the sofa. "OK, if you insist. But I can tell you right now. I got a strong feeling about this. I bet you're pregnant," said Cassie, as she headed for the bathroom.

About a minute later, Cassie re-entered the living room grinning from ear to ear.

Brianna smiled back at her, taking Cassie's look as a positive test result. "So, tell me!"

"You're knocked up," said Cassie.

Brianna's smile quickly turned into a confused stare – not understanding the Earthling's slang expression. "What? I'm not pregnant?"

"No. You're knocked up."

"Cassie!" said Suzie, giving her sister one of her disapproving looks.

"Cassidy, please, don't tease me," said Brianna.

"I'm not teasing. The test is positive," said Cassie, as she showed it to Brianna. "You're knocked up."

"I'm knocked up! I'm knocked up!" yelled a delighted Brianna to Suzie and Vanita, as she jumped up from the sofa, threw her arms around Cassie's neck, and gave her a big kiss.

Suzie and Vanita joined Cassie and Brianna in a group hug, celebrating the joyous occasion.

"Congratulations, Brianna," said Vanita. "I know how badly you wanted a baby."

"This is going to be so much fun - all three of us being pregnant at the same time," said Suzie.

"This calls for a celebration. I'll get some sparkling cider, for us," Brianna said to Suzie and Vanita, "and champagne for Cassidy." Brianna headed for the kitchen.

"I'll help you," said Vanita, following her to the kitchen.

"How dare you tell her she's knocked up," Suzie whispered to Cassie. "That's degrading."

"There's nothing degrading about a married woman being pregnant. She's as happy as I've ever seen her. I would think you could be a little more supportive," said Cassie, teasing her sister.

"You know what I mean!" said Suzie, getting flustered. "The expression 'knocked up' is degrading."

Cassie got the biggest kick out of messing with her big sister.

"Here we are," said Vanita, as she and Brianna returned with the drinks. Then she handed Suzie a glass of sparkling cider.

Brianna handed Cassie a glass of her favorite champagne. "A toast," Brianna said, raising her glass of sparkling cider. "To being all knocked up."

As they all clicked glasses, Cassie and Vanita cracked up laughing at Brianna's toast. Suzie just smiled, initially, but then gave Cassie a disapproving look when Brianna wasn't looking.

Brianna and Cassie, Suzie and Ryan, and Vanita and Jason were having dinner at The Officer's Club. After dinner, they decided to go to the bar side of the club for a little dancing.

"Baby, we better take advantage of being able to do a little belly rubbin' while we can," Vanita said to Jason, referring to her condition. "I'll be showing soon."

"You're glowing," said Jason, taking his wife by the hand and leading her onto the dance floor for a slow dance. "I can't wait to have a son or a daughter," he said with a big smile.

Then Suzie and Ryan and Brianna and Cassie joined them on the dance floor. As the song ended and they all returned to their table, Lieutenant Mia Stone came over to the table to say hello to the group.

"Mia, would you like to join us?" asked Brianna.

"Yes. Thanks, Brianna," said Mia, as she sat down at the table and everyone exchanged greetings.

A hot Latin number started to play. "Come on, Brianna. I wanna teach you how to Lambada," said Cassie, getting up from the table and taking her wife by the hand.

"Cassidy, I went in to work at five this morning. I'm tired," said Brianna. "I think I'd like to wait for another slow dance."

"I know how to Lambada," said Mia. "Do you mind if I dance with your wife, Brianna?"

"No. Please, do," answered Brianna. "I don't have the energy to keep up with her right now." Brianna was also experiencing some mild nausea from her pregnancy.

"Then let's go before the song is over with," said Cassie, taking Mia by the hand and leading her onto the dance floor.

Cassie and Mia danced a very seductive Lambada, together, like they had been doing it all their lives.

"You're a pretty good dancer," Cassie whispered in Mia's ear.

"I had a good teacher," she answered.

Back at the table, Suzie leaned in and whispered to Brianna. "I wouldn't let Ryan dance with some other woman like that. Aren't you jealous?"

"No," responded Brianna.

"I think Mia has a crush on Cassie."

"I know. She's had a crush on Cassidy since the day she arrived on Star Base. But Cassidy doesn't realize it."

"How could she not realize it? The last thing you need is another 'Julia' on your hands."

"Julia is a completely different situation. Cassidy had an intimate relationship with her. I'm not concerned about Mia. I keep my wife satisfied."

* * *

"You don't remember me, do you?" Mia said to Cassie, holding her close on the dance floor.

Then Cassie twirled her and pulled her back close. "Remember you?" Cassie asked.

"I met you in a hotel bar on Tyre, way back when you first started touring. I guess the Czar wasn't able to join you that night. You taught me how to Lambada, and then you asked me up to your room. I had to leave early the next morning before you woke up. I had a class."

"That was you?"

"Yes."

"Please, don't tell my wife," said Cassie, wondering how much Mia had had to drink – and how loose-lipped she might be.

"Don't worry. I don't have a death wish. It'll be our secret."

* * *

During The Rockets Saturday night gig at Bobu's, Ryan was sitting alone at the table that he and Brianna and Jason usually occupied – down front, just to the right of the stage. The Rockets were on stage and about halfway through their first set when Jason and Brianna finally entered the bar. As the band started into their next song, Cassie noticed that Brianna and Jason were still dressed in full uniform and had serious looks on their faces – like they were on a mission.

"There they are," Brianna said to Jason, pointing out two large, scruffy-looking men, sitting at a table to the left of the stage. "Ortiz is on his way. He highly suspects that they are spies and mercenaries involved in supplying the Zeroids with our classified information."

Jason said, as one of the men waved at Bebo and asked for a check, "I better see to it that they don't leave. I'll handle this Brianna," he said, concerned because of her condition.

"There's two of them. I've got your back until Ortiz gets here," said Brianna, following Jason over to their table.

An argument, and then a fight, quickly broke out between Jason and one of the men, as the two men realized that they were about to be detained. With no Ortiz in sight, Brianna was about to help Jason with the other man, when he pulled a club out of his bag on the floor. As Brianna maneuvered around Jason's scuffle, the other man stood up and speared Brianna in the stomach with the club, using extreme force, knocking her to the floor. She never saw it coming.

Witnessing the scene, Cassie yelled over her microphone – right in the middle of a song - "No!" Then she unplugged her electric acoustic guitar and jumped down from the stage.

The man drew back and was about to hit Brianna with the club, again, when Cassie broke her guitar over the man's head, knocking him out cold. At that time, Ortiz transferred into Bobu's and helped Jason get control of the other man.

Brianna grimaced in pain, lying on the floor just trying to breathe. "Oh, no, Cassidy. The baby."

"It'll be OK," said Cassie, kneeling down beside her and holding her hand. "Ryan's here."

"Hang on, Brianna," said Ryan, as he approached her and Cassie. "We'll get you to the infirmary as quickly as possible."

Then Jason transferred Brianna, Cassie, and Ryan to the emergency room of the Star Base infirmary.

About an hour later Ryan entered the emergency waiting room, where the girls and Jason were waiting for news about Brianna's condition.

"Ryan, how is she?" asked Cassie, jumping up from the chair she was sitting in.

"I'm so sorry, Cassie," said Ryan. "The severe blow to the abdomen caused Brianna to miscarry."

"Oh my God, no," said Vanita, getting up and putting an arm around Cassie.

Suzie was stunned speechless. She got up from her chair and joined Vanita in trying to console Cassie.

Cassie's eyes immediately filled with tears. "Does she know?"

"No. She had to be sedated so we could treat her in the emergency room," Ryan answered. "She should be coming out of the sedation, soon. I was on my way to tell her. I thought it might help if you were there."

"OK," said Cassie, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Cassie, I know this is hard on you, too. But you've got to be strong for Brianna, now. You've got to pull yourself together before we go see her."

"OK," she said, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'll try. This is gonna kill her, Ryan."

"We're all here for you, girlfriend," said Vanita, as she and Suzie hugged her and trying unsuccessfully to hold back their own tears.

Jason slung his chair up against the wall. "I should've been able to take both of those bastards!" he yelled, feeling guilty about the situation. "I told her I'd handle it..."

"Jason," said Cassie, interrupting him. "I saw what happened from the stage. It wasn't your fault."

"Cassie, do you want me to go with you and Ryan to tell Brianna," asked Suzie.

"No. Thanks, Sis. I think I better do this alone. Let's get this over with, Ryan," said Cassie.

* * *

Brianna was groggy from pain medication and was resting comfortably in a sit up position as Cassie and Ryan entered her room and approached her bedside.

Ryan said, "Brianna. Are you awake?"

"Yes," she answered, opening her eyes.

Cassie sat down on the bed side of the facing her, taking her by the hand. "How are you feeling?"

Brianna could tell that Cassie had been crying. "What's wrong?" she asked in a panic, getting a very bad feeling. "Ryan, my baby will be all right?"

"I'm sorry, Brianna," he answered. "You've had a miscarriage. There was nothing we could do."

"No! I can't lose my baby!" she screamed and cried hysterically, throwing her arms around Cassie's neck. "Cassidy, please tell me that this is just a nightmare – that I'll wake up soon."

"I wish I could," said Cassie, holding Brianna in her arms, as they both sobbed out of control.

Ryan quickly administered a strong sedative to calm Brianna down. In a matter of seconds, Brianna fell asleep in Cassie's arms. Cassie carefully laid Brianna back down, as Ryan adjusted the bed to a sleeping position. Then Cassie and Ryan went back out to the waiting room to give everyone a status report, and to tell them to go home.

On her way back to Brianna's room, Cassie noticed, through the windows in the emergency room doors, that the man who attacked Brianna was being treated. Ortiz and another security guard were standing by, as an intern and a nurse worked on the man.

In a fit of rage, Cassie pushed the doors open so hard they slammed against the wall. "You son-of-a-bitch. I'm gonna to kill you!" she yelled, rushing into the emergency room, going after the man.

"Get her out of here, Sergeant Ortiz," said the intern.

"You mother fucker. You killed our baby!" she screamed.

Ortiz grabbed Cassie before she could get to the man and began pushing her out of the emergency room. "Cassie, I'm so sorry about the baby, but I must insist that you leave," he said.

It was then that Cassie heard the man's voice, as he talked deliriously out of his head. "Ortiz, wait!" she said. "That voice. Listen."

Ortiz stopped at the emergency room entrance. "He doesn't know what he's saying, Cassie. You got him pretty good with your guitar. The doctor says he's got a concussion."

The man repeated what he had just said. "Here we go. Here we go." He kept repeating the line like a broken record.

"That's him!" said Cassie.

"That's who, Cassie?" asked Ortiz.

"That's the man that abducted me. I'll never forget that voice. That's what he said - 'here we go' – when he jumped me from behind and knocked me out. That's the last thing I remember about being at Bobu's that morning."

"Are you sure?" asked Ortiz, as he escorted Cassie out into the hallway.

"Yes! I'm positive."

"All right. I'll add that to the list of charges. But you've got to get away from the emergency room now or I'll have no choice but to place you under arrest and put you in the brig for the night."

"OK. I'm going," said Cassie.

Cassie spent the night sitting in a chair at Brianna's bedside, holding her hand. She had just laid her head on the side of the bed and dozed off when Ryan entered the next morning.

"Brianna, how are you feeling?" he asked, waking her and Cassie. "Are you in any pain?"

"No. I just want to go home," she answered.

"Not so fast. Maybe tomorrow morning."

"I've lost my baby. You've already told me there's nothing you can do. I want to go home now!" said Brianna. She tried to sit up in bed, but a rush of pain caused her to lie back down.

"Let's sit you up for a while," said Ryan, raising her bed to a sitting position. "You rest. I'll be back to check on you later." Then he exited to continue his rounds.

Cassie sat on the side of the bed and put an arm around Brianna.

"I'm sorry I lost our baby," said Brianna.

"Brianna, you don't have anything to be sorry about," said Cassie, hugging her and then kissing her on the cheek.

"I wonder if it was a boy or a girl?"

"Me too. But you weren't far enough along to tell."

Later that afternoon, Ryan entered Brianna's room.

"I have good news, Brianna. I sent your test results to Dr. Macy. He and I agree that there is no permanent damage and there's no reason that you can't become pregnant, again."

"That's good news, Brianna," said Cassie, standing at Brianna's bedside next to Ryan.

"He suggested that you wait at least a month before you try again, though. He wants to see you in two weeks," said Ryan.

"When can I go home, Ryan?" said Brianna, indifferently.

"In the morning, if there are no complications," he answered.

The next morning, Ryan released Brianna from the Star Base infirmary. Physically, she was much better. But emotionally, she was in a deep depression.

Three days later, Cassie ran into Jason and Vanita, as she approached the Star Base cafeteria. She had come to get lunch for herself and Brianna.

"How's Brianna doing, Cassie?" asked Vanita.

"She's really depressed," answered Cassie.

"I can understand that. Me and Suzie have been wanting to go see her. But Ryan said we should give her a few days of alone time."

"All she wants to do is lay in bed and sleep."

"She was asleep every time me and Suzie dropped by the infirmary to visit her."

"I know. And every time I get her to come out of her quarters, someone tells her how sorry they are about the baby. I know they're just trying to be nice, but it just makes her feel worse. Then she turns around, heads back inside her quarters, and goes back to bed. I couldn't talk her into coming down here to have lunch with me today. Nothing I do seems to cheer her up."

"How are you holding up?"

"I'm just about to the end of my rope. I feel so helpless. I just don't know what to do."

"Is there anything we can do, Cassie?" asked Jason.

"I don't know of anything that anybody can do, at this point," she answered. "I don't know, maybe she just needs a change of scene. That's it! Jason - could you guys stop by Brianna's quarters in about an hour?"

"Sure," he answered.

"And bring that transfer gizmo with you when you come."

"You got it."

"I'll see you guys later," said Cassie, as she hurried home.

* * *

"Brianna. Wake up, Hon. It's time to get dressed and go," said Cassie, about an hour later, sitting on the side of the bed next to her, touching her on the shoulder.

Brianna opened her eyes and curiously stared at Cassie. "Go where?"

"We're going to the beach house. I've already talked to Adrianna. She's sent a shuttle to take us there. It should be here within the next fifteen to twenty minutes."

"I don't want to go," said Brianna, closing her eyes and settling back on her pillow.

Cassie got up and continued packing for both of them. "We're going. If you don't wanna change, you can go in your nightshirt. But you're going."

A few minutes later, Jason and Vanita entered Brianna's quarters. Jason prepared everything to transfer to the shuttle. As soon as they got word that Adrianna's shuttle had landed on Star Base, Jason transferred Brianna, Cassie, and their luggage on board.

Later that day at the beach house...

Brianna was lying on the living room sofa resting, as Cassie entered from the deck just outside. "It's time for sunset. Come out onto the deck, Brianna," insisted Cassie, helping her off the sofa and leading her by the hand out onto the deck.

Once they were out on the deck, Brianna pulled away from Cassie. "Why did you bring me here? I told you I didn't want to come. I should be back on Star Base, working," she said, staring out at the ocean. "Ryan had no right to put me on sick leave."

"Brianna, I know you're depressed. But you're not the only one that lost a baby. I love you. And I'm still here." Cassie became frustrated when she got no response from Brianna. "OK, fine. I'm sorry I brought you here," said Cassie, as she stormed off the deck and went for a walk on the beach.

Cassie sat on the beach alone, watching the sunset as the tide rolled in. After about twenty minutes, she was starting to get wet as the waves rushed over her feet and then back out to sea. It was starting to get dark when she felt a hand touch her on the shoulder. Brianna sat down behind her, wrapped her arms around her waist, and held her tight.

"I apologize," said Brianna. "It was very selfish of me to think that I was the only one who was hurting."

"That's OK, Hon. Don't worry about it," said Cassie. Then she turned around, pulled Brianna down on top of her, and kissed her passionately. They continued kissing until a wave from the incoming tide covered them. They quickly sat up on their knees, coughing and laughing, as the tide rolled back out to sea.

"I love you," said Brianna.

"I love you, too," said Cassie.

Brianna pushed Cassie down on the beach and started another round of passionate kisses, until another wave engulfed them.

Cassie stood up and reached out a hand to Brianna. "I think we better move."

When they got back to the beach house, Cassie opened a bottle of red wine, grabbed a couple of glasses and towels, and joined Brianna out on the deck.

"I'm sorry about your guitar," said Brianna.

"I don't care about that," said Cassie.

"I feel badly because you brought that guitar from Earth. I know it had a great deal of sentimental value that can't be replaced."

"That guitar can be replaced. I can't replace you." Cassie poured the wine and handed Brianna a glass. "But there's something I need to tell you about the man that attacked you."

"What?"

"He's the one that abducted me."

"How could you possibly know that?"

"I heard his voice - while they were treating him for a concussion in the emergency room that night. I just happened to be walking by and heard his voice. That voice is the last thing I heard at Bobu's before I woke up on Geldorf's warship."

"That bastard!" yelled Brianna, as she threw her glass of wine up against the bricks on the side of the house.

"It's OK. I had Ortiz file charges against him."

"No, it's not OK!" yelled Brianna. She began pacing, ranting, and raving. "When I get back to Star Base, I'm going to rework our entire security system." Brianna's emotions had moved from depressed to angry. She was healing.

The next morning, Brianna was surprised by a visit from Adrianna and Anton. After they all exchanged greetings, Adrianna and Brianna went out onto the deck for a private visit.

"Brianna, how are you feeling?" asked Adrianna.

"Physically, I'm much better. Emotionally, I'm not doing very well. I wanted this baby so much," answered Brianna.

"I understand. At least now you know the egg-fusion procedure works for you. Cassie said the doctors agree that you can try again in a month, if you want."

"I want to try again - just as soon as they will let me."

* * *

"I really appreciate you guys making time to come visit," Cassie said to Anton, back inside the beach house. "I think visiting with Adrianna is just what Brianna needs right now."

"Adrianna was pleased that you called and asked her to come," said Anton. "I don't think you could have kept her away, though. Their twin connection is so strong - Adrianna could sense that Brianna needed her. You just verified it... How about a beer and a game of billiards while the sisters visit?"

"OK. But I haven't played in so long, I'm probably rusty."

"I was billiards champion at the University of Thorr. It would be my pleasure to give you some pointers."

"Sounds like fun. Lead the way."

* * *

"A newborn can be a lot of work," said Adrianna. "You'll probably need a nanny."

"I want to take care of the baby on my own," said Brianna.

"Then you better take advantage of every moment you and Cassie have alone, now. When the baby comes, you're time will be divided."

"Speaking of Cassidy, I wonder what she and Anton are up to."

"Let's go find them."

* * *

"Eight ball in the corner pocket," said Cassie, taking her shot. Then she walked over and picked up the pot of Lucre and watched the ball go in. "I win again."

"Unbelievable!" yelled a frustrated, Anton.

"What's going on?" asked Brianna, as she and Adrianna entered the billiard room.

"Either your wife is the quickest study I've ever seen, or it would appear that I've been conned," Anton said to Brianna.

"We call it 'hustled' on Earth," said Cassie.

"She pretended to not know how to play," continued Anton. "Then she let me win a game - just to set me up for the wagering, I suppose. Then she proceeded to relieve me of all of my Lucre - and my watch!"

Cassie stood counting her Lucre and admiring Anton's watch. "I've made my share of the rent more than once this way. This is really a nice watch."

"Cassidy, give Anton his watch back," said Brianna, as she and Adrianna started to laugh.

"Do I have to, Hon?" said Cassie, pretending to be disappointed. "This was the only way I knew to get even with him, for pretending to be the bartender the first time we met."

Anton started laughing. "Well, I think you got even with me."

"Here," said Cassie, handing him his watch and Lucre. "I was just messing with you."

Later that evening, Brianna and Cassie and Adrianna and Anton were served dinner on the deck of the beach house. Adrianna's visit really picked up Brianna's spirits. It was just what Cassie was hoping for. The next day, Adrianna and Anton headed back to the palace on Thorr.

Whenever Brianna and Cassie weren't relaxing on the beach or on the deck, Brianna was pursuing one of her favorite pastimes: cooking. The chef at the palace on Thorr had trained her and shared many of his secret recipes. Cassie's favorite food was her sister's pizza. So Brianna got the recipe from Suzie, added a few tweaks of her own, and made it for Cassie. Now, Cassie's favorite food was Brianna's pizza.

After a week of recovering at the beach, Brianna was well enough for her and Cassie to be together again. They enjoyed their second week of Brianna's sick leave like it was a second honeymoon.

A month later, after the third attempt at egg-fusion, Cassie checked Brianna's pregnancy test. "Sorry, Hon. The test is still negative."

"It's been a week since the insemination. What is your intuition telling you?" asked Brianna.

"I'm not getting a read on this one. It could go either way. But you've got one more week for it to take. And you promised you wouldn't get upset if we have to try again. I wanted you to wait two months instead of one. Give yourself a break."

"I can't wait now that I know the procedure works for me."

"Just be patient. It'll happen."

The next morning in Brianna's quarters, Cassie and Brianna were up and dressed and had just finished eating breakfast.

Brianna got up from the kitchen table. "What are you doing today?"

"I don't know," Cassie answered, getting up from the table, gathering dishes, and setting them in the kitchen sink. "I guess I'll have lunch with you, and just hang out with Vanita and Suzie till you get home."

"I won't be able to join you for lunch today. Jason and I are taking the cadets out on a training maneuver."

"Oh. OK. What time will you be home?"

"Approximately 5:00 p.m."

"Let's go out to dinner at The Officer's Club when you get home. I can talk to Vanita and Suzie and see if they all want to go."

"I'd like to get together with them. But why don't we have them over here for dinner, instead. After a stressful day of training the cadets, I'd rather have dinner at home."

"Well, after all that, you shouldn't have to cook. We could have it catered - or I could cook something."

"No! That won't be necessary."

"Is my cooking that bad, Brianna?"

Brianna grinned, wrapped her arms around Cassie's waist, and pulled her close. "I love you, but cooking is not one of your many talents," she answered and then gave her wife a kiss. "I have two casseroles in the freezer that just need heated. All you have to do is get wine and bread and make a salad."

"OK. What time should I tell them to be over here?"

"How about seven? That will give us some time to be alone and unwind in the hot tub before dinner."

"That sounds like fun." Cassie put her arms around Brianna's neck, kissed her, and then whispered in her ear, "Call in sick and we'll start some alone time right now."

"I can't. I have to go." Then Brianna kissed Cassie bye and reported for duty.

Later that afternoon, about 5:00 p.m., Cassie was in the kitchen making a salad per Brianna's instructions. At that time, the door sensor sounded. Cassie went to the entrance of Brianna's quarters and opened the door, finding Jason and Vanita standing there. "Hey, you guys are early." Then Cassie noticed the serious and sad looks on their faces as they entered. "Why the long faces? What's wrong? Jason, where's Brianna?" she asked, getting a sinking feeling.

"I'm sorry, Cassie. She's gone," said Jason, as tears rolled down his face.

"Gone where?" asked Cassie, in a panic.

"She and her crew landed on this remote planet to disengage missiles set up by mercenaries. There was an explosion on the planet. I suspect the explosion was from land mines which set off the missiles."

"No. This can't be happening. This is just a nightmare. I'm gonna wake up in a minute."

"I wish it was a nightmare, Cassie. Right at the time of the explosion, her fighter took off from the planet."

"Then she wasn't in the explosion. She was in her fighter."

"Her fighter was shot down, right at take-off, by one of the missiles that they were there to disengage. Whether she was on the planet or in her fighter – we don't know... My crew and I were hovering in orbit. There was no way we could cover her. Her fighter was in-between us and the missile."

"Then she's on that planet. She could be hurt. You go get her!" yelled Cassie.

"That planet is unapproachable for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours because of the extreme heat and fires. There's no way anyone within a ten-mile radius could've survived."

"No! She can't be dead," said Cassie. "You go get her!" she screamed and cried, pounding Jason's chest with both of her fists.

Jason grabbed Cassie and pulled her close, as the two of them broke down crying. Vanita wrapped her arms around both of them, tears streaming down her cheeks, too.

"I can't live without her, Vanita." said Cassie, as she let go of Jason and reached out to Vanita.

"I just can't believe this is happening," said Vanita, holding her.

"Does Suzie know?" asked Cassie.

"Ryan is on his way to tell her," said Jason.

"Someone has to tell Adrianna and Anton," said Cassie.

"Colonel Smith is on his way to Thorr to notify her sister," said Jason. "I've got to go file my report. I'll be back as soon as I can." Then he headed for the exit of Brianna's quarters.

Vanita led Cassie into the living room and sat down on the sofa with her.

As Jason was leaving, Ryan and Suzie entered Brianna's quarters.

"Cassie," said Suzie, running into the living room.

Cassie got up from the sofa and threw her arms around Suzie, as they both cried uncontrollably.

Ryan walked up to Suzie and Cassie and put his arms around them. "Just let it out. Don't try to hold it in," he said, as tears rolled down his face too.

"Can I get you anything?" Vanita asked Cassie.

"No," she answered.

Ryan reached into his pocket, pulled out a couple of sedatives, and placed them on the coffee table. "Cassie, take these when you get ready to go to bed - so you can sleep."

"Thanks, Ryan. A whole bottle of those would help, about now," said Cassie.

"Brianna wouldn't like you talking like that," said Suzie.

"No, she wouldn't," said Vanita.

"Come and sit down," said Ryan, directing Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita to take a seat on the sofa. Then he sat down in a chair across from them.

Cassie sat silently on the sofa with Suzie and Vanita sitting next to her – totally in shock. "I never told Brianna this," Cassie said, breaking the silence, "but I died and came back when I was abducted."

"She knew that, Cassie," said Suzie. "She told us you flat-lined. Ryan brought you back."

"No, he didn't. No offense, Ryan, but I went through this tunnel and into a bright light. A voice told me I could stay or go back.... It was my choice."

"I believe you, Cassie," said Ryan. "That's not the first time I've heard this."

"Anyway, I could hear Brianna calling my name. So I came back. I wish, now, I'd stayed there. I'd be with her right now."

"You don't mean that, Cassie," said Vanita. "If you'd died then, you wouldn't have had the time you did with her."

"That's right, Cassie," said Suzie. "You wouldn't have had your wedding and honeymoon."

"I know. I guess you're right... I think I'm ready to take those sedatives and go to bed. I need to be alone now."

"Are you sure?" asked Vanita.

"Yeah. You guys go home," she answered. "I'll see you in the morning."

As soon as Vanita, Suzie, and Ryan left, Cassie opened a bottle of red wine, poured herself a glass, and downed the sedatives that Ryan had left for her. Cassie sat in the living room, alone, staring out the observation window at the stars. She couldn't even cry anymore. Her eyes ran out of tears. All she had left was a big empty hole where her heart and soul used to be.

# CHAPTER 18 - SEVEN & A HALF MONTHS

Three days later, the Memorial Service for Princess Brianna was conducted in the chapel at the Palace on Thorr by the High Priestess. It was held in the same chapel that Brianna and Cassie were married in. The service was a private affair, by invitation only. All of Brianna's friends and colleagues from Star Base were in attendance, along with dignitaries and ambassadors of Thorr. Cassie, Suzie, Ryan, Vanita, Jason, and Rocko were seated with Adrianna and Anton. There would be no graveside service, since Princess Brianna's body was never found.

After the service, the guests were served lunch in the palace ballroom. Finally, there was only the immediate family, and the extended family of Suzie, Ryan, Vanita, Jason, and Rocko, left at the palace. All other guests returned home in order to give the family some privacy.

Adrianna took Cassie by the arm and pulled her away from the rest of the group for a moment alone. "Brianna loved you very much, Cassie. You made her very happy."

"I don't know how I'm going to live without her," said Cassie.

"One day at a time. I've never been without my twin sister, either. Time is the only thing that helps in these situations. Promise me you won't be a stranger."

"I won't."

"Anton and I both love you. We still consider you family."

"Thanks. That means a lot to me. I love you guys, too."

"Cassie, you owe me a billiards rematch," said Anton, as he joined them, trying to lighten things up.

"Next time, I'm keeping your watch," teased Cassie.

A crowd gathered outside the palace gates around dusk. By the time it was dark, thousands of Thorrians had gathered for a candlelight vigil to mourn the death of Princess Brianna. By the time Cassie and the gang were ready to head back to Star Base, the crowd was so large that Adrianna convinced them to stay the night at the palace.

Later that evening, in Brianna's old room at the palace, Suzie handed Cassie a couple of sedatives. "Ryan asked me to give you these. He said to go easy on the wine, though."

"Thanks, Sis," said Cassie, taking the pills from her. "You know. I just keep expecting her to walk in here. I just can't believe she's really gone."

"I know," said Vanita. "I've been thinking the same thing all day. Me and Suzie are here for you, girlfriend."

Cassie sat down on Brianna's bed and washed the sedatives down with a swig of red wine.

"I'll sleep in here with you tonight, Cassie, if you want me to," offered Suzie.

"Me, too," said Vanita.

"No. I'm OK. I'll be able to sleep on the sedatives. It's been a long day. You guys go on to bed," said Cassie.

"OK. I am getting a little sleepy," said Suzie, giving her sister a goodnight hug.

"Cassie. You come get me if you need me," said Vanita, putting her arms around Cassie and Suzie. "I don't care what time it is."

After Suzie and Vanita left, Cassie took a candle, a holder, and a lighter from a table and went out onto the balcony to join the candlelight vigil. The crowd watched her in silence, as she lit her candle and set it on the ledge of the balcony. After a few minutes, she went inside, finished the bottle of red wine, and passed out in bed.

* * *

Jason entered the Major's old quarters three days after the service. "How are you doing, Cassie?"

"I'm OK, Jason. What brings you here?"

"Cassie. I hate to be the one to have to tell you this, but we're going to have to get you packed up and moved out of here. The new major will be moving in here soon."

"I know. I'm sorry, Jason. I'll get busy and get everything packed up today. I just need to call Adrianna. She said she'd send someone to help me with Brianna's things when I was ready. I'll contact her right away... Now wait a minute. You did get the promotion, right?"

"Cassie. It's not me. I was offered the promotion. I turned it down. Under the circumstances, it just didn't feel right. Vanita agreed with me."

"Well, then, who is the new Major? Anyone I know?"

"Mia Stone. Colonel Smith offered her the promotion this morning. She accepted."

"OK. I'll get it together and be out of here by the end of the day."

Later that afternoon, Major Stone entered her new quarters, carrying a suitcase and a travel bag. "Cassie. I'm sorry to intrude," said Major Stone, as she entered her new living room, finding Cassie there packing. "I guess I misunderstood the Captain."

"No. It's OK, Mia. Come in," said Cassie. "I told Jason I'd be out by now. We'd just accumulated a lot more stuff than I realized."

"I understand. I don't want to rush you."

"I've got everything out but a few things in the guestroom. Your bedroom is empty - all but the furniture. You're welcome to it, or I'll get rid of it."

"I haven't bought any furniture yet. My quarters were sort of small. I'd be happy to pay you for it."

"Don't worry about it. It's yours."

"You can leave your things in the guestroom as long as you like, Cassie. You're welcome to stay in the guestroom, if you want."

"Thanks, Mia, but I think I'll go back to my quarters. I'm not good company right now, anyway. I'll get the rest of my stuff out as fast as I can."

"OK. You know the code. You're welcome anytime."

* * *

"It was such a beautiful memorial service," said Bebo, as he served Cassie a glass of red wine at the bar.

"Yeah, it was," said Cassie.

"So where are you staying now?"

"In my old quarters in the cadets' area. Guess you'll be seeing a lot of me now."

Brianna's death had caused Cassie and Rocko to be displaced from their living arrangements on Star Base. Cassie had to move from the Major's quarters, and Rocko had to move from the staff quarters that Brianna had arranged for him. Cassie and Rocko were trying to make the best of the new living arrangements. Cassie was living in her old quarters, Rocko was living in Vanita's old quarters, and they were using Suzie's and Charlie's old quarters for storage.

About that time, Charlie entered Bobu's and sat down at the bar next to Cassie. "I'm sorry about your wife, Cassie."

Cassie picked up her wine and took a sip. "Yeah. I bet you are."

"I'm no hypocrite. She wasn't right for you. I wished you'd divorce her, but I never wished her dead. I love you, Cassie. I hate seeing you hurting like this. I'm here for you, Baby. Come here." Then he reached out and took her in his arms.

Meanwhile, at the Palace on Tyre, Julia was ecstatic over the news of Major Thorr's death. She wanted to mark the occasion by creating a planetary holiday. But she was afraid that might alienate Cassie from her for good. So Julia decided to just celebrate, quietly, and let Cassie mourn for a while. She thought it would just be a matter of time, now, until Cassie came back to live with her at the palace. Charlie had already been sent to Star Base to lay the groundwork. They just had to be subtle and let Cassie think it was her idea.

* * *

Cassie waved at Bobu, who was at the other end of the bar serving customers, getting his attention.

"What'll you have?" asked Bobu, approaching Cassie and Charlie.

"How about a tequila shot, Charlie? I'm buying," said Cassie.

"Sounds good to me," said Charlie.

"Set 'em up, Bobu," said Cassie.

"This one's on the house," said Bobu. "Think I'll join you." Then Bobu poured shots for himself, Cassie, and Charlie.

Cassie picked up her shot. "Thanks, Bobu."

"You're welcome. Salute," said Bobu, as he and Cassie and Charlie clicked shot glassed and downed the tequila. That nit-picking Major Thorr, God rest her soul, is probably issuing citations in Heaven by now. Major Stone is going to be a real pushover. That stupid bitch has no clue. All Bobu could do was smile and daydream about all the illegal activities that he and Charlie could get into, now that Major Thorr was out of the picture. It's good to be back in business.

"Bobu!" yelled Bebo, standing at the other end of the bar. He was dressed is a red dress and matching heels, showing off his furry legs and chest. "Bobu! Get that shit-eating grin off your face and come take this drink order!"

"All right. All right. Keep your panties on," Bobu said, approaching Bebo and starting to make the drinks.

"Cassie's in mourning," Bebo said, glaring at him with his beady Roden eyes. "Don't you dare push hard liquor on her. Or, I'll..."

"Or you'll what?" asked Bobu.

"Or, I'll do something that you really won't like." Then Bebo adjusted his slip, picked up his tray of drinks, and sashayed away from the bar.

"Whatever," said Bobu, to Bebo's back, as he made a gesture like he was going to slap him in the back of the head as he walked away.

The next day, Vanita and Suzie headed down to Cassie's quarters to see if she wanted to join them for lunch, but she wasn't there. So they popped into Bobu's and found her and Rocko sitting at the bar visiting with Bebo.

"Cassie, we've been looking for you. How are you doing?" asked Suzie.

"I'm fine," she answered.

"Why don't you and Rocko join us for lunch," asked Vanita.

"I'm having liquid lunch," answered Cassie, continuing to drink her scotch on the rocks. "You go ahead, Rocko."

"I already had lunch," said Rocko.

"Brianna wouldn't like you getting drunk in the middle of the day like this," said Suzie.

"Well, Brianna's not here, is she?" snapped Cassie. "I don't want to talk about her - or think about her."

"Getting drunk isn't going to help."

"Cut her some slack," Vanita whispered to Suzie. "We miss you, girlfriend," she said to Cassie. "Come have lunch with us at the cafeteria."

Cassie said, "I'm not in the mood for cafeteria food. You guys go ahead." Cassie and Brianna usually ate lunch at the cafeteria during the week. Cassie didn't want to go there, knowing Brianna wouldn't be there - and having to deal with all the sympathizers, too.

"How about The Officer's Club?" suggested Vanita. "Just us girls."

That'll work. I can drink there. "OK. Let's go," said Cassie, getting up from her barstool and leaving with Vanita and Suzie.

After lunch, Cassie decided to go by Major Stone's quarters and gather some more of her things from the guestroom. She thought that Mia would be on duty and, that way, she wouldn't disturb her. But Cassie had only been in Major Thorr's old quarters a few minutes when Mia came home, unexpectedly.

"Hi, Cassie," said Mia, as she entered her guestroom.

"Hey, Mia. I won't be long. I just came to get some more things moved out of your way."

"You're not in my way. There's no rush."

"I didn't know you would be here. I don't want to intrude."

"You're not intruding. I was just going to work the rest of the day from home. Take your time... Cassie. Would you like to join me for lunch?"

"No thanks. I just had lunch with Suzie and Vanita."

"How about a glass of white wine? I was just about to open a bottle." Mia wasn't really about to open wine, but she wasn't about to waste a chance to be alone with Cassie.

"Sure. Why not?"

As Major Stone walked out of the room to get the wine, Cassie's eyes started to play tricks on her. She had had just enough to drink that she was seeing Major Thorr. But it was really just Mia in a major's uniform. When Mia came back into the guest room with the wine, Cassie shook her head and blinked her eyes and it was Mia, again.

Major Stone handed Cassie a glass of wine. "Would you like to take a break and join me in the living room?"

"OK." But as Cassie followed Major Stone into the living room, she saw her as Major Thorr, again. Seeing Mia in that uniform, and in Major Thorr's old quarters, was very haunting to Cassie. After they finished the bottle of wine, Cassie looked at Mia and saw Major Thorr, again. It was more than Cassie could take. She took Mia in her arms and kissed her. She got up from the sofa, took Mia by the hand, and took her to bed. She missed Brianna so much, she just needed to be close to someone. Mia was there and was more than willing.

The next morning, Mia reported for duty and Cassie went to her quarters to shower and change. Then Cassie went to Bobu's about 10:00 a.m. and started drinking.

The Rockets were on vacation, since Suzie and Vanita had exercised their contract option regarding pregnancy leave. But they were concerned about Cassie's drinking. So, they decided to book some Wednesday happy hour gigs, at The Officer's Club, just to give Cassie something to focus on besides drinking. Even Charlie was agreeable to playing once a week. He told them that he didn't think it was a good idea for them to get rusty. However, he was really just spying for Julia and waiting on the right opportunity to take Cassie back to the palace on Tyre.

Cassie liked the idea of starting to play again. But sometimes she would show up for rehearsals, and sometimes she wouldn't. Sometimes she would show up for gigs, and sometimes she wouldn't. Even if she did show up, she was always drunk. Cassie was trying to substitute a bottle, and Mia, for Brianna. It wasn't working. At least when Mia accompanied Cassie to the happy hour gigs, Cassie did show up and play.

In Major Stone's bedroom...

"Cassie. I love you," said Mia, as they lay in bed one night after having sex. "Will you marry me?"

In a drunken stupor, Cassie said. "Yeah. Sure. Why not?"

* * *

"Cassie, we heard about your engagement," said Suzie, as Cassie entered The Officer's Club, for rehearsal, and joined Suzie and Vanita on stage.

"What the hell are you talking about, Suzie?" asked Cassie. "Are you on Valium, again?"

"No! Your engagement to Mia."

"I'm not engaged to Mia," said Cassie, taking her guitar out of its case and starting to tune up.

"She sure thinks you are," said Vanita. "She's spreading it all over Star Base."

"She's telling everyone that she asked you last night and that you said 'yes'," said Suzie.

"That's news to me," said Cassie. "I'm not about to marry her."

"Then you better sober up, girlfriend," said Vanita. "Or your ass is gonna wake up one morning, married and nursing the hangover from hell."

"Cassie. If you didn't care anything about Mia, you shouldn't have been sleeping with her," said Suzie.

"Who I sleep with is none of your goddamn business, Suzie!" snapped Cassie.

"Cassie, you're not gonna find Brianna at the bottom of a bottle."

"I don't want to hear this shit!"

"Well, I'm your best friend. So, you're gonna hear 'this shit' whether you like it or not!" yelled Vanita, getting in Cassie's face. "I think Mia's taking advantage of you, Cassie. I've been noticing, for a while now, that she encourages you to drink. She tries to act like Brianna - probably thinks she 'is' Brianna. I think she's one sick bitch, if you ask me."

About that time, Charlie entered The Officer's Club. "Cassie! What's this bullshit I hear about you getting married?" yelled Charlie, as he joined the group on stage. "You got a 'Major' fetish, or what?"

"For the last time, I'm not getting married!" yelled Cassie.

"Well, Major Stone sure seems to think you are!" Charlie yelled back at her. "I just left Bobu's. She's down there talking to Bebo about sample wedding invitations."

"Fuck! I better go have a talk with Mia, right now. I'll see you guys later," said Cassie, heading out of The Officer's Club. Cassie went and found Mia as she was exiting Bobu's. She took Mia to her quarters and broke up with her. Mia was devastated. She had been in love with Cassie since the first time they were together at the hotel on Tyre.

* * *

"Cassie. I'm glad you stopped by. This, rather large package, just came in addressed to Major Thorr," said Bebo, as he laid the package on the bar. "You weren't home, so the delivery person brought it here and I signed for it."

"Thanks, Bebo. Let's open it up and see what it is," said Cassie.

Bebo got a knife and helped Cassie open the package. Inside the package was a very expensive handmade, acoustic/electric guitar. The guitar was a beautiful red sunburst with "Brianna loves Cassidy" engraved on the back in gold letters.

"Wow! That's beautiful," was all Cassie could say, as her eyes welled up with tears. Brianna must have been replacing the guitar that Cassie had broken over the man's head that had caused Brianna's miscarriage. "Bobu! I'll take a bottle of your best scotch to go."

* * *

"Cassie. Wake up," said Ryan, three days later.

Cassie opened her eyes and saw Suzie and Ryan. "Where am I?"

"You're in the Star Base infirmary," answered Suzie.

"Why am I here?" asked Cassie, sitting up in bed, looking around the room.

"You're being treated for alcohol poisoning," answered Ryan. "Rocko found you passed out in the landing bay, three days ago, and brought you in. You almost died, Cassie. I know the loss of Brianna has been very difficult for you, but you won't bring her back by drinking yourself to death. You need professional help."

"I'm not seeing a shrink!" snapped Cassie. "I don't need any help."

"For God's sake, Cassie, please get help! I've already lost one sister. I can't lose you, too," pleaded Suzie, as she began to cry hysterically.

"OK. OK," said Cassie, as she reached out and took her sister by the hand, trying to calm her down. "Don't cry. We don't want to upset the baby."

"You promise?"

"Yeah, I promise," she said, not wanting her self-destructive behavior to affect Suzie and her unborn child.

After several weeks of therapy, Cassie was her old self again. She still missed Brianna, but she quit using hard liquor as a substitute.

One day, Cassie got a communication from Adrianna, inviting her to the palace on Thorr for dinner with her and Anton. They had happy hour in the party room and then Cassie and Anton went to the billiards room for a rematch. Cassie won, as usual, but this time Anton was smart enough not to bet any Lucre – or his watch.

After dinner, Adrianna and Anton took Cassie to an ice dancing theater. Cassie was mildly entertained by the music, lights, and ice dancing – but for the most part, bored. But when Danielle, the star of the show, took the ice, Cassie was totally mesmerized. Danielle was a beautiful black Thorrian woman with one of the sexiest bodies that Cassie had ever seen. Cassie couldn't take her eyes off of Danielle as she glided, jumped, and spun on the ice with incredible athletic ability. As Danielle's routine ended, she skated up to Adrianna's rink-side box seats. She stopped and curtsied to the Czar, acknowledging her. Then Danielle's and Cassie's eyes met, as they smiled at each other.

Wow! She is drop-dead gorgeous, thought Cassie. Those beautiful eyes and that body...

Catching the glances exchanged between Cassie and Danielle, Anton said. "Cassie. Would you like to go backstage and meet Danielle? I know her, personally – been friends with her family for years."

"Sure. I guess so," said Cassie, trying to play it cool, as she watched Danielle skate away and disappear into the backstage area. She is so smokin' hot - I'm surprised the ice hasn't melted.

A simple introduction between Cassie and Danielle quickly turned into Anton inviting Danielle back to the palace for a nightcap – which she gladly accepted. The palace staff served wine and hors devours in the party room, as the group visited and Cassie and Danielle got acquainted.

As the evening ended and Cassie and Danielle were leaving the palace headed for the landing bay, Cassie said to her, "Would you go out with me sometime?"

"Only on one condition," said Danielle.

"What?"

"That you come home with me right now," said Danielle, leaning in and kissing her.

Danielle' apartment on Thorr...

Cassie and Danielle made love and talked for most of the night. Over the next few months, they became lovers and friends. Since Suzie and Vanita were on pregnancy leave, Cassie had lots of free time to accompany Danielle on her skating tours. Cassie was spending so much time with Danielle, she decided to get Rocko an apartment in Danielle's complex on Thorr. That way, he would be close by and available to accompany them on Danielle's tours, as their body guard.

* * *

In her private suite at the palace, Julia poured herself a Scotch and said to Charlie, "What in the hell is wrong with Cassie? She's practically living with that Thorrian ice dancer."

"I don't know," said Charlie, shaking his head. Then he walked over to the bar area and poured himself a Scotch.

"You would think that one boring, monogamous relationship would be enough to last Cassie a lifetime. But no! Now she's taken up with another Thorrian. Unbelievable."

"I hear you."

"Well, this just won't do. Cassie belongs here with me. Our plan to let her come to that conclusion on her own isn't working. As soon as Suzie's and Vanita's pregnancy leaves are up, we need to have a concert schedule in place that will make it impossible for Cassie to see that woman. I want to make sure they are constantly touring in different cities. Get a copy of that ice dancing troupe's schedule, so we can get started on this right away."

"OK, Julia. That's a good idea."

A few months later, Vanita gave birth to a six-pound baby girl. Jason and Vanita named their daughter Simone Brianna Thibodeaux. A month later, Suzie gave birth to an eight-pound boy. She and Ryan named their son Ryan, Jr. Cassie came to Star Base for both births and then went right back out on the road with Danielle.

Finally, Cassie managed to tear herself away from Danielle long enough to make a return visit to Star Base. Ryan Jr. was a month old, and Simone was two months old. Cassie was sitting on the sofa in Ryan's quarters holding Simone and Ryan, Jr., so Suzie and Vanita could take pictures of the kids with their Aunt Cassie.

"They are both just adorable - and growing" said Cassie, being the doting aunt. Then both babies became fussy and their respective mom's took them and put them down for a nap in a play pen that was set up in the living room.

Vanita said to Cassie, taking a seat next to her on the sofa. "It's so good to see you, girlfriend. I miss you not being here every day like you used to."

"Me, too, Cassie," said Suzie, taking a seat in a chair across from the sofa.

"I miss you guys, too," said Cassie. "I bet the kids are keeping you busy, though."

"You better believe they do," said Vanita.

Suzie was really curious about her sister's new girlfriend. "So, when are we gonna get to meet Danielle?"

"I don't know," said Cassie. "She's touring right now."

"Are you serious about her, Cassie?"

"Yeah. She is a sweetheart – and gorgeous. I really enjoy being with her. But only time will tell how far this relationship goes."

Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were visiting, over a bottle of wine, when the communicator beeped.

"I'll get that," said Suzie. She picked up the communicator and said, "Yes. She's here. Cassie it's for you. It's Adrianna. She sounds upset." Then she handed the communicator to Cassie.

"Adrianna? Are you all right?" asked Cassie.

"Cassie. Anton's missing," said a very distraught, Adrianna.

"What happened?"

"He was at a conference. His shuttle went down in the mountains, according to radar reports."

"Are you at the palace?"

"Yes."

"I'm on my way."

"Hurry."

Cassie entered Adrianna and Anton's private section of the palace late that afternoon and joined Adrianna in her living room. "What have you heard?" asked Cassie.

With a terrified look in her eyes, Adrianna took a deep breath and said - her voice quivering, "Anton is still missing." Adrianna's face turned white as a sheet, like she'd seen a ghost. Then her eyes rolled back in her head, as she stumbled and started to faint.

Cassie caught Adrianna and helped her lie her down on the sofa. Then she went out to the kitchen and came back with a glass of water. "Adrianna," she said, touching her on the shoulder. "Here. Sit up and have some water," she said, helping Adrianna sit up.

"I'm sorry. I must have blacked out," said Adrianna, taking the water from her, taking a sip, and setting the glass on the coffee table.

Cassie sat down on the sofa next to her. "That's OK. You're under a lot of stress right now."

"The last time I spoke to the rescue team, they said there was a blizzard due in that area later on this evening – that they might have to call off the search."

"Don't give up. Sometimes things aren't as bad as they look."

As the afternoon turned into late night, there was still no news about Anton and his crew. Cassie tried to get Adrianna to eat something, but to no avail. Finally, around 1:00 a.m., Cassie got Adrianna to have a glass of red wine and some crackers and cheese, just to keep her going. At two o'clock in the morning, Cassie was still waiting with Adrianna for news about Anton. Then Adrianna got a call from the rescue team, verifying that the blizzard had rolled in and that the search had been officially put on hold until the storm passed. They didn't give much hope of finding Anton, or any of the crew, alive.

Sitting on the sofa next to Cassie with a completely lost look on her face, Adrianna said, "It would appear that we're both widows, now. First, I lost my twin sister – and, now, I've lost my husband," she said, as she started to cry.

"Don't talk like that," said Cassie, taking Adrianna in her arms. "You never know what could happen. Anton could still turn up."

"Please stay with me, Cassie. I don't want to be alone, tonight."

"I'm not going anywhere."

Adrianna pulled back, looked into Cassie's eyes, and kissed her. Cassie became aroused and kissed her back. The kissing became more intense, as they started to undress each other – rolling around on the sofa.

Cassie abruptly pulled away from Adrianna and go up from the sofa, buttoning her blouse. "I can't do this," she said.

"What?" Adrianna got up from the sofa and put her blouse back on. "You don't find me attractive?"

"No! It's not that. It's just... Something just doesn't feel right."

"I'm sorry, Cassie. You're right. I didn't mean to use you just to get my mind off of Anton. I'm afraid I'm not thinking clearly."

"Madame Czar," said a voice over Adrianna's communicator. "We just received a communication from Master Anton."

"Anton's alive?" said Adrianna.

"Yes, Madam Czar. Master Anton wasn't on the shuttle that went down. He's at a military base, waiting out the storm. He said he'd made several attempts to contact you but apparently weather is affecting communications. I just tried to put him through to you, but the communication broke up."

With a big smile and a sigh of relief Adrianna said, "Thank you. This is wonderful news." Then she signed off.

"Thank God, Anton's OK. Well... I guess I should be going," said Cassie, starting to leave.

"Cassie, wait!" said Adrianna. "I feel so guilty. I would never cheat on Anton. I love my husband with all my heart."

"Don't worry about it. Nothing happened."

"Only, because you stopped."

"It never happened. That's my story – and I'm sticking to it."

"Why did you stop, Cassie?"

"I didn't want to. You felt so much like Brianna when I held you."

"We're twins. We have the same essence."

"You're telling me," said Cassie, sighing and shaking her head. "I thought I was starting to get over Brianna - that I might finally be able to move on and be happy with Danielle. But when I held you, all those old feelings I had for Brianna just came rushing back. I'm still in love with her. I guess I always will be. I just can't believe she's really gone. I guess, because her body was never found, there was just no closure."

"Cassie, I still feel a connection to Brianna. I don't believe she's really dead. I told Anton as much - and he thought I was losing my mind. But our twin connection is so strong. I still feel it. It just doesn't seem broken - even though the reports of her death don't give me any hope that she could still be alive."

"There's one way to find out. Dammit! I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner."

"What, Cassie?"

"The time machine."

The next day, Cassie went to see Danielle. Cassie told her that the relationship was moving too fast – that she needed some time alone – that she wanted to be sure she was completely over Brianna, before they took their relationship to the next level. Danielle was hurt, but said she understood and that she wanted Cassie – but free and clear of Brianna. Danielle said she would give Cassie some time, but not to take too long.

Then Cassie went to Rocko's apartment and explained her plan to him. She told Rocko that she was going back to live at the palace on Tyre, so she could find out for sure if Brianna was really dead – via the time machine. She told him not to say anything to anyone about the plan, and that he was on paid vacation until further notice.

The next day at Bobu's, Cassie was sitting at the bar having a glass of red wine, when Charlie entered and took a seat next to her. "Hey, Cassie," said Charlie.

"Hey, Charlie," she answered. Cassie wasn't at all surprised to see him. She knew that when she told Bobu, earlier, about her and Danielle's break-up, that he would immediately call Charlie.

"I hear you and Danielle split up."

"We're taking a break. The relationship was moving too fast... Say, I was thinking about taking a shuttle to Tyre and checking out a few nightclubs. Wanna join me?" she asked, really just fishing for an invitation to the palace on Tyre.

"Hey! Better yet. Why don't you come back to the palace with me? We'll party like old times. What do you say?"

"That sounds good to me." Boy that was easy. "Just let me go pack an overnight bag, and I'll meet you in the landing bay in, say, twenty minutes?"

"All right! That's my girl," said a very happy and surprised, Charlie. This will earn me some brownie points with Julia.

* * *

"Good morning," said Julia, waking up next to Cassie.

"Good morning," said Cassie.

"I'm so glad you're back here where you belong," she said, pulling Cassie close and kissing her. "Tonight, I've got a new girl I want you to meet."

"Sounds like fun. I can't wait."

"Would you like to have breakfast in bed?"

"I see no reason to get up," Cassie answered, as the young woman sleeping on the other side of her woke up and snuggled next to her.

The next day, Cassie found the time machine stored in a room just three doors down from the Czar's suite. Cassie was right about the gold key that she had found. It did start the time machine. But once she got it started, she didn't know how to operate it. When Julia wasn't around, Cassie spent every moment trying to figure it out.

Julia and Cassie had been living together for about three weeks when Julia asked Cassie to marry her. Julia was determined to never be without her constant, again. Cassie accepted Julia's proposal. She feared that if she said "no," Julia would throw her out before she could learn the truth about Brianna's disappearance via the time machine.

Late one night, Charlie caught Cassie trying to hack into the time machine computer system. "Cassie, what are you doing in here?" he asked, startling her. "It's one o'clock in the morning. Does Julia know you're in here, playing around with this thing?"

"No! She's asleep. Please, don't tell her." Oh, shit. What if he tells her? Think fast. "I just need to see for myself that Brianna's really dead – before me and Julia get married. I just need closure, so I can move on and be happy again." Then Cassie had another thought. "You're a computer whiz, Charlie. Help me hack into this thing."

"Under one condition."

"Name it."

"I get to sleep with you and Julia."

"One night, Charlie. That's it. And you don't say anything to Julia about this."

"Deal," he said with a big smile, as Cassie got up from her chair and let him sit down at the computer terminal. Charlie was quite a hacker. He could break into any computer system in the universe. And it didn't take him long to figure this one out. "OK. You're in. You just click here - and then here," he said, as Cassie quickly grabbed a notepad and pen from a nearby table and wrote down all the instructions. "And this is the password," he said, taking the pen and notepad from Cassie and writing it down. "You'll also need the geographical and time coordinates of where the Major met her maker."

"I can get that from Jason."

"Cassie. You sure you wanna do this?"

"Yeah. I've got to do this. Thanks for your help, Charlie."

"No problem. I'll be around, tomorrow night, to collect on our deal. But, right now, you better turn this thing off and get your ass back to bed, before Julia wakes up and catches you in here."

The next morning, Cassie took her communicator and went for a walk on the palace grounds, where she could have some privacy. Then she placed a call to Jason.

"Of course I know the coordinates of that remote planet, Cassie," said Jason. "Why do you ask?"

"Jason. I have access to the time machine," she answered.

"What?"

"There really is a time machine. Julia has it here at the palace. I just need you to give me the coordinates, so I can see for myself what happened to Brianna."

"Cassie, this is really a bad idea. You should just leave that thing alone. What if you end up somewhere you don't want to be and can't get back?"

"That's not a problem. I don't know how to go anywhere with that thing. I only know how to observe visuals."

"Trust me. You don't want to see this."

"Jason. I've got to know for sure that Brianna's really gone."

"Do you think, for one minute, that I would just leave her out there if there was any chance she could be alive?" Jason said, becoming defensive.

"No. Of course not, Jason. Please, just humor me. I need to see for myself what really happened to her. I just need the coordinates."

"Cassie. I never told you this. But, I went back to that planet the minute it was possible to land there, again. There's no way Brianna could've survived."

"Jason, please. I need closure. Just give me the coordinates."

Finally, Jason gave in and gave Cassie all of the geographical and time coordinates. "Cassie, Vanita and Suzie read about your engagement to Julia in the tabloids. They're really upset that you didn't tell them, yourself."

"I can't go into that right now, Jason. I gotta go. I'll talk to you soon. Thanks."

That night, Cassie held true to her word and made Charlie's dream come true. He finally got to sleep with her and Julia. First, he got to watch to two beautiful women have their way with each other. Then they pleasured him. Charlie couldn't wait for Julia and Cassie to get married. He figured that they would get the urge for a man, from time to time, and he was the man of the palace.

Around midnight, Charlie got out of Julia's bed, put on his jeans and shirt, and went out to the bar area for a drink. He was worn out, yet full of himself, for having the two women of his dreams at the same time. Charlie had just poured himself a glass of champagne when the door to Julia's bedroom opened.

Julia was talking on her communicator, and was obviously not happy, as she entered her living area and approached Charlie at the bar. "They what?!" she said to the person on the other end of the communication. "I'll have to get back to you on this," she said, signing off. "Charlie. Why are you and Cassie sneaking around, behind my back, playing with that time machine?"

"What?" he asked.

"Don't even try to deny it! That was palace security," she said, waving the communicator in his face and then putting it in the pocket of her silk bathrobe. "They just did a walk through of my private wing. The door to the room where it's stored wasn't completely closed. So they checked the visual monitor backups and saw you and Cassie going in there." Julia glared at Charlie, contemplatively. Then her mouth dropped open and her eyes got big. "Is Cassie trying to reunite with Major Thorr, using the time machine?! And you're helping her?"

"No!"

"You have the computer savvy to do that."

"I would never help Cassie hook-up with Major Thorr. Cassie belongs here with us."

"Then what the hell is going on? I demand an explanation!"

"Cassie told me she needed closure about the Major's death –so she could move on and be happy after you two get married. That's why I helped her. And she can't go anywhere using that thing. I just showed her how to observe visual coordinates. That's all I know how to do, too, at the moment."

"Well, I want Cassie to be happy," Julia said, calming down somewhat and pouring herself a glass of champagne. "But where would she get the coordinates?"

"Jason."

"I see."

"She just needs closure about the Major's death – that all. She's determined to see for herself what really happened. I guess because the Major's body was never found."

"Well, if seeing that bitch, Major Thorr, burned alive gives Cassie the closure she needs, I don't have a problem with that." I wouldn't mind seeing that myself. "But why did you two think you had to sneak around to do this?"

"Cassie asked me not to say anything. I guess she just didn't want to upset you."

"Well, when is she going to be done with all this?"

"Soon."

"Well, all right then. We'll just keep this between us, for now. And I can only assume – putting two and two together – that Cassie brought you to our bed as some sort of payback for you helping her with this. And that's OK. I want Cassie to feel free to bring in other partners, because I certainly intend to." I would have much preferred that Cassie bring home a female swimsuit model, though. Maybe I could bring one home for her as a wedding gift... "Anyway, Cassie's debt to you is paid, Charlie. Good night," she said, dismissing him as she headed back to bed with Cassie.

"Good-night, Julia." With a big smile, Charlie left Julia's suite and headed back to his own suite. The payback was well worth it.

* * *

"Cassie. I want an heir," said Julia, lying in Cassie's arms the next morning. "I don't want to be the Czar of Tyre, forever. I want to do the egg-fusion procedure with you."

"OK, Julia," said Cassie.

"I'm glad you agree. I've made an appointment for us at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Macy." Once we're married and have a child, Cassie will never leave the palace again. Family is too important to her.

Oh, shit, Cassie thought. I've got to hurry up with the time machine and get the hell out of here.

That evening, a pretty, young redhead joined Julia and Cassie in bed. Cassie made sure that Julia and the young woman were over-served on champagne, and that she just sipped a glass or two the entire evening. As soon as Julia and the young woman were satisfied, and had passed out for the night, Cassie got out of bed, put on a robe, and headed down the hallway for the time machine.

Cassie logged onto the time machine computer, entered geographical and time coordinates, and waited for the visual screen to bring up an image of the remote planet where Brianna disappeared. The scene that came up on screen was the fires and explosions from land mines and missile launching pads, and from Brianna's fighter that was shot down. Then she saw a Republic soldier completely disappear from the impact of an explosion. Next, she saw another soldier burst into flames, screaming in agony as he ran and finally rolled on the ground, trying to put out the flames that engulfed him. I can't watch any more of this," she thought, fearing that Brianna's demise would be the next image on the screen. Jason's right. No one could've survived this. Brianna's really dead.

As Cassie started to exit the time machine, wiping tears from her eyes, she accidentally hit the wrong button on the computer keyboard. The next image that came up was Brianna, lying in some sort of tunnel or bomb shelter, apparently dead or unconscious. But she didn't appear burned at all. So Cassie put in another date. Brianna wasn't there in those coordinates. She entered expanding geographical coordinates and a later date. But she still didn't get an image of Brianna. After several more tries, Cassie expanded the coordinates about ten miles from the explosion site - seven and a half months after Brianna's disappearance. Cassie couldn't believe her eyes, as the next visual appeared. She saw Brianna bathing in what appeared to be a river or stream. Mountains, with a waterfall and caves in the background, surrounded her.

Oh, my God, it's her! "Brianna!" Cassie yelled at the visual, as she tried in vain to enter the screen to bring Brianna home. But Cassie hadn't figured out how to enter the time machine. She could only observe images of the entered coordinates. Cassie re-checked the date on the visual. That's yesterday's date. Brianna's alive!

# CHAPTER 19 - CAVE MAN

Early the next morning, Cassie told Julia that she was going to visit Suzie, Vanita, and the children for a few days. Then she took a shuttle to Star Base. Cassie arrived around 8:30 a.m. and spotted Vanita and Jason and Suzie and Ryan, exiting the cafeteria. Cassie got a cold reception from Suzie and Vanita, as she approached the group. "I need to speak to you guys in private," Cassie said.

"We already know about your engagement to Julia!" snapped Suzie. "Thanks a lot for telling your sister and your best friend. We had to find out about it through the tabloids. And just for the record - I don't approve! Whatever happened to Danielle, anyway?"

Vanita just gave Cassie a dirty look, not even speaking to her.

"Please, you guys," said Cassie. "We've got to talk. This is extremely important. Ryan. Your quarters are close by. Could we all talk there?"

"Of course, Cassie," he answered.

"I think you should all sit down," said Cassie, as the group entered Ryan's living room.

Vanita and Jason took a seat on the sofa, as Vanita continued giving Cassie the cold shoulder.

"I think I'll stand," said Suzie, as Ryan stood beside her. "What is it that's so important, Cassie? You need help with wedding plans?" she asked, sarcastically.

"No! I'm not about to marry Julia. That's not what this is about," Cassie answered. She walked around the sofa and stood facing the group. "Brianna's alive."

Suzie immediately started to faint.

"Say, what?" said Vanita, as her mouth dropped open - finally speaking to Cassie.

Ryan caught Suzie and helped her sit down on the sofa next to Vanita, while Jason just looked at Cassie, rolled his eyes, and shook his head.

"I swear, it's true," said Cassie. "Charlie helped me hack into the time machine computer. That's why I've been staying at the palace. I had to..."

"Now wait a minute!" Vanita said, interrupting her. "There's really a time machine?"

"Yeah. Julia has it. Anyway," Cassie continued, looking at Jason. "I put in the coordinates that you gave me, Jason, and the date that Brianna supposedly died. The image that came up on visual showed her in this tunnel - or some sort of bomb shelter."

"Cassie, I've already told you," said Jason. "I went back to that planet and searched for survivors – the minute it was possible to land there. I didn't see any bomb shelter. And there were no survivors. That whole area was just charred rubble – as far as you could see."

"But, Jason, I saw her, using the coordinates you gave me. She was lying on the floor of this shelter. It looked like she was dead or unconscious. But she didn't look burned at all. So I expanded the coordinates, about ten miles, and put in yesterday's date. I saw her bathing in this river, or stream, next to a waterfall."

"Cassie, that's got to be a mistake. How would she get ten miles from there? Think about it. And there's no telling how long it's been since that time machine was calibrated."

"Cassie, maybe Brianna was in Heaven," said Suzie, finally regaining her composure.

"No! Brianna's alive! I saw her on the time machine visual, using the coordinates that Jason gave me," said Cassie. "Jason, you've got to take me to get her."

"I'm not going on any wild goose chase, Cassie. There's no way she could've survived the fires and explosions," said Jason. "I would think you could've seen that for yourself on the visual. That should've given you the closure you need. That's the only reason I gave in and gave you the coordinates in the first place."

"When I first saw the fires and explosions, I didn't think she could've survived either. But then I saw her on the visual with yesterday's date. She's alive!"

"Give me a break, Cassie. Do you really expect us to believe something this far-fetched?"

"I'm serious."

"Cassie, have you taken any hallucinogens in the past twelve hours," asked Ryan.

"No! I'm not on drugs, Ryan," said Cassie. "Brianna's alive! Come on, Jason. You know where that planet is. Let's go get her! We're just wasting time standing around here talking about it."

"I'm sorry, Cassie. But Brianna's dead," said Jason. "You've just got to accept it and move on with your life."

"OK. Fine! If you won't help me, I'll call Adrianna. She'll get me a shuttle and a couple of her soldiers to go with me. I'll get Rocko to go with us, too," Cassie said to Jason. "Adrianna told me she never believed Brianna was really dead, anyway – something about that twin connection."

"Really?" asked Vanita.

"Yeah," answered Cassie.

"Cassie, this isn't healthy for you or Adrianna. Might I suggest some grief counseling?" said Ryan.

"I don't have time for this!" yelled Cassie, pulling her communicator out of her jeans pocket. "I'm calling Adrianna."

"Wait!" Vanita said to Cassie. "Jason, you take Cassie to get Brianna."

"Vanita, no! This is nonsense," said Jason, standing up from the sofa.

Vanita stood up and got in Jason's face. "If there's a snowball's chance in hell that Brianna's still alive, you'll go find out!" she yelled, shaking a finger in Jason's face. "Or your ass will be sleeping on the sofa for the rest of your life, goddamnit!"

"But - Vanita," said Jason.

"Uh!" said Vanita, giving Jason the "talk to the hand" gesture.

Suzie stood up from the sofa. "You're going, too, Ryan. If Brianna's alive, she might need medical attention."

"Suzie, I'm afraid I agree with Jason on this," said Ryan.

"You're going!"

If I don't do this, I'll never get a minute's peace – ever again, thought Jason. "We'll leave at 0-500," he said to Cassie and Ryan.

At 5:00 a.m., Jason, Ryan, and Cassie boarded a fighter/shuttle and headed for the remote planet where Brianna had supposedly died. They landed on the beach of the planet around sunrise. Jason and Ryan, dressed in Republic uniforms, exited the shuttle first. As soon as they felt it was safe, they signaled for Cassie to join them.

Cassie climbed down the steps of the shuttle and stood on the beach, looking around at the charred rubble and the mountains and jungle off in the distance. "Brianna sure as hell didn't freeze to death here - that's for sure," said Cassie. "Man! Is it hot, or what?" Cassie was dressed in jeans, hiking boots, and a long-sleeved, white cotton shirt with a white tank top underneath it. She came out of the shirt and put it in her backpack.

Jason looked around and said very skeptically, "All I see is charred rubble - just like the first time I landed here."

"I saw her in this tunnel - or bomb shelter. Let's look around," suggested Cassie.

After they had looked around the missile launching pads for about two hours, finding nothing but ashes and debris, Jason was thinking that it was time for them to head back to Star Base. "I'm sorry, Cassie," said Jason, putting an arm around her shoulders. "As you can see for yourself, no one could have survived the fires and explosions that happened here that day. I hope this finally gives you some closure."

"No! I'm not giving up!" said Cassie. "There's got to be a hidden door to a tunnel, or bomb shelter, around here somewhere. We've just got to keep looking."

"Cassie, it's time to face the facts. Just look around here. This is what I saw the first time I came back looking for survivors. Come on. Let's go home."

"I'm not leaving here without Brianna. If you're ready to leave – just go! Leave me some rations and a communicator. I'll be in touch as soon as I find her."

"There's no way I'm leaving you here, Cassie!"

"I can see mountains back over there," she said, pointing beyond the beach. "I bet that's where that stream and waterfall are. I'm gonna go check it out," she said, walking away from Jason.

"Oh, no, you're not. Those mountains are surrounded by jungle. I can't let you go running in there, half-cocked, with no survival training," he said, holding her back.

"Let me go!" she screamed, trying unsuccessfully to get away from him.

"Cassie, I'm not about to let you run off and get yourself killed in that jungle. That won't bring Brianna back. You've got to face the fact that she's gone. It's time to head back to Star Base."

"OK, Jason. Just give me a few minutes alone. Then we'll head back." I'm not going back without checking out those mountains.

"If I let you go - you promise not to go running off into that jungle?

"Yeah."

"All right," he said, releasing her. Jason watched Cassie, as she walked over to the edge of the water and stared out at the open sea. "Take as much time as you need. I'll get Ryan." Jason turned and yelled at Ryan, who was about fifty yards away, looking through the debris of a missile launching pad. "Hey Ryan! Ryan!" Jason yelled again, waving at him and finally getting his attention. "Let's head back."

Noticing that Jason had taken his eyes off of her, Cassie went running for the jungle, determined to go check out the mountains in the far distance.

Jason turned and saw Cassie running for the jungle. "Oh, no, you don't," he said, as he ran her down, picked her up, and threw her over his shoulder.

"Put me down! I'm not leaving here without Brianna!" Cassie screamed at him. "Put me down you big bully!"

As Ryan started back to the shuttle, he spotted what appeared to be a trap door that was partially covered by debris. "Jason! Cassie! Over here!" yelled Ryan, waving at them.

"Ryan must have found something," said Cassie.

"Let's go check it out," said Jason. He put Cassie down and they went running towards Ryan.

"There's a trap door!" said Cassie, as she and Jason approached Ryan, who was trying to move heavy beams away from it. "I bet that goes to the bomb shelter, or tunnel, I saw on the visual."

"Jason, help me move these beams," said Ryan.

It took all of their strength, as Jason and Ryan moved the heavy beams, which were apparently debris from the missile launching pads. Then Jason unlatched the handle to the trap door and opened it.

"That's it!" said Cassie, as the door came open. "That's the image I saw on the time machine visual. Brianna was lying right there. This is the shelter I saw."

"I sure didn't see this the other time I was here," said Jason, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"This is a beach - like where I grew up near Galveston. They've probably had tropical storms. Everything moves around."

Jason climbed down a ladder into what appeared to be a bomb shelter, followed by Ryan, and then Cassie.

Ryan noticed something shiny on the floor. "Jason! Look! There's a Republic communicator," he said, picking it up off the floor and handing it to Jason.

The communicator had Major Thorr written on it.

"She really was here," said Cassie.

"Well, I'll be damned," said Jason. "That's Brianna's communicator, all right. It's busted. That explains why she didn't contact us."

Ryan said, as he began rummaging around in crates sitting on the floor, "There's empty food rations and water bottles here."

"Looks like she was here a day or two," said Jason. "I'm sorry, Cassie. I don't know what to say."

"Hey, I understand. If you'd come to me with a story like this, I'd have thought you were crazy or on drugs, too," Cassie said to Jason. "Let's just find her," Cassie said, as they started looking around. About that time, Cassie found a panel in the wall and opened it. "There's food rations, water, and lanterns in here," she said, looking through the items. Then she found another panel in the wall. "Look over here! It's a tunnel," she said, as she started to enter it.

Jason rushed over, grabbed her, and pulled her back. "Cassie! Wait! Let me and Ryan check it out before you go barging in there. It doesn't look very sturdy."

"This has to be the way she got out, Jason," said Cassie. "It took both you guys to move those beams away from the trap door so you could open it."

"Cassie, maybe you should wait here," said Jason. "Ryan and I can go see where this leads."

"No way! I know the landmarks of the stream and the waterfall where I saw Brianna. I'm coming with you."

"OK. But if you come with us, you're going to do exactly as I say. Is that understood?"

"Yeah. That's fine - as long as I'm coming with you."

"We should use these lanterns and save our flashlights," suggested Ryan.

"That's a good idea," said Jason.

Jason, Ryan, and Cassie entered the tunnel, each carrying a lantern. The tunnel was dark, damp, and narrow. It was about five-feet ten inches tall and five-feet wide. Jason and Ryan had to stoop in order for they're over six-foot frames to walk in the tunnel. They hadn't gotten very far when they began to smell the stench of something dead. Cassie was very relieved that it was just a dead rat. Then they came upon a nest of rats, as they waded through about two inches of water. There were so many rats, that Jason and Ryan had to cut a path through the tunnel using their scramblers to disintegrate hundreds of them. Finally, they reached a dry patch deep into the tunnel - approximately a quarter of a mile in.

"Be extremely careful with your lanterns," said Jason. "These wooden supports appear to be very old and dry. A spark could send them up in flames."

"OK," answered Cassie.

"Look out!" Ryan yelled at Cassie.

But it was too late. A ten-foot python dropped from one of the supports onto Cassie, knocking her down and causing her to drop her lantern. Jason and Ryan set their lanterns down and tried to pull the snake off of her, but it was too strong. It had wrapped itself around Cassie's neck and was choking her.

"Move, Ryan!" yelled Jason.

Ryan stepped back, as Jason fired his scrambler and stunned the snake, making it go limp. They hurriedly unwrapped the snake from around Cassie's neck, as she sat down, gasping for air.

"Son of a bitch!" she said, as soon as she could speak. "First, a bunch of goddamned rats! And now a fucking snake! Transfer us out of here, Jason."

"That's too risky. I don't know what we'd be transferring into," said Jason, helping Cassie to her feet.

"Does this look like a fucking picnic to you?"

"We've got to stay on course, tracking Brianna."

"Oh, no," said Ryan, noticing that Cassie's lantern was broken and fuel was spilling onto one of the dry, wooden support beams. "Fire!" yelled Ryan, as sparks began to ignite into flames and quickly spread to other support beams.

"Let's get out of here!" yelled Jason. He picked up his lantern and handed it to Cassie. "Run, Cassie! Run until you get to the end of the tunnel! Don't stop. And don't look back."

Cassie immediately took off running. Ryan picked up his lantern and ran behind her, followed by Jason. They barely stayed ahead of the smoke and flames, as the support beams crumbled and the tunnel caved in behind them. They had run as fast as they could for about two minutes, when they finally reached the end of the tunnel. Cassie, Ryan, and Jason collapsed just clear of the tunnel entrance - coughing and taking in fresh air, as black smoke billowed from the tunnel.

A few minutes later, Cassie stood up and started to look around from high atop a mountain. Far off in the distance, she could see a river or stream. "This way," she said.

Cassie, Jason, and Ryan followed a trail down the mountain, until they reached a landing near the end of the trail. They hid their lanterns in some bushes next to the trail, just in case they needed them later.

"Looks like she's been here, too," said Jason, referring to Brianna - noticing another lantern already hidden there.

Looking down on a waterfall next to a stream, Cassie said very excitedly, "That's the waterfall I saw in the visual!"

Ryan pointed out a woman in the stream, just to the left of the waterfall. "Cassie, is that Brianna?" he asked, as they stood looking down on the woman from about thirty yards away.

"I can't tell from here, with her back turned," answered Cassie, as she stared at the woman in the stream, who was in up to her shoulders.

"You go down and see if it's her, Cassie," said Jason. "Ryan and I will wait here. If it's not Brianna, and there are any problems, we can cover you from up here," he said pulling his scrambler out of its holster.

Ryan pulled his scrambler and said, "If it's not Brianna, and she bolts, we can see where she goes from up here. She could lead us to Brianna."

"OK," said Cassie, heading down a trail that led to the stream and the waterfall.

The roar of the waterfall drowned out the sound of Cassie's footsteps, as she approached the woman bathing in the stream. Cassie stood on the bank and stared curiously at the woman, but she still couldn't tell if it was Brianna, or not.

About that time, the woman just happened to turn her head - allowing Cassie to get a good look at her face. "Brianna?!" Cassie called out to her.

Startled, the woman did a double-take. "Cassidy?" I must be hallucinating. This can't be real. Brianna rubbed her eyes and looked back at Cassie, again. She's still there, Brianna thought, expecting the image of her wife to disappear.

Cassie dropped her backpack and went running out into the stream - clothes, hiking boots, and all. She took Brianna in her arms and kissed her, as tears of joy rolled down the cheeks of both women.

"Cassidy, are you really here - or have I gone completely mad?" Brianna asked, looking into Cassie's eyes and running her fingers through Cassie's hair.

"I'm really here. I've come to take you home."

"If this is a dream, please don't wake me," said Brianna, throwing her arms around Cassie's neck and pulling her close.

"I'm never letting you out of my sight - ever again."

"I can't believe you're really here. I didn't think I'd ever see you, again. I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too," she said, as the kissing and hugging continued.

Brianna pulled back and looked into Cassie's eyes, again. "But how did you get here? How did you find me? This can't be real. I must be losing my mind."

"Major Thorr - as I live and breath. You're a sight for sore eyes," said Jason with a big smile, as he and Ryan stood on the bank of the stream, staring out at them.

"Jason. Ryan," said Brianna. I'm not losing my mind, after all, she thought with a big sigh of relief. They really have come for me.

"Brianna, it's really you," said Ryan, smiling at her. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I can't believe you found me after all this time," she answered. "I'd just about given up all hope of ever being rescued." Brianna looked back at Cassie and smiled. Cassie was running her hand down Brianna's bare stomach. Brianna was very pregnant.

"I brought you some clothes in my backpack. Don't think the jeans are gonna fit, though," teased Cassie, continuing to touch and stare at Brianna's stomach.

"Ryan, toss me my clothes - over there on that rock," said Brianna, pointing at a big rock right behind him.

Ryan picked up a cotton dress, that looked sort of like a sackcloth, and tossed it to Brianna. Cassie helped her put it on and they both got out of the stream.

"Oh my, Brianna," said Ryan, as he became aware of her condition. "Do you know how far along you are?" he asked, examining her with a hand held medical device.

"About seven and a half months," she answered.

"Let's prepare you to transfer," said Jason, clipping a transfer button onto Brianna's dress. "Cassie, where's your transfer button?"

"On my shirt in my backpack. I'll just grab it, and we'll get the hell out of here," she answered and walked over to her backpack, which was sitting on the ground next to the big rock. As she reached to pick it up, a primitive-looking man, wearing nothing but a loincloth, jumped out from behind the big rock. He began threatening her with a spear – lunging at her, causing her to back away.

Brianna immediately got in-between Cassie and the man and started talking to him in some primitive language.

"Jason! Shoot him! Don't let him hurt her!" yelled Cassie.

Jason pulled his scrambler and set it to stun.

"No!" yelled Brianna. "Jason, no! He won't hurt me." Brianna and the man started to argue, as he pulled her aside.

Angered because the man put his hands on Brianna, Cassie yelled, "Take your hands off of her!" Then she went after him.

The man let go of Brianna and lunged at Cassie again with the spear, causing her to back off.

Brianna quickly stepped in-between Cassie and the man, once again. "Cassidy, please stay back!"

"Brianna, what the hell's going on, here?" asked Cassie. "He acts like he owns you."

"Let me take care of this."

"If he puts his hands on you again, I'll shoot him, myself."

"No! He saved my life. He's been protecting me from the others. Please, don't hurt him."

"Oh, man - I'm not believing this. Do something, Jason!"

"No! All of you stay back and let me talk to him," said Brianna, as she and the man continued to have a heated discuss about the situation.

The man was obviously angered by the intrusion of Cassie, Jason, and Ryan. He kept shaking his head "no," at Brianna, and pushing her behind him, as he motioned with his spear, at Cassie, Jason, and Ryan, in a threatening manner. He made it perfectly clear that Brianna was his, and that he wanted Cassie, Jason, and Ryan to go away.

Cassie backed away and approached Ryan and Jason. "I got an idea," she said. "Jason. Give me your flashlight."

Holding his scrambler in one hand, Jason reached with his other hand and pulled his flashlight from his belt. "Here," he said, handing it to Cassie while keeping an eye on the situation among Brianna and the man. Jason stood ready to stun the man, if he became a threat to Brianna.

Cassie turned the flashlight on and shined it into a dark cave directly behind the man and Brianna, getting the man's attention. Then Cassie headed towards the man and Brianna.

"Be careful, Cassie," warned Jason.

"Maybe – if Cassie can distract the man, I can sneak up behind him and sedate him," Ryan said to Jason.

"Get ready. We've got to do something," said Jason. "Damn it! I should have clipped a transfer button on Cassie, just now, instead of giving her my flashlight."

As Cassie shined the light into and out of the cave, again, the man became very intrigued. She held the flashlight out to the man, offering it to him. As he reached for it, Cassie pulled it back. Then she motioned at Brianna, and held the flashlight out to him, again - like an exchange, or trade. He pushed Brianna towards Cassie and grabbed the flashlight out of Cassie's hand. While the man was shining the light around in the dark cave, Jason ran over to Cassie, clipped a transfer button onto the back of her tank top, and hit the transfer button on his control belt.

* * *

Jason piloted the shuttle, which was a mid-sized fighter that could carry about ten soldiers for land-intensive missions. Brianna was lying on a pull-down cot in the lounge area of the shuttle, as Ryan examined her. While Ryan conducted medical tests on Brianna and her unborn child, Cassie joined Jason in the cockpit and sent communications to Adrianna, Suzie, Vanita, and Rocko – letting them know that Brianna had been found alive and well – and pregnant. Then Jason notified Colonel Smith of the good news.

Upon conclusion of the medical tests, Ryan pulled down the cot across from Brianna and sat down. "Brianna, how are you feeling right now?" he asked.

"Ravenous. I'm hungry all the time," she answered, sitting up.

"That's normal at this stage of your pregnancy."

Cassie entered the lounge area, from the cockpit, and sat down next to Brianna.

"Cassie, grab some fruit and water for Brianna out of the refrigerator next to you," said Ryan. Turning to Brianna, he said, "We'll need to check you into the infirmary, for a complete physical, as soon as we get back to Star Base."

"No, Ryan. I don't want to go to the infirmary. I want to go home," she responded.

"Brianna, you have a baby to consider, now. You're undernourished and a bit dehydrated, too. We've just got a month and a half to get you built back up before you deliver. You'll need to be put on IVs to get your fluid levels normal, again," Ryan insisted.

Cassie said, while gathering fruit and water out of the refrigerator, "You have to do it for the baby, Brianna."

"It'll just be for a day or two," said Ryan.

"One day, Ryan. Then I'm going home," said Brianna.

"Here," said Cassie, handing Brianna fruit and water.

"Thank you," said Brianna, as she started eating. "I've never been so hungry in all my life."

Cassie pulled a couple of shirts out of her backpack. "Here, Hon. Put this on. You've got to be cold in that skimpy little outfit." Cassie helped Brianna on with one of the shirts, as Brianna continued eating. "I called the family and let them know we found both of you," said Cassie, grinning at her wife. Cassie put on the other shirt and took off her wet hiking boots and socks. "Adrianna said she'd come to see you tomorrow."

"I can't wait to see everyone," said Brianna.

Out in the cockpit, Jason put the shuttle on automatic pilot. Then he entered the lounge area and said, "Brianna, I registered this mission as a test flight, this morning. But under the circumstances, I have no choice but to get an official statement from you."

"That's all right, Jason. I understand," said Brianna.

Jason sat down on the cot with Ryan, facing Brianna and Cassie. He set a recorder on the cot, between himself and Ryan, and set it to record. "I'll take your statement whenever you're ready, Major."

"All right," said Brianna. "My crew and I landed on the surface of that planet, to disengage the missiles that were aimed at Star Command. Cadet Abar, Engineer Grey, and I went to take care of the missiles. Cadet Dial stayed on board the fighter. I instructed him to take off at first sign of any explosions. Abar, Grey, and I were on our way to one of the missile launching pads, when I spotted a trap door to what turned out to be a bomb shelter. I instructed Abar to accompany Engineer Grey, and to follow his instructions to the letter, while I checked out what this trap door went to – searching for more weapons. As soon as I got the trap door open, there were explosions. I was knocked into the shelter from the impact of the explosions, and the trap door closed behind me. I must have been knocked unconscious for a few minutes. When I regained consciousness I tried to open the trap door, but I couldn't budge it. And it was extremely hot."

"It's a good thing you couldn't get that door open. It saved your life," said Jason.

"Apparently so. The trap door and shelter must have been fire and heat retardant, too, for me to be able to survive," said Brianna. "I can only assume that a land mine was tripped and set off the explosions on the launching pads. I tried to reach you on my communicator, but it was inoperable."

"Your fighter took off and was shot down by a missile from one of the launching pads. That's not a mistake you would've made, Major. That's a rookie cadet mistake – not putting up your shields in that situation. That's why I thought you had to have been killed on the surface of that planet. I came back forty-eight hours later – the minute it was possible to land again. But there was nothing but burned rubble and debris. That trap door was completely covered. I didn't think you could possibly be alive."

"Jason, don't blame yourself. If I had been in your position, I would've drawn the same conclusion. So, to make a long story short, for the next seven and a half months, I did the best I could to fit in with the natives of that planet. Then you found me today."

Jason turned off the recorder. "That's all I need for now, Major. We'll have you back on Star Base in about half an hour."

"Jason, how did you find me? – after all this time." asked Brianna.

"I didn't find you," answered Jason. "Your wife did. I think I'll let her explain."

"What?" asked a stunned Brianna, staring curiously at Cassie.

Jason and Ryan stood up and went out to the cockpit, to give Cassie and Brianna some privacy.

"You found me?" Brianna said to Cassie. "But how?"

"I just finally listened to my intuition," said Cassie, grasping for an explanation that didn't involve Julia and the time machine. "But I couldn't have done it without Jason and Ryan. Actually, it was Ryan that found the trap door to that bomb shelter. Then we tracked you down by following the trail through that tunnel."

"But I don't understand. Did you have some sort of vision, or something, about where I was? Using your intuition?"

"Yeah, something like that. I'm sorry it took so long."

"Why did it take so long?"

"For the longest time, I thought you were dead. There was even a memorial service for you at the palace on Thorr. My intuition wasn't working too good back then."

"Well - what, all of a sudden, caused you to regain you intuition?"

"A visit with Adrianna. When she told me your twin connection didn't feel broken, we quit listening to everyone that kept telling us you were dead – and that we just needed to accept it. Then I talked Jason into searching for you - just one more time. Well, actually, Vanita made him bring me. If you were really dead, I needed to see for myself – for closure."

"I see."

"Enough about that. I'm just so happy to have you back." Cassie leaned in and kissed her.

"I can't put into words how happy I am to be back with you."

"How's it going in there, kid," Cassie said to Brianna's stomach. All Cassie could do was stare and grin, as she reached out and touched Brianna's stomach. But when she looked into Brianna's eyes, Brianna had a sad look on her face - like she was about to cry. "Brianna, what's wrong?" Cassie asked, in a panic. "Are you in pain? Do I need to get Ryan?"

"No. Don't get Ryan. I'm not in pain."

"Then what's wrong?"

"I'm so sorry. I don't know if the baby is ours - from the egg-fusion procedure - or if it's mine and Ro's."

"Who's the hell's Ro?" asked Cassie, pulling her hand away from Brianna's stomach. "You mean that caveman?"

"Yes."

"Did that bastard rape you?"

"No. I gave myself to him, willingly, in exchange for his protection from the other male natives. There was one more week that I could've become pregnant from the procedure. I was intimate with Ro during that time. And I still had that fertility drug in my system. It could be our baby – or mine and his. I just don't know."

Cassie was stunned, hurt, and speechless. That caveman wasn't just protecting her. That's why he acted like she was his. She was.

"I'm sorry. I swear - I did what I did as a matter of survival. I love you. Please, forgive me. I can't lose you, now - not after all I've been through the past few months," said Brianna, becoming very emotional.

"Hey, it's OK. I'm not going anywhere," said Cassie, taking her in her arms and holding her tight. "We're back together. That's all that matters."

For the next few minutes, they just sat and held each other in silence.

"The baby's ours," said Cassie, breaking the silence.

"How could you possible know that?"

"When I get one of these feelings it's never wrong. Trust my intuition. The baby's ours."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"You're both mine. I bought you two with a flashlight," she teased, smiling at her.

That statement got a laugh out of Brianna and somewhat lightened the situation, but just temporarily. Brianna knew Cassie so well. She knew Cassie was just trying to hide how hurt she was by covering with humor.

Ryan entered the lounge area and said, "We're approaching Star Base. We're close enough to transfer." Brianna, Cassie, and Ryan disappeared, transferring to the emergency room at the Star Base infirmary.

# CHAPTER 20 – NEW EARRING

Brianna, Cassie, and Ryan assimilated and appeared in the infirmary emergency room.

"Welcome home, Darlin,'" Cassie said, smiling and winking at her wife.

Brianna smiled and laughed. "I've missed your sense of humor," she said, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck and kissing her. "I am so happy to be home. Give me more sugar."

"Darlin', you can have all the sugar you can handle," said Cassie, initiating more kisses.

"Cassie, you'll have to leave now so we can run some tests," said Ryan. "Suzie and Vanita are in the waiting room. Go tell them they can see Brianna in about an hour, when we move her to a private room... Brianna," he said, getting no response from Cassie, as the two women continued kissing. "Cassie!" said Ryan, raising his voice.

"What do you want, Ryan? We're busy," teased Cassie, barely coming up for air.

"Cassie," he said with a smile, yet firmly, "You've got to leave now. The sooner we get Brianna treated, the sooner you'll be able to take her home." He took Cassie by the arm and escorted her to the exit of the emergency room. "You go get cleaned up and get something to eat. Come back in about an hour."

"OK. I'll be back, Hon." said Cassie, as she headed for the waiting room.

Ryan, assisted by a couple of nurses, began running a battery of tests on the pregnant Major Thorr.

"Brianna, how are you feeling?" Ryan asked.

"Hungry. I'm hungry all the time," she answered.

Ryan said to one of the nurses, "Ms. Hatchet, order Major Thorr a hot meal and bring her some juice and snacks, for now."

"Yes, Dr. Gerard," said the nurse, as she left the emergency room.

He said to the other nurse, handing her the Major's chart, "After she has something to eat, help her shower. Then get an IV started and move her to a private room."

"Yes, Dr. Gerard," said the nurse.

"I'm going to get a bite and get cleaned up, myself," Ryan said. "Brianna, I'll be back to check on you later."

* * *

Seeing Cassie walk into the waiting room, Suzie jumped up from her chair and ran to greet her. "You found her. You really found her," she said, hugging Cassie.

"We're gonna have one hell of a party when Brianna gets out of here," said Vanita, joining them in a group hug.

"Oh, Cassie. How is she? How does she look?" Suzie asked excitedly, overwhelmed with curiosity knowing that Brianna was pregnant.

"She's fine," said Cassie. "She looks like a million bucks to me."

Vanita looked at Cassie and laughed. "Girlfriend, you're a mess."

"I know. I'm on my way to get cleaned up and get something to eat," said Cassie. "Ryan wanted me to tell you guys that they have some tests to run. You can see Brianna in about an hour, when they move her to a private room."

"I can't wait to see her," said Suzie.

"Me, either," said Vanita.

"I better get going," Cassie said, heading out.

As Cassie was about to exit the waiting room, Ryan entered. "Cassie, I overheard some of the nursing staff gossiping about your 'so called' engagement to Julia – and the fact that Brianna is back. You've explained that to Brianna - and how you really found her, haven't you?"

"No. The timing just wasn't right," Cassie answered.

"Cassie, you're not going to be able to keep this kind of information from Brianna, for long."

"Cassie. He's right," said Vanita. "Everybody knows about the engagement. Me and Suzie found out about it by reading the tabloids."

"Yeah, Cassie. You better explain to Brianna that you weren't really engaged to Julia, before she hears it from somebody else and draws the wrong conclusion," said Suzie.

"I agree with Suzie," said Ryan. "I reprimanded the nursing staff for gossiping about it. But Brianna could hear about the engagement from just about anyone, at any time. This could be very upsetting to her. We don't want to risk premature delivery."

"I'm gonna tell her, Ryan" said Cassie.

"But Cassie, you should've already told her. Jason and I left you alone with her, on our flight home, so you could explain things."

"There wasn't time. There was too much going on. I'll tell her first chance I get."

"See that you do - and soon. This kind of information has to come from you, Cassie. I felt pretty certain that you'd already told her on the flight home, because I could tell she was upset when I came to transfer you. As her doctor, I'm concerned about how this news could affect her."

"I'm gonna tell her, Ryan!"

Vanita changed the subject, trying to lighten things up. "Cassie, you and Brianna must be thrilled about the baby."

Cassie couldn't hide the hurt in her eyes. "The baby may not be mine and hers."

"Say what?" Vanita said, as she and Suzie and Ryan glanced at each other with surprised looks on their faces.

"Cassie, where would you get such an idea?" asked Ryan. "The timing of how far along she is would suggest the pregnancy is from the egg-fusion procedure."

Cassie said to Ryan, "Brianna told me, on the flight home, that she lived with that caveman for protection. The baby could be hers and his. That's what she was upset about when you came to transfer us."

Suzie's mouth dropped open, and she got a horrified look on her face. "A caveman?" she said, looking at Cassie and then at Ryan. I must have misunderstood.

"Brianna didn't mention anything about that while we were conducting our medical tests," Ryan said to Cassie.

"A cave man?" said Suzie.

"I want all visitors but family barred from her room, Ryan," said Cassie. "I don't wanna risk her finding out about me living with Julia before I get a chance to explain what was really going on."

"That's a good idea," said Ryan. "I'll have the door to her private room posted, right away."

"Cassie, did you say that Brianna was living with a caveman?" said Suzie.

"Yes! For protection," Cassie answered. "And I don't wanna talk about it!"

"OK. I'm sorry, Cassie."

"Me, too," said Vanita. "After all you two have been through – that's got to be hard to take."

"Yeah, it is. But there's a 50/50 chance the baby's ours," said Cassie.

"You aren't going to hold that against her, are you Cassie?" asked Suzie. "After all, look at the way you've been carrying on with Julia and all those other women, while Brianna was away!"

"No! Keep your voice down!" Cassie yelled. Regaining her composure, she quietly said to Suzie, "Don't say shit like that! Someone might hear you and tell Brianna. And you know I was just living with Julia to get at that time machine!"

"All right, Cassie. You don't have to yell at me."

"And I only dated Mia and Danielle, because I thought Brianna was dead at the time."

Good luck with telling Brianna about all that, thought Vanita, looking at Cassie, shaking her head. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for that conversation.

About that time, Jason entered the waiting room. "Have you girls seen Brianna yet," he asked.

"Not yet. We're waiting for her to be moved to a private room," Vanita answered and gave him big hug and a kiss.

Cassie said, thinking out loud, "Maybe I can talk Brianna into staying at the palace, on Thorr, until she has the baby. We don't really have a place here, anymore. My old quarters are pretty much just a storage area."

"Cassie, no! I don't want you and Brianna to move away. She just got home," said Suzie, upset by the suggestion.

"Cassie, I got a communication from Colonel Smith – right before I came down here," said Jason. "He said to tell you and Brianna - you're welcome to use his guest suite for as long as you need it."

"That's great," said Suzie. "Cassie. Now you and Brianna will have a place to stay, after all."

"That's very nice of the Colonel," said Cassie. "But I think Thorr's the answer. It's a 'Julia free zone.' We could leave just as soon as Brianna's released in the morning. After I get her settled, I can explain everything about how I found her. Then I could tell Julia that she's back and break off this so-called 'engagement'."

"Cassie, the news about Brianna being found spread like wildfire around here this afternoon," said Vanita. "Bobu's probably already told Charlie. And you know he'll tell Julia."

"Now wait a minute, Cassie," said Jason. "On the flight home - you didn't tell Brianna how you found her?"

"No," answered Cassie.

"But she specifically asked how we found her, Cassie. Why didn't you tell her?" Jason asked, shaking his head in disbelief. "She's not going to just let that go. What are we supposed to say if she asks one of us?"

"I'm gonna tell her, Jason. I just haven't had a chance."

"Jason," said Vanita, intervening. "Cassie and Brianna were discussing the baby on the flight home. I'll explain later."

"Oh, OK" said Jason, backing off. Turning to Ryan, he said, "I saw a couple of reporters, nosing around the emergency room on my way down here."

"Thanks for letting me know. I'll contact security and have them removed. I won't have the infirmary turned into a media circus," said Ryan. "I'll see you later, Suzie. I need to go get cleaned up and then check on Brianna's test results."

"OK, Ryan. I'll bring dinner to your office," said Suzie.

"That would be great. Thanks, Dear. I'll be there in about half an hour. I'm going to the doctor's lounge to shower and change." Ryan gave Suzie a kiss and headed out of the waiting room.

"I've got to go file my flight report," Jason said to Vanita. "I'll be home as soon as I can."

"OK, Baby. I'll have dinner ready and waiting for you," Vanita said, kissing Jason bye as he left the waiting room.

"Cassie," said Suzie. "Julia called me around noon today, looking for you."

"Really?" said Cassie. "I told her I was coming over here for a visit right before I left the palace the other day. What did she want?"

"Well, she wanted to know where you were, of course. And that she had some good news she wanted to tell you in person. I didn't know what to tell her."

"What did you tell her about where I was?"

"I told her I didn't know where you were – that I thought you were at the gym working out, or visiting with friends at Bobu's."

"That's good. Thanks for covering for me, Sis."

"What are you gonna tell her, Cassie? She thinks you two are getting married."

"I'm already married. I'll tell her the engagement's off - and that will be that."

"Nothing's ever that simple where Julia's concerned."

"I know that's right," said Vanita.

"I'm too tired to deal with Julia tonight. I'll deal with her tomorrow," said Cassie. "Listen, you guys. Just keep in mind, when you go visit Brianna, the baby is a real touchy subject, right now."

"All right, Cassie," said Suzie.

"I won't say a word about it," said Vanita. "I better hurry home and get dinner fixed, so I can get back down here to see Brianna."

"Me too," said Suzie.

In the meantime, Brianna had finished dinner and was taking a hot shower. It felt so good, she stayed in the hot water for about twenty minutes. After being stranded on that primitive planet for seven and a half months, she was really enjoying soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and a razor.

After Cassie showered and changed clothes, she headed for Bobu's for a drink and something to eat. As she approached Bobu's, she ran into Rocko, who was returning to Star Base from his extended vacation on Thorr. Cassie told him to go visit Brianna, as soon as she was moved to a private room, because Brianna would wonder where he was. Cassie also told Rocko not to tell Brianna anything about his apartment on Thorr, or Danielle. Cassie wasn't ready to drop that bombshell on Brianna. She still had the Julia issue to deal with.

* * *

Bebo greeted Cassie, as she entered the bar. "Cassie! I heard about the Major. I can't wait to see her. I'm so happy for you two."

"Thanks, Bebo," said Cassie, taking a seat at the bar.

The Major is back, and Cassie is engaged to the Czar. The tabloid articles should get juicy, now, he thought. "What can I get for you, Cassie?"

"I'll have glass of red wine and whatever your sandwich special of the day is."

"Coming right up," he said. "Bobu! Red wine for Cassie." Then Bebo sashayed to the kitchen, dressed in a black dress and matching pumps, to fill the sandwich order.

Bobu grabbed a wine glass, from the rack over the bar, and poured Cassie a glass of red wine. "Here you go, Cassie," he said, setting the wine on the bar in front of her.

"Thanks, Bobu," said Cassie, taking a big sip of wine.

With a very disappointed look on his furry face - his whiskers drooping, Bobu thought, I knew that having Major Stone in charge around here was too good to last. I'm really going to miss that stupid bitch. "So," he said to Cassie, "the Major's back."

"Yeah," said Cassie, smiling - deep in thought. I'm gonna need something really special, to get back in Brianna's good graces, after I tell her about me and Julia and the time machine. And I think I know just the thing. "Say, Bobu. Didn't you say you had a cousin that sold jewelry?"

"Yeah. You're in luck. He's sitting over there with some friends," said Bobu, pointing to a nearby table where several Rodens were playing poker. "Want me to get him over here?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

Bobu whistled and waved to got his cousin Du's attention. Then he motioned for Du to come over to the bar.

Cassie looked at the scruffy Roden skeptically as he approached the bar and Bobu introduced them. This guy sells expensive jewelry, she thought, noticing his un-kept whiskers and wrinkled, old suit.

"What can I do for you?" Du asked, taking a seat next to Cassie at the bar.

"I need a very nice diamond stud earring – a carat or two. ASAP. Can you do it?" Cassie asked.

"I think that can be arranged." Du grabbed a napkin and a pencil from the bar and wrote down a figure. "This is what it'll cost you," he said, pushing the napkin towards Cassie.

Cassie picked up the napkin. Her eyes got big, as she read the Lucre amount written on it. "That's almost twice what it's worth – and you know it!" she yelled, throwing the napkin back down on the bar.

"You're rich," Du said with a seedy Roden grin, stroking his whiskers. "You can afford it."

"I didn't get that way by letting myself get flimflammed!" Damn it! I don't have time to shop around.

"I can have it for you in about a week."

"At this price, you'll have it by five o'clock tomorrow afternoon or the deal's off!"

"I'll be here. Bring cash."

* * *

"This can't be happening," said Julia, shocked and disappointed beyond words. "That bitch is alive?!"

"I'm afraid so," said Charlie. "After Bobu called me, I had a nurse friend of mine go check it out, just to be sure. She said that Major Thorr was in good condition – and about seven and a half months pregnant."

* * *

Brianna was sitting up in bed, resting comfortably. She was dressed in a hospital gown and was hooked up to an IV. Rocko was sitting in a chair next to the bed, visiting with her. She broke into a big smile when the door to her room opened, and Suzie and Vanita entered. "Suzie. Vanita," she said, reaching out to them.

"Brianna," said Suzie, as she and Vanita rushed to her bedside and hugged her, one on either side of her bed.

"We missed you, girlfriend," said Vanita. "We thought you were a goner."

Smiling and hugging them, Brianna said, "I missed both of you so much."

Rocko stood up and said, "I need to be going. I'm glad you're home, Brianna."

"Thank you, Rocko," said Brianna.

"Suzie. Vanita," he said to them, as he headed out.

"Bye, Rocko," said Suzie.

"See ya later, Rocko," said Vanita, as Rocko left and closed the door behind him.

Suzie turned to Brianna and said, "Looks like you're gonna finally get that baby you've always wanted."

Vanita rolled her eyes at Suzie, signaling her to cool it on that subject, as Brianna's smile quickly turned into a sad look.

"The baby may not be mine and Cassidy's," said Brianna. "I lived with a man on that primitive planet for protection."

"We know," Vanita interrupted. "Cassie already told us."

"I'm sorry Brianna. I shouldn't have said anything," said Suzie.

"I can tell that Cassidy is extremely upset about it," said Brianna, "even though she tries to hide her feelings from me and cover with humor."

"Cassie's just glad to have you back, Brianna," said Vanita. "So, don't you worry about that. Anyway, you got a 50/50 chance the baby is yours and Cassie's."

"I had a boy while you were away, Brianna. We named him Ryan, Jr.," said Suzie, trying to move the conversation in a more positive direction.

"Me and Jason had a daughter," said Vanita. "We named her Simone Brianna – after you."

That statement got a smile out of Brianna. "I'm honored, Vanita. I can't wait to meet the children."

Suzie and Vanita managed to pick Brianna's spirits up, while she waited for Cassie to return, by entertaining her with baby stories about Ryan Jr. and Simone.

* * *

Cassie approached Brianna's private room, only to find Sonya there. Sonya was staring at the "No Visitors – Family Only" sign that was hanging on the closed door.

"That means you," Cassie said to Sonya, "so beat it!"

Giving Cassie a look that could kill, Sonya said, "You worthless Earthling. Brianna deserved better than you."

"Sonya, go be a bitch somewhere else."

"I can't wait to give Brianna an earful about you and the Czar."

"You stay the fuck away from my wife!" yelled Cassie, getting in Sonya's face.

The confrontation got the attention of two nurses at a nearby nurse's station. One of the nurses called security, as they watched and listened.

"As soon as Brianna finds out you've been sleeping with the Czar, she'll be through with you!" yelled Sonya. "Your marriage is over!"

"My marriage is none of your goddamned business! I have had it with you!" yelled Cassie, as she clenched her right fist and threw a punch at Sonya face.

Sonya blocked Cassie's punch by simply reaching out and grabbing Cassie's fist with her left hand, stopping her cold. "Thanks for throwing the first punch," she said. "Now I can claim self defense." Sonya grabbed Cassie and slung her up against the wall with such force, all Cassie could do was slide down it to sit there on the floor, stunned by Sonya's strength and quickness.

Cassie realized that she had made a big mistake by starting a fight with Sonya. Sonya was one of those special Thorrian women that had extraordinary strength - like Brianna. "Wait! Let's talk about this," said Cassie, as Sonya approached her with both fists clenched, ready to throw some punches of her own. Oh, fuck! I gotta do something or that big dike is gonna kill me. Quick thinking, Cassie said, "Hey, Ryan!" Then she looked behind Sonya. As soon as Sonya turned to look over her shoulder, expecting to see Ryan, Cassie kicked her as hard as she could in the left shin with the heel of her right boot. Sonya fell to the floor, grabbing her leg in excruciating pain. Taking advantage of the situation, Cassie jumped on top of Sonya and started choking her.

Vanita and Suzie came running out of Brianna's room, to see what all the commotion was about, closing the door behind them.

"Hey! Cassie! Cool it!" yelled Vanita, trying to pull Cassie off of Sonya.

Then Sergeant Ortiz approached and took control of the situation. "This is an infirmary! This kind of behavior will not be tolerated," he said, pulling Cassie off of Sonya, as Sonya gasped for air. "Cassie!" he said, holding her back, as she continued trying to go after Sonya. "Do you want to spend the night visiting the Major, or do you want to spend the night in the brig?"

"OK, fine," Cassie said, backing off.

"That's more like it," said Ortiz.

The two nurses, who had witnessed the altercation, came running with a gurney for Sonya.

"Oooh," Sonya screamed in agony, holding her shin, as the nurses placed her on the gurney. "You broke my leg! I'm going to kill you, Earthling!" Sonya screamed at Cassie, as the nurses wheeled her away to the emergency room, followed by Ortiz.

Vanita said to Cassie, shaking her head, "Girlfriend, you're lucky that bitch didn't break your neck. You against Sonya is like Bambi against Godzilla."

"I hate that fucking bitch! She better stay away from Brianna," said Cassie.

"We better get back to Brianna," said Suzie. "She was wondering what all the noise was about."

"Suzie, you ever heard the expression 'three's a crowd'?" asked Cassie.

"I can take a hint," said Vanita, laughing.

"I'm sorry, Cassie," said Suzie. "I know you two are probably tired and just want to be alone. It's just so good to see her."

"Tell her good night for us," said Vanita, as she and Suzie headed home.

"I will. See you guys tomorrow," said Cassie.

* * *

"What was all that noise out in the hallway?" Brianna asked, as Cassie entered her room and closed the door.

"Gee, Hon. I don't know. When I walked up, it looked like Ortiz was trying to corral some mental patient that got loose."

"Oh. Where are Suzie and Vanita?

"I sent them home so we could be alone." Cassie approached Brianna's bedside on Brianna's right and kissed her. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," she responded, continuing the kissing. "I've missed you so much. It seems like we've been apart a hundred years."

"More like two hundred," Cassie said, as she sat down on the side of the bed and wrapped her arms around Brianna. "Oh, be careful with that," she said, referring to the IV in Brianna's left arm, as Brianna tried to put her arms around Cassie. "Guess we'll have to work around that. And this, too, for the next month and a half," she teased, touching Brianna's stomach. "It moved! Your stomach moved. Holy shit! Did you feel that? Stupid question – of course you did. How could you not?"

"You should feel it from my side. It's quite a sensation."

"Does it hurt?"

"No. But it's startling at times," Brianna said, laughing. "I'm very tired and sleepy now."

"Me, too," said Cassie, getting off the bed. I guess I'll tell her how I really found her tomorrow. That bit of news could keep her up all night.

Brianna reached out and grabbed Cassie by the arm. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm gonna sit over there in the chair, so you can get comfortable."

"No. Get under the covers with me," Brianna said, turning the covers back.

"I don't want to hurt you, Brianna."

"I'm pregnant, not injured. Come here."

Cassie took off her boots and climbed into bed carefully, as Brianna snuggled next to her. They were both exhausted from the events of the day, and it didn't take long for both of them to drift off into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Ryan entered Brianna's room and found her and Cassie sound asleep in Brianna's bed. He cleared his throat, waking them. "Good morning," he said.

Brianna opened her eyes and said, "Good morning, Ryan."

"Hey, Ryan. Let me get out of your way," Cassie said, as she got out of bed dressed in her jeans and shirt.

"I hope you've come to release me, Ryan," said Brianna, as he started examining her.

"We'll take another blood test, to see if we need to keep you on the IV another day - or if we can just send you home with vitamin supplements," said Ryan.

"I want to go home now, Ryan."

"If everything checks out, you'll be released this afternoon around dinnertime. I'll be back later," he said and exited.

A nurse entered with breakfast trays for Brianna and Cassie, which consisted of eggs, croissants, fruit, and juice – and coffee for Cassie. The nurse served Brianna's breakfast on her bedside roll-out tray and then served Cassie's on a table next to Brianna's bed.

"This looks so good," said Brianna, picking up a fork and diving into her plate. "I am so hungry."

Cassie said, as she sat down in a chair and started putting her boots on, "Brianna, I think we should go stay at the palace on Thorr – just until the baby's born and your maternity leave is up. I'm sure Adrianna and Anton wouldn't mind. We can leave this afternoon - just as soon as Ryan releases you."

"What?" Brianna stopped eating for a moment, surprised by Cassie's suggestion. "Why, Cassidy? Our home has always been here on Star Base."

"I just think you would be more comfortable at the palace, that's all," she said, sipping her cup of hot coffee.

"I know your quarters are small. But that will be fine until an officer's quarters opens up for us. Compared to where I've lived the past seven and a half months, your quarters will be like a palace."

"It can get noisy down there, being so close to Bobu's. But if you don't wanna go stay at the palace, Colonel Smith has offered his guest suite for as long as we need it."

"That sounds wonderful. Why didn't you mention the Colonel's offer in the first place?"

"I was thinking you'd have the palace staff to help out." Julia-free zone, she thought.

"I don't need a staff to help me. I want to take care of the baby, myself."

"OK. I'll let the Colonel know that we accept his offer."

Brianna scarfed down her entire breakfast, while Cassie sipped her cup of coffee. "I'm still hungry," Brianna said. "I wonder if they would bring me another croissant?"

"Here. Eat mine," said Cassie, switching breakfast trays with her.

"But, you haven't eaten a thing. Aren't you hungry?"

"Coffee's enough for me right now. I'll get something later. Go ahead - eat."

Then Brianna devoured Cassie's breakfast too.

A few minutes later, the door to Brianna's room opened and Adrianna entered. "Hello Cassie. Brianna," said Adrianna, smiling at her twin sister.

"Hello," Brianna responded, smiling back at her.

"Hey, Adrianna," said Cassie.

Adrianna walked over and sat down on the side of the bed and hugged Brianna. The twins sat in silence, just holding each other, for about a minute. "I never believed you were really gone," she said, pulling back and smiling at Brianna. "It's so good to see you."

"It's good to see you, too. I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

"Our connection never seemed broken. I always knew, in my heart, that you were still alive – no matter what anyone tried to tell me to the contrary. So how are you?"

"I'm fine. Ryan's just keeping me here to get my fluid levels normal. I should be released this afternoon."

"Good. Anton sends his love. He'll be over to see you soon."

"I'll look forward to seeing him."

Cassie walked over and gave Adrianna a hug. "I'm going to the cafeteria for another cup of coffee and something to eat. Can I get you two anything?"

"No. Thank you," said Adrianna.

"I'm fine," said Brianna.

"I'll be back," Cassie said and then headed out, giving the twins a few minutes to visit in private.

Brianna told Adrianna about her survival, living among the natives of that primitive planet, and then about how Cassie, Jason, and Ryan had rescued her. Finally, she shared the sad fact that the baby she was carrying might not be hers and Cassie's.

"It broke my heart, having to tell Cassidy about the baby," said Brianna. "I could see it in her eyes – how hurt she was."

"Brianna, Cassie loves you very much," said Adrianna. "Whether this baby is yours and hers, or not - it's a miracle that you're back together and you're going to have a baby. Just be happy."

About that time, Cassie re-entered Brianna's room.

"Isn't it amazing how Cassie found you?" Adrianna said to Brianna.

"Yes, my wife is quite amazing," said Brianna, smiling at Cassie.

"Cassie. Are you thinking about a second career as a time traveler, now?" teased Adrianna.

"Time traveler?" said Brianna, looking confused. "What are you talking about?"

Oh, no. What have I done? Cassie hadn't told her yet, Adrianna thought – catching the deer-in-the-headlights look on Cassie's face. "I'm sorry. I just assumed that you knew about the time machine, Brianna. I didn't mean to speak out of turn, Cassie."

"The time machine?" Brianna said, glaring at Cassie as her mouth dropped open. "Julia has the time machine. You went to the palace on Tyre while I was missing?!"

Oh, shit, thought Cassie. I wanted to break this to Brianna, gently. That ship just sailed. I need time to think. What am I gonna tell her? "We'll talk about this later, Brianna. I'll explain everything."

"No. We'll talk about this right now!" Brianna yelled at Cassie.

Adrianna said, feeling guilty, "I think I should leave and give you two some privacy. I'll be in touch." She got up from her chair and left the room, heading back to Thorr.

Brianna, flushed with emotions and raging hormones, said to Cassie, "Did you go back to Julia?!"

"No! I only went to the palace to get at that time machine. I never really accepted that you were dead. And the time machine was the only way to find out for sure one way or another. Then, when I found out that you were alive, I came after you."

"How could you possibly crack a complicated computer system like that?"

"Charlie helped me. He can hack into any computer system."

"Why would Charlie help you find me?"

"He thought you were dead. He was just humoring me – trying to help me find closure."

"What did Julia think about this?"

"I didn't tell her. I had to sneak around to keep her from finding out. I was afraid she might do something to sabotage the whole thing."

"How did you gain access to the palace and the time machine without Julia knowing about it?"

Oh, man. I'm fucked now. There's no way to spin this. "I had to pretend that I was interested in her - just to get into the palace."

"Then you did go back to her! Were you living together?"

"Yes."

Brianna started breathing heavily, like she might hyperventilate.

"Brianna, Ryan says you're not supposed to get upset," Cassie said, sitting down on the bed next to her and trying to hold her. "You just need to stay calm."

Brianna pulled away from her, not letting Cassie touch her. "It's a little late for that!"

"I love you, Brianna. I was just using Julia to get at the time machine."

"It would appear that you were quite the merry widow while I was away," said Brianna, sarcastically, as tears welled up in her eyes.

"That's not true. I was miserable without you. That day that Jason came and told me you were gone, I was devastated. I cried till I thought my eyes would fall out. Then I crawled into a bottle and almost drank myself to death. Please, don't cry," she said, reaching out to her, trying to hold her hand.

Brianna pulled her hand away from Cassie. "No wonder it took you so long to find me. You were too busy sleeping with Julia – and who knows who else - to look for me!"

"Brianna, if I hadn't done what I did - I would've never found you."

"So, did it take seven and a half months for you to get bored with Julia? Is that why it took you so long to think of the time machine?"

"No! I haven't been living at the palace for seven and a half months. I've only been there the past few weeks."

"A few weeks?" Brianna was somewhat relieved, yet still hurt and angry.

"Yeah. About three weeks."

"But what, after all this time, made you think of using the time machine to look for me?"

"Adrianna."

"What has Adrianna got to do with any of this?"

"About three weeks ago, she called me. Anton was missing."

"Anton was missing?"

"Yeah. He was away at some conference. His shuttle supposedly went down in the mountains, because of a blizzard. So I went to be with Adrianna, while a rescue team searched for him. It turned out that Anton wasn't on the shuttle that went down, after all. He was at a military base waiting out the storm. He wasn't able to contact Adrianna until late that night, because the storm knocked out communications. But for a while that night, she was convinced that Anton was dead – because they called off the search. She was really upset. I was holding her, trying to comfort her. She felt like you."

"We have the same essence."

"You're telling me. When I held her, all my feelings for you came rushing back. Before then, I was starting to think that it was time for me to move on with my life – and to face the fact that you weren't coming back. Then Adrianna told me that she didn't believe you were really dead - no matter what all those military reports said. She said your twin connection just didn't feel broken. Then I remembered the time machine. Adrianna and I thought it was worth a shot. That's when I went to the palace on Tyre – just about three weeks ago. I'm sorry I didn't think of it sooner. But like I said on the shuttle ride home, my intuition has been off since you've been gone."

"But how did you figure out how to operate the time machine once you got logged into it?"

"Once Charlie got us hacked in, it was as easy as shopping online. It prompted me for geographical and time coordinates."

"How did you get that information?"

"Jason. And that wasn't easy. Talking him into giving me the coordinates was a lot harder than actually entering them into the computer. He was afraid I'd end up in some other time zone and not be able to get back."

"I can understand his apprehension."

"But I hadn't figured out how to actually time travel. I could only observe visuals of the coordinates entered. So, that wasn't an issue. Then as soon as I found out you were alive, I went and asked Jason to take me to get you. Jason thought I was crazy. Ryan thought I was on drugs, hallucinating. I was just about to call Adrianna and have her send someone to take me to get you, when Vanita and Suzie insisted that Jason and Ryan take me. They believed that you were dead and just gave in, I guess, to give me closure. Please, don't be mad at me. I just wanted you back so bad - I was willing to do anything to make that happen. I love you, Brianna."

"I love you, too," said Brianna, putting her arms around Cassie's neck and pulling her close. Then Brianna got a horrified look on her face. "Ooooh! There's something wrong with the baby," she said, letting go of Cassie and grabbing her stomach in pain.

"Oh, no," said Cassie, in a panic, jumping up from the bed and hitting the nurse's call button. "Get Dr. Gerard in here! This is an emergency!" She sat back down on the bed and put an arm around Brianna's shoulders. "Hang on. Ryan's on his way," she said, about to freak out – thinking that Brianna had gone into labor.

A couple of minutes later, Ryan rushed into Brianna's room. "Cassie," he said. "Step out into the hallway, please."

Cassie quickly stood up. "OK," she said, getting out of Ryan's way. What have I done? she thought, moving slowly for the door and exiting the room. We can't lose this baby.

Down the long hallway of the infirmary, Suzie and Vanita were approaching Brianna's room, carrying several packages in big tote bags.

Noticing the worried look on Cassie's face, Vanita said, "Cassie. What's wrong? Is Brianna all right?"

"I don't know," Cassie answered. "She grabbed her stomach in pain. Ryan's in with her, now."

"What happened? Did you tell her about Julia?" asked Suzie.

"Yeah," answered Cassie.

"I sure hope she hasn't gone into labor."

"Me, too," said Vanita, as they stood waiting in the hallway for Ryan to come out of Brianna's room.

A few minutes later, Ryan stepped out into the hallway and closed the door to Brianna's room.

"Is she OK, Ryan," asked Cassie.

"Yes, for now," Ryan answered. "Brianna was having false labor." He turned to Suzie. "You and Vanita go on in and try to distract Brianna with the gifts you brought for her."

"OK, Ryan," said Suzie. Then she and Vanita entered Brianna's room.

Ryan said to Cassie, "I told you not to upset her! She could have easily gone into premature labor."

"You told me to tell her about Julia, before somebody else did," said Cassie. "What the fuck did you think she'd do, Ryan – jump for joy?"

"You obviously could've handled the situation a little more delicately. Brianna's Thorrian hormones are raging right now. She can't afford any more contractions, or she will go into labor. Take a break in the waiting room for a while and let Suzie and Vanita see if they can get her mind on something else."

"I'm not gonna go sit in the waiting room. If I can't be with her, I'm gonna go get the Colonel's guest suite ready for us to move into this afternoon. What time's she being released?"

"I'm afraid she'll have to spend another night in the infirmary, now. We have to be sure she doesn't have any more contractions."

"She's not gonna like that one bit."

"I realize that. But we have to take every precaution. I'll break the news to her a little later."

"OK. Tell her I've gone to get us moved, and I'll be back to have dinner with her."

"I will."

* * *

"What's all this?" asked Brianna, referring to all the packages that Suzie and Vanita were carrying, as they entered her room.

"We went shopping and got you some maternity outfits and a few baby things," answered Suzie.

"How thoughtful of you two," said Brianna. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"It was my pleasure," said Vanita. "You know how I love to shop."

Suzie and Vanita were showing Brianna all the things that they had bought when Ryan entered the room.

"Oh, Ryan, it's you. I thought it might be Cassidy. Where is she?" asked Brianna.

"She's making arrangements for your move to the Colonel's guest suite," he answered. "She said she would join you for dinner, later. Are you still feeling all right?"

"Yes. I'm fine," she said with a smile, looking at all the clothes and baby things strewn all over her bed.

"Then I'll see you later," Ryan said, leaving them to visit.

Around noon, a nurse brought in Brianna's and Cassie's lunch trays. She set Brianna's tray on the roll-out table and Cassie's on the table next to the bed.

"Here, let me get these things out of your way," said Suzie, grabbing the maternity clothes and baby things from the bed and setting them in a chair next to the table.

Vanita pushed the roll-out tray where Brianna could reach it. "How 'bout some lunch?"

"That sounds good to me. I'm starved," answered Brianna, diving into her lunch tray, practically inhaling the whole thing.

Vanita and Suzie were folding all the clothes they had brought, when they noticed that Brianna had already finished her lunch tray.

"Are you still hungry, Brianna?" asked Suzie.

"Yes. I am," she answered.

"Here – eat Cassie's lunch. She's not gonna eat it," said Vanita, switching the full tray of food for the empty one.

"All right," said Brianna. "I am eating for two now."

While Brianna ate Cassie's lunch, Suzie and Vanita finished folding the clothes and put everything back into the packages and tote bags.

Finally, Brianna finished eating and pushed the roll-out tray aside. "Thank you both, so much, for the clothes. I was wondering what I was going to wear in my condition."

"You're welcome," said Suzie.

"We had a ball, shopping," said Vanita. "Just let me know, after you've a chance to try things on, if you need me to exchange anything for you."

"Thanks. I will. But I do have one request," said Brianna.

"What, Brianna?" asked Suzie.

"Could one of you order a new mattress for me and have it delivered to the Colonel's guest suite?" she answered. "I'm not sleeping on one that Julia has slept on."

"OK, Brianna. I can do that," said Suzie. "But I don't know if I can get it delivered today?"

"That's all right. Cassidy and I can sleep in the second bedroom or on the living room sofa until it arrives."

* * *

Du entered Bobu's at 5:00 p.m. and took a seat at the bar next to Cassie. "Here you go," he said, placing a small jewelry box on the bar and pushing it towards Cassie.

Cassie opened the box and took the carat and half diamond stud earring from it. "Wow! That is beautiful." Brianna's gonna love this.

"Did you bring the cash?"

"Yeah," answered Cassie, taking an envelope full of Lucre from her jeans pocket and laying it on the bar.

Reaching for the envelope full of Lucre, Du said, "Thank you, very much."

"Not so fast!" said Cassie, as she pulled the envelope back. "How can I be sure it's real?" she asked, continuing to admire the earring.

"Let me demonstrate," said Du, picking up Cassie's glass of wine from the bar. Then he took the diamond stud from Cassie and ran it down the side of the wine glass. The glass immediately began to crack and leak, as wine spilled all over the bar.

Witnessing the scene, Bobu yelled at Du, "Hey! You're making a mess."

"OK. It's real," said Cassie, taking the earring from Du and handing him the envelope full of Lucre.

Bebo approached the bar and started cleaning up the spilled wine with a towel. "Cassie, what a gorgeous diamond stud," he said. "I'd kill for a stone like that."

"You'd have to," Bobu mumbled under his breath, looking at the earring. "I can't pull that kind of Lucre out of my furry ass."

Du pulled the Lucre out of the envelope and counted it. "Nice doing business with you, Cassie. See ya around," he said. He put the Lucre back in the envelope, slid it into his jacket pocket, and headed out of the bar.

"I gotta go, too," said Cassie.

* * *

Brianna was dressed in a blue, silk nightgown and robe that Suzie and Vanita had given her. She was sitting in one of the chairs at the table next to the bed, reading a book on child care, also provided by Suzie and Vanita. The room was decorated with an assortment of beautiful plants and flowers.

Cassie entered and closed the door, looking all around the room at all the plants and flowers. "There you are. You're up," she said, spotting Brianna at the table. "What's all this? Looks like somebody bought out the Star Base florist."

Brianna set her book aside and stood up from her chair. "It would appear so. They're from the Colonel, the crew, and ambassadors of the Royal Family of Thorr."

Cassie was carrying a cooler stocked with champagne, for herself, and sparkling cider for her pregnant wife. She walked over to where Brianna was standing and set the cooler down on the floor next to the table. She took Brianna's hands and held them out, looking her up and down. "How pretty," she said with a big smile, referring to the outfit Brianna was wearing.

"So, you like it?" she asked, smiling back at her.

"Yeah. Very sexy... Hey. You got rid of that IV."

"Yes. I'm so glad to be rid of that. I couldn't get my arms wrapped around you last night with that thing in the way."

Cassie let go of Brianna's hands, wrapped her arms around Brianna's waist, and pulled her close. Brianna responded by putting her arms around Cassie's neck and giving her a long, passionate kiss.

When they finally came up for air Cassie said, "You feeling OK?"

"Yes."

"Good," Cassie said, as she ran her hands up and down Brianna's back, feeling the cool, soft silk.

"But Ryan's making me stay here another night because of the contraction I had earlier."

"Ryan can be such a drag. But it's just one more night. I got the Colonel's guest suite all ready for us to move into."

"That sounds wonderful. I can't wait to get out of here." Brianna looked towards the closed door to her room. "I sure hope dinner will be served soon. I'm starved."

About that time, Ryan entered. "How are you feeling, Brianna?"

"I feel fine," she answered.

"You gonna spring her in the morning, Ryan?" asked Cassie.

"Yes," he said, "as long as she doesn't have any more contractions."

"I promise not to," said Brianna.

"All right. I'll see you in the morning," he said and left.

A nurse entered with dinner trays, consisting of grilled chicken, vegetable medley, salad, and garlic bread. Brianna and Cassie ate dinner, sitting together at the table next to the bed. Cassie poured champagne and sparkling cider into chilled glasses that she had brought with her. Brianna was so ravenous that Cassie gave her three-fourths of the vegetables from her plate – and her salad, too.

"I've really missed salad the past few months," said Brianna. "Are you going to eat your bread?"

"No. Here," Cassie answered, handing it to her.

Noticing that Brianna was eating chicken Cassie asked, "You eating meat now?"

"Yes," she answered. "I got accustomed to eating fish and fowl while I was away."

"Oh."

After dinner, Cassie pulled the jewelry box from an outside pocket of the cooler and handed it to Brianna.

Brianna's eyes got big, as she opened the box and found the diamond stud earring. "This is absolutely gorgeous. I love it. Would you put in on me?" she asked, taking it from the jewelry box and handing it to her.

"Sure," said Cassie. She got up from the table, took the earring from Brianna, and placed it in Brianna's left earlobe.

"You'll never know how much this means to me. I felt pressured to give my engagement earring and wedding band away, to one of the female natives I lived among. This woman would come into my cave at night and try to steal them from me. I was afraid if I didn't just give them to her, she might kill me for them while I slept."

"Smart move. I don't know what happened to my wedding band. After your memorial service, I carried it around in my guitar case for a while. Then it turned up missing."

Brianna got up from her chair, put her arms around Cassie's neck, and kissed her. She looked into Cassie's eyes she said, "I love you so much."

"I love you, too," Cassie said, holding her close.

A nurse entered the room. "Major Thorr, can I get you anything else?"

"No, thank you. I'm fine," Brianna answered, still holding on to her wife.

Gathering the empty dinner trays the nurse said, "Call if you need anything. Good night." Then he left the room, closing the door behind him.

Brianna initiated more kissing. Then she started unbuttoning Cassie's shirt and unhooked her bra. "I want to make love."

"Are you sure?" said Cassie. "I don't wanna hurt you."

"As I told you before, I'm pregnant, not injured."

"What if one of those nurses comes back in here?"

"I'll yell at them to go away."

"That works for me."

Brianna finished unbuttoning the last button on Cassie's shirt and took it off of her. She removed Cassie's bra and tossed the shirt and bra into one of the chairs next to the table. Cassie removed Brianna's robe and helped her out of her gown – tossing them into the chair, too. Brianna ran her hands down Cassie stomach and unzipped her jeans. Cassie kicked her shoes off and came out of her jeans and panties. The two of them stood naked, kissing - becoming aroused.

"Give me just a second," said Cassie, pulling away from Brianna and grabbing the cooler. She opened another outside pocked and pulled out a vibrator. "I brought this along just in case."

"Looks like you thought of everything," said Brianna, taking Cassie by the hand and leading her to bed.

# CHAPTER 21 – THE COLONEL'S GUEST SUITE

Early the next morning, a nurse entered Brianna's room with breakfast trays and found Cassie and Brianna sound asleep in Brianna's bed, their clothes piled in a chair next to the bed. The nurse set both trays on the table next to the bed and exited.

Smelling the hot croissants, eggs, and coffee, Brianna started to stir. "I smell food."

Cassie woke up and said, "I better get dressed." She got up and grabbed her shirt from the chair and put it on. "Here, Hon," she said, handing Brianna her gown and robe. "I'm gonna go into your bathroom and take a quick shower. You go ahead and eat."

Putting on her gown and robe, Brianna said, "All right. I'd wait for you, but I'm just so hungry."

"Don't wait for me. Eat." Cassie gathered her shoes and the rest of her clothes and headed for the bathroom as Brianna sat down at the table and dove into her breakfast tray.

About ten minutes later, Cassie emerged from the bathroom, showered, dressed, and ready to go.

"Cassidy, I'm sorry. I was so hungry, I ate your breakfast too," said Brianna. "I'll order something for you from The Officer's Club and have it delivered."

Cassie just laughed. "Don't worry about it. We've got food at the Colonel's guest suite. I'll take that cup of coffee you left, though," she said, picking it up and taking a big sip as Ryan entered.

"How are you feeling, Brianna?" he asked.

"Good," she answered.

"Your blood tests are normal. So I'm releasing you and prescribing vitamin supplements. You can resume normal activity, but I want you to get plenty of rest – and avoid stress. We don't want to risk any more contractions before your due date – which is about five to six weeks away. Any questions?"

"Normal activity includes sex, right?" Cassie said to Ryan.

"Yes," Ryan said with a smile. "I hear it can be quite a stress reliever."

Cassie and Brianna just looked at each other with sheepish grins on their faces.

"Any more questions?" asked Ryan.

"When will someone will be here to transfer me to the Colonel's guest suite, Ryan?" Brianna asked.

"The Colonel's guest suite isn't that far from here. I think a walk would be good for you. You need rest, but I don't want you to get stiff from lying around too much. So take a short walk every day, unless you're really not feeling well – and if that be the case, call me immediately. I'll have a nurse bring you the vitamin supplements to take home with you, and then you're free to go."

"Thank you. I think I'll shower and get dressed for the walk home."

* * *

Brianna was dressed in a maternity pants suit and house shoes, as she and Cassie walked down one of the long Star Base hallways headed for the Colonel's guest suite.

Cassie was struggling with how to carry her empty cooler and the two large tote bags of clothes that Suzie and Vanita had given Brianna. She would carry the cooler and one of the tote bags in one hand, and the other tote bag in the other hand – switching the cooler from hand to hand, as it would get to be too much.

"I can help you carry something," said Brianna, as Cassie set everything down, like she was resting for a moment.

"No! You don't need to be carrying anything," said Cassie.

"But, those things aren't heavy to me."

"I got it all under control, Hon." Then Cassie tried putting the strap of the cooler over one shoulder and carrying a tote bag in each hand. "All right. I'm ready," she said, as they continued down the hallway. Short walk, my ass. This stuff is gonna get really heavy, before we get to the Colonel's guest suite, she thought.

Vanita and Jason and Suzie and Ryan rounded a corner heading their way. Vanita was carrying Simone, while Suzie pushed Ryan, Jr. in a baby stroller.

"Good morning," said Suzie, to Brianna and Cassie, as the group approached them. "We've come to see you home."

"Good morning to all of you," said Brianna. "How thoughtful."

"Hey, you guys," said Cassie.

"Good morning," said Jason. "Let me help you with that, Cassie." Jason took the two big tote bags from her, leaving her with the empty cooler.

"Thanks, Jason" said Cassie.

"Brianna, we just couldn't wait for you to meet the kids," said Vanita, holding her baby daughter of three months. "This is Simone Brianna Thibodeaux."

"Hello, Simone. It's nice to meet you," said Brianna, smiling at the little girl, as she reached out and held one of Simone's little hands. "Can I hold her?"

"Sure," said Vanita, handing Simone to Brianna.

Then Simone smiled at Brianna.

"She's adorable," said Brianna, smiling back at Simone. "She's got your eyes Jason."

Simone became a little fussy. "She's got her mother's temper," teased Jason.

"Here. I'll take her," said Vanita, taking Simone from Brianna.

"This is Ryan, Jr.," said Suzie, as Brianna peered into the baby stroller at Suzie and Ryan's two-month old son, who was sleeping. "This is your Aunt Brianna."

"Ryan, he looks just like you," said Brianna.

With a proud papa smile, Ryan said, "He's a 'chip off the old block' - like the Earthlings say."

Ryan, Jr. started to stir and opened his eyes. "Hello, Ryan, Jr.," said Brianna, reaching into the stroller and touching him.

Ryan Jr. immediately started crying.

"He's shy," said Suzie.

"Give him a few years, and he'll be chasing all the girls," said Ryan.

"Let's go home," said Cassie, taking Brianna by the hand and leading the group towards the Colonel's guest suite.

Brianna was welcomed home by numerous Star Base staff and crew members as she and her entourage continued down the hallway.

When the group arrived at the Colonel's guest suite, Cassie entered a code and opened the door. "Here we are, Hon, home sweet home," said Cassie.

"You'll never know how grateful and relieved I am to be home in time to have my baby," said Brianna, as they all stepped inside the open doorway.

"I can imagine," said Suzie.

"We're happy to have you home, girlfriend," said Vanita.

"Colonel Smith will stop by within the hour to welcome you home personally," Jason said to Brianna.

"It will be good to see him," said Brianna.

As the group entered the living room, Cassie said, "I've got champagne and sparkling cider. Who wants a glass?" But before anyone could answer her, they were all startled by a presence. Oh, shit, thought Cassie, dropping her empty cooler on the living room floor.

"Sooo... the rumors are true. The bitch is back!" said Julia, giving Brianna a look that could kill, while mockingly toasting her with a Scotch on the rocks.

"Not only am I back, I am very happily married," Brianna said with a triumphant, in-your-face smile. "You obviously know where the door is – so get out!" she yelled, as the two women stared each other down.

Cassie reached out and put an arm around Brianna's shoulders. "Brianna, please don't let her upset you. You could have another contraction," she said, trying to distract Brianna.

Vanita whispered to Jason, Suzie, and Ryan, "Ooooh! This is gonna be good!"

"Vanita, I think we should leave and give them some privacy," said Jason, setting the tote bags down, just inside the living room, and stepping back out into the entryway.

"You can take Simone and go home if you want to," said Vanita, walking over to Jason and handing Simone to him. "But I ain't missin' this," she said, as she hurried out to the kitchen.

"Then I'll see you at home," said Jason, as he exited the Colonel's guest suite, carrying Simone.

About that time, two delivery people entered through the open doorway carrying a new mattress.

"Mattress delivery for Thorr," said one of the delivery people.

"What?" said Cassie, noticing the new mattress, as the delivery people entered the living room. "I didn't order a mattress."

"I did. Follow me," said Suzie, showing them to the master bedroom.

Vanita re-entered from the kitchen, with a glass of champagne and the open bottle, and took a seat on the living room sofa – ready to observe the confrontation.

Julia started laughing, as the two delivery people headed for the master bedroom with the new mattress. "What's the matter, Ice Princess," she said to Brianna, condescendingly. "Are you afraid that old mattress is as hot as the one Cassie and I share - in my bed at the palace - and you might melt if you sleep on it?"

"That's enough, Julia!" said Cassie.

"You bitch! I said get out!" Brianna screamed at Julia.

"Brianna, this isn't good for you or the baby," said Ryan, taking Brianna by the arm and stepping in-between her and Julia. "Why don't you come sit down on the sofa," he said, trying to lead her in that direction.

"I prefer to stand," said Brianna, jerking her arm away from him – glaring angrily at Julia.

Cassie was scared to death that Brianna might have another contraction and go into labor. "You heard her, Julia. Get out!" yelled Cassie.

"Now is that any way for you to speak to your fiancée?" Julia said to Cassie.

"What did you say?!" Brianna said to Julia, with a look of shock and disbelief on her face.

"Don't pay any attention to her, Brianna. She's drunk," said Cassie.

"You heard me right the first time, Major Thorr," said Julia. "Cassie and I are engaged."

"You must be more inebriated than you look, if you expect me to believe that," said Brianna.

"The egg-fusion procedure worked on the first try, Sweetie," Julia said to Cassie, smiling and winking at her. "I'm pregnant."

"Liar!" yelled Brianna. "She wouldn't marry you in a million years - much less have that procedure with you!"

"That does it," said Cassie, as she let go of Brianna, went around Ryan, and tried to push Julia towards the door.

"I'm pregnant and it's part Cassie's," said Julia, standing her ground. "We'll see who's lying when my baby is born and I serve Cassie with a paternity test."

Cassie took Julia's drink from her, set it on the coffee table, and tried in vain to push Julia out of the Colonel's guest suite. "Julia, please. Let's talk about this out in the hallway."

"No! Let's play a little game called count how many months Major Thorr was away, add in a due date, and see if we can determine who's baby she's carrying," said Julia, as she broke into hysterical laughter.

"You bitch!" Brianna yelled at Julia, as the two delivery people, followed by Suzie, entered the living room with the old mattress. "If you ever touch my wife, again, I'll kill you! I swear it!" she screamed in a jealous rage.

The two delivery people stopped and stared at the enraged Major Thorr, witnessing her threat against the Czar.

Brianna said, glaring at Julia. "If you dare set foot in here again, while Cassidy and I are living here, I'll shoot you with my scrambler – just like I would any other intruder!"

"Uh... What do you want us to do with the old mattress?" asked one of the delivery people.

"Load it on that whore's back," said Brianna, pointing at Julia. "She and that bastard she claims to be carrying were just leaving."

"You go, girl," said Vanita, under her breath as she refilled her champagne glass and continued to watch the confrontation from the sofa.

Cassie tried to push Julia towards the door, but she couldn't budge her. Julia had never exhibited her strength to Cassie before. But, apparently, some Tyrian women had extraordinary strength, too - not just Thorrians - and Julia was one of them. Damn, thought Cassie. Julia is as strong as Brianna. No wonder she's not afraid of Brianna. "Julia, please. Let's talk about this out in the hallway," pleaded Cassie.

Finally, Cassie managed to convince Julia to step out into the hallway for a private conversation, as the two delivery people left with the old mattress.

"I demand that you divorce Major Thorr at once," Julia said to Cassie. "As Czar of Tyre, it would be improper for me to give birth to the heir to the throne out of wedlock."

"Since when do you give a shit about what's proper? Dammit! I can't believe you went behind my back and had the insemination!" snapped Cassie.

"I didn't go behind your back! You agreed to the procedure and went to the doctor's appointment willingly. Then you lied to me about why you were coming over here. If anyone's being deceitful – it's you! I should have never let you and Charlie play around with that time machine."

"You knew about that?"

"Yes, of course I did. I thought the bitch was dead – and you just needed closure – so I didn't care!"

"Are you really pregnant?"

"Yes. The doctor's office called, after you left the other day, and said the egg was ready for insemination. So I went back. And twenty-four hours later, I was pregnant."

With a look of concern, Cassie said, "If you're pregnant, why are you drinking Scotch for breakfast?"

"You really do care. I knew it," said Julia, throwing her arms around Cassie's neck and kissing her. "Come back to the palace with me where you belong. I can make you happy. I know how to please you. I'll have my attorneys handle your divorce. Then we can get married."

"Julia, I'm not getting a divorce. And I'm not going back to the palace with you," said Cassie, removing Julia's arms from around her neck. "If you're really pregnant, I'll do whatever I can for the baby – and that's it."

Becoming angry, Julia said, "You're the toy that I created! And I didn't create you for her! One way or another, you will marry me. It's just a matter of time. I guarantee it!" Julia turned and walked away from Cassie, heading for the landing bay to take her shuttle back to Tyre.

* * *

Brianna was lying on the sofa, being tended to by Ryan, when Cassie entered the living room. Vanita and Suzie were seated in chairs across from the sofa, separated by a coffee table.

"Is she all right, Ryan?" asked Cassie.

"Yes. She just got overly excited and hyperventilated. No new contractions so far," he answered.

"I'm sorry, Brianna. I had no idea she would just show up here," said Cassie.

Brianna gave Cassie a cold stare, not even responding to her.

"I better get going," said Vanita, setting her empty champagne glass on the coffee table and getting up to leave. "I gotta go take care of Simone so Jason can go back to work."

"Vanita, thanks again for the clothes," said Brianna.

"You're welcome. You take care. See ya tomorrow," said Vanita, as she headed for the door.

"I'll walk you out," said Cassie, following Vanita to the entryway and out into the hallway.

"Cassie," whispered Vanita, as she and Cassie stood just outside the open doorway. "You're in deep shit."

"Well, that's the understatement of the year."

"And when I was on Earth, I thought the soap operas were good. They ain't got nothing on you," said Vanita, walking away laughing and shaking her head.

Before Cassie could walk back into the Colonel's guest suite, Colonel Ian Smith approached.

"Hello, Cassie," said the Colonel.

"Hey, Colonel. Go on in. Brianna's in the living room," Cassie said, following him into the entryway.

As Colonel Smith entered the living room, he broke into a big smile upon seeing the Major. "Are you up for visitors, Major?"

"Yes. Of course, Colonel," she said, smiling back at him. Then she got up from the sofa and hugged him.

"You didn't have to get up. You sit back down," he said, holding her hands and helping her sit back down on the sofa. "It's so good to see you. How are you?"

"I'm fine, Sir," she answered. "It's good to see you, too."

"Looks like congratulations are in order," he said, referring to Brianna's condition. "I think Ian's a good name if it's a boy," he teased.

"We'll keep that in mind, Sir."

"Would you like a drink, Colonel?" asked Cassie.

"Sure. I'll have whatever everyone else is having," he answered, taking a seat on the sofa next to Brianna.

Cassie picked up the empty champagne glass and practically empty champagne bottle, left by Vanita, and headed for the kitchen to get drinks for everyone.

Suzie followed Cassie out to the kitchen to help. "You really screwed up this time, Cassie," said Suzie, as she gathered champagne glasses. "How could you be stupid enough to have that egg-fusion procedure with Julia?!"

"How the hell was I supposed to know it would take on the first try?" said Cassie, opening a fresh bottle of champagne and sparkling cider for her pregnant wife. "Only Julia would wanna do something like that before we even got married. And I had no intention of marrying her. So, I didn't think it mattered."

"The very idea of Julia and a baby! What were you thinking?!"

"Fuck you, Suzie! If I hadn't done what I did, Brianna would be stuck on that God forsaken planet forever! So, get off my ass!"

Cassie and Suzie returned from the kitchen with the drinks. Suzie was carrying champagne for the Colonel, Ryan, and herself. She served the Colonel and Ryan and took a seat in a chair next to Ryan, facing the sofa. Cassie handed Brianna a glass of sparkling cider and stood behind the group, staring out the observation window at the stars.

"We've really missed you around here, Major," said the Colonel. "Your rescue was quite a fascinating story. I look forward to hearing all about your survival for seven and a half months on that primitive plane, too. I bet that's quite a story."

"Yes it is, Sir," said Brianna.

For the next few minutes, Brianna entertained everyone with the story of her disappearance and rescue. All Cassie could do was stare out at the stars, drinking her glass of champagne - knowing that she was going to get the "how could you" and "why didn't you tell me" talk from Brianna as soon as everyone left. This could land me on the sofa for days - or weeks, she thought.

"I'll have your paperwork finished tomorrow, reinstating you, Major," said the Colonel.

"I'm looking forward to returning to duty, Sir," said Brianna.

"Take all the time you need for your pregnancy leave," said Colonel Smith, as he set his empty glass on the coffee table and stood up from the sofa. "I think I'll be going, now, and let you get settled in. If you need anything, I'm right next door."

"You've been more than generous, Sir. Thank you," said Brianna.

"Thanks for everything, Colonel," said Cassie.

"It's my pleasure. I'll see myself out," he said, exiting his guest suite.

"We should be going, too, Suzie," said Ryan. "Call me if you need anything, Brianna."

"I will," said Brianna. "But I'm really fine, Ryan."

"We'll see you guys tomorrow," said Suzie.

As soon as Ryan, Suzie, and Ryan, Jr. left, Brianna turned to Cassie, "Please tell me that bitch was lying about everything I just heard!" she yelled at Cassie.

"Now, Brianna, I can explain everything. You just need to stay calm," said Cassie.

"How can I remain calm after what I just heard? Were you engaged to Julia, or not!?"

"No, not really. I was just stringing her along - letting her think so – while I figured out the time machine."

"How could you let me be blind-sided by all of this?!"

"I was trying to explain everything the other day at the infirmary, but then you had the contraction."

"You could have told me about this situation yesterday!"

"I was afraid you might go into labor."

"Oh, but you weren't afraid how this would affect me, if I found out about it on my own?! I swear, Cassidy. You're logic - or lack thereof – is infuriating!"

"Brianna, please calm down. I'm afraid to talk to you about this even now."

"I'm not near as fragile as Ryan thinks I am. So tell me. Is it true about the baby?"

"When it comes to Julia – how would anyone know?" said Cassie, dodging the question - hoping and praying that Julia wasn't really pregnant.

"You know whether you had the procedure with her! Well did you, or not?!"

"Yes."

"I just can't believe this is happening," Brianna said, sighing and shaking her head. "How could you do such a thing?"

"Brianna, I'm sorry. I felt pressured into the engagement and the procedure. I was afraid if I didn't go along with whatever Julia wanted, she might put me out of the palace before I figured out the time machine."

"If that be the case, why didn't you just set a wedding date for sometime in the future and put her off about the procedure until after the wedding?"

"Well, I can see now that's what I should've done. I'm sorry. I screwed up. My focus was on finding you. I thought I had everything under control. Anyway, Julia could be bluffing about being pregnant. It took you several tries for the procedure to work."

"Just because I had complications conceiving \- that doesn't mean that she did!"

Oh shit! I shouldn't have said that, Cassie thought, knowing that she'd struck a nerve with that remark.

"How long ago did you do the procedure?"

"Just a few days ago. The day before I came over here and we went and found you. That must be when Julia had the insemination. If she's telling the truth, the procedure really did take in twenty-four hours.

"Who's the sperm donor?"

"Charlie."

"Cassidy, no!" Brianna closed her eyes and put her face in her hands.

"I'm sorry, Brianna. Only Julia would wanna have that procedure without being married first. And I wasn't about to marry her!"

Brianna raised her head and looked Cassie in the eyes. "Yes, you would have – if I had really been dead. She set a trap for you, and you walked right into it."

"Brianna, I've been through Hell to get you back. I don't wanna fight with you."

"I don't want to fight with you, either. Come here."

Cassie walked over to the sofa and sat down next to Brianna. "I'm sorry. I should've handled this better," Cassie said.

Brianna put her arms around Cassie and held her close. "Somehow we'll get through this. After all, you've already forgiven me and accepted my baby as ours - even though there's a very real possibility that it might not be."

"Brianna, there's nothing to forgive. You did what you had to do – just like I did. We're back together. That's all that matters to me."

"That's all that really matters to me, too."

"I love you, Brianna."

"I love you, too. But I can't discuss this situation concerning Julia any further right now. It's just too upsetting."

"And I don't wanna talk about that cave man – ever."

"All right."

"Do you wanna go lay down for a while?"

"No. I don't think I could sleep right now. I need to get my mind on something else. Let's go out to the kitchen and see what's there. You must be hungry. You haven't eaten anything."

"I'm OK."

"Coffee and champagne are not food."

"OK. I could eat something. Are you hungry?"

"No. Not yet. I just want to go check things out before the next big wave of hunger pains hits."

"OK." Cassie stood up from the sofa and held out a hand to Brianna, helping her up. Then they proceeded to the kitchen.

"Oh, no," said Brianna, as she entered the kitchen. "This is one of those computerized food preparers. I prefer cooking, myself. I find it relaxing."

"Relaxing is all you're supposed to be doing right now. You don't wanna eat my cooking, do you?"

"I see your point. Let's see what's programmed in here," said Brianna, as she brought up the menu screen and started scrolling through it. "Here's the breakfast menu. What would you like?"

Cassie looked at the menu and said, "The ham and egg croissant sounds good."

Brianna hit the select and start button on the computer, preparing Cassie's selection. "I'm not ready for another meal just yet. Is there any fruit?"

"Yeah. There's fruit and salad in the refrigerator. If you don't wanna go lay down, how 'bout we take some sparkling cider, champagne, and strawberries, and go soak in the hot tub?"

"I'd like that. You sit down and eat and I'll get everything together."

* * *

"Stop feeding me. I'm full," said Brianna half an hour later, as Cassie reached out to feed her another strawberry.

"I didn't think that was possible," teased Cassie.

Brianna reached out and pulled Cassie close to her, as the warm water from the jets swirled around them. "I missed you so much. My survival training didn't cover how to not miss you. I didn't think I'd ever see you again."

"I know the feeling. I missed you, too, Hon," Cassie said, holding her tight.

"As soon as I realized I was pregnant, I had to stop thinking about myself and focus on the baby. I considered the baby a miracle. And I hoped and prayed, every night, for one more miracle - that we'd be together again."

"Me, too."

After a few more minutes, they got out of the tub, dried off, and went to the bedroom for a nap. As soon as they got into bed, Cassie grabbed a bottle of lotion that was sitting on the nightstand and started rubbing lotion all over Brianna's bare stomach.

"What are you doing?"

"Suzie and Vanita used this stuff when they were pregnant. They say it keeps you from getting stretch marks."

"What are stretch marks?"

"Well, they're those marks you get - when your skin stretches."

"Oh. I think I know what you're referring to. It's an elasticity problem that Earthlings have. Thorrians don't have that problem. Our skin is different from yours."

"Oh. OK," said Cassie. Then she stopped rubbing the lotion on Brianna's stomach.

"Don't stop. I like it."

Lying in bed the next morning with her wife, after making love, Cassie said, "That was incredible. Would you like a cigarette, or will breakfast do?"

"I am starting to get hungry," answered Brianna, lying next to Cassie with her head on Cassie's chest. "I'm torn. I want to go out to the kitchen and eat. But at the same time, I don't want to get up. You're rack arouses me so," she said, fondling one of Cassie's breasts.

Cassie cracked up laughing.

"What's so funny?" asked Brianna, raising her head up and looking into Cassie's eyes.

"You imitating one of my slang expressions."

"Oh. Well, I'm afraid my hormones are so out of control, I may never let you put a shirt on again. At least, not until after I deliver."

"Well, OK. But I think I might get a little cold running around Star Base topless."

Brianna started laughing. "You better not!" Then she sat up, grabbed a pillow, and playfully flogged Cassie with it.

Cassie sat up and took the pillow from her. "You should never flog the tickle monster," she said tickling Brianna's ribs.

Brianna couldn't help but laugh, being extremely ticklish. "Stop that!" she said. Finally, she had to grab Cassie's hands and hold them behind Cassie's back to make her stop. "I forget," she said, deep in thought. "What's that funny Earthling expression you use to describe sexual arousal?"

"Horny?"

"Yes. 'Horny.' Huh. I still don't get that one. But, anyway, your rack makes me very horny."

Cassie cracked up laughing, again, as Brianna released her hands. "Well, your rack makes me horny, too." Cassie pulled Brianna back down on the bed and started fondling and kissing Brianna's breasts.

"I'm sorry," Brianna said, pulling away from her and getting out of bed. "I'm afraid hunger is going to win out over more fondling at the moment. Let's go eat breakfast."

"OK." said Cassie, as they got up, grabbed a couple of robes, and headed out to the kitchen.

"This isn't bad for computerized food," said Brianna, finishing off a plate of Eggs Benedict.

"No. It's not bad at all," said Cassie, eating her selection of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.

The computerized food was actually quite good. Julia had brought one of her chefs to Star Base to program the computer, and stock it with the finest of foods, since Colonel Smith had given her carte blanche to use the place.

"I'm still hungry," said Brianna. She got up from the table and selected a second meal of more of the same – which only took about a minute for the computer to prepare.

The next morning, when Brianna woke up, she noticed that Cassie wasn't in bed with her. So she got up, put on a robe, and headed for the kitchen, expecting to find her there. As she entered the living room, she was startled to find Suzie there, sitting on the sofa reading a book. "Suzie. Hello," said Brianna.

"Good morning, Brianna," said Suzie.

"Where is Cassidy?"

"At the gym," Suzie answered, setting her book on the coffee table. "She asked me to stay with you, until she gets back from her workout. She likes to stay in shape, you know. And us girls and Rocko start playing again at The Officer's Club and Bobu's next week."

"I'm happy to get to spend this time with you, Suzie. However, Cassidy doesn't need to have someone stay with me. She's having a hard time grasping that I'm pregnant, not sick or injured."

"She's just concerned because you had that contraction, Brianna. Are you hungry? Can I fix you some breakfast?"

"No, thank you. I can do it myself. The kitchen is computerized." answered Brianna, heading for the kitchen, followed by Suzie. "Would you like something to eat?"

"No, thank you. I've already had breakfast. After you're done eating, I can do your hair and nails. I brought my scissors and nail kit."

"That would be wonderful, Suzie. It's been so long."

Brianna made her selection on the computer, sat down at the table, and started eating. After Brianna had eaten two breakfast portions of Crab Cake Benedict, Suzie began working on her nails.

"Brianna, do you want to talk about the man you were living with on that planet?" asked a curious Suzie.

"Yes, I would. Actually, you're the only person I can talk to about that. Cassidy refuses to talk to me about him."

"Well, tell me about him, Brianna."

"His name was Ro. He was primitive, yet very handsome - and very sweet and gentle."

"Did you love him?"

"I grew to love him as a friend. But I wasn't in love with him, like I am with Cassidy. When I escaped from that bomb shelter and discovered that primitive tribe, I feared they would kill me because I was different. The men circled me like I was a piece of meat. I was extremely frightened. Then Ro appeared and pushed them away from me and made them leave me alone. Then he took me to his cave."

"Did he force himself on you, Brianna?"

"No. As I told Cassidy, I gave myself to him, willingly, in exchange for his protection. Without his protection, I don't know what the other men would have done to me."

"What did you do for seven and a half months? What did you wear? How did you communicate with those people?"

"I had to learn their language. Ro taught me. One woman finally warmed up to me and taught me how to weave and make my own clothes."

"That sounds like a lot of work."

"Yes, it was." Brianna continued explaining the daily routine of the natives she had lived among, while Suzie manicured her nails.

When finished with Brianna's fingernails, Suzie said, "OK. I'm done with your nails. Let's do your hair, now." Suzie put a barber's cape on Brianna and started working with her hair.

Admiring her nails, Brianna said, "Thank you, Suzie. They look very nice."

"You're welcome. So Brianna, how did Ro react when Cassie, Ryan, and Jason showed up? And what you tell him when you left?"

"He came to my rescue, with a spear, as soon as he saw Cassidy, Ryan, and Jason. When I told him I was going home, he became angry. Then Cassidy offered him a flashlight, in exchange for me, and he took it. We transferred to the shuttle before he had a chance to change his mind."

"Yeah. You know how men are. They've got to have their gadgets. So, what did you eat?"

"Mainly fruits and vegetables that grew wild there. Unfortunately, I had to eat meat too. Ro was an excellent fisherman and hunter. It would have been an insult, if I had refused to eat what he provided. I sort of developed a taste for fish and fowl while I was there."

"It's good thing you did, Brianna. An Earthling baby needs some protein."

"The baby may not be part Earthling, Suzie."

"I'm sorry, Brianna," said Suzie, realizing she had put her foot in her mouth – again - on that subject. "Don't give up hope. It could still be yours and Cassie's baby."

"I know. But if it isn't, I don't ever want to know. I don't think I could bear it if this baby isn't mine and Cassidy's - and Julia's baby is part Cassidy's. I hope that bitch is lying about being pregnant – or miscarries – or dies. I hate that bitch!"

I've got to change the subject quick. "I can't believe that Cassie went down to the gym, after she had that fight with Sonya."

"What fight with Sonya?" Brianna asked, in a panic, with a concerned look on her face. "Is Cassidy all right?"

"Yes, Brianna. Cassie's fine. She didn't tell you about that?"

"No, she didn't. When did this happen? And what were they fighting about?"

"They were fighting over you. It happened the night you got home. That was the noise we heard out in the hallway, at the infirmary – just outside your room."

"That's not the story I got from Cassidy!" said Brianna, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "I don't want Cassidy fighting for any reason. She's had a serious head injury. I don't think I could deal with another memory loss, right now."

"I'm sorry, Brianna. I shouldn't have said anything. I thought you knew. I was just trying to change the subject."

"Cassidy against Sonya? I can't believe that Cassidy wasn't seriously injured."

"Cassie's fine. But Ryan said Cassie broke Sonya's shin when she kicked her. And Sonya's walking around Star Base with her leg in a brace."

"Bye, Sonya," said Cassie, as she headed out of the gym after her workout. Cassie was thinking that if she didn't show any fear, Sonya might back off and leave her alone. "See you later."

"Just keep talking, Earthling. Don't let fear and common sense stop you. My brace comes off tomorrow. When it does, there will be no place for you to run - or to hide - on Star Base."

Cassie's bluff wasn't working.

A few minutes later, Cassie entered the Colonel's guest suite. She was dressed in spandex workout attire and was all hot and sweaty from her workout. "Wow! Nice job, Sis," said Cassie, referring to Brianna's haircut and nails, as she entered the kitchen. "You sure are pretty," she said to Brianna, as she leaned in and kissed her. "I'm gonna go shower."

"All right," said Brianna, as Cassie exited. "Excuse me for a few minutes, Suzie. I need to make a call and speak to my wife, in private."

"That's OK, Brianna. I need to get going, anyway," said Suzie. "I'll see you later." Then Suzie gathered her beauty supplies and left.

While Cassie was showering, Brianna contacted Sonya and got her to agree to a truce between herself and Cassie. When Brianna entered the bathroom to tell Cassie about the truce, she was just getting out of the shower. "Cassidy, no more fighting with Sonya," said Brianna.

"Fighting with Sonya?" asked Cassie, as she wrapped up in a big towel, pretending not to know what Brianna was talking about.

"I know about the fight you had with Sonya at the infirmary. She has agreed to a truce. You say nothing to her. And she says nothing to you. Understood?"

"Yeah. But she started it."

"She says you threw the first punch. But that doesn't matter. I don't want you fighting with Sonya, or anyone else - I don't care what the reason - because of your head injury."

"I'm fine," said Cassie, approaching Brianna and trying to get a hug.

Brianna reached out and put a hand on Cassie's chest, holding her back. "No fighting, Cassidy. I mean it."

"OK."

"And please stop trying to protect me by keeping things from me because I'm pregnant!"

"OK! OK! Don't get excited."

"Promise me – you will completely avoid Sonya."

"OK, I promise."

"What was the fight about? Sonya wouldn't say when I asked her."

"She threatened to tell you about me living at the palace with Julia – before I'd had a chance to explain to you why I was really over there."

"Oh, I see."

"She just wants to break us up, so she can have you. I hate that bitch."

"I'm your wife. I love you very much. I would never let another woman come between us." Brianna wrapped her arms around Cassie and looked into her eyes. "All right?"

"OK," Cassie answered, holding her close. "Oh, by the way, I have a surprise for you."

"What?"

"I invited Adrianna and Anton for dinner, tonight. They'll be here around seven."

"What a nice surprise. I can't wait to see them. I guess I better start preparing for their visit. I wish you'd given me more notice."

"Relax. The Officer's Club will deliver dinner at eight. I've already taken care of that. I just need to go to Bobu's later and get some wine."

Brianna let go of Cassie and grabbed her stomach. "Oh!" she said.

"Oh, no!" said Cassie, in a panic, thinking the worst. "Just stay calm. I'll get Ryan. Just let me get some clothes on! Nobody panic!" she said, dropping her towel and running around the bathroom, freaking out, trying to get dressed. "Shit!" she said, banging her knee against a bathroom cabinet, as she jumped around pulling up her jeans.

"Cassidy!" said Brianna, laughing at her. "Everything's fine. The baby kicked. Apparently, this is a very healthy and active baby."

"Oh," said Cassie, breathing a sigh of relief.

"On second thought, maybe we should get Ryan to treat you for panic attacks. I hope you're not going to react this way every time the baby moves until I deliver."

After lunch, Brianna and Cassie went for a short walk and then retired to the master bathroom for an afternoon soak in the hot tub. It had become a daily ritual, since neither of them was working for the time being.

Relaxing in the hot tub, Brianna said, "Do you want a boy or a girl?"

"It doesn't really matter to me. But my intuition says it's a boy," Cassie answered. "Did Ryan do a test to see if it's a boy or a girl?"

"No. I want to be surprised. And I really don't have a preference, either. It could be a boy or a girl. So, we should think about names for both. I have a book with about a hundred names in it. But so far, I haven't found a name I truly like."

"Maybe you're trying too hard. We've got a month and a half to think about it."

"I'm ready to have this baby, right now. I'm tired of being fat."

"You're not fat. You're pregnant. Surely you didn't think you could have a baby and not get a belly on you. The baby has to be somewhere, Brianna."

"I know. I just don't want to be unattractive to you."

"I think you're as pretty as the day I married you," Cassie said, wrapping her arms around Brianna's waist and pulling her close.

Brianna smiled and put her arms around Cassie neck. "You think so?"

"Yeah. It's amazing. The only place you've gained any weight is in your stomach – and that's not that big – especially considering the way you've been eating. I don't know where you've been putting it."

"I know. I've never been this ravenous before."

"You should've seen Suzie and Vanita, right before they delivered. They both got big butts. If you'd told them to haul ass, it would've taken five trips."

"You're terrible," said Brianna, laughing.

"After they delivered, Jason and Ryan made them start going to the gym - to get back in shape. Suzie and Vanita have always been thin. So they'd never worked out before. Hell, the only exercise Suzie's ever had is running her mouth and jumping to conclusions. I only made the mistake of going down to the gym with them, once. They bitched and complained the whole time."

By that time, Brianna was wiping tears from her eyes she was laughing so hard. "I really missed your sense of humor while I was away."

"You've always worked out, Hon. Don't worry about it. You'll get your figure back in no time after you have the baby."

After their bath, Brianna took a nap while Cassie ran errands in preparation for their evening with Adrianna and Anton.

* * *

Cassie was sitting at the bar, waiting for her wine order, when Bebo emerged from the back room behind the bar. He was dressed in a black and white polka-dot dress, accessorized with a pearl necklace, pearl earrings, and black pumps.

"Here's your wine and champagne, Cassie," Bebo said, setting a box on the bar in front of her.

"Thanks, Bebo," she responded.

In the meantime, Charlie had entered the bar with a box of cigars and was handing them out to everyone in his path, as he made his way to the bar. "Hey, everybody, what a beautiful day to be alive," he said, setting the box of cigars on the bar and taking a seat next to Cassie.

"Hi, Charlie," said Bebo.

"Hey, Bebo. Have a cigar," said Charlie, handing him one. "Hey, Cassie."

"Hey, Charlie," Cassie answered, ignoring Charlie as she checked out the box of wine and champagne she had ordered. Julia must have sent Charlie over here to talk to me. As Cassie pulled Lucre out of her jeans pocket for the wine, she thought, Now wait a minute. Did Charlie say cigar? Then she noticed the box of cigars sitting on the bar in front of him.

"These are really expensive Tyrian Specials," said Bebo. "Thanks, Charlie."

"You're welcome. Hey, Bobu," Charlie said, as Bobu approached from the other end of the bar. "Here. Have a cigar."

"Thanks, Charlie," Bobu said, taking a cigar from Charlie. "What are we celebrating?"

"Me and Cassie and Julia are having a baby," Charlie said with a big smile.

"What the fuck?" Cassie said to Charlie.

Bebo and Bobu just looked at each other with shocked looks on their furry faces and then back at Cassie and Charlie.

"Don't tell people that, Charlie!" Cassie yelled at him.

"Really, Charlie. That's a terrible joke. The Major and Cassie are expecting," said Bebo, as he grabbed his drink tray and came out from behind the bar.

Bobu started laughing. "You really had me going there for a second, Charlie."

"No. It's true," said Charlie.

"Yeah, right. That's a good one," Bobu said, heading to the other end of the bar to take a drink order.

"Charlie, don't you dare tell anyone else that!" yelled Cassie.

"Why not? It's true," said Charlie. "You should be happy about it. We're gonna be a family. Julia's got her lawyers working on your divorce."

"She what?! She has no right to do that. I'm not getting a divorce. I should have never had anything to do with that woman," she said, referring to Julia. Then she said, very sarcastically, "I would've been better off dating men!"

"Take it from me, Cassie. There's no relief there," said Bebo, as he walked past her and Charlie, heading to a nearby table to take a drink order.

When Cassie arrived back home with the wine and champagne, Brianna was in the living/dining area setting the table for dinner. She had put on her make-up and was dressed in an attractive maternity dress.

Noticing how pretty Brianna looked, Cassie said, "Hey, Darlin'. You wanna get lucky tonight?"

"Sure," said Brianna, smiling at her wife. "I'll look forward to it."

"You look so nice, maybe I should go change," Cassie said, referring to the jeans and sweater she was wearing.

"No. You're fine. I'm sure Adrianna and Anton will be dressed casual. Jeans just aren't an option for me at the moment."

"Well, you know how Suzie and Vanita like to shop. I bet they could get you some maternity jeans, if you want."

"I don't want to ask them to do that. They have children to take care of."

"They don't mind. They live to shop. Anyway, they have plenty of time since they've found a baby sitter they really like. I think they're going to hire her as a full-time nanny, once we start touring again. Maybe you should meet her."

"I don't think so. Like I said before, I want to take care of the baby myself."

At 7:00 p.m., Adrianna and Anton arrived for their visit. Brianna and Cassie welcomed them both with big hugs.

"Welcome back from the dead, Brianna. It's so good to see you," said Anton.

"It's good to see you, too, Anton," said Brianna.

"I'll get drinks," said Cassie, heading for the kitchen.

"Let me give you a hand," said Anton, following her as the twins headed for the living room.

"What'll you and Adrianna have, Anton? Brianna had me get you guys' favorite wine. We have champagne, too."

"I think champagne is in order. We'll have wine later with dinner."

"OK," said Cassie. She grabbed a couple of bottles from a chiller.

"What can I do to help?"

"Glasses in that cabinet," pointed Cassie, as she popped the cork on a bottle of champagne.

Anton took wine and champagne glasses from the cabinet and set them on the kitchen counter. "What will Brianna have?"

"I got sparkling cider here for little momma," said Cassie, as she started opening a bottle of sparkling cider.

Back out in the living room, Adrianna and Brianna were sitting on the sofa talking. The twins stopped talking the minute Cassie and Anton entered the living room with the drinks.

"Are your ears burning, Anton? They must've been talking about us. Notice how they clammed up the minute we walked in here? Are we in trouble?" teased Cassie, as Anton started to laugh. "Cheer up, Anton. I worry about you."

"No. You're not in trouble," answered Brianna, smiling at Cassie. "Adrianna has something for us. Come and sit next to me."

Cassie and Anton set the drinks on the coffee table. Then Adrianna got up from the sofa, and she and Anton sat in the chairs across from the sofa. As Cassie took a seat next to Brianna, Adrianna handed Brianna a small jewelry box containing two gold wedding bands blessed by the High Priestess of Thorr. Brianna removed one gold band and placed it on Cassie's ring finger on her left hand. Cassie took the other ring and placed it on Brianna's ring finger on her left hand. Then they sealed their reunion with a kiss.

"A toast: To Brianna and Cassie," said Anton, as they took their drinks and clinked glasses.

"Welcome back to the Royal Family, Cassie," said Adrianna.

Around 8:00 p.m. the door sensor sounded, announcing the arrival of the caterer from The Officer's Club.

"Anybody hungry, yet?" asked Cassie, going to let the caterer in.

"You know I am. I've never been so hungry in all my life," answered Brianna.

As the group ate dinner, Cassie and Brianna entertained Adrianna and Anton with stories of Brianna's rescue.

"Anton, I understand that you were presumed missing while I was away," said Brianna.

"Actually, it was just miscommunication and bad weather," said Anton. "I was never in any real danger. I was just unable to contact Adrianna for a time, because communications had been knocked out."

"I was scared to death," said Adrianna. "I don't know what I would have done without Cassie that night. She stayed with me, until I got word that Anton was all right."

"I appreciate you and Anton staying in touch with Cassidy, while I was away," Brianna said to her sister.

"It was our pleasure," said Anton, "except for the fact that I've yet to win a billiards game against her."

Gazing at Cassie, Adrianna thought, I wonder if Cassie has told Brianna about Danielle.

Around 11:00 p.m., Adrianna noticed that Brianna was starting to get tired. "I think we should be going." They said their good-byes and Adrianna and Anton took their shuttle back to the palace on Thorr.

Brianna started to yawn, as she got into bed. "You're going to get lucky in the morning. I'm very tired."

"That's OK, Hon," said Cassie, getting into bed and snuggling next to her. I'm already the luckiest bitch in the universe to be married to her.

A few days later, Rocko joined Brianna and Cassie for breakfast.

After they were finished eating, Cassie said, "Well, Rocko. I guess we better get going to The Officer's Club for rehearsal."

Brianna whispered in Cassie's ear, as she walked her to the door. "You'll be home for lunch and our afternoon soak in the hot tub, won't you?"

"Absolutely," answered Cassie. Then she kissed her wife bye and exited with Rocko.

Finally, The Rockets, consisting of Cassie, Vanita, Suzie, and Rocko were about to play their Wednesday happy hour gig at The Officer's Club.

"You can't go," said Brianna, holding onto Cassie as she was about to leave for work. "You look too sexy. You might replace me with some skinny woman."

"I don't think so," said Cassie, laughing. Cassie was dressed in a black mini skirt, black fish-net hose, a white sleeveless vest with no bra (showing lots of cleavage), and black boots with three-inch heels. "Why don't you come with me?"

"I'm too fat to go out in public."

"Brianna, you're not fat. You're pregnant. Come on. Go with me. It'll be fun - just like old times."

"I don't know," Brianna said, waffling. She wanted to go with Cassie but, at the same time she didn't - because of her condition.

"The other night when Adrianna and Anton were here, and you were sitting across from me at dinner - you looked so pretty. Sitting at the table, you couldn't even tell you were pregnant."

"You're quite a charmer when you want something."

"You really should get out some, or you'll get cabin fever."

"What makes you think I'll get a fever? I'm pregnant, not ill."

"That's just an expression."

"Oh."

"Anyway, you're gonna domino in a few weeks. Then you'll be thin again."

"What? Domino? I don't understand."

"Slang expression - means have a baby."

"I speak every known language in the universe, fluently. I even learned a new one while I was on that primitive planet. But sometimes I have no idea what you're saying to me."

* * *

"Cassie, where's Brianna? Why didn't you get her to come with you?" asked Suzie.

"I tried. She didn't wanna come. She thinks she's too fat to go out in public," answered Cassie.

Shaking her head, Vanita said, "That girl doesn't know what fat is - even pregnant! She barely even has a belly on her."

"I know," said Cassie. "I tried to talk her into coming with me. I think she's staying home too much."

"She's a pregnant Thorrian woman," said Ryan. "You need to be aware that her behavior will be a bit odd from now on, until she delivers. Don't be surprised if she's irrational and moody the closer she gets to delivery. Sometimes she won't make any sense at all. Her hormones will be much more intense than a pregnant Earthling woman.

"As her doctor, I think she should get out some. Was she resting when you left, Cassie?"

"No. She'd just got up from a nap and ate dinner," Cassie answered.

"In that case, I think I'll go see if I can talk her into coming down here."

"OK. Good luck," said Cassie, as Ryan got up from the table and exited.

The Rockets played their entire first set, took a break, and were just about to start the final set when Ryan entered The Officer's Club with Brianna. Brianna didn't want to sit down front, as she and Ryan and Jason usually did, because of her condition. So, Jason got a group of people sitting at another table, a little further back, to switch with them.

Cassie was making a tuning adjustment on her guitar when she looked up and noticed that Brianna was in the audience. A group of women at a table in front of Brianna, Ryan, and Jason were chanting, "Blues, blues, blues."

"What do you want, girls?" Cassie asked, over her microphone.

"You," yelled one of the women.

"I'm taken," said Cassie. "What would you like to hear?"

"Star Jam Blues," yelled another woman.

The Rockets played "Star Jam Blues," featuring Cassie on blues guitar. After the song ended, the crowd went wild, cheering. When the crowd finally calmed down, the band continued playing their planned set.

Three songs later, a waitress handed Suzie a request written on a cocktail napkin, and pointed towards the back of the club in the direction of where Brianna, Jason, and Ryan were sitting. Cassie and the band assumed Brianna had made the request and immediately broke into, "Come Be My Lover." Cassie was singing the song to Brianna, thinking that her wife had requested it. Then, much to Cassie's surprise, Major Mia Stone walked from the back of the club - right past Brianna, Jason, and Ryan and out onto the dance floor. Mia, dressed in full uniform, proceeded to do a seductive strip tease for Cassie, as Cassie sang the song. Mia had never gotten over Cassie. She was the one who had requested the song, and she was drunk enough to believe that Cassie was singing it to her. Everyone that had been dancing stopped and watched, as Mia completely undressed, throwing her clothes up onto the stage at Cassie.

The song wasn't even half over when Vanita's quick thinking caused the song to come to an abrupt ending. "Thank you and good-night. We'll see you next Wednesday," Vanita said to the audience. She said to Cassie, "You go out the backstage exit and come back in through the front. I'll run interference," she said, gathering Mia's clothes from the stage.

"OK, thanks" said Cassie, as she headed for the backstage exit.

Vanita climbed down from the stage with Mia's clothes, took Mia by the arm, and dragged her backstage so she could get dressed. "Girlfriend," Vanita said to Mia, "Cassie's pregnant wife is in that audience. You're making an ass of yourself! Get dressed and get your drunk ass home!"

Back at the table, Ryan and Jason had to physically stop Brianna from going after Mia.

"Brianna, you just need to take a couple of deep breaths," said Ryan, pulling her chair out and helping her sit back down.

Brianna noticed that Cassie had exited into the backstage area, and that Vanita had taken Mia backstage too. Brianna said, as Suzie approached the table and took a seat next to her. "Suzie, what the hell is going on?"

"Cassie dated Mia, for a short time, while you were away. It was during Cassie's heavy drinking stage – when we all thought you were dead," said Suzie, trying to explain the situation. "Me and Vanita kind of thought Mia encouraged Cassie to drink. She wanted Cassie to marry her. Then Cassie broke up with her."

"Mia got Cassidy drunk and took advantage of her?"

"Well, Cassie was already drinking a lot on her own. But, yeah, that's what it looked like to me and Vanita. But it's been over for a long time."

Cassie entered the club through the front door and approached the table. "I'm sorry about that, Brianna," she said, taking an empty seat on the other side of her. "I thought you requested that song. I had no idea Mia requested it."

"How dare she behave that way towards you?" said Brianna.

"Well, we dated for a short time – when I thought you were dead..."

"I heard!" snapped Brianna, interrupting her. "I had to find out about that from your sister!"

"Brianna, it didn't mean anything - and Mia's really drunk. Just ignore her."

"Ignore her? How could I ignore such an indecent exhibition directed at my wife?"

"Brianna, please keep your voice down," pleaded Cassie, as people at surrounding tables listened and stared.

In a jealous rage, her hormones running amuck, Brianna yelled, "I'll get rid of that bitch, for good!"

"Let's go home," Cassie said, taking Brianna by the hand and leading her out of the club.

# CHAPTER 22 – FLASH

Cassie was expecting to have a big fight with Brianna, over Mia, as soon as they got home from The Officer's Club.

As they entered the Colonel's guest suite and closed the door, Brianna said, "Cassidy, I'm sorry I snapped at you back at the club." Then she put her arms around Cassie's neck and hugged her.

I can't believe she's being so calm about this. "That's OK, Hon," Cassie said, holding her. This must be some of the irrational behavior that Ryan was talking about. "I don't blame you for yelling at me. I should've told you about me dating Mia. But, I swear, it didn't mean anything. It was at a time I thought you were dead, and I was drinking a lot of hard liquor. I didn't care about Mia or anything or anybody. All I wanted to do was get drunk, to stop the hurting, because I missed you so bad. I barely remember dating her. Then she wanted to get married. That sobered me up, and I broke up with her."

"Suzie explained how she would encourage you to drink. I thought she was my friend. I will never forgive her for that."

"Mia is your friend. We both thought you were dead at the time we were dating."

"Don't make excuses for her. She got you drunk and took advantage of you. I believe you – that it didn't mean anything - like my relationship with Ro."

Cassie cringed at the mention of him. "You know I don't wanna talk about that."

"All right. Let's just put this behind us. After all, it's not like you had a loving, caring relationship with her – so soon after I was missing. That would be hard for me to take."

Oh, shit. What if Brianna finds out about Danielle?

When Cassie got home from rehearsal the next day, around lunchtime, Brianna was on a communication. "Thank you so much for taking care of this right away... Next Tuesday would be perfect... Thank you... I love you, too. Hope to see you soon. Good-bye," said Brianna.

Hearing the last bit of the communication from Brianna's side, Cassie asked. "Who were you talking to?"

"Adrianna," said Brianna.

"Oh. You ready to eat lunch?"

"I've already eaten once. I was waiting on you to eat again."

"Well, you are eating for two these days."

They made their food selections on the computer, sat down at the kitchen table, and started eating.

"I have a surprise for you," said Brianna.

"What?" asked Cassie.

"We'll be moving back into my old quarters next Tuesday."

"What?" said Cassie, almost choking on her food. "How are we gonna do that? Mia lives there."

"Not for long. She'll be moving out this weekend."

"Brianna, what have you done? Mia was just drunk last night. You didn't get her court-martialed, or anything like that, did you?"

"No. Adrianna offered her the position of Ambassador of Thorr to Pirogue."

"Well, what if she doesn't accept?"

"She already has. That's what Adrianna called to tell me. It was an offer too good for Mia to refuse. If she had chosen to stay here on Star Base after the exhibition she put on last night at The Officer's Club, she would've been facing a suspension and a demotion back to Lieutenant."

"Well, it sounds to me like Mia's being railroaded right out of her home."

"On the contrary, I know first-hand that becoming a Thorrian Ambassador has always been one of Mia's career goals."

"So, you got her a promotion to get rid of her?"

"I guess you could put it that way. Either she had to leave Star Base, or we had to. I don't think I could've looked at her in an unbiased, professional manner, ever again, after the way she behaved towards you last night. And me being her superior officer would've been very uncomfortable, to say the least."

"All right, then. I'll start getting us packed and ready to move."

Then Brianna received another communication. "This is Major Thorr... What is the location number and the entry code to that unit?" she asked, writing down information on a notepad that was lying on the kitchen table. "Thank you for your assistance." Ending the communication, she turned to Cassie, "I've arranged for Rocko to have a staff quarters close by to us. He can start moving from Vanita's old quarters right away."

"OK. I'll let him know."

* * *

Suzie and Vanita dropped the kids off to their baby sitter and headed to Brianna's quarters to assist with the move. In the meantime, Jason had transferred all of Brianna's and Cassie's things from the Colonel's guest suite to the Major's old quarters. Brianna had ordered all new furniture (including a new bed), towels, linens, and kitchenware. Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were opening all the boxes of new household items in the dining room, while Jason and Ryan arranged the furniture in the living room.

"Oh no!" said Brianna, from out in the kitchen. "There's a problem in here."

"Brianna? What's wrong?" yelled Cassie, as she stopped unpacking a box of towels and went running into the kitchen, thinking there was something wrong with the baby.

"My kitchen has been turned into one of those computerized units. This won't do. It will have to come out," Brianna said, as she started to dismantle the heavy unit in order to remove it from the wall.

"Brianna, no!" said Cassie, taking her wife by the arm and pulling her away from the kitchen unit. "We'll have the kitchen redone after you have the baby. But right now, your job is to plant your ass on the sofa and tell us where to put all this stuff." Cassie took Brianna by the hand, led her to the living room, and made her do just that.

Brianna strategically watched, as Jason and Ryan left the living room and headed for the guest room to set up the nursery. As soon as Cassie wasn't watching, Brianna got up from the sofa and started rearranging the living room furniture.

Cassie just happened to look up from a box she was unpacking and noticed that Brianna had picked up a chair. "Brianna! Put that down! We're never gonna get this done," said Cassie, rushing over to her and making her set the chair down, "if I have to stop you from picking something up every five minutes."

"Your concern is very sweet," yet annoying, she thought," but these things aren't heavy to me," said Brianna.

"Please, just humor me on this," said Cassie. "We've already lost one baby. I don't want you to take any chances with this one."

"All right," said Brianna, taking a seat on the sofa and picking up the book with all the baby names in it. I'll just wait until she goes to work, before I do any more re-arranging.

"These boxes are all dishes, pots and pans, and kitchen appliances," said Suzie, organizing the boxes of items according to which room they needed to go to.

"Cassie, me and Suzie can unload all this kitchen stuff into the cabinets, while you finish with the sheets, towels, and bathroom stuff," suggested Vanita.

"Good idea," said Cassie. "That should speed this along."

Brianna set her book aside and got up from the sofa. "I'll need to help with the kitchen items, or I won't be able to find anything."

"OK," Cassie said to Brianna, "but only if you sit at the kitchen table and direct them."

"All right."

"Come on, Brianna," said Suzie. "You can tell us where to put what." Suzie and Vanita grabbed a couple of boxes and headed into the kitchen, followed by Brianna.

As soon as all the boxes were unpacked and the furniture was arranged, Jason, Vanita, Suzie, and Ryan headed home. Brianna and Cassie went into the kitchen to check out the computerized food preparer. Everything they tried was disappointing in comparison to the food preparer in the Colonel's guest suite. So Cassie had lunch delivered from the Star Base cafeteria - enough for three people.

"If you want, I'll go get dinner from the food preparer in the Colonel's guest suite – or pick something up from The Officer's Club," Cassie offered, as they ate their lunch.

"I hate for you to have to do that. But I really want everything to be perfect our first night home," said Brianna. "I know we really shouldn't – but would you mind getting our favorite dinner from the Colonel's guest suite – just one last time?"

"Consider it done."

The days quickly turned into weeks, as Brianna's due date got closer and closer. About this time, she reached her wild cravings stage. The pregnant Thorrian constantly craved a food item, fruit drink, or sex. Brianna would sleep while Cassie rehearsed, ran errands, and played her gigs on Star Base. For practically the rest of the time, Brianna would keep Cassie up. She would send Cassie out at all hours of the day and night for the food craving of the day – running Cassie ragged. And, on top of that, The Rockets' late night gig at Bobu's had been extended to Friday and Saturday nights, gearing up for their upcoming concert tour.

The next Friday night, Cassie was about to leave for her gig at Bobu's. She and Brianna were standing in the entryway kissing goodnight. Brianna wasn't to accompany Cassie because Bobu's, late night, was a little rough for an expectant mother.

"I gotta go," said Cassie in-between kisses. "I'm running a little late."

All of a sudden, Brianna experienced one of her hormone rushes and her mood changed. "No!" yelled Brianna. "You can't go down there. Someone called about the equipment. It's a trap!"

"What? Nobody called about the equipment." Oh, boy. Here comes the irrational behavior, Cassie thought. "Brianna, you just need to calm down. It's just one of those Thorrian hormone rushes. It'll pass."

"I swear I won't let them hurt you. They'll have to kill me first!" screamed Brianna, as she became hysterical, grabbing Cassie and holding her so tightly around the waist that Cassie could barely breathe.

"Brianna, I can't breathe," said Cassie, gasping for air. "Brianna, you're hurting me."

"I'm sorry," she said, loosening her grip. "I would never hurt you intentionally. I love you so much."

"I know. I love you, too," said Cassie, taking a deep breath. Why is she reacting like this? Then it finally dawned on Cassie what might have set Brianna off. Could it be how I'm dressed? That's got to be it. Cassie was wearing a red, silk blouse and black jeans – very similar to what she wore the day she was abducted from Star Base and almost beaten to death aboard Geldorf's warship.

"You can't go," said Brianna, getting in-between Cassie and the door.

"OK. I'll stay home with you. Let's go into the bedroom so I can change." Cassie took Brianna by the hand and led her into the bedroom. Once they reached the bedroom and Cassie removed her red shirt and black jeans, Brianna's hormone rush passed. "I can't decide what to wear. Why don't you help me pick something out?"

"All right." Brianna selected a skirt, blouse, boots, and earrings and helped Cassie get dressed.

"Thanks, Hon," said Cassie.

"You're welcome. I'm tired. I'm going to bed. You go make music."

"OK." Cassie tucked Brianna into bed and kissed her goodnight. Then she met Rocko, who had been patiently waiting out in the hallway, and headed to Bobu's - about an hour late for their gig.

When Cassie and Rocko entered the backstage entrance to Bobu's, Suzie was all over Cassie about being late for gigs.

"Look! I couldn't help it. Brianna was totally off the wall," said Cassie.

"You could've called me on the communicator, Cassie," snapped Suzie. "I was just about to call you."

"Call and say what in front of her? 'Oh, excuse me - as soon as my wife gets through having a hormone meltdown, I'll be right there,'" said Cassie, sarcastically.

"Then why did you leave her?"

"Yeah, Cassie. We can cancel if you need to," said Vanita.

"She's fine, now," said Cassie. "She went to bed."

"Is there a problem?" asked Ryan, as he entered backstage.

"Brianna had a really bad hormone meltdown," said Cassie. "That's why I'm late. She thought I was gonna be abducted if I came down here."

"Well, the irrational behavior has begun. Food cravings will follow, and then you'll have a baby," said Ryan, smiling and laughing. "Hang in there."

"Hell, we've been having irrational behavior and food cravings for a while now," said a very tired and frustrated, Cassie.

"Her due date is just days away. It sounds like she could deliver at any time now."

Jason entered the backstage area. "The crowd is getting restless. Are you guys going to play, or not?"

"Yeah, Baby. Go tell Bobu to announce us. We're on our way out," answered Vanita, as the girls and Rocko prepared to go on.

Other than the late start, the Friday night gig at Bobu's went off without a hitch. The Rockets played an extra hour, until 3:00 a.m., to make up for the delay.

About 6:00 a.m., Brianna woke Cassie, wanting to make love.

"I'm really tired, Hon," said Cassie. "Check back with me after lunch, OK?"

"You just don't love me anymore because I'm fat!" yelled Brianna.

"Brianna, that's not true. I love you more than you'll ever know. And even more, if you'll just let me sleep for a couple of hours."

"Fine!" said Brianna, as she got out of bed, put on a robe, and headed for the living room.

At noon, Cassie got up and found Brianna resting on the living room sofa reading a book on childcare.

"Cassidy, I'm sorry I've been acting so strangely," Brianna said to her. "I'm usually in complete control, but I've never experienced anything like these hormone rushes before."

"That's OK, Hon," said Cassie, while thinking, God, please let her hurry up and have this baby, so I can have my sweet, rational wife back.

The next week, Cassie got even less sleep. Brianna's wild food cravings in the middle of the night accelerated. Either she wanted something to eat from the computerized food preparer in the Colonel's guest suite or a frozen fruit drink from Bobu's. Brianna had established a pattern of waking Cassie around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m., every morning, and sending her out for whatever the craving of the day was.

* * *

"Bobu, I'll take a glass of red wine and a frozen fruit drink, to go," said Cassie, taking a seat at the bar early the next Sunday morning.

"Coming right up," said Bobu.

Bebo walked up to the bar to place a drink order. He was dressed in a black after five dress, showing tons of chest fur. "Cassie. You back down here, already?"

"Yeah," Cassie answered. "It's 4:00 a.m. - time for the craving of the day."

"So a frozen fruit drink won out tonight, huh?"

"Yeah."

"You look exhausted."

"I am. I was really sleeping good when Brianna woke me up. I was hoping she would send me to the Colonel's guest suite. I could've gone in my robe and house shoes, over there \- it's so close by."

"Here you go," said Bobu, setting her glass of wine down on the bar in front of her.

"Thanks," said Cassie, sipping on the wine, as she watched Bobu cut up fresh fruit and put it into a blender, preparing Brianna's frozen fruit drink.

About that time, Suzie entered Bobu's. She was obviously irritated about something, as she approached Cassie at the bar.

Noticing the agitated look on Suzie's face, as she stood at the bar glaring at Cassie, Bebo said, "Well, gotta run. I need to go spritz my whiskers." Bebo hurriedly sashayed away, not wanting to be any part of this sibling confrontation.

"You should be ashamed of yourself - out drinking while your pregnant wife is at home alone!" snapped Suzie.

"You've got a family at home. Why are you out in the middle of the night lecturing me?" asked Cassie.

"I was at home, in bed asleep, when Brianna called. She sounded really upset. I asked her where you were, and she said you were down here. For crying out loud, Cassie. We were done playing two hours ago. Why don't you go home?!"

"I did go home!" yelled Cassie. "I was in bed asleep, too. Then Brianna woke me up and sent me out - in the middle of the night - for the fifth fucking night in a row - for the craving of the day!"

"Oh. I'm sorry, Cassie," said Suzie. "I guess she's having one of her 'hormone melt-downs', as you call them. She didn't make much sense - except that you were at Bobu's. You told me about these episodes. I guess I got to witness one first hand tonight."

"Hey, don't worry about it," said Cassie. "Go home. This is just a nightly thing these days. I can't wait till she has this baby and things get back to normal. I haven't had a good night's sleep in about two weeks."

That statement made Suzie crack up laughing. "If you think you're going to get a good night's sleep with a newborn baby, you are in for a rude awakening."

"Oh, man," said Cassie, closing her eyes and shaking her head. "What exactly did Brianna say when she called?"

"Well, like I said, she didn't make a much sense."

"I can believe that."

"She said you were at Bobu's - and something about dominos. So, I came down here to find you and ask Bobu if he had some dominos that I could borrow."

"What?" said Cassie, getting a look of panic on her face. "She said dominos?"

"Yeah. I think she's going to insist that someone play with her tonight. She just wouldn't let it go when she called."

"Brianna doesn't play dominos. She meant domino! Get Ryan! She's having the baby!" yelled Cassie, getting up from her barstool.

"Oh, no!" said Suzie, making the connection with the slang expression, 'domino.' "When are you gonna learn to speak English to her!" Suzie yelled at Cassie, as they went running out of Bobu's.

When Cassie got home, she found Brianna lying on the living room floor. Her water had broken. She was in labor.

"Cassidy, I'm going to domino," said Brianna.

"I know, Hon. Everything's under control. Ryan's on his way," said Cassie, sitting down on the floor with her, holding her head in her lap.

"I need you to be with me in the delivery room."

"Brianna, I wouldn't miss our baby being born for anything. Just relax. I'll be there with you the whole time."

"Promise?"

"Yeah, I promise."

A few minutes later, Ryan and a medical tech entered and transferred Brianna to the delivery room. Cassie, however, found herself transferred to the waiting room.

What the fuck am I doing in the waiting room? Cassie thought, noticing where she had assimilated. She went running out of the waiting room and down the hallway towards the delivery room. She could hear Brianna screaming her name all the way from the delivery room. When Cassie reached the delivery room entrance, it was locked. "This is bullshit! I demand to be with my wife in the delivery room!" yelled an angry Cassie. "Ryan! Open this goddamned door!" she yelled, beating on the door as hard as she could.

"Cassidy!" screamed Brianna from inside the delivery room.

"Brianna!" Cassie yelled, as she continued beating on the locked delivery room door.

A female nurse came running from a nearby nurse's station. "Ms. Jones! If you don't keep your voice down, and step away from the door, I'll have no choice but to call Security."

"That's a good idea. Go call Security. I bet Ortiz can open this goddamned door," said Cassie, as she continued to hear Brianna screaming her name from delivery room. "Ryan, you son-of-a-bitch! Let me in!" yelled Cassie, continuing to beat on the door.

About that time, Suzie and Vanita joined Cassie, just outside the delivery room.

"Cassie, how's she doing?" asked Suzie.

"I don't know! Your prick husband won't let me in there," answered a frustrated, Cassie. "Vanita, you got your pocketknife on you? I've seen Charlie override these computer panels before and open these doors."

"No, Cassie," answered Vanita. "I didn't think I'd need it."

"Ryan! Let me in!" yelled Cassie, as she started pounding on the delivery room door, again.

Security Officer Ortiz approached and pulled Cassie away from the door. "Cassie, please don't make me have to arrest you. The Major would never forgive me."

"I'll be quiet, Ortiz. Just open the door and let me in. I just wanna be with her," pleaded Cassie.

"That's completely up to Dr. Gerard," said Ortiz.

About that time, Ryan came out of the delivery room and into the hallway.

"What the hell's the matter with you, Ryan? Can't you hear her screaming my name? I demand be with her!" yelled Cassie.

"I strongly advise that you take a seat in the waiting room. Brianna is extremely irrational and out of control, right now," said Ryan. "She's Thorrian, not Earthling, Cassie. She's chosen natural childbirth instead of the comfort zone method. You're aware of her extraordinary strength. She could become violent due to the extreme hormone levels. We may have to restrain her."

"I don't care. I promised her I'd be with her, Ryan."

"All right. But don't say I didn't warn you. She's still in the early stages of labor. You girls go sit in the waiting room. I'll send for you, Cassie, when she gets down to her last few contractions. I need to get back to her," said Ryan, heading back into the delivery room.

"I'm not gonna go sit in the waiting room!" Cassie yelled, trying to barge into the delivery room, right behind Ryan.

Ortiz grabbed Cassie and held her back. "It's the waiting room or the brig, Cassie. It's your choice."

Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita had been in the waiting room for about two hours when a nurse entered. "Ms. Jones, you can come into the delivery room, now," he said.

"It's about time," said Cassie, as she went running to the delivery room.

Brianna was relatively calm and in-between contractions when Cassie entered the delivery room. "Cassidy, where have you been?" asked Brianna. "You promised you would be with me."

"Right outside the door, Hon. I've been here the whole time," answered Cassie, giving Ryan a dirty look.

Brianna was lying in what looked like an oversized recliner bed with her feet up in stirrups. Her face was flushed and her hair was wet from perspiration. Ryan and a nurse were at the end of the bed, getting ready for delivery. Cassie was standing at the head of the bed, on Brianna's right side, holding her hand.

Then the next rush of hormones overcame Brianna, starting her next contraction. She yelled at Cassie. "Why didn't you talk me out of this!" she screamed, in pain, as the contraction came full force. "If you loved me, you would've talked me out of this!" she yelled, as she squeezed Cassie's hand, almost to the point of breaking it.

"Ouch!" yelled Cassie, trying in vain to pull her hand away.

"Brianna, let go of Cassie's hand and push," instructed Dr. Gerard.

Finally, Brianna let go of Cassie and pushed. After about a minute, the contraction passed.

"I'm so sorry, Cassidy. Did I hurt you?" asked Brianna.

"No. I'm fine," Cassie answered, shaking her throbbing hand, trying to get circulation back in it. "Don't worry about it."

When the next contraction started, Brianna reached out and grabbed Cassie by the collar of her sweater - so tightly that she was choking her.

"Brianna, let go of Cassie and push," instructed Ryan.

"Julia better stay away from you, or I'll kill her!" yelled Brianna, in a wild, glassy-eyed, hormonal rage. "I hate that bitch! O-o-oh!" screamed Brianna.

About that time, Cassie started to turn blue from loss of oxygen.

"Brianna! Let go of Cassie and push," instructed Ryan.

Cassie fell to the floor, gasping for air, as Brianna let her go and started pushing. Finally, the contraction passed.

"Cassidy, where did you go?" asked Brianna, looking around for her.

"I'm right here," she answered, pulling herself up off of the floor by the bed frame.

As soon as Cassie stood up, Brianna started her final contraction.

"Julia and that bastard she's carrying can go straight to hell!" yelled Brianna, as she grabbed Cassie by the sweater, again, and slammed her head, repeatedly, up against the side of the bed. Then Brianna slammed Cassie's head into the bed frame giving her a shiner to her left eye.

"Brianna, let go of Cassie. The baby's coming... Major! Let go of Cassie," repeated Ryan, finally getting Brianna to release her grip on Cassie. "Don't push. The baby's coming... You have a baby boy."

"We have a boy," said Brianna, smiling at Cassie, "just like you predicted." Then she noticed that Cassie's eye was starting to swell. "Are you all right? I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I'm fine. It doesn't matter," said Cassie with a big smile. "We have a son."

About that time, a nurse handed Brianna her son. He had dark blue eyes and blond hair. Cassie could tell by the look on Brianna's face, that she was having doubts about the paternity of the baby.

"He's ours," said Cassie. "Trust me. I can tell. He probably just looks like the sperm donor instead of one of us."

Brianna was thinking that the baby's coloring was very similar to Ro's. "Do you really think so?"

"Yeah. I think we should name him Flash."

"Flash?" repeated Brianna.

"Yeah. After all, I did buy you two with a flashlight," teased Cassie. "Don't you remember?"

Brianna smiled and laughed. "Yes, I remember," she said, thinking about the name, as she held her son in her arms. "Flash... I like it."

"Cassie, come with me. Let's take care of that eye before it gets any more swollen," said Ryan.

Cassie left the Star Base infirmary headed for home around 9:00 a.m. She slept until 5:00 that afternoon and then joined Brianna in her private room around six. Flash was brought in about that time so he could be breast-fed. After Flash's feeding, Brianna burped him and then let Cassie hold him for the first time. Cassie immediately felt the connection to the child. She knew he was part hers. But convincing Brianna was another matter.

The next morning, Cassie got to the infirmary around 6:00. She was so excited about Flash, she couldn't stay away any longer. She found Brianna still asleep in her room, so she decided to go down to the nursery and see their son. When Cassie got to the nursery, however, Flash was screaming and wet and there were no nurses in sight. Being the youngest of her family, Cassie had never changed a baby before. But she was thinking it couldn't be that hard, since she'd seen Vanita and Suzie do it. So, Cassie rummaged around in cabinets until she found diapers. The first diaper she put on Flash fell off when she picked him up, because it was too big. "We're gonna have to fatten you up, Flash," said Cassie. Finally, she found the right size diaper and put it on him.

Since Cassie still hadn't seen any nurses, she decided to wrap Flash in a blanket and take him for a walk. When they got to the observation deck of the infirmary, Cassie pointed out the window at the two big, bright stars off in the distance. "That big bright star to the left is Thorr," she said to Flash, as she held him and pointed at Thorr. "That's where you're mommy's from." About that time Flash started to cry. "You must be hungry. Let's go wake up your mommy." When they entered Brianna's room, she was still asleep. "Wake up, little momma," said Cassie. "There's someone here to see you."

"Cassidy," said Brianna, as she started to stir and opened her eyes.

"I think Flash is hungry, Hon."

Noticing that Cassie was holding Flash, Brianna said with a big smile, "Give me my baby boy."

Cassie handed Flash to Brianna, so she could nurse him.

About 7:00 a.m., Ryan entered Brianna's room with an extremely worried look on his face. You would've thought he was about to have a stroke. "Brianna. Cassie," said Ryan. "I don't know how to tell you this. We've searched the entire Star Base Infirmary. Your baby is missing. I am so sorry. I've alerted Security."

"Flash isn't missing, Ryan. He's right here with me," said Brianna, as she pulled the covers down, exposing the baby lying on her chest.

"Oh, thank God," said Ryan, with a big sigh of relief. "Someone is going to get severely reprimanded for taking a baby from the nursery without proper notification. What was the name of the nurse that brought him in here?"

"Cassidy brought Flash to me," answered Brianna.

"What!? How dare you take a baby from the nursery and not tell anyone!" he yelled, glaring angrily at Cassie. "The nurses and I have practically torn this infirmary apart trying to find him!"

"Cassidy, tell someone next time," said Brianna.

"OK," said Cassie. "Sorry, Ryan."

"Sorry?" said Ryan. "What I want to know is how you were able to sneak a baby past the nurse on duty in the first place?"

"There weren't any nurses on duty when I got here this morning," said Cassie. "Flash was wet and hungry. So I changed him and brought him to his mother - that's all."

"What time was that?" asked Ryan.

"At 6:00 a.m."

Ryan motioned towards the door and for Cassie follow him out into the hallway. "I'm sorry I yelled at you Cassie," said Ryan, as he and Cassie stood out in the hallway just outside of Brianna's room. "A baby missing from the nursery – especially family. Well, it scared the bloody hell out of me."

"I understand," said Cassie. "If Flash had really been missing - I can't even bear to think how Brianna would've reacted."

"There must have been some sort of scheduling mix-up. The nursery is never to be left unattended. I assure you it won't happen again."

"You're damn right it won't. I'll have Rocko guard the nursery at night. And I'll guard it any time during the day that Brianna doesn't have Flash in the room with her."

"Cassie, that won't be necessary."

"I'll decide what's necessary for my son."

Cassie re-entered Brianna's room and sat down on the side of the bed next to her. "How are you feeling?" she asked, putting an arm around Brianna and kissing her.

"A little tired. But I've never been happier in my life," Brianna said, smiling at her wife and son.

A nurse brought breakfast trays for Brianna and Cassie, set them on a table next to the bed, and exited.

"Let me get that for you," said Cassie, getting up and putting Brianna's tray on her roll-out table where she could reach it. "You want me to hold Flash while you eat?"

"I can hold him and eat at the same time. He's light as a feather," Brianna said, getting Flash comfortably situated - lying in one of her arms. "You go ahead and eat while it's hot."

"OK," Cassie said, as she and Brianna ate breakfast and admired their son. After Cassie had finished her breakfast, she noticed that Brianna had only eaten about half of hers. "Are you alright, Hon? You didn't eat much."

"Yes, I'm fine. I just wasn't that hungry."

The door to Brianna's room opened and Rocko joined them.

"Hey, Rocko," said Cassie.

"Good morning, Rocko," said Brianna.

"Good morning," said Rocko.

Brianna pushed the roll-out tray aside, while holding Flash, and got out of bed. "Rocko, I'd like you to meet my son, Flash."

"It's nice to meet you, Flash," said Rocko, as he stared curiously at the baby.

"Rocko, sit down over there," said Brianna, motioning to the other chair at the table, across from where Cassie was sitting.

"OK, Brianna," Rocko said, as he took a seat.

"You and Flash need to get to know each other. Hold your arms like this," she said, looking at her arms.

As soon as Rocko held his arms out, Brianna placed Flash in them. "Don't be nervous, Rocko. Just always support his neck and head, like you're doing right now. Flash, this is your friend, Rocko."

All Rocko could do was grin from ear to ear - his big, white fangs glistening, as he held the tiny baby in his huge arms. Flash had a friend for life. A big, kick-ass friend.

A few minutes later, Adrianna and Anton entered.

Rocko got up and handed Flash back to Brianna.

"Flash, this is your Aunt Adrianna and your Uncle Anton," said Brianna.

"Hello, Flash," said Anton.

"He's just precious, Brianna," said Adrianna. "Can I hold him?"

"Sure," she said handing Flash to his aunt.

About that time, Vanita and Simone and Suzie and Ryan, Jr. joined the family gathering.

"You guys want anything to drink?" asked Cassie. "I'm going for coffee."

"I'm fine," said Brianna.

"Nothing for me, thanks," answered Adrianna, holding her little nephew.

"I'm good," said Vanita.

"Me, too," said Suzie.

"I'd like some coffee," answered Anton. "Cream. One sugar."

"OK. I'll be right back," said Cassie, as she left the room, followed by Rocko.

Out in the hallway, Cassie explained her plan to Rocko about guarding Flash while he was in the nursery. "Rocko, you go home and take a nap. When they put Flash to bed tonight in the nursery, you'll be on watch. I'll relieve you in the morning, and we'll do the same routine until Brianna and Flash are released."

"OK, Cassie," said Rocko. "If anyone tries to take Flash from the nursery, should I contact Brianna about disposing of the dead bodies?"

"No!" Cassie said and then cracked up laughing. "We don't wanna worry Brianna about this. And we don't want to hurt any of the nursing staff. We just wanna keep Flash safe."

"OK, Cassie. What do you want me to do, if an unauthorized person tries to take Flash from the nursery?"

Without thinking, Cassie said, "Rip their head off and shove it up their ass."

"You do realize I can do that?"

"On second thought – just apprehend them and call Ortiz."

"OK, Cassie."

* * *

"Brianna, you'll be released tomorrow morning, if no complications arise," said Ryan.

"I can't wait to get home," said Brianna.

"Cassie, Flash has Brianna's blood type. Would you like for me to proceed with the paternity test?" asked Ryan.

"Yes," answered Cassie.

"No!" said Brianna, looking at Cassie like she'd lost her mind. "We don't need a paternity test."

"Brianna, you keep calling Flash your son. He's ours. If he wasn't part mine, I could tell. Trust me. My intuition is never wrong when I get a feeling this strong. Let me prove it to you. Let Ryan do the paternity test. Then you'll know for sure, too."

"I said no! And you know why."

"I'm going to leave you two alone, so you can discuss this in private. Let me know if you change your mind, Brianna," Ryan said and then left.

"Come on, Brianna. Trust my intuition," pleaded Cassie.

"I just can't take a chance on your intuition being wrong. You know how upsetting this situation is to me. If Ryan does the test and Flash isn't part yours – and Julia's baby turns out to be – I just couldn't bear it. I don't ever want to have that paternity test run. And I don't want to discuss this any further!" snapped Brianna.

"So you just wanna believe the baby is yours and that caveman's?!" Cassie yelled back at her.

"So now you want to discuss Ro?!" Ro's coloring is so similar to Flash's, I'm scared to death to have that test run.

Then a nurse entered with Flash, so he could be breast fed.

"I'll get out of the way - so you can take care of your son," Cassie said, heading for the door of Brianna's room – hurt and angry over Brianna's self-centered and controlling attitude – feeling shut out.

"Cassidy, wait!" said Brianna, as Cassie stormed out of the room and closed the door behind her.

Later that afternoon, Brianna apologized to Cassie for calling Flash her son - and promised to never do it again. They made up, but agreed to disagree about getting a paternity test. Cassie told Brianna that she would drop the idea – just to keep the peace. But Cassie had every intention of going ahead with the test – if she could ever figure out a way to do it where Brianna wouldn't find out. Cassie thought that if the baby was theirs, she would tell Brianna. And if not, she would just throw the test results away.

The next morning, Brianna and Flash were released from the Star Base Infirmary. The nursery staff members were relieved to get Cassie and Rocko out from under foot.

One month later, at the Palace on Thorr, a crowd of family, friends, and Thorrian dignitaries were assembled for the Coronation of the Prince of Thorr. The ceremony was held in the chapel where Brianna and Cassie were married. Thousands of Thorrians were gathered outside the palace gates to celebrate two miracles - the princess back from the dead and the birth of the prince.

Princess Brianna held Flash, as his aunt Adrianna, the Czar of Thorr, conducted the ceremony. Cassie was standing on Brianna's left and Anton was on Brianna's right. The baby was crowned and officially welcomed into the Royal Family. Then the High Priestess blessed the young prince to end the ceremony. After the ceremony, a reception was held in the palace ballroom in celebration of Prince Flash of Thorr.

"I still can't believe you talked Brianna into naming a prince of a planet after a comic book character," Suzie said at the reception, as she rolled her eyes and shook her head.

About that time, Brianna returned from putting Flash down for a nap and overhead Suzie's remark to Cassie. "Suzie, I don't know what a comic book character is. But I've already told you the story about the flashlight. Flash's name has a great deal of meaning to Cassidy and me," said Brianna – slightly offended by Suzie's remark.

Feeling a bit embarrassed Suzie said, "I'm sorry, Brianna. I forgot about that. Flash is a cute name."

"You really put a lot of thought into the name 'Ryan, Jr.,'" said Cassie, teasing her sister.

For the next two months, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita continued playing weekly at Bobu's and The Officer's Club in preparation for their upcoming concert tour. Since Vanita's and Suzie's pregnancy leaves were up, the girls would soon have to start rehearsing with Charlie.

One morning, in Brianna's quarters, Brianna and Cassie were sitting at the kitchen table, and Flash was sitting in his high chair, as they ate breakfast together. Since breast feeding was no longer enough for Flash, he was now chowing down on massive quantities of baby food and formula – and he was growing like a weed. At a little over three months, he weighed sixteen pounds and was all muscle.

"Geez, Brianna. No wonder you ate like you did when you were pregnant," said Cassie, as she fed Flash his breakfast. "The kid can really put it away."

"Yes, he can," Brianna said, as she ate her breakfast. "Will you two be all right, while I go teach my flight class?"

"Sure we will. Won't we Flash?" answered Cassie, shoveling spoonful after spoonful of baby food into his mouth.

"I'll be home around noon for lunch."

"OK, Hon."

Brianna kissed Cassie and Flash bye and left for her first day back on duty.

The next day, around lunchtime at Bobu's, Cassie was sitting at the bar, working on the song list for The Rockets' upcoming concert tour, when Charlie entered and took a seat next to her.

"Hey, Charlie. Here's my suggestions for the song list," Cassie said, handing him the list.

Charlie threw the song list down on the bar, not even responding to her. "Hey, Bobu," said Charlie. "I'll take a Scotch, here."

"Coming right up," said Bobu, as he poured Charlie a Scotch and set it down on the bar in front of him. "There you go," he said and then walked away to take another drink order.

"Thanks, man," Charlie said to Bobu. Then he turned to Cassie. "This isn't like you, Cassie."

"What are you talking about, Charlie?"

"Our baby, Cassie. Julia's about four months along - and you haven't even given her so much as a call on the communicator. I thought you were better than this. I've never known you to be so irresponsible."

"Me irresponsible? Julia decides to use a baby to trap me into living at the palace and you call me irresponsible?"

Charlie just shook his head and then took a big swig of Scotch. "Our rehearsals for the tour start at the palace next week."

"Our rehearsals will be at The Officer's Club. Brianna's gone back to work. I got a kid to look after."

"Julia's pulling rank on this one – as our business manager. Rehearsals will be at the palace."

"This is bullshit!"

"Julia had a sonogram yesterday, Cassie. It's a girl. You better pay some attention to her at rehearsal if you want to be a part of your daughter's life. Julia really needs us to be there for her, now. And you need to take some responsibility."

"My responsibility is to my wife and son! I thought this was a business meeting about the concert tour. I didn't come down here to get into this. I gotta go, so Brianna can go to work. Prove paternity - we'll talk." Irritated by the conversation, Cassie got up from her barstool and left Bobu's.

* * *

Suzie and Ryan, Vanita and Jason, and Brianna and Cassie exited the restaurant side of The Officer's Club after dinner.

"This seems like old times," said Suzie. "All of us together for a night out."

"I think I'll go call Ms. Stoutmire and check on Flash," Brianna said to Cassie, referring to Suzie and Vanita's babysitter.

"Brianna, just relax," said Cassie. "I know it's the first time we've left Flash with a babysitter, but Suzie and Vanita say she's OK."

"I'd trust her with my life, Brianna," said Vanita, overhearing their conversation. "And the kids just love her."

"Ms. Stoutmire is wonderful, Brianna," said Suzie. "We're getting ready to hire her as our full-time nanny when we start touring again."

Still somewhat apprehensive Brianna said, "Well, all right."

"Come on. Let's dance," Cassie said to Brianna, leading her into the bar side of The Officer's Club and out onto the dance floor for a slow dance. "Have I told you lately how hot you look?" Cassie whispered in Brianna's ear.

"You think so?"

"Yeah. Smokin'."

The next morning, Brianna, Cassie, and Flash were sitting at the breakfast table, right before Brianna was to report for duty. Flash had been trying to say his first word for about a week. Cassie and Brianna had a friendly competition going. They were each trying to get Flash to say 'Mommy' or 'Cassie' first.

"Mommy," said Brianna, as she fed her son a spoonful of baby food.

"Cassie," said Cassie, coaxing him to say her name.

About that time, Rocko walked in on the scenario and joined them.

"Rocko!" Flash said, as he smiled at his big, live teddy-bearcat.

# CHAPTER 23 – CIRRA

A week later, around 9:00 a.m., Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita dropped the kids off at Ms. Stoutmire's. Then they proceeded to the landing bay and took a shuttle to the palace on Tyre, so they could rehearse with Charlie for their upcoming concert tour.

Later, at The Rockets rehearsal, as the group took a break for lunch, Julia joined them in the party room and took a seat next to Cassie at the table. "Cassie, what do you think about the name, Cirra, for our daughter?" asked Julia.

"Sure, whatever," answered Cassie. Why don't you just name her Trap Cassie.

Glaring at Cassie, regarding her indifferent attitude towards her unborn daughter, Suzie said, "Julia, I think Cirra is a very pretty name."

"Yeah, it is," said Vanita.

"Charlie and I like it, too," said Julia.

"She'll be Princess Cirra of Tyre," replied Charlie, the proud papa.

"We gonna talk or rehearse?" asked Cassie, getting up from the table.

"What's the rush?" asked Charlie.

"Everybody's done eating lunch," said Cassie. "We need to work on changes to our opening fan fair, before we have to head back to Star Base."

Becoming irritated with Cassie's attitude, Julia said to her, "'Danielle' is a pretty name for a little girl, too. Isn't it Cassie?"

Oh shit, Cassie thought. She better not tell Brianna about Danielle, or I'm screwed big time.

Catching the guilty look on Cassie's face, Julia thought. It would appear that Cassie hasn't told Major Thorr about Danielle. Good to know. That bit of information might come in handy some day. Julia got up from the table, gave Cassie a sly grin, and left the room.

On the shuttle ride back to Star Base, Suzie said, "Cassie, you've told Brianna about your relationship with Danielle, haven't you?"

"No," Cassie answered.

"Cassie, you better tell Brianna about Danielle."

"No! Brianna can't find out about that."

"Girlfriend, you must really like living on the edge," Vanita said to Cassie.

Four weeks later, concert tickets went on sale and The Rockets were ready to start their tour. However, Julia had to change the original schedule that she and Charlie created, which was solely created to keep Cassie and Danielle apart. Major Thorr's return caused that little plan to blow up in their faces. And on top of that, in Julia's condition, a grueling four concerts per week travel schedule was just too much for her. So, Julia scaled the schedule back to two concerts per week - on Wednesdays and Fridays. She also ended up having to pay all kinds of cancellation fees, to various hotels and concert venues, regarding the canceled concerts.

Two months into the concert schedule, Julia was seven months pregnant. Her condition was seriously cramping her sex life. It was driving her crazy. So she went to see her doctor, to find out the earliest date that labor could be induced without harming the baby.

Late one Friday night after a concert, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita returned home to Star Base via shuttle. They said their goodnights in the landing bay and headed home to their families.

As Cassie entered the Major's quarters and closed the door, being quiet so she wouldn't wake Brianna and Flash, Brianna approached her from the dark living room, wearing nothing but a smile. "I want you now," said Brianna, throwing her arms around Cassie, kissing her passionately, and starting to undress her. Brianna continued to help Cassie out of her clothes as she led her to the bedroom. They were so hot for each another there was no need for foreplay. Brianna pushed Cassie down on the bed, pulled her vibrator out from under her pillow, and climbed on top of her...

Cassie said, lying in bed after making love, "What a nice homecoming. But how'd you know the exact time to greet me in your birthday suit?"

"I asked Suzie to call me when your shuttle landed, so I could surprise you," said Brianna.

"Oh. How clever."

"I missed you so much," Brianna said, as she snuggled next to her. "I don't sleep very well without you lying next to me."

"I missed you too, Hon. I don't like sleeping alone either."

"While you're touring, you better be."

Cassie laughed. "I am. So, why don't you bring Flash and come stay with me at the hotel on Friday nights? You could come after work. Flash would be asleep, by the time I got there after the concert. Then I could have my way with you," she said, kissing Brianna's neck.

"I would love to do that, sometime. But it's the Colonel's golf tournament season right now – for the next few weeks. He leaves Star Base on Fridays for the weekends. So I have to be here. I can schedule something after that."

"OK. I'll get my itinerary and we'll schedule a secret rendezvous."

"That sounds like fun."

One Wednesday morning, a month later, in Brianna's quarters, Cassie's bag was packed, and she was ready to leave for The Rocket's Wednesday and Friday concerts on Tyre. She was sitting on the living room sofa with Brianna, as they watched Flash crawl around, pulling himself up on various pieces of furniture. "Brianna, it looks like Flash is about to walk. But he's only six months old. Isn't that too soon?" Cassie asked.

"Not for a baby that's part Thorrian," Brianna answered. "I was barely six months old when I started walking."

Then Flash pulled himself up, using the coffee table, and took his first steps - walking towards the observation window.

"Wow! He did it. He's walking," Cassie said with a big smile.

"I'm glad you were home to see it," said Brianna.

"Me, too."

* * *

The Rockets had just concluded various interviews, with the media and StarTeli, when the very pregnant Julia entered backstage accompanied by a nurse.

"Can you believe this shit?" Cassie said to Suzie and Vanita, referring to Julia's arrival. "That crazy bitch looks like she could deliver at any moment. She's got no business being here."

"I'd be afraid to be away from home, if I was eight months pregnant," said Suzie. "You just never know when you're that far along."

"I know that's right," said Vanita. "At least she brought a nurse with her."

"She's probably planning to domino, out on the stage, for our grand finale," joked Cassie.

"That's not funny, Cassie. She really could deliver at any time," said Suzie.

"That's Julia and Charlie's little problem."

"Cassie, if that baby is part yours, it is your problem, as one of the parents. And I'm appalled that you would refer to a child as a 'little problem.'"

"Hey! Until they prove paternity, I'm not having anything to do with that situation."

"She's got a point, there, Suzie," said Vanita.

The stage manager approached and said, "It's time, girls. You're about to be introduced."

* * *

After the concert, Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were in their dressing room, getting ready to take a shuttle back to Star Base.

About that time, a very frantic Julia entered the dressing room. "Cassie, please find Charlie for me!" said Julia. "It's time to go to the hospital. I'm having the baby."

"Oh shit! OK, Julia. Just stay calm," said Cassie, as she helped Julia sit down on the sofa. "Would one of you go out and see if you can find Charlie?" Cassie said to Vanita and Suzie.

"Sure, I'll go. I bet he's still out there signing autographs," said Vanita, hurrying out of the dressing room to look for him.

"Where in the hell's that nurse you came in with?" Cassie said to Julia.

"I sent her home as soon as you finished your last song. I was about to go home, too," answered Julia.

"Well, why did you do that? You shouldn't have even been here in the first place – being eight months pregnant."

"O-o-o-oh," screamed Julia, having a contraction. Then her water broke.

"Suzie, get med techs! Hurry!" said Cassie, helping Julia lie down on the sofa.

"OK, Cassie," said Suzie, as she went running from the dressing room.

"Oh!" Julia screamed again. "Cassie, please stay with me until you find Charlie. I can't do this alone!"

"OK. Just stay calm," said Cassie. "We'll find him."

"Cassie, I'm scared," Julia said, taking Cassie by the hand.

Cassie kneeled down on the floor next to her. "Do you have any idea where Charlie was going tonight?"

"No. O-o-o-oh! Cassie. Please don't leave me alone."

"I won't. Just hang on. Suzie's gone for help." As the door opened, Cassie thought, Please be Charlie. Then Vanita entered. "Vanita, did you find him?" asked Cassie.

"No. He ain't here," she answered.

I'm getting a bad feeling about this. "Did you try his communicator?"

"Yeah, it went straight to voice message. He must've had a hot date tonight."

Suzie entered the dressing room with two med techs. "This way," she said, quickly leading them to Julia.

Rocko entered the dressing room and said, "The limo's here to take us to the shuttle."

"Rocko, do you have any idea where Charlie went?" asked Cassie.

"No," answered Rocko.

"Shit! That son-of-a-bitch could be anywhere."

"Cassie, I can't do this alone," said Julia. "I swear this baby is part yours from the egg-fusion procedure."

We'll see if that baby's part mine, or not, when I get a paternity test, Cassie thought.

Julia screamed again as she started her next contraction. "Please, come to the hospital with me, Cassie," pleaded Julia.

"OK, Julia. I'll stay with you – but just until we find Charlie," said Cassie. "Rocko, go check out the nearest titty bars. I bet that's where Charlie went. And as soon as you find him, bring him to the hospital."

"OK, Cassie," Rocko said and exited the dressing room.

"You guys go on home without me," Cassie said to Suzie and Vanita. "Suzie, explain the situation to Brianna. Tell her I'll be home just as soon as we find Charlie."

"OK," answered Suzie. Brianna's not going to like this one bit.

Cassie stayed with Julia in the delivery room, while Rocko searched for Charlie. Cassie was apprehensive about the whole childbirth thing, fearing that Julia might be as wild as Brianna was when she delivered. But since Julia had chosen to take the comfort zone method, not natural childbirth, she was very sweet and calm, as she held Cassie's hand - continuing her labor.

Three hours later, Charlie entered the delivery room - right about the time Julia had her last contraction.

"Where in the hell have you been?" Cassie snapped at Charlie.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I'm here now," said Charlie.

Charlie had actually been at the hospital the entire time. He had left immediately after the concert and went straight to the hospital. He knew that the nurse that had accompanied Julia to the concert was there to give Julia an injection to induce labor. Charlie and Julia had it all planned. They knew that was the only way to manipulate Cassie into being with them for the birth of their daughter. So, while Charlie waited at the hospital to be invited into the delivery room, he had occupied himself by having his way with a couple of nurses in a supply room.

"You can stop pushing now, Madam Czar," the doctor said to Julia. "The baby's coming... Congratulations Madam Czar, you have a beautiful baby girl."

A nurse cleaned the baby up and was about to hand her to Julia, but Julia insisted that Cassie hold the baby first. As Cassie held the baby in her arms, it was like looking into a mirror. The little girl had Cassie's big brown eyes, curly dark hair, and coloring. Julia immediately ordered a paternity test, but it wasn't necessary.

Cassie and Rocko arrived back on Star Base early the next morning – right about the time Brianna was to report for duty.

"I'm sorry I'm so late getting back," Cassie said to Brianna, as she entered Brianna's quarters. "Where are you going with Flash?" she asked, noticing that Brianna was carrying Flash and his baby bag.

"I'm taking my son to Ms. Stoutmire's, so I can report for duty!" snapped Brianna, heading for the door.

Cassie reached out and took Brianna by the arm, stopping her. "I'm home, now. I'll take care of Flash."

"You've obviously been up all night," said Brianna, pulling away from her. "You're in no condition to take care of a child."

"Brianna, please, don't be mad at me. I just got sucked into a bad situation. Didn't Suzie explain?"

"Yes. Your sister explained that you went to be with Julia, while she gave birth. You didn't even have the common courtesy to contact me yourself!"

"I'm sorry. It got late. I knew you had to go to work early this morning. That's why I didn't call. I didn't wanna wake you up."

"Like I could sleep knowing that you were with her!" said Brianna, glaring angrily at her wife. "Your logic - or lack thereof - never ceases to amaze me."

"Me and Rocko were just trying to find Charlie for her."

"You mean you weren't in the delivery room with her?"

"Well, no. I was. But..."

"I've got to go or I'll be late for a meeting," said Brianna, as she exited with Flash.

Brianna barely spoke to Cassie for the next two days. She was furious with Cassie for being with Julia when her baby was born. Finally, on the third day, Cassie and Brianna made up.

"So does this mean I'm forgiven," asked Cassie, holding Brianna in her arms. Wow. Make up sex is really great.

"It just means that I love you more than I'm angry with you," said Brianna. "I want you to stay away from that bitch. And I don't believe, for one minute, that baby is part yours. Julia is just using that poor child to manipulate you." Please, God, don't let that baby be part Cassidy's.

The Rockets were on a break from their tour. The break was strategically planned by Julia, around her due date, because she knew she wouldn't be able to travel right after giving birth. During that time, it was all Cassie could do to stay away from the palace on Tyre. She really wanted to go visit Cirra. Cassie didn't need to see a paternity test - she knew the little girl was part hers. The baby looked just like her. Luckily, Cassie was at home with Flash, and Brianna was on duty, the day the paternity test results were delivered to the Major's quarters. Cassie threw the paperwork away and never mentioned it to Brianna. Cirra was, undeniably, Julia's and Cassie's and Charlie's from the egg-fusion procedure.

While on break from the tour, Cassie, Vanita, Suzie, and Rocko rehearsed every morning at The Officer's Club, so the girls wouldn't get rusty while waiting for the tour to start back up. Flash, Simone, and Ryan Jr. played with various toys, on the dance floor, as the group rehearsed and kept an eye on them. When the group took a break, Flash approached the stage and reached up for Rocko. Rocko reached down, grabbed Flash by his outstretched arms, and pulled him up onto the stage.

"Flash, come here, buddy. You wanna play the drums?" asked Cassie, as she picked him up, set him on the stool behind the drum set, and handed him a couple of drum sticks.

Flash usually had a great time beating on the drums. But today he seemed sluggish, tired, or disinterested. Instead of playing on the drums, he jumped down from the stool, walked over to his Aunt Suzie, and wrapped his arms around one of her legs - holding on to her, as she and Vanita discussed a chord progression to a new song.

"Hey, little man. How you doing?" Vanita said to Flash, noticing him.

"Maybe, instead of playing the drums, you want to play the keyboard like your Aunt Suzie," she said, picking Flash up and holding him where he could reach her keyboard. Then she kissed him on the cheek.

"Simone. Ryan, Jr. Don't you two wander off," said Vanita, as the two children started playing off of the dance floor, just to the right of the stage.

"I'll get them," said Rocko, getting down from the stage.

"Cassie, this baby's burning up," said Suzie, as she felt Flash's forehead.

"Really?" said Cassie, putting a hand to Flash's forehead. "Yeah, he is hot. You know – he's been acting kind of tired all morning. He must be coming down with a cold or something."

"I'll call Ryan."

"OK. I'll call Brianna and have her meet us at Ryan's office."

"Suzie, you guys just go. I'll take care of Ryan, Jr.," said Vanita.

* * *

Brianna, Cassie, and Suzie were waiting in Ryan's office while he examined Flash and ran some tests.

Brianna noticed the concerned look on Ryan's face, as he entered his office. "Ryan, what is it? Where is Flash?"

"He's in the examination room with a nurse," answered Ryan. "The news isn't good. We're going to have to admit Flash to the infirmary."

In a panic, Brianna said, "Ryan, what's wrong with my baby?"

"I'm sorry to have to tell you this. Flash has leukemia."

"Oh, my God," said Suzie.

"What's leukemia, Ryan?" asked Brianna.

"It's a cancerous blood disease," he answered.

"That sounds serious, Ryan. What can we do?"

"The only treatment I'm aware of is a bone marrow transplant. We'll have to do a DNA/bone marrow test on you right away, Brianna, to see if you're a compatible donor."

"All right. Let's do it now."

"Test me, too," said Cassie.

"Well, all right," said Ryan. "I guess it couldn't hurt to test you too, Cassie – even though we've never done a paternity test."

Brianna, Cassie, and Suzie were waiting for the bone marrow test results in Flash's private room at the Star Base infirmary. Brianna was on Flash's right, holding his hand as he slept. Cassie was standing next to her, as Suzie looked on from the other side of the bed. About that time, Ryan entered the room.

"Brianna, the DNA tests revealed that Flash is definitely yours and Cassie's from the egg-fusion procedure," said Ryan.

With a sigh of relief and a big smile, Brianna said, "Oh, thank God."

"See! I told you so. I was right," said Cassie. "When will you learn not to question my intuition?"

"I have never been happier to admit that I was wrong. I will never doubt your intuition again," Brianna said to Cassie and gave her a big hug and a kiss. "So, Ryan. Which one of us is the compatible donor?"

"That's the bad news. Neither of you," he answered.

Brianna's smile quickly disappeared. "Then what can we do, Ryan?" she asked, as her look returned to concerned.

"We can test Suzie and Ryan, Jr., since they're blood relatives."

"I'll go get Ryan, Jr.," said Suzie. "Be right back."

About an hour later, Ryan re-entered Flash's room with Suzie's and Ryan, Jr.'s test results. "I'm sorry. Neither Suzie or Ryan, Jr. is a match," said Ryan. "I suggest that you contact Adrianna and have her get tested right away, Brianna, and then transmit the test results to me as soon as possible."

Adrianna was tested and had the results sent to Ryan. However, she wasn't a match, either.

"Do you have any other blood relatives in your family, Brianna?" asked Ryan.

"No," answered Brianna. "Adrianna and I are the last of the Thorrs. What are our options, Ryan?"

"We can test every willing body on Star Base \- and go from there."

"But what are the odds of someone, not related by blood, being a match?"

"Honestly, not very good."

"I can't lose my baby, Ryan," said Brianna, as her eyes filled with tears. "There's got to be something you can do with the technology that we have."

"Unless you can come up with a distant relative that's blood related, our only other option is to start testing people outside the family."

"We have one more blood relative," said Cassie.

"What?" said Brianna, turning to Cassie with a puzzled look on her face. "Who?"

"My daughter, Cirra."

"You mean Julia's baby?"

"Yeah."

Brianna was stunned. She didn't know whether to be glad or angry, but she was willing to try anything to save her son.

About that time, Jason, Vanita, and Rocko entered Flash's room.

"I'm so sorry about Flash," said Vanita, putting her arms around Cassie and Brianna.

"Is there anything we can do?" asked Jason.

"Take me to the palace on Tyre, Jason," answered Cassie. "I'll explain on the way."

"Let's go," said Jason.

Vanita, Suzie, Ryan, and Rocko stayed with Flash, while Brianna walked out to the landing bay with Cassie and Jason.

Brianna pulled Cassie aside for a word in private, as Jason boarded the shuttle. "How long have you known that Julia's baby was part yours?" she asked Cassie.

"Since the day she was born," answered Cassie.

"I see," said Brianna, as she sighed and shook her head. "So, you were never going to tell me?"

"Not if I could avoid it. I didn't want to upset you – because you didn't believe Flash was ours. Flash is gonna be OK, Brianna. You'll see," said Cassie, as she took Brianna in her arms and kissed her. "I gotta go."

"Hurry!" said Brianna, feeling helpless and desperate.

"I will," said Cassie, as she hurriedly boarded the shuttle.

* * *

Noticing that Cassie had entered Julia's private wing of the palace, Charlie said, "It's about time you got your ass over here to visit your daughter."

"How is she?" asked Cassie.

"She's beautiful - and growing," he said with a big smile. "Julia will be glad to see you. I think she just went to put Cirra to bed."

Then Charlie and Cassie proceeded down the hallway to Julia's private suite.

Julia was sitting on the sofa in her living area, holding Cirra, as Cassie and Charlie entered. "Cassie, it's good to see you," replied a happy and surprised Julia. "You're just in time. Cirra's still awake. I was just about to put her to bed." Julia stood up from the sofa and handed Cirra to Cassie.

"Hey, Cirra," Cassie said, with a big smile, as she held her daughter in her arms. "How's it going?"

A few minutes later, Cassie, Julia, and Charlie put Cirra to bed in the nursery – which was adjacent to Julia's bedroom.

As Cassie, Charlie, and Julia left the nursery, headed for Julia's living area, Julia said, "Let's open a bottle of champagne, Charlie."

"You got it," he said, walking over to the bar area and grabbing a bottle from the chiller.

"Julia, I need a favor," said Cassie.

"What is it?" asked Julia.

"Flash has a blood disease called leukemia."

"Cassie, I'm so sorry. I hope he's going to be all right. How can I help?"

"I need for Cirra to be tested as a bone marrow donor."

"I don't think so!" said Charlie, as he entered the living area and set the drinks on the coffee table. "If that's the real reason you came over here, you can just head right back to Star Base."

"Please, you guys. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't a matter of life and death. If we can't find a bone marrow donor, soon, my son will die," said Cassie, becoming emotional.

"Nobody's cutting on my daughter," said Charlie.

"Charlie! A child's life is at stake here," said Julia. Turning to Cassie, she said, "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Cassie," she said, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck and pulling her close, taking full advantage of the situation.

"I need to take Cirra back to Star Base for a bone marrow test, right away" said Cassie.

"Charlie, have the nanny get Cirra ready to leave with Cassie, immediately," said Julia, as she held Cassie and ran her fingers through her hair.

"But, Julia..." he said.

"Now!" said Julia, interrupting him.

Charlie reluctantly gave in and went to get the nanny. I've had to deal with Julia's mood swings for months, because Cassie didn't come around. Now Cassie just waltzes in here and everything's hunky-dory? This is bullshit!

"Thank you, Julia" said Cassie, hugging her – grateful and relieved. It was then that Cassie saw Julia in a different light. Now, Cassie saw Julia as a friend and the birth mother of her daughter - instead of the ex-girlfriend that was just, more or less, a nuisance. Cassie found the sweet, concerned Julia to be extremely attractive.

Julia said to Cassie. "I have three conditions that must be met."

"What?" Cassie asked, with a look of concern, pulling back from Julia and looking into her eyes.

"If Cirra is a match, I insist that the operation take place on Tyre, not on Star Base."

"OK."

"The second condition is a five year extension of my business contract with The Rockets."

"OK. But no funny business, like that win-a-date-with-Cassie-Jones stunt."

"Agreed. The promotional stunts, to fund future recordings, will be by mutual agreement."

"OK. What's the third condition?"

"It's very important that our daughter gets to know you. You're welcome to visit her, here, anytime you want. And you can take her for two weekends a month. I'll set up a schedule. Agreed?"

"Yeah. I'd really like that," Cassie said, as Julia continued hugging on her.

About that time, Charlie entered carrying Cirra. The nanny followed with a blanket and a baby bag.

"Right now, I really need to get back to Star Base," said Cassie. "Thanks, Julia. I'll never forget this." Cassie gave Julia a big hug, kissed her on the cheek, and released her.

"Bring her back as soon as the test is done," said Julia.

"I will," said Cassie, as she took Cirra, the blanket, and the baby bag. Cassie left for the landing bay, where Jason was waiting on board a shuttle.

"I don't understand why you let her get away with this," Charlie said to Julia.

"I didn't let her get away with anything. I've got her right where I want her. She'll be coming around to visit Cirra, now. And she'll be taking Cirra for a couple of weekends a month. So we can 'party on,' as you say."

* * *

When Jason and Cassie arrived back on Star Base with Cirra, they moved very quickly to the Star Base infirmary. Cassie took Cirra for her bone marrow test, and then they all went to Flash's room to wait for the test results.

"Hey, everybody. This is Cirra," said Cassie, holding her daughter, as she and Cirra and Jason entered Flash's room.

Vanita and Suzie rushed over to Cassie, so they could get a look at Cirra.

"There's my little niece," said Suzie, smiling at the baby girl.

"Cassie, that baby is you made over," said Vanita, noticing the striking resemblance.

Suzie reached out to Cirra and tried to take her from Cassie. "Can I hold you?"

Cirra pulled away from Suzie and held onto Cassie.

"Cirra, this is Brianna and Flash," said Cassie, as she approached Brianna, who was standing vigil at Flash's bedside, watching him sleep.

Brianna glanced up at Cassie and the little girl and then quickly turned away, trying her best to hide her curiosity about Cirra. About that time, Cirra became very fussy, getting Brianna's attention. Much to Brianna's surprise, and Cassie's too, Cirra was obviously reaching out to Brianna.

"I think she wants you, Hon," said Cassie.

"All right," said Brianna, taking the baby from Cassie, not wanting Cirra's crying to disturb Flash. It was then that Brianna got a good look at Cirra and noticed her resemblance to Cassie. It was obvious to Brianna, now, that Julia had let Cassie bring Cirra to Star Base, instead of just sending test results, just to rub it in.

About that time, Ryan entered Flash's room. "Cirra's a match," he announced with a big smile.

Brianna immediately bonded with the little girl, as she held her in her arms. Cirra's bone marrow was about to save Flash's life. "When can you do the bone marrow transplant, Ryan," Brianna asked.

"It needs to be done as soon as possible," answered Ryan. "I'll book an OR right away."

"Ah. Julia has a condition about the operation," said Cassie.

"What?" asked Brianna, becoming concerned that Julia might not give her consent to the bone marrow transplant.

"She just wants the operation to be done at a hospital on Tyre. No offense, Ryan," said Cassie.

"None taken," said Ryan. "The procedure just needs to be done as soon as possible."

"OK, Ryan. You set up the operation with someone you know on Tyre, and I'll get back with Julia, on it."

"I'll make all the arrangements right away," said Ryan, leaving the room.

"Right now," said Cassie, reaching to take Cirra from Brianna, "I've got to take Cirra home. Come here, Cirra. I gotta take you home."

Cirra immediately started to cry and throw a fit, not wanting Cassie to take her from Brianna.

"She wants nothing to do with you," teased Vanita, looking at Cassie.

Then Cassie spotted a fruit basket, sent by Adrianna and Anton, on the table next to the bed. "We'll see about that," she said, taking a banana from the basket, peeling it, and taking a bite, which got Cirra's attention. Cassie broke off another bite of banana and coaxed Cirra away from Brianna. "Let's go Jason, before Cirra changes her mind."

"I'm right behind you," said Jason.

"I'll walk you out," said Brianna, following them out of the room.

"Is there anything else about these conditions that I should know?" Brianna asked Cassie, as they walked towards the landing bay - expecting some ulterior motive for Julia's cooperation.

"I had to agree to a five year extension to The Rockets business contract - and to regular visits with Cirra. Julia will let me have Cirra two weekends a month. I guess Cirra is cramping Julia and Charlie's style."

"What? Cramping a style? I don't understand."

"They can't party at the palace with a baby around."

"Oh, I see. Well, I'm not happy about the conditions. But anything to save Flash's life is worth it."

* * *

"Can I get you a cup of coffee or anything, Julia," asked Charlie, as he sat in a chair next to her in the VIP waiting room.

"No, thank you. I can get it myself. I need to get up for a moment." Julia got up from her chair, walked over to a coffee bar, and poured herself a cup.

Brianna was seated on a sofa next to Cassie, with Vanita and Suzie sitting in chairs next to them. Brianna got up and walked over to Julia. "Thank you, Julia."

Julia just looked at Brianna very indifferently. "I didn't do this for you, Major Thorr. I did it for Cassie and her son. It's just a matter of time until Cassie's back in my bed where she belongs."

"Over my dead body!" Brianna yelled at Julia.

"Hey!" Cassie said to Brianna and Julia, as she jumped up, ran over, and got in-between them. "This is not the time, or the place, for you two to square off." Cassie took Brianna by the hand and led her out into the hallway. "Don't let Julia get to you, Hon. Just let it go," Cassie said. "Flash is gonna be OK. Let's just focus on that and not get sucked into any of Julia's bullshit."

"You're right. That's all that matters at the moment," said Brianna, wrapping her arms around Cassie's neck, holding her. "I wonder how the operation is going? I wish someone would come give us an update."

The bone marrow transplant was a complete success. In a matter of days, Flash's energy level returned to normal, and he was a happy, healthy, growing little boy, again.

The next Friday evening...

The Rockets' tour was to resume in two weeks. So the girls wanted to take advantage of a rare Friday off, to go out to dinner and dancing with their spouses. Brianna made a dinner reservation for the group, for 7:00 p.m. at The Officer's Club. They were to leave the children at Ms. Stoutmire's around 6:00 p.m. and meet at Brianna's quarters for happy hour around 6:30 p.m. Cassie was dressed and ready to go and had gone to take Flash to Ms. Stoutmire's. Brianna had just finished getting ready when her door sensor announced the arrival of a visitor. Brianna was not happy when she opened her door and found Charlie standing there, holding an upset and crying Cirra.

"Hey, Major Thorr. Is Cassie home?" asked Charlie, as he stood in her doorway.

"No, she's not," Brianna answered, abruptly.

"Didn't she tell you that this was her weekend to have Cirra?"

"No, she didn't. We had Cirra last weekend."

"Well, the nanny's sick. So it's OK for Cassie to have Cirra this weekend, too," said Charlie, handing a screaming Cirra to Brianna and setting a baby bag down, just inside the entryway. "Cassie can bring her back Sunday night – as late as she wants. Cirra, you be a good girl for Brenda, now. Daddy loves you," he said, rushing to get away – not giving Brianna a chance to refuse.

Cirra immediately stopped crying and settled down as Brianna held her and talked to her.

A few minutes later, Cassie returned from dropping Flash off at Ms. Stoutmire's.

"Hey, Cirra," said Cassie, noticing that her daughter had arrived unexpectedly. "Brianna, how did she get here?"

"Charlie dropped her off. The nanny's sick," answered a calm, yet irritated, Brianna, as she held Cirra.

"That bastard! I guess something came up – and we both know what!" yelled Cassie.

Brianna held a finger to her lips and shook her head at Cassie. Brianna had just gotten Cirra settled down. She didn't want Cirra upset any further by Cassie's yelling about Charlie. And she didn't want Cirra to feel unwelcome, either. About that time, Cirra threw up on Brianna's brand new party dress. "Take her to Ms. Stoutmire's, while I go change," said Brianna, handing Cirra to Cassie.

"OK. I'm sorry about your dress, Brianna."

"That's all right. She couldn't help it. She was upset when Charlie dropped her off."

"Cirra, you wanna go play with Flash and Simone and Ryan Jr.?" Cassie said, as she and Cirra exited Brianna's quarters.

* * *

Brianna and Cassie, Vanita and Jason, and Suzie and Ryan were spending a weekend at the beach, along with the children, Rocko and Ms. Stoutmire. It was Cassie's weekend to have Cirra, so she was able to join them, too. It was a perfect eighty degrees with sunshine and a light breeze. The sounds of the ocean and the sea gulls were peaceful and hypnotic, interrupted only by the laughter of the children playing on the beach. The smell of warm salt water and suntan lotion filled the air.

While Brianna, Vanita, and Suzie made plans for themselves and their spouses to take the yacht to Los Renos, Jason and Ryan enjoyed just sitting on the beach, drinking beer, and doing nothing. Ms. Stoutmire was sitting underneath an umbrella on the deck of the beach house, reading a good book. The kids were having a ball, playing chase with the incoming tide. The two biggest kids, Cassie and Rocko, were having just as much fun tending to the little ones.

At 6:30 p.m., Brianna and Cassie, Suzie and Ryan, and Vanita and Jason boarded the yacht and set sail for Los Renos. They were served champagne cocktails on the deck, as they enjoyed a spectacular sunset. Then Brianna entertained everyone with the story about Cassie dressing in the servant's uniform, while they were on their honeymoon.

The Saturday night on the town began with dinner and a show. Afterwards, the group went to a casino and gambled until 2:00 a.m. Finally, they retired for the night aboard the yacht, as the captain and crew sailed back to the beach house.

"Brianna," said Cassie, as she slid into bed next to her.

"Yes?" answered Brianna.

"What would you think if I asked Julia for full custody of Cirra?"

"I wouldn't have a problem with that. But I can't see Julia allowing me to raise her daughter."

"You're probably right. But all she can do is say 'no'. So I think I'll give it a shot. I mean – I know I'll never win any parent of the year award, but I think I can do a hell of a lot better by Cirra than Julia and Charlie."

"You're wonderful with Flash and Cirra. However, Suzie asked me to have a talk with you about your profanity. The children are getting to the age where they repeat everything they hear."

"OK, Hon. I'll tone it down. After all, I wouldn't want to be blamed for scarring Suzie's 'Little Mr. Perfect' for life by having a cuss word come out of his mouth."

"You're terrible," said Brianna, as she cracked up laughing.

The next morning, the yacht was docked in front of the beach house. The children, Rocko, and Ms. Stoutmire joined the group, on board, for breakfast around 8:00 a.m. Then the children played on the beach until it was time to return to Star Base.

* * *

Cassie entered Julia's living area from the nursery – where she had just tucked Cirra into bed. "Julia, you got a minute? I need to talk to you."

Julia smiled at Cassie. "I always have time for you," she answered, from where she was sitting on the sofa - sipping a glass of champagne. "Would you like a drink?" she asked, motioning towards another glass and an open bottle that was sitting on the coffee table.

"No, thanks," Cassie answered, taking a seat in a chair across from her.

"You sound so serious. What is it, Cassie?"

"I want full custody of Cirra."

Julia set her glass of champagne down on the coffee table and looked at Cassie like she had lost her mind. "Are you having some sort of a relapse from your head injury?"

"No. I'm serious."

"Well, if you think for one minute that I would allow Major Thorr to raise my daughter, I strongly advise that you to get a second medical opinion and have your head re-examined!"

"Julia, please just think about it. Cirra needs to be around other kids. Let me have her full-time, and you can see her anytime you want – whenever you're available."

"The only way you're going to get Cirra 'full-time' is to move back here with me. And I resent your insinuation that I don't spend any time with my daughter! Charlie loves her, too. He would never agree to such an arrangement."

"Oh, yeah. Well, one weekend when the nanny was sick - guess what happened? Charlie dropped Cirra off at our door - just because he got a hard-on and she became an inconvenience."

"He what? Well, I won't have my daughter treated like an inconvenience. I'll have a talk with him about that – I assure you."

"Julia, please reconsider."

"The answer is no!"

# CHAPTER 24 – MY COUSIN REMY

Brianna had just returned from a training maneuver with the cadet fighter pilots. Earlier that day, Cassie, Vanita, and Suzie, and Rocko had gone to Tyre to film StarTeli interviews, previewing The Rockets upcoming concert tour. Since Cassie wasn't home yet, Brianna went and picked Flash up from Ms. Stoutmire's around 4:30 p.m.

At Bobu's, a strange-looking male character, with horns protruding from his forehead, was sitting at the bar next to a cadet, drinking a beer. When the character finished his beer, he paid his tab and left. As soon as he exited Bobu's, the Chameleon changed its likeness into that of the cadet. On his way to the other end of Star Base, he passed Sergeant Ortiz, taking on his likeness. At 4:45 p.m., he joined Brianna, who was carrying Flash and a baby bag, as they approached her quarters.

"Major, can I speak to you for a moment?" asked the likeness of Sergeant Ortiz, standing with Brianna and Flash at the entrance to her quarters.

"Of course," said Brianna. She entered her code and opened the door. "Come in, Ortiz."

As Brianna, Flash, and the likeness of Ortiz entered Brianna's quarters, Flash said, "Potty! Potty! Potty!"

"All right, Flash," said Brianna. "I'm sorry, Ortiz. Would you excuse me for just a moment? We're at a critical stage of toilet training – and Cassidy's not home yet."

"Take your time," he answered, following Brianna into her dining room - watching her set the baby bag and her scrambler on the dining room table and then head to the bathroom with Flash.

As soon as Brianna left her dining room, the likeness of Ortiz took her scrambler. Then he disengaged the security camera system to the entrance of her quarters, and took the disk that showed the comings and goings for the past twenty-four hours.

In the guest bathroom, Brianna was tending to her son. "Flash, sit down," she instructed, as she sat Flash on the toilet.

"No!" yelled Flash, getting down from the toilet. "Stand up like Rocko."

"Flash, you're not tall enough to stand up, yet," said Brianna, sitting him back on the toilet. Brianna had tried to let Flash stand and use his baby toilet, but his aim wasn't very good yet, either. "You sit there until you go. I've got to go speak to Ortiz." As Brianna started to leave the bathroom, Flash got down and peed all down the side of the toilet bowl - and on his jeans and underwear too.

"Flash! You're a very bad boy. Shame on you," said Brianna. She removed Flash's wet clothes and put them in a laundry hamper. As she left the bathroom, carrying Flash, she called out to the likeness of Ortiz, "I'm sorry for the delay, Ortiz. I'll be out as soon as I can." Then she headed to Flash's room for dry clothes to put on him.

Not responding to Brianna, the likeness of Ortiz worked on putting the security system back together – minus the disk.

About the time Brianna got to Flash's room, at 5:00 p.m., she received a communication from Colonel Smith. An important meeting about the trade agreement, attended by Julia and several ambassadors, including Ambassador Mia Stone, had just broken up. Brianna spoke to Colonel Smith about the meeting, while gathering a change of clothes for Flash.

At 5:05 p.m., the likeness of Ortiz changed into the likeness of Brianna and exited her quarters.

At the same time, Brianna's communication with the Colonel ended. She finished dressing Flash, picked him up, and headed out of his room to see what Ortiz wanted to speak with her about. Brianna looked for Ortiz in her living room, but he wasn't there. She looked in the dining room, and he wasn't there either. Brianna just thought that something must have come up and that they would talk later. So she put Flash in his play pen in the dining room and went back to the bathroom to clean and sterilize the mess that he had made.

After Brianna finished cleaning the bathroom, she changed out of her uniform and into jeans and a light sweater. She had just put dinner in the oven, and set the timer and temperature, when the door sensor announced a visitor. I wonder if that's Ortiz, she thought, as she went to the door and opened it. What could this bitch want – besides my wife?

"Major Thorr," said Julia, "is Cassie in?"

"No, she's not," said Brianna.

"I really need to speak with her. I thought she would be back from the interviews by now. It's already five-forty," Julia said, looking at her watch. I don't want to be late for my date. I shouldn't have stayed and talked to the Colonel so long after the meeting. "Well, I don't have time to wait. Tell Cassie that Charlie and I are taking Cirra to the zoo this weekend. So she can have Cirra next weekend, instead of this one."

"I'll give her your message."

"Tell Cassie she's more than welcome to join us."

Brianna just rolled her eyes and shook her head, not responding to Julia's invitation to her wife. Then she closed the door in Julia's face.

At 6:00 p.m., Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita arrived home from Tyre.

As Cassie entered Brianna's quarters, Flash ran to greet her. She picked him up and gave him a hug and a kiss. "Flash, you're really getting heavy," Cassie said and set him down. "Hi, Hon," she said, as Brianna gave her a welcome home kiss.

"I've got a salad made, pizza in the oven, and a bottle of red wine breathing," said Brianna.

"That sounds great. It's like you're reading my mind. I've been craving your pizza all day – among other things."

At about 6:30 p.m., Brianna, Cassie, and Flash sat down at the dining room table and had dinner together. After dinner, Brianna entertained Cassie with the story of Flash's toilet training incident as they cleared the dishes.

At 7:30 p.m., Brianna and Cassie were sitting on the living room sofa sharing the bottle of red wine. They were talking and watching Flash play when the door sensor announced a visitor.

Brianna got up from the sofa and headed for the door. "I'll see who that is." Maybe it's Ortiz. She opened the door and it was. "Ortiz, come in."

Ortiz stepped inside Brianna's quarters with a serious look on his face. "Major Thorr, I have a warrant for your arrest."

"What?" I must have heard him wrong.

Hearing Ortiz's remark, Cassie walked out into the entryway. "What's she being arrested for, Ortiz? Is she illegally parked out in the landing bay, again?" she teased. "This is obviously some kind of joke," Cassie said to Brianna, smiling. "Just play along."

He took handcuffs from his belt. "This is no joke, Cassie," said Ortiz. "Major Thorr, you're under arrest for the murder of Ambassador Mia Stone."

"Mia's dead?" said Cassie, in shock, as her smile disappeared.

Brianna was stunned. "I have no idea what you are talking about, Ortiz."

"Eye witnesses saw you kill her with your scrambler just outside The Officer's Club this afternoon," Ortiz said to Brianna.

"That's impossible!" said Brianna.

Oh, no, thought Cassie. Brianna threatened to get rid of Mia, for good, in front of witnesses at The Officer's Club a while back. But I can't believe she would kill her.

"Ortiz, I wasn't at The Officer's Club this afternoon," said Brianna. "I've been at home with Flash since about 4:45 p.m. – ever since I got back from my training class. You know that. You stopped by here this afternoon, just as I was getting home."

"This is the first time I've been here today, Major," said Ortiz. "I wasn't here this afternoon."

"Of course you were." Why would he deny being here? "Maybe you just don't remember the exact time."

"Or maybe you've had some kind of a mental blackout due to the seriousness of the situation."

"I can prove my innocence. Cassidy, where's my scrambler?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen it," answered Cassie.

"I laid it on the dining room table when I came in this afternoon. You set the table for dinner. You had to have moved it."

"No, I didn't. It wasn't there. Anyway, I wouldn't touch your scrambler. You've told me plenty of times to leave it alone. Flash's bag was the only thing on the table when I set it."

"That can't be. I distinctly remember setting it there."

"Brianna, are you OK?"

"Yes, I'm fine." They are both looking at me like I've lost my mind, thought Brianna, looking at Cassie and Ortiz. "Ortiz, check the visual disk to my security system. You'll easily be able to see that I've been here since about 4:45 p.m."

Ortiz scanned the security system for fingerprints, but the device had been wiped clean. Then he and Brianna checked the visual, but there was no disk to support Brianna's alibi.

"I can't believe this," said Brianna. "My security system was working fine this morning. It's obviously been tampered with!"

"You have the right to remain silent and to consult with a lawyer," said Ortiz, as he put Brianna's arms behind her back and handcuffed her.

"You're not taking her anywhere, Ortiz!" yelled Cassie. "I did it!"

Ortiz turned to Cassie. "Ambassador Stone was murdered at 5:40 p.m. Your shuttle didn't arrive back on Star Base until 6:00 p.m. Perjury and obstruction of justice are very serious crimes here, Cassie. Be very careful what you say."

"I thought we were friends, Ortiz! How can you just come in here and handcuff her like this!"

"We are friends. That's why I'm going to forget I heard your last statement. I'm sorry. I have no choice in this matter. I have a warrant for her arrest. I'm duty bound to uphold the law."

In the meantime, Flash had walked out into the entryway. He became frightened by Cassie's yelling and started to cry.

"Cassidy, keep your voice down. You're scaring Flash," said Brianna. "Call Jason. Have him get me a lawyer referral from Star Command. This is just a misunderstanding. I'm sure we can get this cleared up right away."

"OK. I'll get you bailed out tonight, Brianna" said Cassie. She picked Flash up and tried to calm him down, as Ortiz took Brianna away. "It's OK, Flash."

* * *

"What the fuck kind of bullshit is this, Jason?" asked Cassie over the communicator. "Why doesn't he get his ass over here, right now, and bail her out tonight!?"

"He said he couldn't request bail until her arraignment," said Jason. "The arraignment is set for 9:00 a.m. He'll request bail then. He said he'd be here at 8:00 a.m. to meet with Brianna."

"So who'd you say this guy was, again?"

"Blackjack Hayward. He's supposed to be one of the best criminal lawyers on Tyre. So he must know what he's doing."

"Can I see her?"

"No, not tonight. She's not allowed any visitors until after the arraignment. And even then, visits have to be arranged by her lawyer."

"This sucks. I'm getting a real bad feeling about this."

* * *

Cassie, Jason, Vanita, Suzie, Ryan, and Rocko were sitting in the front row of the courtroom, right behind Brianna's lawyer, Blackjack Hayward. Brianna was led into the courtroom by the bailiff. She was handcuffed and dressed in a black and white-striped prison jumpsuit.

As Brianna joined her lawyer at his trial table and took a seat, Cassie reached over the rail in-between them and touched her on the shoulder. "We'll get through this, Brianna," Cassie said, as Brianna turned and looked at her. "Trust me."

"All rise," said the bailiff. "The Honorable John Walker presiding."

Brianna just smiled at Cassie, not saying a word, trying unsuccessfully to hide her concern. Then she turned to face the judge.

"Everyone, with the exception of the Defendant, please be seated," ordered Judge Walker. Turning to Brianna, he said, "Major Thorr, you've been accused of the murder of Ambassador Mia Stone. How do you plead?"

"Not guilty, Your Honor," answered Brianna.

"Your Honor," said prosecutor Mark Drake, as he stood up from his trial table. "The Republic requests the death penalty."

"Granted," said the Judge.

Brianna's lawyer didn't respond.

Cassie's mouth dropped open in disbelief. "I can't believe he's not objecting to this!" Cassie whispered to Jason, pointing at Brianna's lawyer, Blackjack Hayward.

"I can't, either," said Jason, shaking his head.

Brianna turned and looked at Cassie and Jason. Then she glared angrily at her lawyer, thinking, Why is he not objecting to the death penalty?

Suzie, Ryan, and Vanita all looked at each other with stunned looks, as the courtroom began to buzz.

"Order," said the judge.

Cassie reached over the rail, nudged Hayward, and whispered to him, "What the hell are you waiting for? Object! Request bail!"

"The Defense requests bail, Your Honor," said Hayward.

"Objection, your Honor," said prosecutor Drake.

That son-of-a-bitch didn't object to the death penalty!? thought Cassie, pissed off beyond words, glaring at Hayward.

Pleading his case, Drake said, "The Major's wife and family have unlimited funds to put towards her bail. The court's ceiling on bail would be like pocket change to them. That makes her a flight risk."

"I agree. Request denied, Mr. Hayward," said the judge. "The trial will begin tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Bailiff, take the Defendant away."

"I'll get you out, Brianna. I promise," Cassie said to Brianna, as the bailiff approached and took Brianna away.

As Brianna was led out of the courtroom, she turned and looked at Cassie. Brianna had a fear in her eyes that Cassie had never seen before.

The judge exited to his chambers, and the courtroom started to clear.

"You worthless son-of-a-bitch. You're fired!" Cassie yelled at Brianna's lawyer.

"Suit yourself. But there's still the matter of my fee for representation," he said.

"You call that representation?"

"If you refuse to pay, I'll sue you."

"Go ahead. I make a hell-of-a-lot more Lucre than you do. I'll tie your pompous ass up in court with a malpractice suit 'til you're broke!" yelled Cassie, climbing over the rail separating her from the lawyers' tables.

Jason immediately jumped over the rail, grabbed Cassie, and held her off of Hayward.

Rocko started to growl and show his fangs to Hayward. "You want me to tear his head off, Cassie?"

"Yes! And shove it up his ass!" yelled Cassie.

"You're on your own there," Jason said to Hayward, referring to Rocko.

Hayward's eyes got as big as saucers and he started to sweat, as Rocko stepped over the rail and headed towards him. "Never mind my fee. I'll just go," he said, in a panic.

Cassie reached out and grabbed Rocko by the arm, signaling him to back off.

Hayward hurriedly gathered his papers and briefcase from his trial table, as Rocko continued to stare him down. "Going to trial without a lawyer – you've just insured you wife's execution," he said to Cassie.

Rocko let out such an awesome growl, that it rattled the water glasses on the trial table.

"OK! I'm leaving," said Hayward, as he went running from the courtroom.

Ryan said to Cassie, "Brianna can't go on trial without a lawyer. She wouldn't have a prayer."

"This whole thing's a set up, if you ask me," said Vanita.

"Cassie, I'm scared for Brianna! What are you going to do?!" asked Suzie, freaking out.

"I don't know!" said Cassie.

"You better think of something, fast."

"Let me think!" said Cassie. Where can I get a crooked lawyer?

"You definitely need lawyer," said Jason.

"I think I know just where to find one," said Cassie. These mother fuckers aren't getting away with this. She left the courtroom headed for Bobu's. If anyone knew where to get a crooked lawyer, he would. Brianna was being framed for murder. She needed someone in her corner that could play as dirty as the people trying to frame her. She had someone... her wife, Cassie.

* * *

"Bobu!" yelled Cassie, as she entered Bobu's and took a seat at the bar.

"Be right with you," he answered from the other end of the bar, where he was filling a drink order.

Bebo entered from the back room behind the bar dressed in a hot pink dress and matching pumps. "How'd the Major's arraignment go, Cassie?"

"Not very good," Cassie answered.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Let me get you a glass of red wine - on the house," he said, grabbing a bottle of wine and a wine glass.

"Thanks. I could use one."

"What can I do for you, Cassie?" asked Bobu, as he approached Cassie and Bebo.

"I need a lawyer," Cassie answered. "You know one?"

"You're in luck. My cousin Remy's a lawyer. He's sitting right over there," Bobu said, pointing him out. "I'll go get him for you."

"No. I'll go over there," she said, looking over at the Roden lawyer, who was sitting alone at a table away from the bar, shuffling a deck of cards and drinking a beer.

Bebo set Cassie's glass of red wine on the bar in front of her. "Here's your wine, Cassie. I hope everything turns out all right for the Major."

"Thanks, Bebo," said Cassie, as she got up from her barstool, took her glass of wine, and headed over to Remy's table. Oh, man. He just reeks of crooked lawyer, she thought, noticing Remy's un-kept fur, scraggly whiskers, and rumpled seersucker suit. Just what I need. "Hi, I'm Cassie Jones Thorr."

"I know who you are. I'm Remy. Nice to meet you," he said, setting his deck of cards aside. "I'm sorry to hear about your wife's unfortunate situation."

"Can I join you?"

"Be my guest," he answered, motioning for Cassie to sit down.

"Bobu says you're a lawyer," said Cassie, taking a seat at Remy's table, sitting across from him. "My wife is being framed for murder. Would you be interested in taking her case?"

Stroking his whiskers, with a gleam in his beady Roden eyes, he said, "Sure... for a price."

"Lucre is no object. And I don't care who has to be bought off, fucked, or killed - just be sure she walks."

"You got yourself a lawyer. First thing, I'll have to go down to the court and file a motion for substitution of counsel and get a copy of the evidence they have against her."

"She's already spent one night in jail. I don't want her to spend another one. Get her out on bail today."

"One step at a time. I'm not a magician. I heard that she was denied bail, today. I'll have to try again tomorrow in court."

"Can I at least see her?"

"Not until tomorrow."

"Why not?"

"This is a murder trial, not a visit to a cheese factory. Do you want me to spend the day arranging a visit, or do you want me to find a way to get her out on bail?"

"Get her out. Do whatever you have to do. I'm running out of excuses to tell my son why his mommy's not home."

"Get the Czar of Thorr on the communicator. I need to speak to her right away. And this is what I want you to do about the bail Lucre."

"OK."

The next morning in court, Cassie, Jason, Vanita, Ryan, Suzie, and Rocko were in their places, sitting in the front row behind Remy.

The bailiff escorted Brianna into the courtroom. Her mouth dropped open when she realized she had a Roden for a lawyer. She stared curiously at Remy, as she joined him at his trial table. Then she looked at Cassie and thought, Has my wife lost her mind?

"All rise," said the bailiff. "The Honorable John Walker presiding in The Republic vs. Major Thorr."

Judge Walker entered and took a seat behind the bench. "Everyone, please, be seated."

Still standing, after everyone else took a seat, prosecutor Drake said, "Your Honor. Who is this? And where is Mr. Hayward?" he asked, gawking and pointing at Remy.

"I'm Remy, Attorney at Law, here for the Defendant," said Remy, standing up and answering for the judge. He smiled at the prosecutor and turned and waved at the buzzing crowd seated in the courtroom. Remy was dressed in a tan and orange plaid jacket, white shirt with a rust bow tie, and tan polyester sanzabelt pants. His whiskers looked scraggly, while the fur on his head and ears stuck straight up in places – like he had just gotten out of bed.

Sitting at the trial table, Brianna just sighed and put her face in her hands. I'm a dead woman.

"We have a motion for substitution of counsel, Mr. Drake. Any objection?" asked Judge Walker.

Looking down his nose at Remy, Drake said, "No, Your Honor." I'll wipe that shit-eating grin off that furry-faced, beady-eyed bastard. This conviction is going to be a piece of cake.

"Your Honor, I have an objection," said Remy.

"What counselor," asked the judge.

"There's an error in the style of this case."

"There's no error here. This case is The Republic vs. Major Thorr."

"No, Your Honor. This case is The Republic vs. Princess Brianna of Thorr."

"I object, Your Honor!" said the prosecutor, as the crowd in the courtroom reacted.

"Order," said the judge, banging his gavel.

"I have a sworn affidavit here from Adrianna, the Czar of Thorr," said Remy, holding up the document. "If any of Princess Brianna's rights are violated there will be sanctions by Thorr against the Republic."

"Objection, Your Honor!" yelled prosecutor Drake.

"Counsel, approach the bench," ordered Judge Walker.

"What kind of crap are you trying to pull?" Drake whispered to Remy, as they approached the bench. "You little rat bastard son-of-a-bitch."

Remy's furry pointed ears perked up, and the black tip of his furry pointed nose turned red. "I resent that remark, Mr. Drake!" he said, glaring angrily at the prosecutor. "How dare you insult my mother!? We both know that a bitch is a dog! And my mother, God rest her soul, was a Roden!"

"Remy!" said Judge Walker. "Pipe down and let me have a look at that affidavit."

"Sorry, Your Honor. Here," Remy said, regaining his cool and handing Adrianna's affidavit to the judge and a copy to the prosecutor.

Looking over the affidavit Drake said, "This is highly irregular."

"If Princess Brianna doesn't get a fair trial, it will be more than irregular," said Remy. "The Czar of Thorr will consider it an act of war, and Thorr will withdraw from the Republic."

The judge glared at Remy. "Are you threatening this court, counselor?"

"No, of course not, Your Honor," answered Remy. "I have scruples."

Then, as pre-arranged by Remy, Adrianna, the Czar of Thorr and her husband Anton entered the courtroom – much to the shock and surprise of the judge, the prosecutor, Brianna, and pretty much everyone - with the exception of Cassie and Remy. The group on the front row moved down to allow Adrianna and Anton to sit next to Cassie, as Remy and Drake returned to their respective trial tables.

"It is now duly noted. The style of this case is The Republic vs. Princess Brianna of Thorr," ordered Judge Walker, intimidated by the presence of the Czar of Thorr. "Let's continue."

"I request bail on behalf of Princess Brianna," said Remy.

"Objection, your Honor! Bail has already been denied," said the prosecutor.

"But that was in a different case, your Honor," argued Remy. "This is The Republic vs. Princess Brianna of Thorr."

"All right. Bail is set at five million Lucre. And it can't come from a member of the Royal Family of Thorr," said Judge Walker.

"I just happen to have a couple of cashier's vouchers, from the Bank of Thorr, for up to ten million Lucre," said Remy, pulling the vouchers from the inside pocket of his jacket.

"Objection, Your Honor!" yelled Drake. "He obviously has Lucre from the Royal Family of Thorr."

"May I approach the bench, Your Honor?" asked Remy.

"All right. Let's move this along," answered Judge Walker.

Remy, followed by Drake, approached the bench. "Here are the two vouchers, your Honor. One from Susan Jones Gerard and the other from Vanita Harris Thibodeaux," he said, laying the vouchers on the bench where the judge and the prosecutor could examine them. "These two women are not members of the Royal Family of Thorr."

"Your Honor! Susan Jones Gerard is Major Thorr's – I mean Princess Brianna's sister-in-law," said the prosecutor.

"But, Your Honor, technically Susan Jones Gerard isn't a member of the Royal Family of Thorr," argued Remy. "But if the prosecutor has a problem with Mrs. Gerard's voucher, the voucher from Mrs. Thibodeaux will cover the amount of bail you've set. Mrs. Thibodeaux isn't legally related to anyone in this section of the galaxy – with the exception of her husband and her daughter."

"But, Your Honor, the Defendant is a flight risk!" argued Drake.

"Enough! Both of you return to your trial tables," said Judge Walker, waving Remy and Drake from the bench. As soon as Remy and Drake took a seat at their respective trial tables, the judge said, "Bail is granted. However, the Defendant is not to leave Star Base."

"Thank you, your Honor," said Remy.

Brianna turned and looked at Cassie – shocked and relieved. Cassie just smiled and winked at her.

"I request a two week postponement to prepare for trial and to conduct my own investigation on behalf of Princess Brianna," said Remy.

"Request denied," answered Judge Walker – angered and frustrated by how easily the Roden had manipulated the court. "The death penalty still stands in this case. The trial will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday."

"But, Your Honor - this is Friday. That only gives me the weekend to prepare for trial," protested Remy.

"We're adjourned until Monday at 9:00 a.m.," said the judge, banging his gavel. Judge Walker exited the courtroom, as the prosecutor, spectators, and press started to clear.

Cassie climbed over the rail, threw her arms around Brianna, and held her close.

"Cassidy, take me home," said Brianna, holding her. "I want to be with you and Flash for as long as I can."

"It's gonna be all right," said Cassie. "Rocko, go get Flash from Ms. Stoutmire's."

"OK, Cassie," Rocko said and exited the courtroom.

"What time do you put the kid to bed?" Remy asked Cassie and Brianna.

"At 9:00 p.m.," answered Brianna.

"I need to do some research. I'll see you two at nine."

"Thank you, Remy."

"Don't be thanking me just yet. We have a long way to go." Remy gathered his papers, put them in his trial bag, and headed out of the courtroom.

Adrianna approached Brianna and Cassie, as they headed out of the courtroom too. "Brianna, Anton and I will be staying in Colonel Smith's guest suite for the duration of the trial. Call me if you need anything," she said and then hugged her twin sister.

"I will," said Brianna, as Adrianna and Anton exited the courtroom.

"Suzie. Vanita. Thank you," said Brianna, reaching out and hugging them. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"I wish I could wave a magic wand and make all this go away, Brianna," Suzie said and then exited the courtroom with Ryan.

Vanita whispered to Brianna and Cassie, "If you need to run, just go. Don't worry about the bail Lucre. Me and Jason and Simone will be just fine."

* * *

Brianna was sitting on her living room sofa holding Flash. He had really missed his mother. However, he was losing his fight to stay awake to be with her. About that time, the door sensor announced the arrival of a visitor.

"That's Remy. I'll get it," Cassie called out from the kitchen.

Brianna got up from the sofa, holding her sleeping son. "All right. I'll put Flash to bed and be right back."

Cassie went out to the entryway and opened the door. "Hey, Remy. Come in."

"We've got a lot of things to discuss and not much time," Remy said, as he entered carrying his trial bag. "Let's get started."

Cassie showed Remy into the living room and took a seat on the sofa. Remy set his trial bag down on the coffee table and took a seat in a chair across from her. As he pulled documents from the bag and set them on the table, Brianna joined them and took a seat next to Cassie on the sofa.

"The evidence is stacked pretty heavily against you, Brianna. Eye witnesses gave statements that they saw you at The Officer's Club that afternoon at 5:15 p.m. At 5:40 p.m. – the time of the murder - one witness even claims to have seen you shoot Ambassador Stone, throw your scrambler down next to her body, and walk away – just outside the club."

"I did not kill Ambassador Stone," said Brianna firmly.

"So you weren't jealous of the fact that Ambassador Stone had slept with your wife?"

Brianna answered defensively, "Are you my lawyer or the prosecutor?"

"I have to ask. I've got to know the whole truth, so I can put it in the best possible light."

"You think I killed her, don't you!? What kind of representation can I expect from someone that doesn't take me at my word? Like I said before, I was nowhere near The Officer's Club that day. I was here with my son."

"Now, I believe you. I was just testing you – and giving you a taste of what kind of questioning you'll get from the prosecutor. That is, if I decide to put you on the stand. Anyway, moving on. The prosecutor has offered a plea bargain of ten years in prison if you confess."

"That's bullshit!" yelled Cassie.

Brianna got a horrified look on her face. "What kind of bargain is ten years away from my wife and son when I am innocent?"

"I turned it down," said Remy. "You wouldn't last twenty-four hours in the prison they were going to send you to. You got too many war criminal enemies in there. So tell me about your schedule on the day in question."

"I had a training class with the cadet fighter pilots at 8:00 a.m. We were in the classroom from that time until noon, when we broke for lunch. At 1:00 p.m., we took the fighters out on a training maneuver and didn't return to Star Base until 4:00 p.m. Then we had a strategy meeting, for a few minutes, out in the landing bay. At about 4:30 p.m., I picked up my son from Ms. Stoutmire, visited with her briefly, and arrived home at 4:45 p.m."

"Is Mr. Stoutmire your babysitter?"

"Yes. She's a nanny that Suzie and Vanita and I share."

"I'll get a statement from her - about the time you picked up your kid," said Remy. "Cassie, where were you that day?"

"I slept in," Cassie answered. "Then me and Suzie and Vanita caught a shuttle to Tyre for StarTeli interviews about our next concert tour – around noonish."

"What time did you get home?"

"About six."

"Then you can't give Brianna an alibi that she was home at 5:40 p.m. So... Brianna, did anyone see you arrive home that day?" Remy asked.

"Sergeant Ortiz stopped by here about the time Flash and I arrived home that day," she answered. "But he left before I got a chance to speak with him. I had to take Flash to the bathroom the instant we got home. Then I got a communication from Colonel Smith at about 5:00 p.m. But by the time the communication ended, Ortiz was gone."

"What time did that communication with the Colonel end?"

"The communication was brief. It only lasted about five minutes."

"According to Sergeant Ortiz's arrest report, he arrived here at 7:30 p.m. that evening. You say he was here earlier?"

"Yes. He stopped by here at 4:45 p.m. – just as Flash and I got home."

"But Ortiz denied being here at that time when he came to arrest you, Brianna. You called him on it," said Cassie. "Remember?"

"Yes," Brianna answered. "He said I must have had some sort of mental blackout due to the seriousness of the situation - and that he hadn't been here earlier in the day."

"Why would he deny being here at 4:45 p.m.?" asked Remy.

"I don't know," Brianna answered. "I told him I could prove my innocence by showing him my security disk and scrambler – but they were both missing."

"He denies being here at 4:45 p.m. and then your disk and scrambler are missing? Is there any reason he would conspire against you, Brianna?"

"Not that I know of. I've always considered Ortiz to be a friend," said Brianna.

"Well, he's either lying or you did have some sort of blackout - and this was a crime of passion that you don't remember. We could go with a temporary insanity defense."

"I didn't have any blackout! I remember everything that day very clearly. I had a training class with the cadets, picked up my son from Ms. Stoutmire, and was home for the day at 4:45 p.m.!"

"Even if we could get the Sergeant to change his testimony and say he was here at 4:45 p.m., it doesn't help your case. If he left before your communication with the Colonel ended, at about 5:05 p.m., you still could have been at The Officer's Club at 5:15 p.m. – it's so close by to your quarters."

"Wait a minute!" Cassie said. "I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner."

"What?" asked Brianna.

"Chameleon! Think about it, Brianna. Ortiz denied being here that afternoon. Witnesses saw you at The Officer's Club. That's got to be what happened."

"But the chameleon is locked away in a facility for the criminally insane."

"Someone wanna let me in on what you're talking about?" asked Remy.

"I'm getting a real strong feeling about this, Brianna," said Cassie. "Maybe it escaped?"

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" said Remy, finally getting their attention. "What in the name of the Roden nation are you two talking about?"

"I'm sorry, Remy," said Brianna. "Let me explain."

Then Brianna and Cassie explained to Remy about their earlier incident involving the Chameleon.

"So, you have a documented incident with the Chameleon?" asked Remy.

"Yes," answered Brianna.

"It's a long shot," said Remy, "but we may be able to convince a jury of mistaken identity. If the Chameleon has escaped, our chances are even better."

"That has to be what happened. Why else would Ortiz deny being here that afternoon? Why would people that know me think I murdered Mia with my scrambler?"

"I'll check it out. And I'll get a statement from the Colonel about the communication – to establish that you were here that afternoon. But what we really need is for someone to say that you were here at 5:40 p.m. Could anyone else have seen you here that afternoon?"

"Yes! Julia came to my door. And it was exactly 5:40 p.m."

"Are you sure about the time?"

"Yes. Now I remember. Julia made reference to the time – 5:40 p.m. - because she thought Cassidy should be home by then, and she needed to speak with her."

"So, she saw you - and actually spoke to you?"

"Yes. She asked me to tell Cassidy that she couldn't have her daughter, Cirra, this weekend - something about a zoo outing."

"Then you're a free woman, Brianna. Ambassador Stone was murdered at 5:40 p.m. If the Czar saw you here at 5:40 p.m. - you couldn't have been at The Officer's Club at the time of the murder. All we have to do is get a sworn statement from the Czar, regarding your encounter, and I can have this case dismissed."

"See, I told you we'd get through this," said Cassie, putting her arms around Brianna and giving her a big hug and a kiss.

"Cassie, get the Czar on your communicator. I need to speak to her," said Remy.

"You got it," said Cassie. She got up from the sofa, placed a call to Julia, and handed the communicator to Remy.

Remy went into the dining room to speak to Julia, in private, while Cassie and Brianna popped a cork on a bottle of champagne and toasted Brianna's freedom.

A few minutes later, Remy re-entered the living room. "You may have popped the cork on that champagne a little too soon."

"What's wrong, Remy?" asked Cassie.

"The Czar is willing to testify. But she's going to testify that she never saw you that day, Brianna," he answered.

"She's a liar!" yelled Brianna. "She's wanted me dead for a long time just so she can get her hands on my wife! If I was going to kill anyone, it would be her!"

"Please, don't make statements like that in front of me!" Remy cringed, nervously stroking his whiskers. "I'm your lawyer."

"What are we gonna do now, Remy?" asked Cassie.

"You have an option," he answered.

"What?"

"Brianna, the Czar said she would testify to seeing you that day at 5:40 p.m. - which would guarantee your acquittal - if Cassie divorces you and marries her."

"Over my dead body!" yelled Brianna.

"It'll be your dead body if you're convicted. The judge has already granted the death penalty in this case."

"Tell her I'll do it," said Cassie.

"No!" snapped Brianna.

"Brianna, I wouldn't stay married to her - just long enough to get you cleared. Hell, I'd marry Bobu to keep you from being executed. We have a son to think about, now. I'm not raising him alone. And this trial sounds way too risky to me."

"I'll take my chances," said Brianna.

"Like I said before, Brianna, the evidence is stacked heavily against you," said Remy. "The Czar's testimony would blow the prosecution's case right out of the galaxy. The court would be forced to dismiss your case. Getting Cassie out of a marriage to the Czar would seem much simpler."

"Nothing is that simple where that bitch is concerned," said Brianna.

"I gotta go. I'll check and see if the Chameleon's still locked up," said Remy, gathering his documents and trial bag. "See you in the morning. You two sleep on the Czar's offer. I'll see myself out," he said and exited.

"Brianna," said Cassie.

"No!" Brianna said, interrupting her. "I don't even want to discuss it," she said, referring to Julia's offer. Brianna wrapped her arms around her wife, kissed her, and took her to bed.

After breakfast the next morning, Suzie stopped by Brianna's quarters to get Flash. She was to keep him for the day, so Brianna and Cassie could meet with Remy, and then have some time alone.

Remy was sitting on one side of the dining room table, while Cassie and Brianna sat on the other side, next to each other, facing him. "I checked it out. The Chameleon's still locked up," he said. "There's no evidence that it escaped that criminal mental facility."

Completely frustrated Brianna said, "But that's the only explanation that makes any sense."

"There's always the possibility that it got out and back in, undetected. I think we need to a hire private investigator to dig deeper."

Cassie said, "Do it Remy. I don't care what it costs." She turned to Brianna. "Don't worry about a thing. I'll spend every Lucre I've got rigging this trial, if I have to."

"Please don't say that in front of me," Remy said, cringing and closing his beady Roden eyes. "I'm you're lawyer."

"Cassidy, I'm begging you. Please don't do anything illegal. Flash needs to have at least one of us here to raise him," said Brianna.

"Brianna, I'll take you and Flash and go back to Earth, if we have to," said Cassie.

"You can't do that," said Remy.

"Why not?" Cassie asked.

"I've done my homework, Cassie. I did a background check on you - just in case I decide to call you to testify. You're on the FBI's most wanted list - their top secret files list."

"What for?"

"The stolen information in the safe deposit box on Earth. You know - the computer files stolen from NASA about Star Base, Tyre, and Thorr."

"I didn't steal any files from NASA. Charlie did that."

"But he put the safe deposit box in your name. They found it."

"But how would the FBI know to look for a safe deposit box in my name? Charlie's step dad was the only one on Earth who knew about that. He was too embarrassed to say anything - he would be in trouble, too."

"Formal charges were filed at Star Command, against you and your band, the day you arrived on Star Base. There was a full, documented investigation. As far as the safe deposit box goes, my guess would be that they looked for it under Charlie's name, first – and didn't find it. So, next, they searched your name and there it was."

"But who filed the charges?"

"Major Thorr. Seems she went over the Colonel's head."

Cassie turned to Brianna. "I must've really pissed you off that day, Hon."

"I'd forgotten all about that," said Brianna. "After all this time, I thought the charges had been dropped."

"The charges have been dropped, here," said Remy. "On Earth, Cassie would be a fugitive. And if caught, she would spend the rest of her life in military prison. So going back there is not an option. I have no doubt the United State government is perfectly happy with you staying here, Cassie. That way, they never have to deal with the fallout that your return might cause. Let's get back to the business at hand." Remy pulled a couple of documents from his bag and handed one to Brianna, along with a pen. "Look at this list of the prosecutor's witnesses. Put a check mark next to anyone's name that had any knowledge of the earlier Chameleon incident."

Brianna looked over the list of names, checked off the ones with knowledge, and handed the document back to Remy.

Remy laid the other document on the table and pushed in towards Brianna and Cassie. "This is a divorce decree that needs to be signed by both of you."

Brianna pushed the document right back at him. "I'm not about to just hand my wife over to Julia – not without a fight!"

"This is to be dated and filed only if you're convicted, Brianna. It's the only way, if that should happen, to get a statement from the Czar to insure your acquittal. Otherwise, you'd be executed."

Turning to Cassie, Brianna said, "I think I'd rather be executed than to let you marry her."

"Brianna, I'm not about to let you be executed!" yelled Cassie. "Give me the pen. I'll sign it." Cassie reached to take the pen from Brianna.

Brianna, playing keep away with the pen, refused to give it to Cassie. "Remy," she said. "What are my chances of getting an acquittal, realistically, without Julia's statement?"

"I'd say about fifty-fifty with the Chameleon/mistaken identity angle. That's all we got right now," he answered. "The odds go up dramatically, in your favor, if the private investigator can dig up proof that the Chameleon escaped the mental facility. But I have to be ready to file an appeal and the divorce decree, if you're convicted."

"Remy," said Cassie. "If we end up having to take Julia up on her offer - what's to stop me from marrying her - and then just walking away?"

"Surely she's thought of that, Cassie. The Czar is a smart and powerful woman. She must have something else up her sleeve to hang onto you with. Can either of you think of anything she could hold over you?"

"I can't think of anything."

"I can't either," said Brianna. "Remy, why don't you just call Julia, as a witness, and see if she will really commit perjury? Even if she did, it would still be my word against hers."

"Too risky. We've already got Sergeant Ortiz's testimony to deal with. He denies being here that afternoon. That's your word against his, Brianna – one on one. And it raises the question – could that have been the Chameleon?"

"It absolutely had to be," said Brianna.

"But if we bring in Julia, too, and she says she didn't see you – that's two against one. It would make you look guilty – like some crime of passion that you've blacked out of your mind."

"Don't even think about offering me the temporary insanity plea, again. That is completely out of the question – and not true. If I got off on that defense, I would be court-martialed and basically perceived to be guilty. My wife and son and I would be forced into exile."

"But if I called the Czar to testify, and she said she didn't see you that day... Can't you see the dilemma there? If you were convicted, there's nothing to fall back on. The Czar wouldn't be able to change her testimony at that point. You should re-think her offer."

Brianna said to Cassie, "If you marry that bitch, she will never divorce you."

"As long as you're acquitted, what difference does it make what my last name is?" said Cassie. "We'll find a way to be together."

"Remy, how long would Cassidy have to stay with Julia?" Brianna asked. I can't believe I'm even considering this.

"I don't know yet," Remy answered. "First, we'd have to get her over here to testify in front of the judge – and have him sign off on the acquittal. After that, we'd just have to see what else she might pull to prevent Cassie from leaving her."

"I don't like the sound of this."

Remy handed the divorce decree back to Brianna. "This is your Ace in the hole. Sign it."

"I hate this," said Brianna, taking the document and signing it. Then Brianna handed the pen and the document to Cassie, and she signed it.

"Well, I've got to go prepare for trial," Remy said, gathering the documents and his pen and putting everything back into his trial bag. "Keep the faith. There's a fifty-fifty chance we could win this case. If not, there's always the Czar's offer to fall back on."

Lying in Cassie's arms after making love, Brianna said, "We've got to find a way to win this trial. I can't bear the thought of you being married to that bitch."

"Remy's got a private investigator – the best one on Tyre," said Cassie. "This is obviously a set up. You know, we could always take Vanita up on her offer and run."

"If it were just you and me, I would do that in a heartbeat. But what kind of life would that be for Flash?"

"Well, one way or another – no matter what happens – I promise you, we're going to be together. I love you.

"I love you, too."

# CHAPTER 25 – THE TRIAL

The jury was seated in the jury box. The group of family and friends, consisting of Adrianna, Cassie, Anton, Jason, Vanita, Suzie, Ryan, and Rocko looked on from the front row, seated directly behind Brianna and Remy. Brianna was wearing a cream colored royal gown and a tiara, signifying her as Princess of Thorr. Remy was wearing a tailor-made suit provided by Adrianna and Anton. Anton's personal barber had immaculately groomed Remy's fur and whiskers.

"Mr. Drake, are you ready to present the prosecution's case?" asked Judge Walker.

"Yes, Your Honor," answered Mr. Drake.

"Call your first witness."

"The prosecution calls Dr. Ryan Gerard."

The prosecutor questioned Ryan to establish the time of Ambassador Stone's death at 5:40 p.m., and that she had died of cardiac arrest caused by a beam from a scrambler. Remy had no questions for the doctor.

"Call your next witness, Mr. Drake," ordered Judge Walker.

"The prosecution calls Sergeant Ortiz," said Mr. Drake, sitting at his trial table – going through his notes.

The bailiff said to Ortiz, as he approached him, "Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth and to uphold the law of the Republic?" asked the bailiff.

With his right hand raised, Ortiz answered, "I will." Then he took a seat in the witness stand.

Prosecutor Drake stood up from his trial table and walked over to the witness stand. "Sergeant Ortiz, how are you today, sir?"

"I'm fine," answered Ortiz.

"We have confirmation, by Dr. Gerard, that Ambassador Stone was killed by a beam from a scrambler, causing cardiac arrest, at 5:40 p.m. You were on the scene of the murder - just outside The Officer's Club - at what time?"

"At approximately 5:50 p.m."

"And what did you find at the murder scene?"

"A scrambler lying next to Ambassador Stone's body."

Drake walked over to an exhibit table and picked up a scrambler. "Is this the scrambler you found at the scene?" asked Drake, showing the scrambler to the Court and then to Ortiz.

"Yes, it is."

"Can you identify the ownership of the scrambler?"

"Yes. The scrambler belongs to Major Thorr."

"And by Major Thorr, you mean Princess Brianna?"

"Yes."

"And how did you come to that conclusion?"

"The serial number."

"Please accept this as Exhibit 1, Your Honor."

"Duly noted, Mr. Drake," responded Judge Walker.

"No further questions, Your Honor," said Mr. Drake.

"Remy, would you like to cross-examine the witness?" asked Judge Walker.

"Not at this time, Your Honor," answered Remy. "But the defense reserves the right to recall this witness at a later time."

"All right. Let's proceed. Next witness, Mr. Drake," ordered the judge.

The prosecutor called several witnesses that were employed by The Officer's Club, who were working on the day that Ambassador Stone was murdered. They all testified to seeing Brianna at the club that day. They said that she was sitting at a table, drinking alone, from approximately 5:15 p.m. until 5:40 p.m. – at which time she followed Ambassador Stone out of the bar.

Remy waived cross-examination of most of those witnesses. He was strategically waiting for specific ones – especially ones that had knowledge of the prior Chameleon incident.

Then the prosecutor called the eye-witness that claimed to have seen Brianna shoot Ambassador Stone.

"So, Ms. Fitch, your statement in the arrest report says that you were in the hallway headed for The Officer's Club at approximately 5:40 p.m. on the day in question. Is that correct?" Drake asked.

"Yes," she answered. "I was on my way in to work."

"So, you're employed at The Officer's Club?"

"Yes. I'm a waitress there."

"And what did you see on your way to work that day?"

"I saw Major Thorr - I mean Princess Brianna \- shoot Ambassador Stone with her scrambler."

Gasps and reactions, from the crowd, filled the courtroom. Judge Walker banged his gavel, trying to restore order. "Order! Order in the courtroom!" he yelled.

As soon as the crowd settled down, Drake continued. "Ms. Fitch, then what happened?" he asked.

"Princess Brianna looked up and saw me," she answered.

"Did she say anything to you?"

"No. She just threw down her scrambler and walked away."

"No further questions," said the prosecutor. Drake walked back to his trial table and sat down.

"Remy, would you like to cross-examine this witness?" asked Judge Walker.

"Yes, Your Honor," he answered. Remy stood up from his trial table and walked over to the witness stand. "Ms. Fitch, do you know Princess Brianna, personally?"

"No," she answered.

"But you know her well enough to recognize her?"

"Yes. I know she's the Major here on Star Base. I've seen her around."

"And how long have you worked here on Star Base?"

"About six weeks."

"Was Princess Brianna wearing a major's uniform or a flight uniform on the day in question?"

"I'm not sure. I think she had on a major's uniform."

"But Princess Brianna had a training class that morning with the cadet fighter pilots. So it seems like she would have been dressed in a flight uniform. So, was the person you identified as Princess Brianna wearing a major's uniform or a flight uniform that day?"

"I was so frightened by everything - I could be wrong about which uniform she was wearing."

"Are you even sure that the person you identified was Princess Brianna? After all, you just said you've only been on Star Base for six weeks."

"Yes."

"But you aren't sure what uniform she was wearing?"

"Objection, Your Honor!" said prosecutor Drake, standing up from his chair. "Counsel is badgering the witness."

"Sustained," said the judge.

"No further questions," said Remy.

At noon, the Court broke for lunch. After lunch, the prosecutor called Ensign Mark Scott to the witness stand.

Mr. Drake stood up from his trial table. "Ensign Scott, did you see Princess Brianna drinking alone at The Officer's Club on the afternoon in question?" Drake asked, as he walked around in front of his trial table, facing the Ensign.

"Yes," answered Ensign Scott.

"And where was she sitting?"

"She was sitting at a table away from the bar."

"And where were you sitting?"

"At the bar next to Mia – I mean, Ambassador Stone."

"So, you were sitting at the bar next to Ambassador Stone?"

"Yes."

"What were you and the Ambassador discussing?"

"We were just talking about how things were going, around Star Base, since she'd been away."

"Did your discussion involve Cassidy Jones Thorr?"

"Mia was doing shots. She was starting to slur, badly," he answered, looking over at Brianna and Remy – trying to duck the question.

"Your Honor, would you instruct the witness to answer the question?"

"The witness will answer the question or be held in contempt," said the judge.

"Thank you, Your Honor," said Drake. "Ensign, you are under oath. Did your discussion with the Ambassador involve Princess Brianna's wife, Cassidy Jones Thorr?"

"Yes."

"And what did the Ambassador say?"

"She said she was going to wait around, to see if Cassie might drop by The Officers Club."

"And what was the Ambassador going to do if Princess Brianna's wife dropped by?"

"She said she was going to give her a big kiss and take her home with her."

That statement got a reaction from the spectators in the courtroom.

"Order," said Judge Walker, banging his gavel.

"Was the Ambassador's comment said loud enough for Princess Brianna to hear her from where she was sitting in the bar?"

"Objection! Speculation," said Remy

"Sustained," said the judge.

"What happened next, Ensign," asked Mr. Drake.

"Mia received a communication and had to leave," answered Ensign Scott.

"What did Princess Brianna do?"

"Brianna followed Mia out of the club."

"No further questions," said the prosecutor.

"Remy, do you care to cross-examine this witness?" asked Judge Walker.

"Yes, Your Honor," answered Remy, as he stood and approached the witness stand. "Ensign Scott. How long have you known Major Thorr?"

"About five years," he answered.

"Have you ever known her to drink alone in a bar with her scrambler?"

"Objection," said Drake. "Conjecture."

"I withdraw the question," said Remy. "Ensign, did you speak to Princess Brianna on the day in question at The Officer's Club?"

"No," answered Ensign Scott.

"Do you remember a day last fall that a strange-looking character, with horns protruding from his forehead, transferred onto the Control Center of Star Base?"

"Objection, your Honor. This line of questioning is totally irrelevant to this case. Counsel is making a mockery of these proceedings," said prosecutor Drake.

"Your Honor, I have a very important point to make that is relevant to this case," said Remy.

"OK. I'll allow it. But get to the point, or I'm going to adjourn for the day," Judge Walker said, shaking his head. "I can't wait to hear this."

"Thank you, Your Honor," said Remy. "Ensign, do you remember that day?"

"Yes. I remember the Chameleon transferring onto the Control Center," answered the Ensign.

"What did it want?"

"It demanded that Major Thorr - I mean, Princess Brianna - leave with it."

"What happened next, Ensign?"

"The Major refused to leave with it. So it said it would go after Cassie."

"Objection, Your Honor. This has no bearing on this case," argued Mr. Drake.

"Your Honor, please. I'm just about to make my point," said Remy.

"Then get on with it," said Judge Walker, rolling his eyes.

"Ensign Scott," said Remy, "did the Chameleon take on the likeness of Princess Brianna?"

"Yes."

"Could you tell the difference in the two?"

"No."

"Ensign Scott, can you be absolutely sure, after seeing the Chameleon take on Princess Brianna's likeness – that the person you saw, on the day in question at The Officer's Club, was really the Princess?"

"No."

"No further questions," said Remy.

"Mr. Drake - re-direct?" asked Judge Walker.

"Not at this time, Your Honor. But I reserve the right to recall this witness." The prosecutor was surprised and unprepared for testimony involving the Chameleon. So... the Roden is trying to plant a seed of doubt in the jury's minds, building a foundation for a mistaken identity defense.

"We're adjourned until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.," said Judge Walker.

The next morning in Court...

"The prosecution calls Susan Jones Gerard to the stand," said Mr. Drake. "The prosecution hereby designates this witness as hostile."

"Duly noted," said Judge Walker.

Suzie got up from her front row seat in the courtroom, walked over and opened the gate to the railing, and headed for the witness stand.

"Raise your right hand," said the bailiff, as Suzie approached him. "Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth and uphold the law of the Republic?"

With her right hand raised Suzie said, "I will." Then she took a seat in the witness chair. Suzie's hands were shaking nervously as the prosecutor walked over to her.

"Mrs. Gerard, would you consider yourself a close friend to the defendant?" asked Prosecutor Drake.

"Yes. Brianna and I are best friends," she answered.

"So, you must have missed her the seven and a half months that she was missing."

"Yes. I missed her very much."

"Do you remember a night out at The Officer's Club, shortly after Princess Brianna's return, that she joined you and your band for a concert?"

"Yes. We - I mean, The Rockets had a happy hour gig at The Officer's Club, and Brianna joined us."

"What happened that night?"

"We played our gig and went home," answered Suzie, as coached by Remy.

"Wasn't Mia Stone at The Officer's Club that night?"

"Yes."

"What happened that night, Mrs. Gerard?"

"We played our gig and went home."

"Did Mia Stone do a strip tease for Princess Brianna's wife, Cassidy Jones Thorr, that night?"

"Yes." Oh, no. This sounds bad. I better explain. "Mia was drunk, and we didn't know that she had requested 'Come Be My Lover.'"

"So, your sister was singing a seductive love song to Ms. Stone - in front of her wife?"

"Objection, Your Honor," said Remy.

"Sustained," replied the judge.

"I'll rephrase," said Drake. "Mrs. Gerard, was Princess Brianna upset by Ms. Stone's inappropriate display towards her wife?"

"Objection, Your Honor. Mrs. Gerard isn't a mind reader," said Remy.

"Sustained. Mr. Drake, let's move this along," said Judge Walker.

"Mrs. Gerard, did Princess Brianna say anything to you about Ms. Stone's inappropriate behavior?" asked Drake.

Suzie just looked at Remy and Brianna, not responding.

"Mrs. Gerard," said Judge Walker, "you will answer the question or be held in contempt."

"Mrs. Gerard, I'll ask you again," said Drake. "Did Princess Brianna make any comment to you about Ms. Stone's inappropriate behavior towards her wife?"

"Yes," said Suzie.

"What did she say?"

"She said that she would get rid of Mia for good."

"Order," Judge Walker said to the murmuring crowd, as they reacted to Suzie's damaging testimony.

"But she didn't mean that she would kill her," said Suzie, trying to explain. "She just..."

"Thank you, Mrs. Gerard," interrupted the prosecutor. "No further questions. The prosecution rests, your Honor."

* * *

"I'll testify for her, Remy. Put me on the stand," offered Cassie, once she and Brianna and Remy were back in the Major's quarters. "I'll tell them that Mia didn't mean anything to me. Brianna knew that. There was no reason for her to kill Mia."

"I don't think so, Cassie," he responded. "We don't want to open up a can of worms, so to speak, on your past love life. The prosecutor would have a field day with that line of questioning. It would make Brianna look even more guilty - with the jealous rage theory he's going for."

"Then what are we going to do, Remy?" asked Brianna.

"I'll call Ms. Stoutmire and establish that you picked your son up from her around 4:30 p.m. I can recall Sergeant Ortiz and bring up the prior Chameleon incident, again. I think it's important to push the mistaken identity angle. And I'll call the Colonel as a character witness. He can confirm that you were home at 5:05 p.m. But even so - all things considered - you still could have been at The Officer's Club by 5:15 p.m. So, I feel like I have no choice but to put you on the stand, Brianna. The whole trial could come down to whether or not the jury believes you."

* * *

It was the defense's turn to present its case. First, Remy called Ms. Stoutmire to the stand and established that Brianna picked Flash up at 4:30 p.m. on the day of the murder. Ms. Stoutmire was also able to convey what a loving, caring mother Brianna was.

The prosecutor had no questions for Ms. Stoutmire.

Then Remy called Colonel Smith. The Colonel testified, regarding his communication with Brianna that ended at 5:05 p.m. that day - and to her good moral character.

The prosecutor had only one question for the Colonel, re-confirming that the communication ended at 5:05 p.m.

Next, Sergeant Ortiz was recalled to the stand.

"Sergeant, do you remember a prior incident where the Chameleon took on the likeness of Princess Brianna and attacked her wife, Cassie?" Remy asked.

"Yes," answered Ortiz.

"Did it look like Brianna?"

"Yes."

"Physically, could you tell the difference between the two?"

"No. Physically, they looked identical."

"So, the Chameleon was able to fool practically everyone on Star Base that day by taking on various likenesses?"

"Yes."

"So, isn't it possible that the Chameleon fooled the staff at the mental facility, too, and escaped? Then it committed this murder - as Princess Brianna - and then snuck back in?"

"Objection! Leading the witness," said Mr. Drake.

"Sustained," said Judge Walker. "The jury is instructed to ignore counsel's last comments."

"Sergeant, Princess Brianna claims that you came by her quarters at 4:45 p.m. that day. Is that correct?" asked Remy.

"No. I didn't go to her quarters, that day, until the time of the arrest at 7:30 p.m.," answered Ortiz.

"If that wasn't you, maybe what Princess Brianna saw - and thought was you – was really the Chameleon, instead."

"Objection!" said the prosecutor.

"Sustained," said the judge.

"Then it took on Brianna's likeness, stole her security disk and scrambler, and murdered Ambassador Stone," said Remy.

"Objection!" yelled Drake, jumping up from his chair. "Where's the question? Counsel should save his wild theories for closing arguments."

"Sustained!" said Judge Walker. "Remy, ask a question or sit down."

"I have nothing further for this witness," said Remy, heading back to his trial table and taking a seat.

"Your witness, Mr. Drake," said Judge Walker.

Drake walked over to the witness stand. "Sergeant, in your investigation – either prior to, or during this trial - have you checked to see if the Chameleon has escaped from the mental facility?"

"Yes. I checked with the facility this morning."

"And what was the Chameleon's status? Was it still there?"

"Yes. The Chameleon is still locked up."

"So, the Chameleon is still locked up. And according to your arrest report, the visual disk from Princess Brianna's security system was missing – correct?"

"Yes."

"Were there any fingerprints on the security system?"

"No."

"That's a bit odd. It seems that at least Princess Brianna's fingerprints would be on her security system. And how convenient - that the visual disk was missing. That way no one could see the comings and goings from her quarters that day."

"Objection, Your Honor. The prosecutor should hold his speculation and personal opinions for closing," protested Remy.

"Sustained," ruled Judge Walker.

Two can play your game, Drake thought, staring at Remy – knowing he'd made his point and that the jury couldn't un-hear it now. "And once again, Sergeant, would you tell the court where Princess Brianna's missing scrambler was found?" asked Drake.

"Beside Ambassador Stone's dead body," answered Ortiz.

"No further questions, Your Honor."

"Re-direct, Remy?" asked the judge.

"Yes, Your Honor," said Remy. "Sergeant, did you and Princess Brianna inspect her security system that evening?"

"Yes," Ortiz answered.

"And there were no fingerprints?"

"No. It appeared to have been wiped clean."

"Could the system have been tampered with?"

"I guess that's a possibility. I couldn't be sure one way or another. But if it had been tampered with, someone really knew what they were doing."

"Objection!" Drake yelled. "Speculation."

"Sustained," said Judge Walker. "The jury is instructed to disregard the Sergeant's remark."

"Nothing further for this witness," said Remy.

"Sergeant, you may step down," said Judge Walker. "Remy, call your next witness."

"The defense calls Princess Brianna," said Remy.

Brianna was sworn in amidst a murmuring crowd in the courtroom.

"Quiet," ordered the judge, silencing the crowd. "Proceed counselor," he said to Remy.

"Princess Brianna, what was your relationship to Ambassador Mia Stone?" asked Remy, as he approached the witness stand.

"We were friends and colleagues while we served together on Star Base," answered Brianna.

"What was your wife's relationship to Ms. Stone, during the time you were missing and presumed dead?"

"Objection," said the prosecutor. "Princess Brianna wasn't on Star Base during that time."

"I'll rephrase," said Remy. "Princess Brianna, what did your wife, Cassie, tell you about her relationship with Mia Stone?"

"She told me that she dated Mia, for a short while, during the time I was missing."

"Did you hold that against your wife - or Ms. Stone?"

"No. I was presumed dead at the time. And Cassidy said that the relationship ended long before I returned."

"Did Cassie say why the relationship ended?"

"Yes. She said that Mia was in love with her wanted to get married. Cassidy didn't return Mia's feelings, so she broke up with her."

"That night at The Officer's Club when Ms. Stone did a striptease for your wife, how did that make you feel?"

"I was angry and embarrassed. I was also pregnant and hormonal."

"Did you say that you would 'get rid of her - for good'?"

"Yes."

The spectators started talking among themselves, disrupting the court. "Order!" said Judge Walker, quieting things down.

"What did you mean by that remark?" Remy asked Brianna.

"I meant that I would get her reassigned somewhere other than Star Base," said Brianna.

"So, you just meant that you would get Ms. Stone re-assigned?"

"Yes. I didn't think I would be able to continue a working relationship with her, after the way she behaved towards my wife at The Officer's Club. Either she had to leave Star Base, or Cassidy and I would. It just wasn't a good situation."

"How did you accomplish getting her reassigned?"

"I used my influence to get her the job as Ambassador of Thorr to Pirogue. I knew, from working with Mia, that being a Thorrian ambassador was one of her career goals."

"By your influence, you mean that you got your sister, the Czar of Thorr, to assist you in this reassignment for Ms. Stone?"

"Yes."

"The morning of the day in question, you had a class with the cadet fighter pilots - is that correct?"

"Yes. We had a class that morning and went out on a maneuver that afternoon."

"What time did you return to Star Base that afternoon?"

"At 4:00 p.m."

"Then what happened?"

"I had a brief meeting with the class. Then I went and picked up my son from his nanny at 4:30 p.m. I arrived at my quarters at about 4:45 p.m."

"Did you go anywhere after you got home that day?"

"No. I was there until 7:30 p.m. when Sergeant Ortiz came and arrested me."

"Princess Brianna, did you kill Ambassador Mia Stone?"

"No, I did not."

"Your witness, Mr. Drake," said Remy, returning to his trial table.

Prosecutor Drake stood up and walked over to the witness stand. "Princess Brianna, Colonel Smith testified that your communication with him ended at 5:05 p.m. Witnesses confirm seeing you at The Officer's Club at 5:15 p.m. From your quarters, The Officer's Club is about a five to ten minute walk, correct?"

"Yes."

"So, theoretically, if you left your quarters around 5:05 p.m., you could've been at The Officer's Club by 5:15 p.m. - couldn't you?"

"Objection!" said Remy. "Theoretically, if frogs had wings they wouldn't bump their asses when they jumped."

The jury and the people observing the trial cracked up laughing at Remy's remark.

"Order!" yelled the judge. "Counselor," he said, turning to Remy, "if you want to do stand up comedy, do it somewhere else – but not in my courtroom. Your objection is overruled. The witness will answer the question," the judge said to Brianna.

"If I left my quarters at 5:05 p.m., I could get to The Officer's Club by 5:15 p.m.," Brianna said, looking to Judge Walker. "But I didn't go there that day."

"Just answer the question directly," the judge said to Brianna. "Mr. Drake, you may continue."

"Thank you, Your Honor," said Drake. "Princess Brianna, why would this court believe that you weren't at The Officer's Club that day? Eye-witnesses have already testified that they saw you there."

"Because I wouldn't leave my child at home, alone, so I could go drink in a bar."

"You could have put your son in a playpen, or something like that, and be gone for a short while – couldn't you?"

"I wouldn't do something like that!" Brianna answered, irritated by the very idea of leaving her infant son at home alone.

"And I find it very curious that your visual disk was missing from your security system – and there were no fingerprints. Did you remove it and wipe off your fingerprints?"

"No!" said Brianna, becoming flustered.

"You testified that your comment - that you would 'get rid of her for good' - just meant that you would get Ms. Stone reassigned, correct?"

"Yes."

"You also testified that her behavior towards your wife - at The Officer's Club - made you feel angry and embarrassed. Weren't you angry, embarrassed, and jealous - to find out that way - that Ms. Stone had been sleeping with your wife while you were missing?"

That question struck a nerve. Brianna couldn't hide the anger in her eyes. She was livid that the prosecutor was rubbing it in – that Cassie had slept with Mia – and was further embarrassing her in front of everyone in the courtroom. Brianna was so angry she couldn't speak.

"Your Honor," said Drake, turning to the judge when Brianna didn't respond.

"The witness will answer the question," said Judge Walker.

"Princess Brianna, weren't you jealous and angry that Ms. Stone slept with you wife while you were missing."

"Yes," she answered calmly, trying her best not to lose control of her emotions in front of the jury.

"So, when getting Ms. Stone reassigned didn't work, and she came back to Star Base - planning to go after your wife again, you took more drastic measures and killed her - didn't you?"

"No!" Brianna yelled, losing her cool.

"Your scrambler was missing and then found next to Ambassador Stone's dead body. Do you really expect this court believe such a tall tale - that the Chameleon escaped the mental facility and committed this murder?"

"That's the only explanation that makes any sense. I didn't do it!" she answered, becoming more and more flustered.

"But the Chameleon is still looked up. How do you explain that?"

"I don't know! Maybe it escaped and then snuck back in."

"Objection, Your Honor!" said Remy, standing up from his chair. "None of Princess Brianna's duties involve guarding the loony bin." Remy's statement brought the courtroom down with laughter. He was attempting to distract the jury and give Brianna a moment to compose herself.

"Order. Order in this courtroom, or I will have it cleared!" yelled Judge Walker, banging his gavel. "Remy, one more unprofessional outburst from you - and you'll spend the night in the brig!"

"I apologize, Your Honor," said Remy, sitting back down.

"Proceed, Mr. Drake."

"Princess Brianna," continued Mr. Drake, "you admit your anger and jealousy towards Ms. Stone, don't you?

"Yes," she answered, calmly, yet still in an agitated state.

"You admit to getting her reassigned - away from Star Base- correct?"

"Yes."

Drake pressed Brianna even harder. "You admit that she got what she deserved - for sleeping with you wife – don't you?"

"Yes!" she blurted without thinking - biting on the prosecutor's cold and calculating line of questioning. "I mean no!" she said, trying to retract her answer. But it was too late – everyone in the courtroom heard her - loud and clear.

Drake was thrilled that he had caused Brianna to lose her temper in front of the jury, playing right into his jealous rage theory.

Oh, shit! thought Cassie, sighing and closing her eyes. That son-of-a bitch baited her into that. Now she really looks guilty. Cassie opened her eyes and glanced at her family and friends, who were sitting with her on the front row. From the looks on their faces, she could tell that they had the same reaction.

"Princess Brianna, the Chameleon had no motive or opportunity to commit this murder," Drake continued. "But you did. Why don't you just admit that you killed Ambassador Stone?"

"Objection! Badgering the witness!" yelled Remy.

"Sustained!" said Judge Walker.

"No further questions," said the prosecutor.

"Remy - re-direct?" asked Judge Walker.

"Yes, Your Honor," said Remy. "Princess Brianna, did you murder Ambassador Mia Stone?"

"No," she answered, obviously still reeling from the prosecutor's relentless line of questioning, which had made her look even more guilty to the jury.

"The defense rests."

"This court is adjourned until tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. At that time, counsel will give closing arguments," said the judge, banging his gavel.

* * *

"This trial is not going well, Brianna," said Remy, as he and Brianna and Cassie sat at Brianna's dining room table. "I got this gut feeling the jury's not buying our Chameleon/mistaken identity defense, at all. I think it's time we take the Czar up on her offer – and get her in here to testify, right away - while I can still file a motion for new evidence."

"No!" said Brianna. "You said at the beginning of this trial there was a fifty-fifty chance we could win."

"I feel those odds shrinking. I think you do, too, if you're really honest with yourself. I got the best private investigator Lucre can buy working on this case. He's got nothing about a Chameleon escape. Your life is at stake here, Brianna. Think about it. If you're convicted, who's to know what the Czar will do? Will she really come forward and testify after the trial – or just let you be executed?"

"I'll take that chance," said Brianna. About that time, Flash became fussy - sitting in his playpen in the dining room. "I think Flash might be hungry. Excuse me a moment," she said, getting up from the table and taking Flash into the kitchen.

Cassie said quietly, so Brianna wouldn't hear her from the kitchen, "Remy, don't worry about Julia refusing to testify. That would alienate me from her for good. She doesn't want that."

"All right," Remy whispered back to her. "But I highly recommend you order an engagement ring for the Czar. You're gonna need it. I'll see you and Brianna in the morning. I gotta go prepare my closing argument."

***

"Mr. Drake, are you ready for closing?" asked the judge.

"Yes, Your Honor," answered Mr. Drake, standing at the closing podium next to the jury box.

"You've got three minutes," said Judge Walker, setting a timer. "Go."

"Ambassador Mia Stone was obsessed with Cassidy Jones Thorr," said prosecutor Drake, as he stood facing the jurors. "Even after Ms. Jones Thorr broke off the relationship, Ms. Stone was still in love with her. Ms. Stone wasn't even deterred by the return of Princess Brianna - back from the dead.

"The night Ms. Stone made inappropriate advances towards Princess Brianna's wife - right in front of her at The Officer's Club - the Princess had had enough. So what did she do? She used her power and influence to get Ms. Stone a job as Ambassador of Thorr to Pirogue - which removed her from Star Base. But Ms. Stone's obsession with Princess Brianna's wife continued. When getting Ms. Stone off of Star Base didn't solve the problem, Princess Brianna turned to more drastic measures. In a jealous rage, Princess Brianna murdered Ambassador Stone in cold blood. The facts can't be ignored. She had motive and opportunity. And you've heard testimony from eye witnesses that place the Princess at the scene of the crime. And one witness has testified to seeing the actual murder.

"The story concocted by the defense, regarding the Chameleon, is outrageous. There is no record of an escape - or even an attempted escape by the Chameleon. Nothing substantiates Princess Brianna's alibi that she was at home at the time of the murder. There was no security disk - and not one witness to corroborate her story.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you can't deny the facts. Princess Brianna had motive and opportunity. An eye-witness saw her shoot Ambassador Stone, throw down her scrambler, and walk away from the Ambassador's body. There's only one verdict that makes any sense. Guilty." The prosecutor stepped away from the podium and returned to his trial table.

"Remy, are you ready for closing," asked Judge Walker.

"Yes, Your Honor," said Remy, as he stood and walked over to the podium and faced the jury.

"You've got three minutes. Go."

"Princess Brianna did not kill Ambassador Stone," said Remy. "This is a case of mistaken identity. The only scenario that makes any sense is the Chameleon. In a previously documented incident, the Chameleon took on Princess Brianna's likeness and attacked her wife - Cassidy Jones Thorr – in Princess Brianna's quarters.

"The Chameleon is an entity that can take on another's likeness by just being around them. Apparently, on the day in question, the Chameleon passed Sergeant Ortiz in the hallway, taking on his likeness. Then the likeness of the Sergeant visited Princess Brianna at approximately 4:45 p.m. While the princess tended to her son and spoke to Colonel Smith on the communicator, it stole her scrambler and the disk from her security system. Then the Chameleon took on the likeness of the Princess and went to The Officer's Club.

"Witnesses say Princess Brianna was at The Officer's Club, drinking alone, armed with her scrambler. I don't think so. A teacher, and one of the most decorated officers in the history of the Republic, does not drink in a bar armed with a scrambler. Princess Brianna had no reason to kill Ambassador Stone. Her wife's brief relationship with Ms. Stone ended long before Princess Brianna returned from the time she was missing.

"The only explanation that makes any sense is the Chameleon. There is documented proof that, in a prior incident, it fooled several witnesses to this trial. It is also capable of fooling the personnel of the mental facility by getting out and back in, undetected. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, don't you be fooled by the Chameleon – or by the prosecutor. This is a case of mistaken identity. Princess Brianna is innocent. The only verdict that makes any sense is not guilty." Then Remy returned to the defense table and took a seat next to Brianna.

"Bailiff, escort the jury out so they can begin their deliberation," order Judge Walker. "This court is adjourned until a verdict is reached."

Brianna, Cassie, and Flash spent the rest of the day alone in Brianna's quarters. That evening after Flash was put to bed, Brianna and Cassie retired to the bedroom. They made love like it was their last time. Their future together was very uncertain.

The next morning at 10:00 a.m., Brianna and Cassie received a call from Remy. The jury had reached a verdict. At 11:00 a.m., the court reconvened for the verdict.

"The defendant will rise and face the jury," ordered Judge Walker.

Remy and Brianna stood and faced the jury.

Judge Walker said, "Madame foreman, have you reached a verdict?"

"Yes, Your Honor," responded the foreman of the jury, as she stood up.

"What is your verdict?"

"We, the jury, find Princess Brianna of Thorr guilty of the murder of Ambassador Mia Stone."

The courtroom erupted as family, friends, and media all reacted to the verdict.

"Order! Order!" said the judge, banging his gavel to quiet the crowd. "Thank you, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. You're dismissed."

"Motion for appeal, Your Honor," said Remy.

"Granted," said Judge Walker. "Execution will be stayed, pending the outcome of the appeal. The Defendant will be held in the Star Base brig, without bail, until the appeal process is completed. This court is adjourned."

As the bailiff took Brianna out of the courtroom, she turned and looked back. The scene she witnessed was Cassie, Remy, Adrianna, and Anton quickly exiting the courtroom.

Out in the hallway, Remy whispered to Cassie, "Get your ass over to the palace on Tyre as quickly as possible. Do whatever you have to do to get the Czar to cooperate with me, regarding her testimony."

"I'm on it," said Cassie, as Rocko joined her and helped push through the throngs of media and tabloid reporters.

Adrianna used her power and influence to push Brianna and Cassie's divorce through the Thorrian courts in a matter of hours. In the meantime, Remy filed motions for appeal and introduction of new evidence.

* * *

Cassie entered Julia's private suite and found her sitting on the living room sofa, holding Cirra.

Julia looked up and noticed that Cassie had entered. "There must have been a guilty verdict in the trial, if you're here."

"I'm here to take you up on your offer to testify for Brianna."

"Oh. So now you want to marry me," she said with a skeptical, yet triumphant smile.

"Yes, I do." Cassie pulled a two carat diamond engagement ring out of her jeans pocket, got down on one knee, and said, "Julia, will you marry me?"

Wow! thought Julia, smiling and admiring the ring. She was stunned and pleasantly surprised by Cassie's gesture. "Ask me again when you can show legal, documented proof of your divorce."

As soon as Julia received proof of Cassie and Brianna's divorce, at approximately 2:30 p.m., she accepted Cassie's marriage proposal. At about 3:30 p.m., Julia and Cassie were married in a private civil ceremony at the palace on Tyre. Charlie, Cirra, and the judge that performed the ceremony, were the only ones in attendance. Cassidy Jones Thorr was now Cassidy Jones Androssi.

Julia and her lawyer arrived on Star Base at 5:00 p.m. and met with Judge Walker, prosecutor Drake, and Remy in the judge's chambers. Julia testified that she was on Star Base, on the day in question, for a meeting regarding the trade agreement. She confirmed that she saw Brianna - just outside her quarters at exactly 5:40 p.m. – as she made her way to the landing bay after the meeting.

Drake was furious, knowing that his conviction was about to be overturned. I am so screwed on my promotion. "Why has this bit of information just now been presented?"

"That's a good question," said Judge Walker, noticeably irritated to be presented with testimony after the trial that would have prevented a need for a trial in the first place.

Julia's lawyer said, "Madame Czar's schedule is extremely demanding. She has not attended nor followed this trial - and is not familiar with any of the facts of the case. Only upon hearing the news of the conviction, did she ask me to contact Remy to enquire if her seeing Princess Brianna, on the day in question, was even relevant."

"And we really appreciate you coming forward, Madame Czar," said Remy. "On behalf of my client, Princess Brianna, we can't thank you enough."

"You're welcome," said Julia. "I felt I had a duty, as a member of the Republic, to be sure that justice was served." I can't wait to get home for my wedding night.

Upon hearing Julia's testimony, the judge had no choice but to overturn the verdict and sign Brianna's acquittal order.

Julia thought, as she and her attorney exited the Judge's chambers and headed for the landing bay, I wonder if Cassie would like a couple of swim suit models as a wedding gift? I know I sure would.

# CHAPTER 26 – THE MISTRESS AND THE WIFE

Around 6:30 p.m., Remy arranged for Brianna's release from the Star Base brig and escorted her to her quarters. Then he served her with a copy of the final divorce decree, ending her marriage to Cassie. Brianna was now a divorced, single mom.

As Brianna and Remy stood in her living room, she skimmed through the divorce decree. She threw it down on the coffee table and said, "How long does Cassidy have to go along with this charade of a marriage to Julia?"

"Don't know yet. Long enough to see what else the Czar has else up her sleeve," Remy answered. "One step at a time, Brianna. We accomplished our number one goal - getting you acquitted. So... you have no clue what the Czar's hidden agenda might be?"

"No."

Remy pulled Cassie's wedding band out of a front pocket of his jacket. "Cassie asked me to give this to you for safe keeping," he said, handing the ring to Brianna. "She said she'd be in touch. Oh, another thing - before I forget. She wanted me to give you this note, too," he said, pulling an envelope out of the inside pocket of his jacket and handing it to her.

Brianna took the envelope from him, which had her name written on it. She immediately recognized Cassie's handwriting.

"I gotta go. Call me if you need anything," said Remy.

"I will. Thank you, Remy," said Brianna.

"You're welcome. Sorry this wasn't the acquittal we'd hoped for. But we'll get this situation resolved – so hang in there. I'll see myself out."

Brianna set Cassie's wedding band on the coffee table next to the divorce decree. Then she opened the envelope and pulled the note from it. The note read:

To my real wife,

I love you, Brianna. I'll be home soon. I'm looking forward to our second honeymoon at the beach (I still have that servant's uniform). Hold that thought.

Cassidy

Brianna smiled initially, but her smile disappeared as she took off her wedding band and engagement earring and placed them on the coffee table next to Cassie's wedding band and the divorce decree.

About that time, Suzie and Vanita entered Brianna's living room.

Suzie rushed over to Brianna, gave her a hug, and said, "Brianna, I'm so glad this whole ordeal is over."

"Me too, girlfriend," said Vanita, joining them in a group hug.

"Over?" said Brianna, staring at the divorce decree on the coffee table. "This is far from over. That bitch took my wife away from me!" she said, pulling away from them. "I can't stand the thought of Cassidy being married to that woman!" She walked over to the coffee table, reached out with both hands, and cleared the wedding rings, engagement earring, and divorce decree from the table and onto the floor.

"Well, saving your life is the most important thing here, Brianna," said Suzie.

"Cassidy is my life - or was," said Brianna. "Now that she's married to Julia – I'm afraid that bitch will never give her a divorce."

"Hey, don't you get down now," said Vanita. "Cassie and that sleazy Roden lawyer of hers – they'll come up with something to get her out of that marriage. You mark my word."

"That's another thing that worries me – that Cassidy will do something illegal. Then she will be the one in trouble," said Brianna.

"Well, I knew Julia was a spoiled control freak, but I never thought she would stoop this low - blackmailing Cassie into marrying her."

"I know," said Suzie, sighing and shaking her head. "Brianna, it was all I could do to hold my tongue while I was testifying. But when that prosecutor started badgering you, I just wanted to blurt it out, so bad, that Julia saw you that day and knew you were innocent."

"I know that's right. That bitch and that bastard will get what's coming to them one of these days," said Vanita, referring to Julia and the prosecutor.

"Suzie, you and Vanita can never tell anyone about Julia seeing me that day," said Brianna.

"I won't. Cassie made that perfectly clear," said Suzie.

"My lips are sealed," said Vanita.

Suzie said, "I'm just grateful Cassie let us in on it. Or, I would've had a stroke when they announced the guilty verdict."

Brianna walked over to her observation window and stared out at the stars. "I have no idea how I'm going to explain why - all of a sudden - my wife just divorced me and married Julia."

"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to," said Vanita. "Rumors and speculation here on Star Base say Cassie left because of your jealousy and bad temper. Just let them think that. Then when Cassie comes home, just say you made up."

"I guess I have no other choice. I should have never agreed to this divorce. I think I'd rather be executed than have things the way they are now."

"Now, don't you talk like that. You and Cassie will get through this."

"Yeah, Brianna," said Suzie. "You're free and alive. Everything else can be fixed."

"I'm free and alone," said Brianna. "What reason do I have to go on now – without Cassidy?"

About that time Rocko entered Brianna's living room, carrying Flash.

"Mommy," said Flash, smiling at Brianna.

"There's one good reason to go on right there," said Vanita, looking at Flash.

Brianna smiled back at Flash, as Rocko set him down and Flash ran to her. "There's my big boy," Brianna said, picking him up and holding him.

"Cassie," said Flash, looking around the room for her.

Out in the Star Base landing bay, Remy placed a communication to Cassie, who was at the palace on Tyre. "Cassie, Brianna has been acquitted and released. The Czar is headed back to Tyre, as we speak."

"Thanks, Remy," said Cassie. "Guess it's time for me to find out what Julia's hidden agenda is."

"I'll be at my office if you need me. Good luck."

* * *

Julia was in her dressing area, putting on a hot, black negligee and expensive perfume. When she entered her bedroom, she found Cassie packing her travel bag. "Where do you think you're going, Cassie?"

"I'm going home," Cassie answered, continuing to pack.

"You'll do no such thing!" Julia yelled, grabbing Cassie by the arm. "You are home! This is our wedding night."

Cassie pulled away from her. "I agreed to marry you, Julia – that's all. Call a couple of you girlfriends. Have a nice honeymoon."

Becoming irritated, Julia yelled, "I don't appreciate your attitude!"

"Well, I don't appreciate being blackmailed into getting married!" Cassie yelled right back at her.

"I just saved Major Thorr's life. I would think a little gratitude would be in order." Julia put her arms around Cassie's neck and pulled her close. "I'm your wife, now."

Cassie removed Julia's arms from around her neck. "We're married in name only."

"You'll be my wife, in every way, or I'll withdraw my testimony!"

"You can't do that. Brianna's already been acquitted."

"Oh, yes I can. If you leave me, I'll say you offered to marry me - in exchange for my testimony – and that I didn't really see Major Thorr that day. Then the bitch would be re-tried, and you would be facing obstruction of justice charges."

"What a crock. You'd be in trouble for perjury if you did that."

"Maybe so. Maybe not. I can claim my testimony was under duress. Major Thorr has threatened to kill me, before - in front of witnesses."

"What? When?"

"After she came back from the dead. The day you two moved into the Colonel's guest suite. Those delivery people heard her threaten me."

"You're bluffing."

"I'm deadly serious."

About that time, Cirra could be heard crying in the nursery.

"It would appear we woke our daughter," said Julia. "I'll go check on her. In the meantime, I suggest you have a talk with your Roden lawyer. Have him explain things to you - and see if I'm bluffing," she said, and headed for the nursery.

Due to all the Lucre Cassie was paying Remy, he could now afford to move from his shabby old office, which was located in a bad neighborhood in Capital City, Tyre, to one of the most prestigious office buildings in the city of Vernice, Thorr – which was the capital of The Planet Thorr. He was unpacking boxes and arranging his desk when he received a communication. "Remy, Attorney at Law, here."

"Hey, Remy," said Cassie.

"Hey, Cassie. I kinda thought I'd be hearing from you."

"You're not gonna believe the shit Julia's trying to pull. She's threatening to withdraw her testimony if I leave her. She said she'll say I offered to marry her in exchange for her testimony – and that she didn't really see Brianna that day."

"That's not good – very clever, though."

"She's claiming she can get away with this - something about duress and Brianna threatening to kill her in front of witnesses. She's bluffing, right?"

"I'm afraid not, Cassie. Apparently, Brianna did threaten to kill the Czar in front of witnesses. I received their sworn affidavits from the Czar's lawyer - just a few minutes ago. So unless we can come up with evidence that the Chameleon murdered Ms. Stone, you'll just have to go along with this marriage to the Czar."

"For how long?"

"There's a two-year statute of limitations for withdrawing testimony, based on duress."

"Two years!? That's bullshit!"

"Or, until we find new evidence – whichever comes first."

"How on Earth did they come up with a stupid-ass law like that?"

"This isn't Earth, Cassie. The laws are different here. If there's evidence that a trial's outcome was rigged – and that's how this whole mess will appear to the appeals court - the acquitted defendant can be re-tried. And you could be brought up on obstruction of justice charges - for rigging the trial."

"Right now, I wish the fuck I had! I'm not believing this... Remy, I can't stay married to Julia for two years."

"That's your only option at the moment."

"But if Julia withdraws her testimony and says she didn't really see Brianna that day - wouldn't she be guilty of perjury?"

"Yes and no. Her lying is perjury. But the appeals court could waive the perjury charge based on the duress claim."

"So, Julia can lie and blackmail us with no legal consequences?!"

"The decision of whether to waive the perjury charge, on the basis of duress, would be completely up to the appeals court. But even if they did bring her up on charges, she's the Czar of the Planet Tyre. She could simply withdraw from The Republic. And then they couldn't touch her."

"This is un-fucking believable."

"And I can assure you of one thing, Cassie. The Republic doesn't want to lose Tyre as an ally. So the appeals court would be under tremendous pressure to go along with the duress claim. I'd say the Czar has a pretty good shot at avoiding prosecution - with the duress angle... Cassie, are you still there?"

"Yeah."

"Hey, I'll explain the situation to Brianna - if you want me too."

"No! I'll do it."

"OK. If you wanna tell her yourself, that's fine by me. Just be sure you tell her right away, or she'll be calling me and wanting to know what's going on."

"OK. I will."

"And you be sure your family and friends understand that they can never mention– to anyone - the deal we made with the Czar for her testimony."

"They understand that. They won't say anything."

"In the meantime, I strongly advise you to keep the new wife happy."

As Cassie ended her communication with Remy, she had a thought, The time machine! All I have to do is get Julia drunk, take her to bed, and wait for her to pass out. I can get coordinates from Brianna, and then we'll find out who really killed Mia. About that time, Cassie noticed that Julia had returned from the nursery. "Is Cirra OK?"

"Yes," Julia answered. "I rocked her for a few minutes, and she went right back to sleep."

"Good."

"Would you like a glass of champagne?"

"Yeah. Thanks."

Julia walked over to the bar area and poured herself and Cassie a glass of champagne. "Did your Roden lawyer clear things up for you?" she asked, walking toward Cassie with the champagne.

"Yeah, you win," Cassie answered, dejectedly, taking a glass of champagne from Julia. "I'm yours," she said, toasting her with deliberate lack of enthusiasm.

"Darling, I know you're angry with me at the moment, but I know I can make you happy. You'll see. You belong here with me and Cirra." Julia put an arm around Cassie's waist, pulled her close, and kissed her passionately. Then she walked over to the sofa, sat down, and motioned for Cassie to come sit next to her.

"I'll be right there. Just let me grab the champagne," Cassie said, heading for the bar area. Cassie put another bottle into the chiller, grabbed the open bottle, and joined Julia on the sofa.

The newlyweds sipped champagne and had a civil conversation about Cirra. That was the only subject Cassie could speak to Julia about, at the time, that didn't include a lot of yelling and fighting. Once the first bottle of champagne was empty, Cassie opened the second – making sure that Julia was over-served.

Well into the second bottle, Cassie noticed that Julia's speech was starting to slur. She's toasted, Cassie thought. Cassie stood up from the sofa, reached out a hand to Julia, and said, "Let's go to bed."

Julia stood up from the sofa, took Cassie's hand, and followed her into the bedroom. When they reached the bed, Cassie let go of Julia's hand and completely undressed. Cassie helped Julia out of her negligee and pushed her down on the bed, kissing her and initiating foreplay. Even drunk, Julia had sense enough to realize that Cassie was still angry with her. But Julia didn't mind having angry sex with Cassie – and being pleasured with her favorite sex toy. It was all good to Julia. She had Cassie back. That's all that mattered to her.

Once Julia was satisfied and passed out for the night, Cassie got out of bed, put on a robe, and headed out of Julia's private suite and down a long hallway. Full of hope and anticipation, Cassie opened the door to the room that housed the time machine. Then her heart sank. The time machine was completely dismantled – pieces all over the room. Holy shit. What am I gonna do now? What am I gonna tell Brianna? At that point, all Cassie could do was go back to bed and try to get some sleep – her plan completely foiled.

* * *

Charlie entered Julia and Cassie's bedroom, wearing only his boxer shorts, and took a seat in a chair next to the bed. Julia woke up, rolled over, and started fondling and kissing Cassie's breasts – initiating foreplay. Charlie watched while the two women had their way with each other. When they were satisfied, Julia turned down the covers of the bed, exposing hers and Cassie's beautiful naked bodies. Then Cassie motioned for Charlie to join them. Barely able to walk with his bulging hard-on, Charlie got up from his chair and joined Julia and Cassie in bed...

"Charlie! Charlie, wake up!" Julia's voice rang out over the intercom in Charlie's suite.

"Huh. What?!" said Charlie, startled awake from his wet dream about Julia and Cassie.

"Charlie, wake up!"

"I'm awake!" he said, sitting up in bed. "What is it, Julia?"

"Get up and get dressed. You and Cassie and I are taking Cirra to the Capital City Fair. We'll make a day of it - just like a regular family. Meet us in the party room."

"OK, Julia. I'll be right there." However, Charlie was having a little trouble getting out of bed, with a big bulging hard-on. So he woke up his date from the previous evening, and had his way with her.

The next morning in Julia's bed...

"Good morning," Julia said to Cassie, as she kissed her wife awake.

"What time is it?" asked Cassie.

"It's about 9:30 a.m."

"I over-slept. I meant to get up and have breakfast with Cirra."

"Don't worry about it. Charlie and the nanny had breakfast with her. Everyone understands that we newlyweds like to sleep in. Did you have a good time at the fair yesterday? I know Cirra enjoyed it."

"Yeah. Cirra's great," Cassie said with a smile. "I always enjoy spending time with her."

"Good." Julia caught on quickly that any mention of Cirra made Cassie smile. "I truly want you to be happy, Cassie. I'd do anything for you."

"Really?"

"Yes, of course."

"Then give me a divorce and let me go home."

Julia snuggled next to Cassie and started fondling Cassie's breasts. "Anything but that. You are home. It's just a matter of time until you realize that this is where you belong."

"Julia," Cassie said, sitting up in bed – pulling away from her. "Cirra is very confused. She doesn't understand why I don't take her to Star Base. She's been saying 'Flash' and looking around for him. She really misses playing with the other kids."

"Flash and the other children are welcome to visit here any time. You have a rehearsal scheduled here for next week. I'll..."

"What rehearsal? For what?"

"I've arranged for The Rockets to appear on the Tyrian Movie Awards Show. It will be aired as a special on the StarTeli network."

"Really?" Cassie said with a smile. Then she tried to hide her enthusiasm. This is so cool. Maybe I can meet some people that can get me a movie role.

I knew this would please her, Julia thought.

"But Julia, we don't need to rehearse for that," said Cassie.

"You need to run through the song you're going to play and look over the presentation dialogue you'll be giving," said Julia.

"We get to do a presentation?" Wow. I've always wanted to do that.

"You get to do a presentation - with last year's best actress winner."

She's really hot... What am I thinking? I can't let Julia distract me with all this. I've got to stay focused on finding a way out of this stupid marriage.

"I'll call Suzie and Vanita and let them know about the rehearsal for the awards show - and that the children are welcome to come with them. I'll even hire a clown to entertain the children while we discuss your next concert tour."

"Concert tour?"

"Yes. It's time to get back to touring." Julia sat up in bed, wrapped her arms around Cassie's waist, and started kissing her neck. "Just give me a chance, Cassie. I know I can make you happy. It'll be like old times. You'll see... What do you say we have some fun tonight after we put Cirra to bed? I've got a new girl I'd like you to meet."

"No. I don't think so."

"What?"

"You wanted to be married. Now you're married. And I expect you to be faithful."

Julia's mouth dropped open, completely stunned by Cassie's statement. "What's gotten into you? You've never objected before."

"That was then. This is now. I'm not your constant. I'm your wife."

After a week of having sex with only Cassie, Julia was getting very frustrated. She truly cared for Cassie, but it wasn't a Tyrian's nature to be faithful. Finally, Julia couldn't stand it any longer. She needed variety. She really wanted Cassie as a constant, but she didn't really want a wife. The monogamous relationship was not only getting to be boring and monotonous, it was driving Julia crazy – and Cassie knew it.

* * *

Julia and Cassie had just finished having breakfast with Cirra and the nanny had taken Cirra for her bath.

"Darling," Julia said to Cassie, "I have important meetings, for the next three days, away from the palace. I'll be home Friday afternoon in time for dinner."

"OK. See you then" said Cassie. Don't let the door hit you in the ass leaving.

Julia kissed Cassie bye and headed for the landing bay - for a three-day rendezvous with a couple of her girlfriends. Cassie knew Julia well. Julia wasn't fooling her one bit. Cassie gave Julia's shuttle just enough time to take off, and then Cassie headed to the landing bay to take a shuttle to Star Base.

* * *

"Madame Czar," said a voice over the intercom in Julia's shuttle.

"Julia, here," she answered.

"Cassie just took a shuttle to Star Base."

"Thank you. Keep me informed."

"Yes, Madame Czar."

So Major Thorr is the mistress, now, and I'm the wife, Julia thought, laughing. That boring, monogamous Thorrian won't put up with this situation for long.

* * *

"Remy, this is Cassie," she said over her communicator. "I'm on a shuttle - on my way to Star Base to see Brianna and Flash."

"Be careful, Cassie. You don't want to piss-off the wife," said Remy.

"Don't worry about it. Julia's away from the palace for the next three days. So, have you come up with a legal loop-hole, yet, to get me out of this marriage?"

"No, Cassie. I've already explained things to you."

"There's got to be something you can do. I can't be married to Julia for two years!"

"I'm sorry. I don't see a legal way out of this. And why haven't you called and leveled with Brianna about the situation like you told me you would? I never would've agreed not to say anything, if I'd known you were gonna take your sweet time about it. You owe her an explanation. She keeps calling my office asking questions. I can't keep putting her off."

"I'm sorry, Remy. I couldn't just call her up and give her this kind of news over the communicator. And I really haven't had a chance to get over there till now. What have you told her?"

"The first time she called my office, I told her I was working on divorce strategy. Since then, I've just had my secretary take a message. I'm glad you're finally getting around to telling her something. I couldn't even go to Bobu's for my poker game this week 'cause if she saw me, she'd wanna know what's going on - and I don't blame her!"

"I'm sorry about that. But what am I gonna do?"

"My advice to you is to ride out the next two years - and don't do anything else the Czar can use against you. After the two years is up, you can just walk away. In the meantime, you could keep Brianna as a mistress – if you play your cards right."

"Brianna's not gonna go for that."

"It's you're only option, right now. If Brianna wants to see you, she'll have to go along with it. After all, she's the one that threatened to kill the Czar. I don't know what else to tell you. Legally, my hands are tied."

"I gotta go. My shuttle just landed on Star Base. Let me know if the private investigator comes up with anything."

"I will."

Cassie didn't speak to anyone as she exited the shuttle, hurrying along to Brianna's quarters – trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. It was noon when Cassie reached Brianna's doorway. She assumed that Brianna would be at work, about to take a lunch break, and that she would call her on the communicator and let her know that she was home. As Cassie entered the code to the door and stepped inside, she ran right into Brianna.

Brianna quickly closed the door. "It's about time you came home," she said, throwing her arms around Cassie and kissing her passionately. As they briefly came up for air, she said, "Why haven't you contacted me? It's been a week?"

"Not now. I'll explain later," Cassie answered, continuing the kissing.

Cassie interrupted all of Brianna's questions with a kiss and wouldn't let her get more than a couple of words out of her mouth before she would kiss her again. Finally, Brianna called the Control Center and told Ensign Scott that she would be working from home for the rest of the day and only to contact her in case of an emergency.

"I'm so happy you're finally home," said Brianna, lying in Cassie's arms after making love. "Flash and I have missed you, terribly."

"I missed you and Flash, too, Hon," said Cassie.

"So when is your divorce from Julia final?"

"Well, we've kinda hit a legal snag there."

"A 'legal snag'? I don't understand."

"Do you remember threatening to kill Julia the day we moved into the Colonel's guest suite?"

"Vaguely. At the moment, I wish I had."

"The two delivery people that delivered the new mattress. They heard you threaten to kill her."

"So? Obviously, I didn't."

"Julia's lawyer sent sworn affidavits to Remy, witnessing the threat."

Brianna raised up and looked Cassie in the eyes. "What are you saying, Cassidy?"

"I can't file for divorce right now."

"Why not?!"

"Some legal thing about duress. If I file for divorce, now, Julia will say I offered to marry her in exchange for her testimony."

"That lying bitch!"

"It gets worse. If I leave her, she'll withdraw her testimony and claim duress because you threatened to kill her. Remy said she could get away with this. You could be re-tried, and I could be charged with obstruction of justice for rigging the trial. I'm not willing to take a chance on you getting acquitted a second time. This is a big legal mess, right now."

"Well, when can you file for divorce?"

"According to Remy, the statute of limitations on Julia withdrawing her testimony is two years."

"Two years!?" yelled Brianna, sitting up in bed – stunned. "Why haven't you or your Roden lawyer told me about this before now?"

"I told Remy that I wanted to be the one to tell you this - in person."

"That explains why he's been avoiding me. You could have contacted me on the communicator."

"I couldn't tell you something like this over the communicator. And I really haven't had a chance to call you. Julia or Charlie or one of the servants are always around."

"Are you telling me that your marriage to Julia is real?"

"No, of course not. Remy just said for me to keep her happy 'til we can figure something out."

"Keep her happy?"

Oh shit! I shouldn't have said that, Cassie thought.

"Do you mean that you've consummated your marriage?" Then there was silence. "I'll take your silence as a 'yes' to my question!" Brianna said, turning her back on Cassie.

Cassie sat up in bed, put her arms around Brianna's waist, and held her close. "Me and Remy are gonna find a way out of this."

"How?" said Brianna, pulling away from her, "by living it up at the palace with your new wife?"

"I don't care what any of those legal papers say. You're my wife," said Cassie, as she wrapped her arms around Brianna's waist, again, and kissed her back. "I promise – we're gonna find a way out of this. I love you, Brianna."

"I love you, too." Brianna turned and wrapped her arms around Cassie's neck and held her close. I refuse to let that bitch take Cassidy away from me.

"I've really missed you and Flash. What time you picking him up from Ms. Stoutmire's?"

"I'll have Rocko pick him up at four-thirty and bring him home."

"We're gonna have to be really careful about seeing each other like this, for the time being. I don't wanna give Julia anything else to use against us. I was really careful coming over here, today. But I think you should have Jason transfer me in here, from now on when I come to see you. That'll make it look like I'm staying with him and Vanita – like I'm just here to see Flash."

"So, now I'm your mistress?" Brianna said, pulling back and glaring angrily at Cassie.

"I'm sorry, Brianna. I know that's what it looks like. But this is the only way I can see you, right now. Hey – we're not giving up. We've still got the private investigator working on your case. He could find new evidence to clear you at any time. Trust me. We'll find a way out of this."

Brianna put her face in her hands.

"Hey," Cassie said, reaching out and touching her on the arm. "I'm just trying to make the best out of a bad situation."

Brianna looked up at Cassie. "Maybe you should just go home to your wife."

This isn't going well. Maybe I should give her some time to process all this. "If you want me to go – I'll go." Cassie got no response from Brianna, so she started to get out of bed.

"No! I don't want you to leave," Brianna said, wrapping her arms around Cassie and pulling her close. "How long can you stay?" I can't believe I'm doing this.

"Three days. Julia's gonna be gone for three days in meetings, or something."

"What did you tell her when you left to come over here?"

"Nothing. I left right after she did. If she asks, I'll say I went to see my son."

"I hate this."

"Me, too."

"Cassidy, wait! The time machine!" said Brianna, changing the subject as the idea came to her. "Since you're at the palace on Tyre, you could find out who really killed Mia and clear me. Then Julia wouldn't be able to blackmail us. I can give you all the coordinates and..."

"I'm way ahead of you, Hon," Cassie interrupted. "I tried that my first night at the palace. The time machine is in pieces. Apparently, Julia had it dismantled – probably because I used it to find you when you were missing. Anyway, I just know how to enter coordinates and bring up the visual. I have no clue how to put the thing together."

"I can't believe this is happening," said Brianna, with a very discouraged look on her face.

"We'll think of something."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Think hard. Isn't there anything you know about Julia that we could use against her?"

"Do you think I would let you spend one night with her, if I did?"

"Well, no..." Quickly changing the subject, Cassie said, "We have a rehearsal at the palace next week. Julia's asked Suzie and Vanita to bring the kids. I want Flash to come, too."

"I don't want our son over there."

"Brianna, please? It's for Cirra. She really misses playing with the kids. She keeps calling Flash's name and looking for him. It's really pitiful. I had to sneak off from her, today, to come over here. Because I knew she'd wanna come with me."

"I don't know. Just the thought of children at the palace on Tyre," Brianna said, rolling her eyes.

"But Suzie and Vanita will be there."

"Well, if they go and take their children, I'll let them take Flash. But just for the day."

"That's fine. Suzie and Vanita can bring him over - and then bring him home when they come back."

"All right. But I don't want Flash to be influenced, in any way, by Julia or Charlie."

"OK."

For the next three days, Brianna and Cassie spent as much time alone as possible. However, they found sneaking around to be tedious work. For appearances, Brianna would transfer Cassie to Jason's quarters every morning before she reported for duty. Rocko would take Flash to visit Cassie while Brianna made a brief appearance on the Control Center. As soon as Brianna got back home, Jason would transfer Cassie to Brianna's quarters. Then Rocko would pick Flash up from Jason's quarters and take him to Ms. Stoutmire's. Late in the afternoon, Rocko would pick Flash up from Ms. Stoutmire's and return him to Brianna's quarters. Then Brianna, Cassie, and Flash would have family time, until it was Flash's bedtime. After Flash was put to bed, Brianna and Cassie would retire to the bedroom. The whole ordeal was exhausting. But Cassie and Brianna wouldn't have traded a minute of it.

Cassie and Brianna were dressed and ready to leave Brianna's quarters. Brianna was about to report for duty, and Cassie was about to take a shuttle back to the palace on Tyre.

"I'm not going to let you go," Brianna said, holding Cassie in her arms.

"I'll be back," said Cassie.

"When?"

"The minute I can," she said, kissing her bye.

Then Brianna transferred Cassie to Jason's quarters, so Cassie could be seen leaving from there.

The following week at the palace on Tyre, Suzie, Ryan, Jr., Vanita, Simone, and Flash arrived at the palace around 11:00 a.m. for The Rockets' rehearsal.

Flash saw Cassie, as they entered the party room, and went running to her. "Cassie," he said.

"Hey, Flash. How's it going, Buddy?" Cassie said, picking him up and giving him a big hug and kiss. "Cirra, look who came to see you." said Cassie, as Cirra approached them. "Hey, R.J. Hey, Simone."

"Hi, Aunt Cassie," said Ryan, Jr.

Simone just smiled shyly at Cassie and waved at her.

Cassie set Flash down and hugged Suzie and Vanita, leaving the children to run and play in the big party room.

"How's it going, girlfriend?" Vanita said to Cassie.

"I'm making the best of the situation," said Cassie, looking frustrated and discouraged. "That's all I can do right now."

"No new leads in Brianna's case?"

"No. Not so far."

Suzie said to Cassie, "Brianna almost changed her mind, at the last minute, about letting Flash come with us."

"Well, I'm glad she let him come," said Cassie. "I miss him and so does Cirra."

Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita were getting the children situated with various toys when Julia entered the party room.

"Suzie. Vanita. Hello," said Julia, as she approached the group.

"Hi, Julia. I don't think you've met my son. This is Ryan, Jr.," said Suzie, doting over him. "We just call him R.J."

"And this is Simone," said Vanita, handing her daughter her favorite teddy bear.

"It's nice to meet you, Simone and R.J. I'm so glad you brought the children," Julia said to Suzie and Vanita. "Cirra has really missed them."

"We told the kids about the clown on the shuttle ride over here. They are so excited. They've never seen a live one before – just cartoons on StarTeli," said Suzie.

"Well, I hope they enjoy it. There are snacks set out for now. We'll have a buffet lunch when you're through rehearsing. And the clown will be here to entertain the children after lunch."

"I hope you didn't go to too much trouble."

"It was no trouble, at all. I'm free for the day. So, I'll watch the children while you rehearse."

"Thanks, Julia."

"Yeah. That will help a lot," said Vanita.

"Hey, girls," said Charlie, as he entered the party room.

Everyone greeted Charlie with hellos and small talk, as The Rockets took the stage and started setting up their musical equipment.

Suzie approached Charlie, as he set up his drum set, "Charlie," she said quietly, "can't you do something to help Cassie out of this pretend marriage to Julia?"

"Hey, their marriage is for real," said Charlie. "Julia won't admit it, but she loves Cassie. And I think Cassie loves her, too. You know how they hit it off when we first got here."

"That was then. This is now. Cassie is in love with Brianna."

"She'll get over that. This is where Cassie belongs."

It's no use talking to him, thought Suzie, sighing and walking away.

After rehearsal, The Rockets, Julia, and the children ate lunch from the buffet. After lunch, the clown arrived and entertained the children while the band and Julia discussed their next concert tour.

"I guess we better get back to Star Base," said Suzie around 4:00 p.m.

Vanita checked her watch. "Yeah, I guess we should," she said, as they got up from the table.

"You guys got your updated copy of the song list?" asked Cassie.

"No. The copies are on my keyboard," said Suzie.

Cassie, Suzie, and Vanita went to the stage area to get the lists and have a private moment before Suzie and Vanita had to leave.

Pretending to look over the song list, Suzie whispered to Cassie. "I hope you come up with something soon to get out of this marriage. This is tearing Brianna apart."

Cassie whispered back to her in an agitated tone. "You think I wanna be over here? I'm paying a fortune to a private investigator - hoping he'll dig up some real evidence to clear Brianna. I hardly think of anything else!"

"Cassie, I'm sorry. I know you miss Brianna as much as she misses you," said Suzie. "I didn't mean to put my foot in my mouth."

"That's OK," said Cassie, calming down. "Don't worry about it."

"Suzie, we better get the kids rounded up and get going," said Vanita.

"Yeah. I guess we better," said Suzie.

"So why are you guys in such a rush? You got plans tonight?" asked Cassie.

"Yeah," said Suzie. "It's the Colonel's birthday. We're all going to The Officer's Club for a happy hour get together."

"I wish you were going with us," said Vanita.

"Me, too," said Cassie.

In the meantime, Charlie had called Flash over to where he and Julia were sitting - away from the other children.

"Hey, Flash," said Charlie. "I got a pony out back for you kids to ride. You wanna ride the pony?"

Flash smiled nodded "yes."

Cirra walked over and joined Flash, Julia, and Charlie. "Flash sleep over," said Cirra.

"Well, of course, Flash is welcome to sleep over," said Julia. "Flash, would you like to sleep over tonight?"

Flash nodded "yes" and said, "Sleep over. Like Cassie sleep over with Mommy."

Flash's remark caused Charlie to look at Julia, curiously, wondering how she would react to that bit of news.

Noticing that Flash was talking to Charlie and Julia, Cassie called out to him, "Hey, Flash. Come here, son."

Flash headed for Cassie, with Cirra following right behind him.

Back at the table where Julia and Charlie were sitting, Charlie turned to Julia and said, "You don't look surprised at all by what the kid just said."

"I'm not. I already suspected that Cassie was seeing Major Thorr on the sly," said Julia. "Flash just confirmed my suspicion."

"And you don't mind?"

"No. I don't mind if Cassie has a mistress. I have several. However, I think she could do better than Major Thorr. I can't wait for the day that Cassie is finally over that bitch."

About that time, Cassie approached Julia and Charlie. "Which one of you told Flash he could sleep over?" she asked, obviously irritated.

"Neither of us. Cirra invited him," answered Julia.

"Brianna only agreed to let me have him for the day. He's got to go back to Star Base with Suzie and Vanita. They're getting ready to go."

"They're not leaving already?" said Charlie. "I got a pony out back for the kids to ride."

"Well, why didn't you mention that earlier?"

"Earlier? It's just four-fricking-o'clock, for crying out loud."

"Cassie," said Julia, "maybe Suzie and Vanita can stay just a little while longer, so the children can ride the pony."

"They can't, Julia. They have plans tonight," said Cassie. "You guys didn't tell Flash about the pony, did you?"

"Yeah," answered Charlie. "I mentioned it to Cirra and Flash."

"Shit! Now I've got to tell Flash he can't sleep over – and he can't ride the pony, either!"

"Hey! Give me a break!" Charlie yelled at Cassie. "I didn't know they'd be leaving so soon. I just wanted the kids to have a good time, that's all."

"Well, don't say anything about the pony to R.J. and Simone."

"Alright already!" said Charlie, irritated by Cassie's unappreciative attitude.

"R.J., it's time to go," Suzie said, as she and Vanita joined Cassie, Julia, and Charlie. "Thanks for everything, Julia."

"Yeah, Julia. Simone really enjoyed the clown. Thanks a bunch," said Vanita.

"You're very welcome," said Julia. "I hope you'll bring the children next time you come to rehearse. Cirra really enjoyed having them."

"We will," said Suzie. "Come on, Flash. It's time to go home," she said, taking him by the hand.

"No!" yelled Flash. He pulled away from his Aunt Suzie and ran to Cassie, clinging to her.

Cassie picked Flash up and said to Suzie and Vanita, "You guys go on to the landing bay. I'll bring him out in just a minute. Let me talk to him."

"OK," Suzie said reluctantly, as she left the party room with .R.J., Vanita, and Simone.

"Flash, it's time to go home," said Cassie.

"No! Sleep over. Ride the pony," screamed Flash, as he began to cry.

"Flash, you can come visit and ride the pony another time," said Cassie, heading for the exit of the party room, carrying her screaming son.

Then Cirra started to scream and cry, wanting to go with Flash and Cassie.

"Cassie, he's your son, too. Let him stay!" Julia yelled after her.

Charlie picked Cirra up. "There, there. Don't cry. Daddy's gonna take you to ride the pony. Won't that be fun?"

"Flash," said Cirra, as she continued to scream and cry.

Out in the landing bay, Vanita, Simone, and R.J. had boarded a shuttle. Cassie and Suzie were having no success in getting Flash calmed down and getting him on board.

"I can't do this," Cassie said to Suzie, as Flash continued to scream and cry. "OK, Flash. You can stay."

"Cassie, I promised Brianna that I'd bring Flash back with me," said Suzie.

"I just can't make him go back, Suzie. Cirra invited him to sleep over. And Charlie let the cat out of the bag about having a pony for the kids to ride. Cirra's inside bawling her eyes out. She probably thinks I've left for Star Base without her. I'll bring Flash home first thing in the morning. That'll give me an excuse to see Brianna, too."

"You may not want to see her, if you don't send Flash back with us. She is going to be so mad at you."

"He's my son, too, Suzie! Just explain the situation to Brianna. She'll understand."

"Me? Explain this to Brianna? Oh, no. You call and explain it yourself."

"OK, I will. Please, just tell her what happened. That Cirra invited Flash to stay – and about the pony – and how upset the kids were. Tell her I'll call her, later – after I put the kids to bed."

"Cassie, no! You can't push this off on me. Please, don't do this," pleaded Suzie, as Cassie walked away, carrying Flash.

Cassie re-entered the party room of the palace with Flash. Cirra, who was sitting in Julia's lap, stopped crying and broke into a big smile upon seeing them.

"Let's go ride the pony," Cassie said to Cirra.

Cirra got down from Julia's lap and went running over to Cassie and Flash.

Charlie said to Cassie, "'Atta girl, you show Brenda who's boss," he said, referring to Brianna.

"Mind your own business, Charlie!" snapped Cassie, as they all left the party room.

* * *

Cassie gave Cirra and Flash a bath and got them ready for bed. Then Julia read the kids a bedtime story and tucked them in.

At 10:30 p.m. in Julia's bedroom, Julia had showered, put on a negligee, and was waiting for Cassie to get out of the shower and come to bed. About that time, a communication came in over the visual communicator. It was Brianna.

"What do you want, Major Thorr?" asked Julia. "My wife and I were just about to go to bed."

"I need to speak to Cassidy. It's very important," said Brianna. She had tried to wait for Cassie to call her, but she was so angry with Cassie for not returning Flash, as agreed, she couldn't wait any longer.

"Can I take a message?" said Julia, making sure that the visual showed how seductively she was dressed. "Cassie's in the shower."

"I'm out," said Cassie, as she entered the bedroom dressed in a silk bathrobe. Oh, shit. I should've called Brianna before I took a shower, she thought, noticing the time. "Could you give us just a minute alone, Julia?"

"No. I'm not leaving. This is my bedroom. If anyone's intruding – it's her!" snapped Julia. "Hurry up and get rid of her and come to bed."

Brianna was even further angered by the way Julia was flaunting her marriage to Cassie. "Why didn't you return Flash, as agreed?" Brianna said to Cassie, trying her best to ignore Julia.

"Cirra invited him to stay. And Charlie got a pony for the kids to ride. Cirra and Flash were crying – wanting him to stay. I just couldn't make him go back," said Cassie.

"You're the adult. Flash is the child. Letting him have his way because he cried is no way to deal with him."

"If you'd been here, you would've given in, too."

"Major Thorr," said Julia. "Cassie has just as much right to that child as you do!"

"Julia, let me handle this! This is between me and Brianna!" yelled Cassie. "Brianna, I'll bring Flash home right after breakfast tomorrow morning. I promise."

"You promised to send him home with Suzie and Vanita, earlier today!" yelled Brianna.

"Just end this communication, Darling, and come to bed," said Julia. "I'll call my lawyers, first thing in the morning, and have them sue her for joint custody."

"Julia, stay out of this!" yelled Cassie.

"Have him back by 10:00 a.m.," Brianna said to Cassie, abruptly ending the communication.

"How dare you butt in like that!" Cassie yelled at Julia. "What Brianna and I decide about our son is none of your business!"

"Flash is my stepson now. And Cirra is very fond of him. I wasn't about to just stand by and let your ex walk all over you!" yelled Julia.

* * *

Cassie made sure that she was on time to return Flash to Brianna. She didn't want to make Brianna any angrier than she already was. And since Julia had told Cassie that she would be away from the palace for the day in meetings (which meant seeing one, or two, of her girlfriends), Cassie was free to spend the day with Brianna.

Cassie approached Brianna's quarters, carrying Flash, and entered the security code. But the security code didn't work. Brianna was so angry about Julia's threat to have her lawyers sue for joint custody of Flash, Brianna had changed the code. So Cassie engaged the door sensor, announcing her arrival.

"Mommy. Mommy," said Flash, with a big smile, as Brianna opened the door.

Brianna took Flash from Cassie, not even speaking to her. "There's my big boy," Brianna said, hugging him, while giving Cassie a dirty look.

"Ride the pony. Ride the pony."

"You rode the pony? You can tell me all about it, while I get you changed."

"Brianna, we need to talk," said Cassie.

Brianna pushed the button to close the door. "I have nothing to say to you."

"Brianna, please let me come in," pleaded Cassie, as the door closed in her face. Cassie had never seen Brianna this angry before. Brianna was dressed in her uniform. So she'll have to come back out, to take Flash to Ms. Stoutmire's, so she can report for duty, Cassie thought. She had been waiting about twenty minutes, outside Brianna's quarters, when the door opened.

Brianna was carrying Flash and his baby bag when she stepped out into the hallway. Upon seeing Cassie, she sighed, closed her eyes, and shook her head. "Why are you still here?"

"I need to talk to you. Please, let's go inside," Cassie said, taking Brianna by the arm, trying to direct her back into her quarters.

Brianna pulled her arm away. "I have nothing to say to you," she said, walking away.

"Well, I have plenty to say to you," said Cassie, walking along with Brianna and Flash. "If you'd rather have this conversation in front of Flash and everybody else walking around Star Base - that's up to you."

Brianna stopped and initiated a communication. "Rocko, where are you?"

"I'm walking up behind you, Brianna," he answered. "Hi, Cassie."

"Hey, Rocko," said Cassie.

"Rocko, take Flash to Ms. Stoutmire's," said Brianna, handing Flash to him.

"OK, Brianna," said Rocko, taking Flash from her.

"Rocko. Ride the pony. Ride the pony," said Flash, trying to share his fun experience with Rocko, as they headed down the hallway.

"Make this quick," Brianna said to Cassie. "I have to report for duty." She walked back to her quarters, opened the door, and she and Cassie stepped inside. "So, I haven't received the papers yet this morning, suing me for joint custody of our son."

"Brianna, I would never do that," Cassie said, as they walked into her living room. "You're Flash's birth mother. He belongs with you. Anyway, I don't want Flash living at the palace on Tyre any more than you do. Don't pay any attention to anything Julia says. She's just trying to drive us apart. I told her that Flash was none of her business – and to butt out."

"You should have sent Flash home with Suzie and Vanita - like you promised me you would."

"I'm sorry. I just couldn't do it. It was four o'clock and they were about to leave when Cirra asked Flash to sleep over. Then Charlie told Flash about the pony he got for the kids to ride."

"Suzie told me all about that."

"When I told Flash that he had to go back to Star Base, he and Cirra started bawling. Cirra misses Flash and the other kids so much – I just couldn't make him go back. Come on. Don't be mad at me. Bringing Flash back this morning gave me an excuse to see you." Cassie reached out to hold Brianna.

Retreating from her, Brianna said, "What's the matter? Didn't you're wife give you enough sex last night?"

"Brianna, the only thing that happened between me and Julia last night was a whole lot of yelling about her butting in about Flash."

"Oh, I see. Because of your lovers' quarrel, you didn't 'get any' last night - like you Earthlings say. So you just thought you'd come over here and have sex with your mistress, instead."

"Brianna, you know that's not true. You're my real wife. That act Julia put on for you, last night - making us out to be some happily married couple - is bullshit!"

"I can't talk about you and that bitch any further. It makes me physically ill... Suzie said that you were going to call me and explain the situation. So, why didn't you?"

"I was waiting for everyone to go to sleep, so we could have some privacy. The kids were a little wound up from the clown and the pony ride. It took a while to get them settled." Cassie reached out and tried to hold her, again. "Come here. I miss you."

"No," Brianna said, pulling away from her. "I can't do this for two years. Our relationship and our feelings for each other will slowly, and painfully, become completely destroyed. Julia will see to that."

"I refuse to let that happen! And I guarantee you - this marriage won't last for two years."

"But how can you guarantee that? We may never find evidence to clear me."

"I'll think of something. And Julia doesn't want a wife. She wants a constant."

"She has you living with her. That's what she wants."

"But as her wife, I won't let her bring home other women – like when we first lived together at the palace. And that's driving her crazy. She's spending more and more time away from the palace – and away from me – to go see her girlfriends."

"Really? But how do you know that's where she's going?"

"Because I know her well. And I've checked her communicator. I recognized a lot of her girlfriends' names on her call log. So, when she leaves for one of her so-called 'meetings,' I can come over here to see you. We'll get through this."

"But what if she discovers that you're seeing me and decides to withdraw her testimony and have me executed?"

"She won't do that. She's smart enough to know that I would hate her forever if she did that. I swear. I'd kill her... I think she's just counting on a two year separation, between us, turning into longer – or permanent. Think about it. She's got to at least suspect I'm seeing you – not just visiting Flash when I come over here. I can't fix the shuttle log. The only reason I transfer into your quarters is so I can deny it - if need be - and there are no witnesses to see me coming and going from here - with the exception of today, of course. She knew I was bringing Flash home." Cassie walked over and put her arms around Brianna's waist. "I love you. Please don't push me away. I miss you."

Stay strong. Don't give in to her charm so easily... Who am I kidding? Brianna threw her arms around Cassie's neck and held her close. "I miss you, too. I love you so much."

Cassie kissed Brianna, passionately, and started helping her out of her uniform.

Brianna helped Cassie out of her sweater and bra. "How long can you stay?"

"Just for the afternoon," she answered, taking Brianna by the hand and leading her to the bedroom.

For the next several weeks when Julia would leave the palace to hook-up with her girlfriends, Cassie would head to Star Base to see Brianna. However, Julia was starting to tire of that situation. Julia wanted things between her and Cassie to be like old times – when she would bring various, beautiful young women home to share with Cassie – when Cassie was her constant, not her wife. Julia didn't like the amount of time that Cassie was spending with Major Thorr, either. So Julia came up with a plan and enlisted the help of a tabloid reporter that she had on retainer.

Cassie contacted Brianna, one afternoon, and let her know that she was coming to Star Base the next morning to see her - just as soon as Julia left for her "meeting" away from the palace.

On her way to the Star Base cafeteria around lunchtime, Brianna noticed that the latest tabloid article had been released. The cover had a picture of Cassie, playing her guitar at a concert, so Brianna picked one up. The title of the article was called The Loves of Cassidy Jones. Brianna quickly turned the pages to the article. There was a picture of Brianna and Cassie, which made her smile. And there was a picture of Cassie, Julia, and Cirra. The article said that Cassie had divorced her insanely jealous wife, Major Brianna Thorr, and had gone back to her true love, Julia the Czar of Tyre. That lying bitch, thought Brianna. She flipped to the next page and saw several pictures of Cassie and Danielle – kissing, laughing, and walking in Central Park in Vernice, Thorr. The article went on to say that Cassie and Danielle were - at one time \- in love and living together in a luxury apartment in Vernice. According to the article, Cassie had also left Danielle to go back to Julia. Brianna was in a state of shock. Cassidy was in love with another woman – and living with her \- so soon after my disappearance?

When Cassie arrived on Star Base the next morning, she went straight to Jason's quarters. "Jason, what do you mean you can't transfer me to Brianna's quarters?" said Cassie, as she and Jason and Vanita stood in his living room.

"Because she gave me a direct order not to - that's why," he answered.

"Cassie, have you not seen the latest tabloid?" Vanita asked.

"No. Why?" Cassie answered.

Vanita handed Cassie a copy of the tabloid. "You better have a look at this. It's about you, Brianna, Julia - and Danielle."

"What!" said Cassie, as her mouth dropped open and her eyes got big. "Oh, shit!" she said, looking at the pictures of her and Danielle and quickly skimming the article. "This is bullshit!"

"Cassie, the part about you and Danielle is true. You did live with her - and things were getting pretty serious at one time."

"But I left Danielle - to go after Brianna when she was missing. This just reeks of Julia. I bet that bitch had this story put out just to upset Brianna."

"So, you never told Brianna about Danielle, huh?

"No. It just never seemed like the right time. Jason, you've got to transfer me into Brianna's quarters, so I can explain."

"I'm sorry Cassie. I can't do that," said Jason.

"Give her a call on the communicator," said Vanita.

"I already have," said Cassie. "I called her as soon as I got here, but she didn't answer. I left her a message that I was here. No wonder she didn't call me back. I've got to go see her and explain."

"Cassie, that sounds risky," said Jason. "I think you should just try calling her again. You never know what else Julia might be up to. And I don't think it's a good idea for you to be seen going over to Brianna's quarters."

"That sounds like good advice to me, Cassie," said Vanita.

"OK. I'll try to get her on the communicator, again," said Cassie. She walked out into the kitchen and placed another communication to Brianna, but she got Brianna's voice message system again.

"Brianna still hasn't called you back?" Vanita asked Cassie, as she and Suzie entered the living room in Jason's quarters and sat down on the sofa next to her.

"No," Cassie answered. "I've called and left her messages all day. I guess she's upset because I didn't tell her about Danielle. I told her I could explain, if she'd just talk to me."

"I told you so," said Suzie. "I told you you'd better tell Brianna about Danielle. But you never listen to me."

"Put a sock in it, Suzie! I'm in no mood to be nagged!" snapped Cassie.

About that time Ryan and Jason entered.

"It's six o'clock. You girls about ready to go eat?" asked Jason.

"Sure, Baby," answered Vanita.

"Hello, Cassie," said Ryan.

"Hey, Ryan," Cassie responded.

"Still no response from Brianna?" Jason asked Cassie.

"No," Cassie answered. "I'm just about ready to go beat on the door, until she lets me in."

"I wouldn't advise that, Cassie," said Ryan. "Just give her some time to process this."

Changing the subject, Vanita said, "Cassie, we're taking the kids to Circus Pizza. You know – that kiddie place down by the school – close to Ms. Stoutmire's. You wanna come with us?"

"No, thanks," Cassie answered. Then she turned to Jason. "Come on, Jason. Please transfer me into Brianna's quarters."

"No way, Cassie. We've already been through this," said Jason. "I can't defy a direct order."

"Just give Brianna some time to cool off," said Vanita. "Finding out about you and Danielle - from a tabloid! – that's got to sting, a bit."

"I don't have time to wait around for her to cool off. I have to go back to the palace tomorrow," said Cassie. "Suzie, would you call her for me? I've just got to talk to her tonight. Maybe she'll pick up for you."

"I already tried, Cassie. My call went straight to voice message," said Suzie.

"Come go with us, Cassie. You've got to eat," said Vanita

"You guys go ahead," said Cassie. "I think I'll try Brianna one more time," she said and entered Brianna's number into the communicator.

"OK. See you later, girlfriend."

As Jason, Vanita, Suzie, Ryan, and the children exited Jason's quarters, Brianna finally answered her communicator.

"Please stop trying to contact me on the communicator," said Brianna. "I have nothing to say to you."

"Brianna, please transfer me in so we can talk," pleaded Cassie. "I'm only going to be here for the night. I can explain about Danielle."

"No! Go home to your wife - or Danielle - or whoever it is that you're really in love with," she said and ended the communication.

Cassie immediately placed a communication to Remy.

"Remy, Attorney at Law, here," he answered.

"Remy, this is Cassie. I need to talk to you right away. Where are you?"

"At Bobu's."

"Great. I'll be right there."

Cassie had just exited Jason's quarters when Brianna called her back. Brianna needed to see Cassie - and to hear her explanation about Danielle. But she was too late. Cassie was already headed to Bobu's to see Remy. Cassie was feeling desperate and was about to do something that would forever change their lives.

Cassie entered the bar and spotted Remy sitting at his usual table, alone. "Hey, Bebo," she said. "Would you bring me a glass of red wine and whatever your sandwich special of the day is? I'll be over there with Remy," she said pointing over to where Remy was sitting.

"You got it, girl. It's so good to see you," said Bebo, who was dressed in a leopard skin dress and matching pumps. His whiskers and furry head were spritzed to perfection.

"Hey, Cassie," said Remy, as she approached his table and took a seat.

"Hey, Remy," she answered.

"How's my favorite client? What can I do for you?"

"Get me out of this marriage to Julia. I can't handle this anymore"

"Cassie, we've already been through this. My hands are tied. What's the matter? You can't handle two gorgeous broads fighting over you? Most people - and Rodens, too - would kill to have a problem like that."

"Brianna won't even talk to me. Get me out of this marriage, Remy. If it can't be done legally -then do it illegally. Just get me out."

About that time, Bebo approached with Cassie's wine and sandwich. "Here you go, Cassie," said Bebo, serving the order.

"Thanks, Bebo," said Cassie, diving into her sandwich, hungry from not eating all day.

"Anything else?"

"No!" said Remy, answering for Cassie. "Go away. Can't you see I got a client here?"

"Well, how rude!" said Bebo. He adjusted the tissue stuffed in his bra and sashayed back to the bar.

"Cassie, I don't think you realize what you're asking me to do," said Remy. "And Brianna made it perfectly clear that she didn't want you to do anything illegal."

"Well, she wants nothing to do with me, right now," said Cassie. "So, she doesn't get a say in this."

"Well, OK," Remy said, reluctantly. "It can be done. But it'll be like selling your soul to the devil. You'll have to make a deal with the Syndico. I believe you Earthlings call it the Mafia. Once the deal's done, there'll be no turning back. You'll always be connected."

"I don't care. Just do it."

"I can hook you up. But then you're on your own. Thanks to you, I now have a legitimate legal practice in Vernice, Thorr. So, I can't be directly involved in any deal you make with them."

"That's fine. Set up a meeting here ASAP."

"Maybe you should take some time and think about this. You cross these people, they'll kill you. They don't fool around. Their M.O. of execution is point-blank range with an Earthling weapon called an Uzi. You get on their bad side, they'll pump you so full of lead - you'll just be a bloody, oozing pile of dead meat." I think I'm starting to get hungry.

Cassie felt a little nauseous. So, my choices are putting up with Julia's bullshit for two years – and most likely losing Brianna - or risk getting my ass shot off with an Uzi. "I'll take my chances. Just do it, Remy."

At 11:00 p.m., Cassie was sitting on the sofa in Vanita and Jason's living room. She was unable to sleep, thinking about the deal she was about to make with the Syndico – and how much she missed Brianna.

At the same time, Brianna was lying in bed in her quarters, trying unsuccessfully to sleep. She couldn't stop thinking about Cassie and Danielle. Maybe the tabloid article about Cassidy and Danielle is a lie, she thought. Cassidy said she had an explanation. But they certainly looked like a couple in love in those pictures. Finally, Brianna couldn't take it any longer. She had to know. She had to speak to Cassie about her relationship with Danielle. So, Brianna transferred into Jason's quarters.

Startled by Brianna's sudden appearance, Cassie said, "Brianna, what are you doing here?"

Without saying a word, Brianna placed a transfer button on Cassie's nightshirt and transferred herself and Cassie back to her quarters.

As they assimilated in Brianna's bedroom, Brianna said, "Cassidy, I need to know about your relationship with Danielle. Did you love her?"

"I thought I did," Cassie answered. "Danielle filled a big hole in my heart when I thought you were dead."

"What do you mean – you thought you loved her?"

"I left her to go find you when you were missing. I wasn't over you."

"How did you meet her?"

"I went to an ice dancing show with Adrianna and Anton. Anton introduced me to her. She's a friend of his family."

"Is it true that you were living with her on Thorr?"

"Yes."

Brianna walked over and sat down on the side of the bed – obviously upset, trying to process everything.

Cassie walked over and sat down next to her. "Remember, I told you about me going to be with Adrianna when Anton was missing?"

"Yes."

"And I told you that I was holding Adrianna, trying to comfort her – and she felt like you?"

"Yes."

"Like I told you before. That's when I realized I wasn't really over you. All my feelings for you just came rushing back. Me and Adrianna just couldn't shake the feeling that you were still alive - even though everyone kept telling us that you were gone. It was then that I told Danielle I wasn't over you and broke up with her. Then me and Jason and Ryan came and rescued you."

"But why didn't tell me about her?"

"There was just never a good time. I didn't know how you'd react. I didn't want to upset you."

"Did you think that me finding out about her in a tabloid wouldn't upset me? I swear. Your judgment – or lack thereof – never ceases to amaze me."

"Brianna, I never claimed to have good judgment. But there's one thing I know for sure. I'll never love anyone like I love you. You're worth fighting for. And I'm not giving up on us. Not now. Not ever."

* * *

Lying in Brianna's arms after a night of love-making, Cassie said, "Don't we need to get up? I bet Flash is hungry."

"Yes, and no," answered Brianna. "Suzie stopped by last night and invited Flash to join them for pizza – and to try to convince me to speak to you. Flash had a sleep over with R.J. I thought you knew that."

"I must have been at Bobu's when they got home last night. Hey, that means we're alone," said Cassie, trying to initiate foreplay.

"I'm sorry. I have to report for duty early this morning. I don't have time."

"Can't you just say you're working from home?"

"Not today. Colonel Smith is here. There's a meeting scheduled at eight-thirty that I'm required to attend."

A few minutes later, Cassie and Brianna were showered, dressed, and ready to leave Brianna's quarters.

Brianna said, as she and Cassie stood in the entryway of her quarters kissing. "When will you be back?"

"I don't know. Soon, I hope. I don't wanna leave you," Cassie said, hugging her. "Cirra's the silver lining to that dark cloud of living at the palace with Julia."

That remark didn't sit well with Brianna. Pulling away from Cassie, she said, "You're going to let Julia manipulate you, with Cirra, into staying with her permanently - aren't you?"

"No!" Shit! I shouldn't have mentioned Julia. "I'll think of something, Brianna."

"Like what?"

"Give me a break. I'm working on it!"

"I'm beginning to think that you don't want to change the situation! Why should you when you can have it both ways?!"

"That's not true. I want to be here with you." Becoming irritated, Cassie said, "I'm open for suggestions! I could use a little help here! After all, you're the one that threatened to kill Julia!"

"I don't want to be your mistress, anymore!" Brianna said and transferred Cassie to Jason's quarters.

# CHAPTER 27 – WHAT'S MINE

Brianna was about to leave her quarters for a meeting at the Control Center when she received a communication. The communication was from Ensign Scott, letting her know that Colonel Smith had been called away to Star Command and that the meeting had been cancelled. Brianna was feeling guilty about transferring Cassie out of her quarters in the middle of a fight, so she placed a communication to Jason's quarters - trying to reach her before she left Star Base. "Vanita," said Brianna, as the visual came up. "I need to speak to Cassidy. It's very important."

"She's already left for the landing bay," said Vanita. "Try her on her communicator."

"I don't want my number on her call log, unless it's an emergency. I know it's probably not a good idea for us to be seen together in public, either - but we just had a terrible fight. I really need to see her. I just can't leave things as they are."

"If you hurry - you might catch her before her shuttle takes off."

"I'm on my way. Thanks," she said, signing off. Brianna went running from her quarters, headed for the landing bay. I hate all this sneaking around. I guess I can tell Cassidy that I need to speak to her about our son, if anyone else is around.

Out in the landing bay, Julia had arrived on Star Base and was having a conversation with Brianna's ex-girlfriend, Sonya. "Thank you for agreeing to meet me, Sonya," said Julia.

"You're welcome, Madame Czar. What can I do for you?" Sonya asked.

"Please. Call me Julia," she said, smiling at the tall, blond Aryan-looking woman.

"All right, Julia," said Sonya, obviously nervous in the presence of the beautiful Czar.

She's a bit butch, yet very attractive, Julia thought, looking Sonya over. "Are you still romantically interested in Major Thorr?"

"What good would it do if I were? Brianna is hopelessly in love with that worthless Earthling."

"That's my wife you're speaking of."

"Sorry, Madame Czar – I mean, Julia," Sonya stammered, not wanting to offend her.

Julia couldn't help but notice Sonya's jealous, sarcastic tone. "I get the feeling you are still interested in Major Thorr. I think if you were to try and win her over - just one more time - you might be pleasantly surprised."

Cassie was walking down a long hallway, thinking about the fight she'd just had with Brianna. Maybe I should've tried to call Brianna before I left Jason's quarters. But she probably wouldn't have picked up – she's so mad right now. I think I'll give her a couple of days to cool off. Cassie was stunned, as she entered the landing bay and found Julia talking to Sonya. What the fuck is Julia doing here – and talking to that bitch? This can't be good. I don't know what those two are cooking up, but that dyke better stay the hell away from Brianna, she thought, becoming angry at the mere thought of Sonya going after Brianna.

About that time, Brianna arrived at the landing bay. She was determined to intercept Cassie and make up before Cassie left Star Base. But when she spotted Cassie, Julia, and Sonya involved in a heated discussion, Brianna stopped short of approaching them - trying to be inconspicuous.

Cassie got in-between Julia and Sonya and yelled in Sonya's face, "You better stay the hell away from my wife!"

Brianna couldn't believe her eyes and ears. It appeared that Cassie was insanely jealous over Julia.

Julia was flattered and pleasantly surprised by Cassie's behavior. She, too, thought Cassie was jealous. And Julia was thrilled when she noticed that Major Thorr was looking on and had seen and heard everything – and was visibly shaken by it. I couldn't have plotted or timed this scene any better if I'd tried, Julia thought. She quickly pulled Cassie away from Sonya, not wanting Cassie to get hurt. "Cassie! You've got to calm down, Darling. There's no reason for you to be jealous," Julia said, holding her back.

Jealous? Oh... I said "wife." Julia must think I meant her. I meant for that dyke to stay away from Brianna, Cassie thought, while giving Sonya a look that could kill. "Let's go," Cassie said to Julia, as she took her by the hand and led her towards the Czar's shuttle. Cassie wanted to get Julia off of Star Base, and away from Sonya, as fast as possible. Cassie never saw Brianna.

Brianna felt as if she'd had the wind knocked out of her, staring at Cassie and Julia as they boarded the shuttle - hand-in-hand. I'm being played for a fool. Cassidy really does want it both ways. She wants me and Julia, too.

When Sonya turned to leave she finally saw Brianna. She could tell that Brianna was upset, as Brianna slowly walked towards the exit of the landing bay. Brianna must still have feelings for that sorry Earthling. And she just witnessed how jealous she is over the Czar, Sonya thought. Oh, now I see. That must be why the Czar wants me to go after Brianna – to keep her no good Earthling wife out of Brianna's bed. She's probably seeing Brianna on the sly - just using her. "Brianna, wait!" Sonya called out to Brianna and went running after her.

Brianna turned and looked in Sonya direction, as Sonya caught up with her. "I didn't know that you and the Czar were friends," Brianna said, staring curiously at Sonya.

"We're not. I was just on my way back from Thorr, and she spoke to me," Sonya said, lying through her teeth. "I was just being polite, speaking back to her - when her wife came running up in a jealous rage."

"Really? I didn't notice."

"Brianna, I know you. I can tell that you're upset. Please, come back to my quarters with me. Let me make you a cup of tea," Sonya offered, taking full advantage of Brianna's hurt, confused, and vulnerable state of mind.

I do need to go somewhere and regain my composure before I report for duty. "Sure. Why not?"

* * *

"What are you doing here on Star Base – talking to Sonya?" Cassie asked Julia, as they took their seats aboard the Czar's shuttle.

"That was just a chance encounter. Sonya spoke to me and I spoke back to her. It was nothing. I told you I had meetings," Julia said, letting Cassie assume that the meetings were on Star Base. "What are you doing here on Star Base?"

"I came to see my son."

"Oh." The next time she tells me that it might just be true.

* * *

Brianna was sitting on the sofa in Sonya's living area, while Sonya made tea. Cassidy is perfectly content with the way things are. I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, Brianna thought.

Sonya entered carrying a teapot in one hand and a couple of cups in the other. She set the cups on the coffee table and served the tea. "Here you go," she said, setting the pot down on the table and handing Brianna her cup.

"Thank you," said Brianna.

Sonya sat down on the sofa next to Brianna. "You're not over your ex, are you, Brianna?" she asked, looking into Brianna's eyes.

"What?" Brianna said, surprised and a bit offended by Sonya's prying question.

"You're still seeing her, aren't you? And seeing her with her wife - that's what upset you."

Looking away from her, Brianna said, "I don't know what you're talking about!"

Sonya took Brianna's evasiveness as a yes to her questions. "Your ex is a fool for divorcing you and marrying the Czar. Apparently, they belong together."

"Apparently so. Could we please change the subject?"

"Of course. I'm sorry. I really have no right to ask about your personal life."

After tea, Sonya moved things along by offering Brianna a glass of wine, while they made small talk about Star Base and anything else that didn't involve Cassie. A bottle of wine later, Sonya noticed that Brianna was still upset and distant. "How about a shot of tequila?" Sonya asked. "That always makes me forget my troubles for while."

"Sure. Why not?" answered Brianna. I think I could use a whole bottle right now. Then she placed a communication to Jason, at the Control Center, and told him that he was in command and that she was taking a personal day.

Several tequila shots later, Brianna was feeling no pain.

At 3:00 p.m., Brianna woke up next to Sonya in bed. Brianna sat up holding her throbbing head, thinking, What have I done? I must have blacked out for a while.

Sonya started to stir. "Brianna."

"I've got to go." Brianna said.

Sonya sat up in bed next to her, trying to hold her. "Brianna, please stay and talk to me. I know we belong together. And it's time you faced the fact that your ex and the Czar belong together, too."

Brianna pulled away from her. "This was a mistake. I'm sorry, Sonya. Please don't ever mention this to anyone."

"Brianna, please don't go."

"I've got to go pick up my son from his nanny."

"Can't that hybrid-clone go pick up your son?"

"No. I've got to go." Brianna felt dizzy and a bit nauseous, as she got out of bed, got dressed, and left.

A couple of days later, Remy placed an early call to Cassie. "Hey, Cassie," he said. "I got the meeting you requested set up for 3:00 p.m. at Bobu's."

"I'll be there," Cassie answered.

"Sit alone at the table in the back - where I always sit. He'll find you."

"OK. Thanks, Remy." After my meeting, I'll let Brianna know I'm on Star Base. Hopefully, she's cooled off and ready to make up. Make up sex is so good, Cassie thought, smiling.

After lunch, Cassie told Julia that she was going to Star Base to visit Flash. Julia surprised Cassie by saying that she would be away from the palace for the next two days in meetings.

Perfect, Cassie thought.

At 2:45 p.m., Cassie entered Bobu's. She got a glass of red wine from the bar and took a seat at the table in back, as instructed by Remy.

At 3:00 p.m., she was joined by a tall, dark stranger. He was dressed in a black suit and boots and was wearing sunglasses. "Ms. Jones, I'm Brax," he said, taking a seat across from her at the table.

"Call me Cassie."

"All right, Cassie. You're lawyer explained your situation to me. Getting you evidence to clear Major Thorr can be done - for a price."

"Name it."

"What we want you to do is to open up a restaurant/bar on Tyre. We need a place to do a little money laundering - with a back room for some private poker games."

"You want me to open a restaurant/bar? I don't know anything about running a restaurant/bar."

"All you gotta do is put up some Lucre and have your name on the marquee out front of the place. And on the deed, too, of course, to make it look legit. Our contractors will take care of the start-up. We'll even manage the place for you."

"Well, OK. So how much Lucre are we talking about? And how soon do you need it?"

"We'll need about 100,000 Lucre. Cash up front - ASAP."

Damn! That's a lot of Lucre. "It'll take me a couple of days to come up with that kind of cash."

"A couple days is fine. As soon as we get the Lucre from you, it'll only take few weeks to get the place up and running. We already got a place picked out. We'll call it, Cassie Jones' Rocket Lounge."

"That's fine by me. When will I get the evidence to clear Brianna?"

"We'll have something for you by the time the bar opens. We got feelers out already – over at the facility the whack-job Chameleon's locked up in. It won't take long for somebody to spill their guts – one way or another."

Cassie's palms started to sweat. What have I gotten myself into?

"So, we gotta deal?"

"Yeah. Sure."

"Great. I didn't wanna have to pull out the Uzi so soon."

Cassie turned pale, intimidated by the whole situation.

Brax saw the fear in Cassie's eyes. "Hey, I'm just kiddin' around with you. Lighten up, already," he said, laughing. "So here's what you gotta do. Day after tomorrow - bring the Lucre to this address - and you can have a look at your future bar while you're there." Brax handed Cassie a piece of paper with the address written on it. "Be there at noon."

After the meeting, Cassie took the people mover to the officer's corridor of Star Base. She thought she'd go to Jason's quarters first, then she'd let Brianna know she was there. But as Cassie approached Jason's quarters, she could see Sonya down the hallway. She was standing at Brianna's door with flowers and a bottle of champagne. As the door to Brianna's quarters opened, Sonya stepped inside and the door closed. Brianna and Sonya?! I can't fucking believe this, Cassie thought. When Brianna said she didn't want to be my mistress anymore, she really meant it. She was breaking up with me. And now she's moved on with her old girlfriend. Hurt and angry, Cassie headed for the landing bay to catch the next shuttle back to the palace. She didn't get far before she ran into Suzie.

"Hey, Cassie. What are you doing here... Cassie, what's wrong?" Suzie said, noticing that Cassie was upset.

"I know Brianna's sleeping with Sonya. That's what's wrong!

"What?" Suzie said, trying to be coy.

Catching Suzie's reaction, Cassie said, "Don't play dumb with me. I can tell by the look on your face that you know it, too."

"How did you find out?"

"You just told me."

"Cassie, no! You tricked me! I thought Brianna must have told you. She told me that in confidence. I promised her I wouldn't say anything. It just happened that one time – after that fight you had – the last time you were here to see her."

"That's bullshit! I saw Sonya go into Brianna's quarters with flowers and a bottle of champagne just now!" Cassie started to walk away.

"Cassie, wait!" Suzie said, grabbing Cassie by the arm. Cassie jerked her arm away from Suzie and headed for the landing bay. What have I done? Suzie thought. Brianna will never forgive me for telling Cassie she slept with Sonya. On her way back to Ryan's quarters, Suzie had to pass by Brianna's quarters. As she approached Brianna's door, she noticed that Sonya was leaving – flowers, bottle of champagne, and all.

Completely frustrated by the situation, Sonya walked past Suzie like she wasn't even there. Why did I let the Czar talk me into trying again with Brianna, Sonya thought. This is such a waste of time. Brianna is never going to be over that worthless Earthling.

Brianna was about to close her door when she noticed Suzie. "Suzie, is something wrong?" she asked, noticing the worried look on Suzie's face.

"Cassie knows," Suzie said.

"Knows what?" Brianna got a horrified look on her face. I hope and pray it's not what I think. "Come in," she said, pulling Suzie inside and closing the door. "Cassidy knows what, Suzie?" Brianna said in a panic.

"Cassie was just here. She saw Sonya go inside your quarters with the champagne and flowers. She knows."

"She knows that I slept with Sonya!?"

"Yes."

"She couldn't possibly know that unless someone told her!"

"When I ran into her out there in the hallway – just a minute ago - she said she knew you'd been sleeping with Sonya. She was really upset. I asked her how she found out. Then she said..."

"Suzie, what did she say?"

"That I just told her. I'm so sorry, Brianna."

"Suzie, no! I told you that in confidence. I was drunk and must have blacked out – or I never would have done it. Sonya means nothing to me. I love Cassidy. This could end our relationship!"

"I'm sorry, Brianna. She tricked me."

"Where was she going?"

"The landing bay I think."

"I've got to go catch her before she leaves, or she may never speak to me again." Brianna went running from her quarters for the landing bay. When she got there, Cassie was already gone. Brianna made several attempts to contact Cassie on her communicator. But, apparently, Cassie's communicator was turned off for shuttle take-off.

* * *

Cassie entered and found Julia in the bar area of her living room. She was dressed in a black negligee and was pouring a couple of glasses of champagne.

"Cassie?" she said – a bit startled and surprised to see her. She's back from seeing her mistress so soon?

Cassie walked over to Julia, grabbed her, and kissed her passionately. "Hey, Baby, I'm home."

"Well, welcome home Darling," Julia said, enjoying the attention. "I thought you'd gone to visit Flash. I didn't expect you back until day after tomorrow."

Obviously, Cassie thought. Julia's rendezvous with one of her girlfriends must be here this time.

"Is everything all right?"

"Yeah. I'll just have to reschedule my visit. It wasn't a good time."

Holding Cassie in her arms, Julia thought, or maybe my meeting with Sonya paid off.

A pretty young woman dressed in a silk bath robe emerged from Julia's bedroom – wondering what was keeping Julia.

Acknowledging the young woman's presence, Julia said, "Cassie, this is Nicole. She's the actress you'll be presenting with at the awards show next week. I've been wanting you to meet her. She wasn't available to come to your rehearsal here the other day." Julia stared curiously at Cassie, not knowing how she was going to react - since they had sort of an unspoken agreement to have their affairs away from the palace.

"Hi. It's nice to meet you," Cassie said, smiling at the pretty young woman. As Cassie's thoughts drifted back to Brianna and Sonya, she picked up one of the poured glasses of champagne and downed it. "Mind if I join you two?"

"Not at all," Nicole said, smiling back at her.

"I would love it," said Julia, as she and Cassie headed to the bedroom for a threesome with Nicole. My Cassie is finally back.

Later that evening, while Cassie and Nicole were sleeping, Julia got out of bed, put on a robe, and went out to her bar area for a nightcap. She had just poured herself a glass of champagne when she noticed that Cassie's communicator was lying on the counter. She was just about to go back to bed when it beeped. Julia could tell from the ID display that the communication was from Major Thorr, so she answered. "Julia here."

Brianna sighed in frustration. She finally got through to Cassie's communicator - only to get Julia. "I need to speak to Cassidy. It's very important."

"Cassie's asleep. What's so important that you had to call her at bedtime?"

Not about to discuss with Julia what she really wanted, Brianna said, "It's about our son."

"Is Flash all right?"

"He's not ill. But it's very important that I speak to Cassidy, right away."

"In that case, I'll give her your message in the morning," Julia said, abruptly ending the communication. Julia went through Cassie's call log and found that Major Thorr had already left Cassie several messages, asking Cassie to call her back - but nothing further on the recording. Julia erased all of Brianna's voice messages and went back to bed. She didn't bother to tell Cassie about any of the messages, either.

While Julia was busy running the planet Tyre, Cassie went to the address that Brax had given her to deliver the 100,000 Lucre. However, she now felt like she had made the deal for nothing, since Brianna had broken up with her and taken up with her old girlfriend. But even so, Cassie knew that she was still obligated to go through with the deal - or risk winding up on the wrong end of an Uzi. Having nothing better to do, Cassie would visit the construction site daily to check progress - making the project look legit. She even made some suggestions to Brax - like scantily-clad waitresses and some Earthling food (burgers and fries) for the menu - making the place really look like it was hers. Cassie even played poker in the back room with several Syndico lieutenants – just to have something else on her mind besides Brianna breaking up with her.

The following week, Cassie, Julia, and Nicole attended the Tyrian Movie Awards Show together. Ryan and Jason attended the event with Suzie and Vanita. All the women were dressed in evening gowns, the men in tuxes. The Rockets performed during the show, and Cassie presented an award with Nicole.

Suzie and Vanita made several attempts to get Cassie alone, so they could to talk to her on Brianna's behalf - but to no avail. Julia, Nicole, or reporters were always around Cassie, making it almost impossible.

Finally, Suzie found an opportunity backstage to pull Cassie aside. "Cassie, you and Brianna really need to talk."

"Yeah, we do. We need to set up a visitation schedule so I can see my son."

"No, you need to talk to her about your relationship."

"What relationship? She broke up with me and moved on with her old girlfriend."

"Cassie, it's not what you think."

About that time, Julia walked up on them. "Cassie, there you are," she said, interrupting Suzie's and Cassie's private conversation.. "I wondered where you ran off to. StarTeli needs some more promotional photos of you and Nicole."

"Oh, OK," Cassie answered.

"Suzie, your performance tonight was just brilliant, as usual," said Julia.

"Thanks Julia," said Suzie, as Julia led Cassie away.

When Brianna saw the awards show on StarTeli, and the interviews afterwards, she couldn't help but notice how close Cassie seemed to be with Julia and Nicole. It would appear that Cassidy has moved on with her life. Becoming jealous and angry, she thought, if that's the way Cassidy wants it. Fine!

The next day, Brianna told Sonya that she had changed her mind – that she was willing to try dating, but that she wanted to take it slow. Sonya was pleasantly surprised, to say the least. The dating started with Brianna and Sonya having lunch together whenever their schedules allowed. One day, Brianna was working from home and taking care of Flash, because Ms. Stoutmire was unavailable. Since Brianna couldn't make it for their lunch date, Sonya brought lunch for herself, Brianna, and Flash, to Brianna's quarters.

After lunch, Brianna excused herself so she could put Flash down for his afternoon nap. Sonya took a seat on the living room sofa, waiting for Brianna to return, and placed her communicator on the coffee table next to Brianna's. While Brianna was out of the room, her communicator beeped. Sonya could see from Brianna's ID display that it was Cassie. Sonya quickly picked up Brianna's communicator and hit the send calls to voice message button. Then she erased Cassie's message.

Brianna re-entered the room. "Did I hear a communicator beep?"

"Yes," Sonya answered. "It was mine. Just work. Nothing important."

"Oh," Brianna said. I guess I should stop hoping it's Cassidy every time the communicator beeps.

* * *

Damn it! thought Cassie. I know Brianna could tell by the ID display that it was me. I guess she really doesn't want to talk to me anymore. If she wants to be with that stomping dyke, Sonya – fine! I can get as many women as I want. Problem was - Cassie only wanted Brianna.

For the next two weeks, The Rockets were touring. Julia and Cassie had their own private suite at every hotel the band stayed at, so they could party and sleep with all the female fans they picked up. Cassie made it perfectly clear, to Suzie and Vanita, that Brianna was a closed subject. Since Brianna never returned Cassie's call, and was apparently through with her, partying and sleeping with other women was the only way Cassie could get Brianna off her mind.

When Brianna saw pictures and tabloid articles about Cassie – with Julia, Nicole, and various other pretty young women - she knew exactly what was going on. So Brianna decided to give the idea of dating Sonya a real chance.

Once The Rockets got a break in their tour, Cassie did a small role in a movie with Nicole, as her on-screen wife. It was something that Cassie had always wanted to do – being in a movie. After the movie shoot, Cassie brought Nicole back to the palace with her. The evening began with Julia, Cassie, and Nicole smoking hoochy-mama from a big bong, as they sipped champagne and soaked in Julia's hot tub. Once the kissing and fondling started, they moved to the bedroom for a wild night of sex, drugs, and alcohol.

Lying next to Cassie in bed, with Nicole asleep on the other side of her, Julia said, "I love you, Cassie." Then she snuggled next to her.

"I love you, too... Brianna," Cassie said, in a drugged-out, drunken stupor, and passed out for the night.

Angered by Cassie's admission of love for Brianna, Julia got out of bed, put on a robe, and went out to the bar area of her living room for a Scotch. She was at least somewhat relieved, thinking that Cassie was so stoned she probably wouldn't remember the conversation in the morning. And she was right.

While at the palace, Cassie spent as much time with Cirra as she could. However, Cassie missed Flash terribly. So she got Suzie to arrange a visit with Flash on Star Base. The day of the visit, Cassie picked Flash up from Ms. Stoutmire's, per an agreement with Brianna. Cassie took Flash to Circus Pizza for lunch. Then she took him to the Star Base kid's park and played with him for the rest of the afternoon. At dinner time, Cassie returned Flash to Ms. Stoutmire's and took a shuttle back to the palace.

Since Cassie apparently wanted nothing more to do with her, Brianna decided that it was time to move forward in her relationship with Sonya. Their dates changed from lunch to dinner. Brianna even spent the night with Sonya, in Sonya's quarters, a couple of times – trying to replace the void in her life once filled by Cassie. But it wasn't working. Brianna still loved Cassie, and she felt guilty for using Sonya.

Two weeks later, Cassie's restaurant/bar was ready to open. Cassie thought she was surprising Julia by telling her about it and inviting her and Nicole to join her for the opening. But Julia already knew about it. She also knew the "questionable" background of several of the people that hung out there. However, Julia was puzzled as to why Cassie would open such a place. The Syndico was very pleased with the arrangement. Cassie Jones' Rocket Lounge was their biggest money-laundering success ever. Cassie Jones was their cash cow.

The next time that Cassie came to Star Base to visit Flash, Vanita and Suzie told her that she was to pick Flash up from Brianna's quarters because it was Ms. Stoutmire's day off. Cassie protested, wanting Suzie or Vanita to go get Flash for her. She didn't want to risk running into Brianna – or even worse, Brianna and Sonya. But Vanita and Suzie assured Cassie that Brianna had already reported for duty, and that Rocko was there waiting for her to come get Flash. So Cassie eventually accepted the situation and went to Brianna's quarters, accompanied by Vanita and Suzie.

When Cassie, Vanita, and Suzie reached the door to Brianna's quarters, Suzie entered the code, stepped inside, and headed for Brianna's living room.

Cassie looked through the open doorway and saw Brianna, standing in her living room holding Flash, "You two lied to me!" she yelled at Vanita and Suzie.

Vanita yelled back at Cassie, pointing towards Brianna, "Get your ass in there and talk to her!"

"No! I'm outta here!" Cassie said, starting to walk away.

Vanita reached out and grabbed a big handful of Cassie's long, curly hair and dragged her into Brianna's quarters, kicking and screaming for Vanita to let go.

Suzie walked into Brianna's living room, took Flash from her, and maneuvered around Cassie and Vanita's scuffle.

"Suzie! Vanita! What is the meaning of this? You told me that Rocko was going to come get Flash and take him to Cassidy," said Brianna, as Suzie exited with Flash, and Vanita drug Cassie, by the hair, into Brianna's living room.

Vanita finally released her grip on Cassie and shoved her in Brianna's direction. "You two are gonna talk," Vanita said, waving a finger at Cassie and Brianna, "whether you want to or not! After everything you've been through – as much as you love each other – I can't believe you'd just throw it all away. I'd put you both over my knee and fan your asses, but I think you just might enjoy that too much. So work it out!" she yelled and left Brianna's quarters.

"I had nothing to do with this set up," Cassie said to Brianna, standing about four feet away from her.

"Neither did I," said Brianna.

"And I sure don't want to interfere with any plans you might have with your girlfriend. I just came to Star Base to see my son."

"I'm surprised you could find time to come visit your son, since you and Julia have been so busy sleeping with that movie starlet – and all those other women."

"Since you dumped me for that super-dyke - who I sleep with is none of your business!"

"Dumped you? I can only assume that means 'break up' in Earthling gibberish. Anyway, I left you several messages - practically begging you to call me - so I could explain about what happened with Sonya. But apparently you were too busy sleeping around to call me back."

"When did you call me?"

"A couple of days after our fight the last time we were together."

"You mean the day I saw your girlfriend show up at your door with champagne and flowers?"

"Yes. I sent Sonya away. And I tried repeatedly to get in touch with you that day. I left you several messages."

"I don't have any messages from you in my call log. So why'd you send your girlfriend away? Did you have to report for duty, or something?"

"No, it's not like that. And I swear I left you several messages that day. I even spoke to Julia and asked her to have you call me."

"Julia answered my communicator?"

"Yes. I told her it was very important that I speak with you. I even lied and said it was about Flash – thinking, for sure, she would give you that message."

Cassie thought about it for a moment and then got a really pissed-off look on her face. "If Julia answered my communicator and didn't give me your message, I bet she erased the messages you left for me, too!"

"When you didn't return my calls, I could only assume that you didn't want to speak to me see me anymore."

Cassie sighed and shook her head. "That's not true. If I'd gotten a message from you, I would've called you back. Matter of fact I did call you."

"When did you call me?"

"After I cooled down from seeing Sonya at your door. It was about a week or two later - around lunchtime one day. I left you a message on your communicator."

"There are no messages on my call log from you."

"Well, I did leave you one. I just figured you saw my name on the ID display and didn't pick up because you were through with me – and that you'd moved on with your old girlfriend."

"That's not true. I would have taken your call." Could that have been the day that Sonya was here for lunch? "You said you called here around lunchtime the day you called. Was that on a Tuesday?"

"I don't remember exactly. It was on a weekday. I guess it could have been. Why?"

Brianna stared out her observation window, deep in thought. She said, thinking out loud, "I distinctly remember being here around lunchtime on a Tuesday – right about the timeframe you're speaking of. Ms. Stoutmire had personal business to attend to that day, so I was working from home – looking after Flash. I couldn't join Sonya for lunch, so she brought lunch here. After lunch, I went to put Flash down for a nap. From Flash's room, I thought I heard the communicator beep from out in the living room. When I came back into the living room, I asked Sonya about it. She said that it was her communicator that beeped – and that it wasn't important. I wonder if she intercepted your call?"

"And then deleted my message – like Julia deleted yours?" Cassie said, connecting the dots.

"There's no other explanation."

"Those two fucking bitches!" said Cassie, referring to Julia and Sonya. "I suspected something was up the day I caught them with their heads together out in the landing bay. Chance encounter my ass. They've obviously teamed up to keep us apart."

"Apparently so. I felt guilty after I transferred you out of my quarters in the middle of a fight that day. I called Jason's quarters, hoping that we could make up before you left Star Base, but Vanita said that you'd already left for the landing bay. I tried to catch up with you. But when I got to the landing bay - you were involved in a heated discussion with Julia and Sonya."

"I didn't see you out in the landing bay that day."

"I know. But Julia and Sonya did. And you appeared to be insanely jealous over Julia."

"Jealous? Is that what you thought?"

"I didn't know what to think. I saw and heard everything. You called Julia your 'wife' and yelled at Sonya to stay away from her."

"I meant you. I still think of you as my wife. I told you I don't care what those legal papers say. I was yelling at Sonya to stay away from you."

"I thought you meant Julia. That's what it looked like to me. And I could tell by Julia's reaction that it looked that way to her, too."

"I'm sorry you had to see that. Something inside me just snaps when I see that bitch, Sonya. Once I thought about what I said – and where I was - I just let Julia think whatever she wanted – and got her away from Sonya as fast as I could."

"Sonya could tell that I was upset, so she offered to make me a cup of tea. After that there was the wine and then the tequila shots."

"That bitch got you drunk and took advantage of you? I'm gonna kill her! I swear, I'm gonna kill her."

"No! We don't need any more trouble. My getting drunk - just because I was upset - I take full responsibility for that. But if you didn't get any of my messages then why did you call me?"

"To ask you to give us another chance. I couldn't stand the thought of you being with Sonya."

"Well how did you think I felt, seeing you with Julia and that starlet - and all those other women, too?"

"I was just using them, trying to get my mind off of how much I missed you."

"I've missed you, too. And I've just been using Sonya for the same purpose." Brianna looked into Cassie's eyes and said, "Cassidy, I can't stand for us to be apart any longer."

"I can't, either," Cassie said, reaching out for her.

Brianna walked over and threw her arms around Cassie and kissed her. "I want you any way I can have you. If that means being your mistress for two years - until you can get a divorce - then so be it. I love you."

"I love you, too," Cassie said, holding her. "I'm gonna get us out of this mess, Brianna. I promise."

"Just don't do anything illegal."

That ship has already sailed, Cassie thought.

"Another thing."

"What?"

"I understand, for the time being, you have no choice but to live at the palace with Julia - and that thought makes me physically ill. But I better not see, hear, or read anything about you and that starlet - or any other woman. Understood?"

"Yeah." Uh-oh. I wonder if a bedroom scene in a movie counts? "Well, I want you to kick Sonya to the curb for good, too."

"Please speak English."

"Break up with her."

"I'll tell her it's over today," Brianna said and initiated passionate kisses.

Cassie received a call on her communicator.

"Let it go to voice message," said Brianna, continuing the kissing.

Cassie finally came up for air, as her communicator continued to beep. She pulled her communicator out of her jeans pocket and checked the call display. "It's Remy. I gotta take this. What's up, Remy?"

"Get over here to Star Base, right away," said Remy, "I got something for you. I'm at Bobu's."

"I'm already here on Star Base. I'll be right there." Turning to Brianna, she said, "I gotta go meet Remy at Bobu's. He's got something for us. This could be it."

Brianna's face lit up with a hopeful smile. "You mean some new evidence that could clear me?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"Then I want to come with you."

Oh shit! She can't come with me. She can't know anything about the Syndico.

"Oh, no. I just remembered. I have a meeting with the Colonel this morning. I've got to go or I'll be late"

Whew! Dodged a bullet there, thought Cassie. "OK. I gotta go, too."

"I want to know what you find out as soon as possible. When will you be back?"

"Just as soon as I can."

* * *

"Hey, Remy," Cassie said, as she joined him at his usual table in the back of the bar. "What have you got for me?"

Remy pulled a disk from a pocket of his jacket and popped it into a portable disk player that was sitting on the table. "The Syndico really came through for you, Cassie. Watch this," he said, turning the player where Cassie could see the screen too.

The picture that came up on screen was Brianna arriving home on the day of Mia's murder. She was carrying Flash and his baby bag. Then, just as Brianna testified, what appeared to be Sergeant Ortiz joined her at the door to her quarters at exactly 4:45 p.m. Since the Sergeant had witnesses that swore he was in a meeting at the same time that day, the disk proved beyond a doubt the Chameleon had to have committed the murder. Julia's threat to withdraw her testimony was now a moot point.

"I've submitted a copy of the disk to Sergeant Ortiz to add to Brianna's acquittal file. He'll send her an official notification about it," said Remy. "The Czar can't blackmail you anymore, Cassie. You're a free woman. I got your divorce petition right here." He handed Cassie a pen and two copies of the petition.

"Free at last," she said with a big smile.

"Here, you can have this, too," he said, taking the disk from the player and handing it to her. "I got more. I'll get a copy of the disk to Brianna, right away."

"That'd be great." Cassie signed the documents and handed them back to Remy, along with his pen. "Thanks, Remy. Thanks for everything."

"Don't thank me. Thank your lieutenant buddies over there in the Syndico. They really like you. I hear the bar is doing great."

"Yeah, it is... Say, Remy. Where did the Syndico get this disk?"

About that time, Bebo approached their table. He was dressed in a hot pink pantsuit and matching high-heels. "Hi, Cassie."

"Hey, Bebo," she answered.

"What'll you have?"

"We'll have a bottle of your best champagne and two glasses," Remy answered for her.

"What are we celebrating?" asked Bebo.

"Life! Get the bottle, already," said Remy, shooing him away.

"Well, who put a bee under your bonnet?" said Bebo, giving Remy a dirty look, as he sashayed back to the bar to get the champagne.

"So tell me, Remy," said Cassie. "How did the Syndico get their hands on Brianna's security disk?"

"I'm getting to that. But first things first. My sources tell me they figured out who's really behind Brianna's frame-up," he answered.

"Who?"

"Geldorf. He devised this elaborate scheme, using the Chameleon to frame her. He had his people pay off guards to get the Chameleon out and back into the facility - and to deliver the disk to him."

"Why?"

"Geldorf has wanted to plan an escape from prison for quite some time now. But he knew if he escaped that Brianna would come after him and wouldn't stop until she got him – because of what he did to you. So he came up with this scheme to take her out of the picture - by having her sent to prison or executed."

"But how'd he get the Chameleon to go along with this?"

"Who knows? The Chameleon's crazy. Not much telling what Geldorf promised him in exchange for his part in this. It could've been something as simple as smuggling a couple of hookers into the mental facility to pleasure him."

"But how did the Syndico get the disk?"

"One of their lieutenants is in the same prison as Geldorf and knows him well. Geldorf is such a drama queen. He couldn't resist bragging and telling this lieutenant all about the frame-up. Then - when Brianna was acquitted – well, that threw a wrench into his escape plans. Now, Geldorf has decided he's too pretty for prison and that he's going to go ahead and escape, anyway. And since he's so heavily guarded because of his escape artist reputation, he knew he would need help. So the Syndico agreed to help him escape in exchange for the disk."

"They what?!" yelled Cassie.

"Keep your voice down!" Remy said, motioning frantically with both of his furry hands.

"Geldorf has escape from prison?" she said quietly.

"It's underway as we speak."

"I've got to warn Brianna!"

"No! You can't do that," he said quietly yet firmly. "She'd wanna know how you got that information."

"But I thought the Syndico was on my side in this."

"They are. You asked for proof to clear Brianna. They delivered. Now you can get a divorce and be with her. Don't worry. Prison officials will notify everyone about the escape soon enough."

"I'm getting a real bad feeling about this."

"My sources also have proof, via a paper trail, that Julia paid Hayward to throw Brianna's case."

"Un-fucking-believable," Cassie said, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "That explains why Brianna got such piss-poor representation from him. Julia is such a bitch."

"It would appear the Czar will stop at nothing to try and hang on to you."

"But how did the Syndico find out about the paper trail?"

"Well, they found Hayward's representation, regarding Brianna, to be very fishy. So as an added bonus to you – because the bar is doing so well – they sent a couple of guys over to his office to lean on him a little bit. Then they just happened to stumbled upon this document about Brianna's case in his files. Here's a copy of the paper trail document," he said handing the document to Cassie. "Very sloppy work on that wire transfer between the Czar's people and Hayward's people. Somebody slipped up there."

About that time Bebo approached with the champagne. "Here we go. Bubbly all around," he said, as he popped the cork on the champagne, filled two glasses for Cassie and Remy, and then went to take a drink order at another table.

"To your divorce," toasted Remy, as they clicked champagne glasses and sipped their champagne.

"But wait! What about Cirra?" Cassie said, getting a concerned look on her face. "What if Julia tries to keep me away from my daughter for divorcing her?"

"Turn about's fair play. The Czar blackmailed you. Now if she tries to keep you from your daughter, you can blackmail her with that paper trail document. See - the Syndico is really looking out for you."

"But Julia's a Czar. I can't really blackmail her, can I?"

"Trust me. The Czar and Hayward wouldn't want that kind of information published. The tabloids would have a field day with that story. The Czar and Hayward are both Tyrian. So something like this would destroy their reputations on Tyre – and with the Republic, too. Oh, by the way, you can give the Czar your copies of the disk and the paper trail document. I have plenty more."

"Sweet. It will be my pleasure to deliver the divorce petition, the disk, and this paper trial document to her. That way I can make it perfectly clear she can't keep me from seeing Cirra."

"OK. Here's a copy of the divorce petition if you want to be the one to break the news to her," he said, handing Cassie one of the signed copies. "But do it soon. I'll have to send her lawyer a file-stamped copy as soon as I file it with the court."

"I'll go see Julia - just as soon as we're done here."

"All right. And I'll take Brianna a copy of the disk and tell her that the divorce is finally in the works."

"Great."

"Just one more thing, Cassie."

"What?"

"Brianna can never know anything about the deal you made with the Syndico. Not only would it put her at risk, she could be put in the position of having to testifying against you should something go wrong."

"Even if she was my wife?"

"Only then, could she refuse to testify against you. But the Syndico wouldn't like her knowing about this deal. Just don't tell her. Nothing good could come from her knowing about it."

"OK. I won't tell her anything about the Syndico. But I really can't hide the fact that I have a bar, now."

"Just tell her it's an investment – and that you were just occupying your time with something constructive while you were being forced to live at the palace."

"Yeah. That's good. That's what I'll tell her. Remy, I can't thank you enough for all your help."

"You're welcome. You're my favorite client," he said, grinning from ear to furry, pointed ear, as his beady little Roden eyes lit up with Lucre signs. "Just wait till you get my bill."

* * *

Brianna had just returned home from her meeting with the Colonel when the door sensor announced the arrival of a visitor. She rushed to the door, hoping that it was Cassie returning from her meeting with Remy. But when she opened the door it was Sonya.

Sonya stepped inside Brianna's quarters, expecting a warm welcome. But when she tried to give Brianna a hello kiss, Brianna backed away from her and walked into her living room. "Brianna, what's wrong" Sonya asked, following Brianna into the living room.

"You lied to me about the communication I received from Cassidy."

"What communication? When?"

"That day you brought lunch here. I was working from home so I could take care of Flash."

"Brianna, I don't know what you're talking about."

"Liar! It was Cassidy on the communication that came in while I was putting Flash down for his nap. You told me that the communication was yours. And then you deleted Cassidy's message. Admit it! Or would you rather continue this conversation with another lie?"

"OK. I admit it. But I was just trying to protect you from her."

"I don't need your protection. Cassidy and I need to communicate regarding our son."

"I'm sorry, Brianna. I promise. It won't ever happen again."

"No, it won't. I refuse to be in a relationship that's based on lies and manipulation."

"Brianna, I said I'm sorry. Can't we just put this behind us?"

"No. It's over. And I want you to leave now."

"You're breaking up with me for that? I don't believe this. It makes no sense. That Earthling must have gotten to you. Brianna, she's been sleeping with the Czar and that movie starlet - and too many fans to even count. I love you. I was just trying to keep you from being hurt by her any further - and to give our relationship a real chance."

"With lies and manipulation? I don't call that love."

"Brianna, please just give us a chance."

"No. It's over, Sonya."

"This isn't really about a missed communication is it? You must be seeing her on the sly again. That's what this is really about. Admit it! You're seeing her again. Aren't you?!"

"I've asked you to leave!"

"You're letting her treat you like a common whore!"

"Get out!"

"Fine! I'll go. You and that good-for-nothing Earthling deserve each other!"

As Sonya was leaving Brianna's quarters, Remy arrived.

"Remy," Brianna said, standing in her open doorway - wondering where Cassie might be. "I thought Cassidy was meeting with you at Bobu's."

"She did. Now I'm here to deliver the same good news to you," said Remy, as he stepped inside Brianna's quarters and she closed the door. "An anonymous source has provided us with your lost security disk, proving your innocence."

Brianna was beside herself with relief and joy. "That's wonderful!" she said with a big smile, giving Remy a hug. "So this means I'm cleared - and Julia can't blackmail us anymore?"

"That's exactly what it means. I've already had the disk added to your acquittal file. Here's a copy for you to keep," he said, handing her a disk. "And Cassie has signed a divorce petition that I intend to get filed right away."

"I can't put into words how happy and relieved I am, right now. Do you know who this anonymous source might be?"

"Just an anonymous source is all."

"Well, whoever it is - I will be forever grateful. Thank you so much for your help, Remy."

"You're welcome."

"So where is Cassidy?"

"She's gone to the palace on Tyre. She wanted to hand-deliver a copy of the divorce petition to the Czar – and to discuss visitation of her daughter, Cirra."

"She what!?" Brianna said, with a concerned look on her face. She put the disk in a pocket of her uniform and opened her door. "Remy, please excuse me. I've got to go."

"OK," he said, as they stepped out into the hallway and Brianna closed her door. "Is something wrong?"

"I don't know. But I'm not taking any chances. I'm going to the palace on Tyre to bring Cassidy home. There's no telling what Julia will try to pull next. I wouldn't put anything past her." In an instant, Brianna disappeared right before his eyes, transferring herself to the landing bay.

"Geezy-peezy! That creeps my furry ass out when they do that," he said, talking to himself.

* * *

Cassie was in the bedroom of Julia's private suite packing a couple of travel bags, as Julia hurriedly skimmed though the divorce petition.

"If you divorce me, I'll withdraw my testimony and have Major Thorr executed," said Julia.

"Julia, you're gonna have to come up with a new song and dance. That threat won't work anymore," said Cassie. "Maybe you should take a look at the disk."

"Disk?"

"It's in the envelope I gave you. Right there," Cassie said, pointing to an envelope that was lying on the bed next to her bags. "And there's a paper trail document in there too, proving that you paid Hayward to throw Brianna's case."

"What?! I don't know what you're talking about," Julia said, unable to hide the shocked look on her face. She picked up the envelope and emptied its contents onto the bed. "Where did you get this?!" she said in a panic, looking over the incriminating paper trail document.

"I'll never tell."

The document was a wire transfer receipt from Julia's private bank account. It was addressed to Hayward and referenced The Republic v. Major Thorr. Julia thought, Someone is going to pay dearly for this screw-up! The Lucre was supposed to come from my off-shore account, not my private account. And how could anyone be stupid enough to reference what the transfer was really for? Julia popped the disk into a visual player. When she saw Brianna arrive home and the likeness of Ortiz standing next to her and Flash, Julia realized that her threats to withdraw her testimony were now useless. "I don't know how you managed all this. But that paper trail document will never stick!"

"Wanna bet? It proves you wired Lucre to Hayward. And it was found in Brianna's file at his office. Considering the representation she got from him, it shouldn't be hard to prove he threw the case – and that you put him up to it. Your days of blackmailing me are over." Cassie picked up her bags and walked out of the bedroom and into Julia's living room.

"If you leave me - you can forget about seeing Cirra!" Julia said, following Cassie out into the living room.

Cassie slammed her bags down on the floor and got in Julia's face. "If you try to keep me from seeing my daughter that paper trail document will go to every tabloid, newspaper, and magazine on Tyre! Your credibility with your people and with the Republic will be destroyed."

"You wouldn't dare do that!" The Tyrian Tribunal could ask for my resignation, as Czar, if this were to get out.

"You try to keep me from my daughter, you can count on it!"

Realizing that Cassie had the upper hand and that her threats weren't working anymore, Julia took another approach. "Cassie, please don't leave me. You belong here with me and Cirra. We were getting along so well – just like old times." She wrapped her arms around Cassie's neck, trying to kiss her.

Cassie removed Julia's arms from around her neck. "I'll be here at 10:00 a.m. next Saturday to pick Cirra up for my weekend with her. Have her ready."

"You've obviously done something illegal to get this kind of information. There's no way you could've pulled off something like this on your own. As soon as I find out what it is, you're going to jail!"

"I don't think so. I don't think you want that paper trail document published."

"How dare you threaten to blackmail me!"

"This isn't a threat. It's a promise. If I go down, I'm taking you with me."

About that time, Cassie and Julia were startled by a presence.

"What the hell?" Cassie said, as Brianna assimilated into Julia's living room. "Brianna, you scared the shit out of me. What are you doing here?"

Brianna picked up Cassie's travel bags. "I thought you might need a shuttle home."

"You bitch!" Julia yelled at Brianna. "How the hell did you get in here?"

"It wasn't that difficult. Apparently, whatever you're paying your security staff is too much. I'm just here to take back what's mine - and then I'll be on my way," Brianna said with a triumphant smile and winked at Cassie.

"You may think you've won, Major Thorr. But, I guarantee you, Cassie will be back in my bed so fast it'll make your head spin!"

"Good-bye, Julia," said Cassie. "Let's go, Hon," she said to Brianna, as they headed for the exit of Julia's private suite.

"Cassie! Don't you dare walk out on me, or I'll have you both shot as intruders!" Julia yelled at them, as they exited.

Not taking Julia's threat lightly, Brianna quickly attached transfer buttons to Cassie and her travel bags and activated the transfer control device on the belt of her uniform. Brianna, Cassie, and Cassie's bags instantly disappeared from the palace, transferring to an awaiting Kobra fighter which was orbiting Tyre.

Brianna asked, as they assimilated on the fighter, "Cassidy, are you all right?"

"I don't know," Cassie answered, sitting down in the co-pilot's seat - looking at her hands and then feeling her arms. "I feel a little light-headed and strange – like I'm not quite together."

Brianna sat down in the pilot's seat next to her. "I'm sorry. I know you're not used to transferring long distances. It takes some getting used to. Here," she said, giving Cassie a liquid drink for motion sickness. Brianna got herself and Cassie strapped in and set the flight plan for Star Base.

A few minutes later, Cassie started to feel back together. She reached over to Brianna and ran a hand through Brianna's hair and started massaging her neck. "So, tell me."

"Tell you what?" said Brianna.

"You got an auto-pilot on this Kobra fighter?"

"Yes, I do."

"Darlin', you turn it on - I bet I can make you scream and claw your face."

"That sounds like fun." Brianna flipped the switch for the auto-pilot and un-strapped herself from the pilot's seat. She stood up, un-strapped Cassie from the co-pilot's seat, and climbed onto Cassie's lap – kissing her and initiating foreplay.

About that time, an alarm sounded. "What's that?" Cassie asked, stopping the kissing. "Meteor shower?"

"No! We're about to come under attack." Brianna answered, jumping off of Cassie's lap - catching a visual of an enemy warship closing in on them. "Put this helmet on and get strapped and harnessed in," she said, handing Cassie a flight helmet, as she did the same. Brianna took back the controls and engaged the protective shields. She couldn't believe her eyes - staring at a rearview visual screen. That's Geldorf's warship. Could he have escaped from prison? she thought, as three of Geldorf's fighter ships surrounded her Kobra fighter...

