Bellana got through to Dervyn Na'Ferran at last. The airs were still full of static from Dunmar's display of power, making it difficult. Shea made it as brief as possible: "Dervyn, this is Anubis. Shea Dunbar here. We're coming in: me, Alba and my crew. There are six of us. I need you to contact Maeryth Na'Taron for me and inform her of our arrival. We need to see her once we unload. Can you do that for me?" "Affirmative, Anubis. I'm surprised you were able to get through. You didn't land in Torna-Blas did you?" Dervyn responded. "Not even trying! We'll see you soon. What's our dock?" "You can land at Atam Dock. It's open. I'll keep it open for you." That done, Shea went to check on Alba. She was finally sleeping. Wulf and Xara were sitting on the floor beside the seat talking between themselves as he approached. "I didn't think she had all that in her," Xara frowned, shaking her head. "I think it's been pent up inside for a long, long time," Shea replied with a sigh. "She never said much about having to leave her home - just threw herself into her new life." He turned his attention from Alba and spoke to them. "I guess you're wondering where this leaves you." He laughed softly, scratching his jaw and sat down on the arm of the other passenger take-off chair across from them. "That makes all of us. We were actually talking about staying this time. Callin' it quits with this madness. Didn't want you guys stuck here by yourselves. She's ready to stay home." Xara looked up at him with a tight smile. "You know, like you I was born out here...but on a space station. Like you, I ran away and went back to Terra, hoping to stay there. It wasn't working out. You must have thought I was following you, but I already had my ticket. Been wandering out here near as long as you, but never been so far out. I had no idea all this was out here! What a gift to see what we've seen...but I - we need someplace to settle in. I feel like a body in zero-G every day. We were just talking about it," she responded. "We want some roots, Shea. Look, I know it was a big favor to ask you to do this for us. We're probably more than even on the things I've done for you. But whatever you can...." Shea waved his hand at her in dismissal. "I don't keep balances with my friends, Xar. You know that. This whole thing has put us all in the same boat. Frankly, with Dunmar flexing his muscles like he is, this is the last place I want Alba to be. I kinda think he shot his wad though, when he destroyed the Orb. I'm not even sure he knew that would happen, but it did. We're hoping my friend Maeryth can help us out. I'm pretty sure we can stay with her for awhile at least. She'll sponsor us, I think." "Is there anywhere in this galaxy you don't have connections?" Wulf asked, half-jokingly. "If it's on my route, I got connections. You treat people right, you do a few things for them...make a little 'magic' happen for them, and be dependable - do what you say you're gonna do, and voila! You keep that in mind, my friend. And since we're on the subject - sorta, I'm proud of you, man. We all are. Right Xar?" Xara slipped her arm over his shoulder and hugged Wulf. "Yup. I know I am." "Just keep it up, when we land. Aye?" "Aye, aye captain!" "You don't have to be a thief all your life. You're a good mechanic and that lady behind you says so...and I'll be if she ain't thee best mechanic I ever saw. Never woulda thought it, when I first laid eyes on 'er...." His voice trailed off, remembering that day, when he was given the best thing anyone had ever given him. Abruptly, he stood - back in captain mode. "We'll be landin' soon, so pack up and be ready." ***** The next few bits will be kind of short, when they land...because I want to do Maeryth's house in the larger format. As I've previously stated, the inhabitants of Turan are very old races and to that, they are as a whole somewhat jaded and emotionless about some things. Other things, they're very passionate about and this is particularly true of the Faeari. In many ways, they're quite hedonistic when it comes to food, drink, art, clothing and architecture. They love beautiful things of quality. Maeryth and her brother are by no means poor. Besides that, it gives me a chance to play!!! Wheee :) Tired of being 'out in space'. Lol. I thought Xara deserved a little 'face time'. But tomorrow night, something fun - a visit from an old, old friend a few of you might remember, who is now grown up. She's matured quite beautifully but really has a mind of her own! SRG_Xara (WIP) Thanks for stopping by dear friends! You guys rock :) Enjoy your Sun-day! Ray