"To Fulfill a Promise"

The Players :  Paul Nighman, Jindra, Jessalyn Valios

Introduction

Months and months ago, another lifetime it seems, Paul made Jessalyn a
promise ... that he would come and see her as soon as his work on
Mandalore was complete.  But after all that has happened, his
relationship with Shen, Mandalore, and their subsequent separation - Paul
hasn't felt able to face anyone, let alone Jessalyn.  As their
relationship was never clearly understood, and made even more confused by
a night of passion, Paul has been dreading seeing her again.  Part of him
fears that somehow she'll learn everything and be disgusted, repulsed, or
at the very least disappointed.  However, a promise is a promise, and
Paul makes it a habit to -keep- his promises.

************************************************************************

Remote Landing Pad
This is a large, grey platform with black burn marks that could only be made 
  from ship's engines. At the far north of the platform, there is an entry 
  ramp leading to a set of blast doors which have long since corroded and are 
  blocked by a cave-in of the mountain into which they lead. Surrounding the 
  landing pad is a ten foot high, hi-voltage fence. All around you are the 
  forests of the planet, and you barely are able to catch glimpses of ancient 
  stone structures hidden deep within the foliage of the lush jungles.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> STARFIGHTER: SubPro Ilyrian Gnat -- Quasar Bolt
=> Jindra
=> STARFIGHTER: Sienar Lambda Class Shuttle -- Axis
=> IGNews Terminal (NR) - Yavin IV
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <W>est leads to Civil Offices - Yavin.
 <S>outh leads to Control Tower - Yavin IV.
 <E>ast leads to A Small Clearing.
 <N>orth leads to Ancient Roadway.

The door of the newly arrived ship opens, and merely moment after that, a man 
  steps through and down, glancing about with a touch of curiosity as well as 
  a touch of annoyance. He turns about after reaching the tarmac to look at 
  the underbelly of his ship suspiciously, not noticing that there is anyone 
  else around.

Jindra stands at the edge of the landing pad. She appears to be finishing up a 
  conversation with a flight tech who now disappears into the nearby clearing. 
  She turns as the door to the ship that just landed opens. She watches as a 
  man exits and inspects his ship.

Jindra looks at you for a moment.

Straightening up, Paul curses soundly in Corellian, shaking his head and 
  glaring now at the ship. Whirling about he starts to storm toward the 
  nearest cluster of buildings, but stops abruptly as Jindra comes into view. 
  He pauses only for a moment, the soft sounds of birds echoing lightly 
  through the air, and then approaches the woman, making an effort to clear 
  his expression to something more neutral.

Jindra
Jindra is a young, twenty-nine year old human female. Her hair is light brown 
  with sparkling highlights which seem to catch each ray of sunlight. The 
  natural, soft curls surround her shoulders. She keeps her locks swept to one 
  side, framing her gentle face. Her frequent smile makes her deep blue eyes 
  sparkle and dance. She wears a long, smock-like jacket that matches her 
  eyes. The sleeve bears the medic insignia that is her profession. For 
  comfort she wears the jacket open over a white, scoop necked shirt. Her 
  pants are the same blue of the jacket and meet her boots at calf height. 
  Around her neck hangs a silver necklace with a small pendant dangling from 
  its center. If one were to look closely at the swinging pendant, an 
  inscription reads " To my dearest daughter." The necklace disappears beneath 
  the curls to the nape of her neck where it is secured with protective care 
  into a silver clasp.
                -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Carried Virtual Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Medpack 

Jindra carries a medpack over her left shoulder and as the stranger 
  approaches, she swings it around to let it rest on her right for awhile. She 
  leans forward slightly trying to see what the man was cursing at on the 
  belly of his ship. She gives this up quickly however and returns her gaze to 
  the nearing man. A small smile begins to cross her face as he approaches. 
  She gives a small nod a says, "Hello there, " Not really loudly enough for 
  the distance still between them, but audible.

As he draws nearer, the Corellian replies in turn, "Hello," his voice casually 
  neutral. Glancing back at his ship for a moment, he then fixes the woman 
  with his eyes, his gaze roving over her in detail before returning to her 
  face. He offers her a smile, the corners of his mouth curling attractively. 
  "I'm here to see Major Valios .... was only going to be a short visit, but 
  it seems like my hyperdrive engines have cracked a cooling valve ... I don't 
  suppose someone could help me repair that here? I'd hate to have to limp all 
  the way to Corellia."

Jindra glances back at the ship for a moment before her eyes fall back on the 
  tall man. Her eyes take a particular interest in his dark hair and then fall 
  to meet his own gaze. She nods her head slightly and smiles warmly, "Of 
  course, we have plenty of people that could work on it." She pauses briefly 
  and says, "Here to see Maj...I mean you know Lieutenant Colonel Valios?"

The smile warms a touch more, Corellian charm coming into play now. "You are 
  too kind." He then realizes the rest of what Jindra said, his eyes widening 
  slightly as he echoes, "Lieutenant Colonel?" For a moment, as he looks away 
  toward the forest, there is a passing touch of bitterness or perhaps regret 
  as he murmurs, "Has it been so long...?" However, the lapse is brief and 
  returning his attention to the woman before him, he murmurs softly, "Yes, I 
  suppose you could say that we're old friends of short acquaintance ... is she 
  currently on Yavin? I have a promise to keep."

Jindra raises both eyebrows, in honest interest. "Oh really? How nice. And to 
  answer your question, yes, she is here." She swivels a bit on her heels, 
  looking in the general direction of the base, "I can take you to her office 
  if you like? That is where we can probably find her." A broad smile crosses 
  her features again as she adds, "She always seems to have an endless pile of 
  paper work on her desk and I suppose now that she is a Lieutenant Colonel it 
  will only get deeper."

Inclining his head in assent, Paul indicates that he will follow if she will 
  lead. He reaches up to push back the swath of hair that swings before his 
  eyes at the gesture, the move so practiced and unconscious that it is clear 
  that he's been doing this for some time now. "I pity her then," he murmurs 
  before adding, "I wouldn't wish to interrupt her if she's busy ... I should 
  have sent word that I was coming .... but things just didn't quite, ah, work 
  out the way I ... planned."

Shaking her head Jindra begins taking a step forward, gesturing with her hand 
  that she will indeed lead the way, "Not at all . I am sure she will be 
  thrilled to see an old friend." She smiles up at the man, who is quite a bit 
  taller than herself. "I'm sorry I did not introduce myself, " she says 
  extending her hand as she continues, "I am Doctor Jindra Langri."

Drawing up even with the woman, Paul offers his name and his hand, but
not his title. "Paul Nighman ... pleasure to meet you." He keeps his
 thoughts about Jessalyn's pleasure or displeasure to himself, having no
idea what she thinks of him these days. One thing is certain ... he is
not going to tell her of all that he has spoiled with his touch since
last he spoke to her. _That would surely bring her condemnation_ he
growls at himself.

Jindra withdrawals her hand slowly after the introduction, returning it to 
  rest on top of the medpack she carries. "It is a pleasure sir, " she says, 
  looking back up at the man. Her smile fades slightly as she tries to hide a 
  look of concern as the man seems deep in thought . "Um, " she begins, trying 
  to spark up conversation. "The base is not too far, let's head to the east 
  there and that small clearing. "

Jindra heads towards a clearing faintly visible to the east.
Jindra has left.

You head toward the clearing visible to the east.
A Small Clearing
This small area, amidst the thick foliage and fauna, seems almost too perfect 
  to be natural. Totally circular, tall Massassi trees rise up all around you 
  in barricade fashion. Although the deep blue Yavin skies are totally visible 
  now, the supple vines and thick moss slowly weaving up the trees threaten to 
  block even that from view. The base of the clearing is carpeted with a thick 
  layer of a mixture of fresh and dried leaves.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jindra
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <E>ast leads to Underbrush.
 <W>est leads to Remote Landing Pad.

Jindra lowers her head as she dodges some low lying branches, "Careful here, " 
  she says, "Just keep heading east, " she says looking back with a grin.

"Lead on lovely lady," Paul calls out lightly, looking about him as he walks, 
  clearly enjoying the landscape.

Jindra crosses the clearing and disappears into the dense undergrowth.
Jindra has left.

Seeing an opening in the dense foliage, you decide to see where it leads.
Underbrush
Dense foliage closes in, enveloping you in the midst of a thick mass of 
  underbrush. Lush ferns and supple vines have woven together making a 
  tunnel-like passage through the otherwise impenetrable forest. The ground is 
  covered with a thick carpet of decaying leaves and fronds, making it appear 
  as if you are suspended in some sort of obscure green bubble. Even the 
  sounds of the wildlife that are known to be abundant here, are muffled by 
  the overgrowth. Although the sunlight can still filter through the thick 
  layers of vegetation, the muted light gives the area a mystical green glow.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jindra
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <E>ast leads to Ravine.
 <W>est leads to A Small Clearing.

Jindra keeps heading east
Jindra continues through the foliage, heading east.
Jindra has left.

You continue east, as the trail begins to angle slightly downward.
Ravine
Totally surrounded on all sides by the rich vegetation of the forest, this 
  ravine is eerily silent. The canopy overhead blocks out all light from 
  above. The floor here is composed of thick black dirt and a few gangly vines 
  which sprout up from the ground. Immense walls of vegetation enclose the 
  ravine from two sides, while a huge log has fallen across the south edge of 
  the gully, blocking all passage in that direction. To the southwest, and 
  encrusted in vines is a towering Ziggurat. An enormous gaping door in it's 
  side sitting like a massive darkened cave. A few lights around the exterior 
  tell you that it is occupied.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jindra
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <Southwest> leads to Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations.
 <W>est leads to Underbrush.

Jindra heads into the Ziggurat.
Jindra has left.

You head into the MSO Headquarters.
Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations
In the center of this ancient structure is a huge, open-air chamber, lined on 
  all three sides with the thick gray stone walls of the ziggurat. Gazing 
  skyward, one can see the arch of green trees and thick vegetation, through 
  which are glimpses of clear blue sky and wispy white clouds -- unless it is 
  Yavin's rainy season, and heavy gray ones are hovering lowly overhead 
  instead. The brush has been cleared out through the center of the chamber, 
  allowing for a small pathway to meander through to doorways leading to other 
  sections of the structure. In the center is a small fountain, built out of 
  an iridescent stone incongruous with the somber gray of the rest of the 
  pyramid, the bottom of it lined with a brightly colored tiled mosaic that 
  shifts and glimmers beneath the swirling waters over it. Several stone 
  benches circle the fountain. The ancient walls are lined with thick 
  greenery, most of which looks like it has been fixed there for decades. 
  However, an attempt has been made to clear away some of the shrubbery from 
  one wall, and a creeping line of vineroses has been encouraged to grow, 
  throwing riot of color against the dark gray stone structure.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jindra
=> D2-P11
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <Northeast> leads to Storeroom.
 <Northwest> leads to Ravine.
 <E>ast leads to Medical Facility, Military Support Operations.
 <W>est leads to Barracks, Military Support Operations.
 <S>outh leads to Headquarters Office, Military Support Operations.

Jindra stops inside , "Follow me sir, into the office."
Jindra heads into the HQ Offices.
Jindra has left.

You head into the MilSupportOps HQ Office.
Headquarters Office, Military Support Operations
This small chamber is the private office for the CO of the Support Corps. 
  Along the wall to the left is a low table upon which small decorative items 
  have been placed; a glimmering blue-green geode set into a small black 
  lacquer display stand; an aromatic candle set into an intricate, 
  patina-colored holder; a glazed ceramic bowl spilling over with roses from 
  the ziggurat courtyard. Toward the center of the room are three 
  sturdy-looking chairs arranged around a desk which is topped with a computer 
  console and what looks like an eternal load of paperwork.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jindra
=> Jessalyn
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <E>ast leads to CO's Quarters, Military Support Operations..
 <N>orth leads to Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations.

Jindra enters the office slowly, "Ma'am?"

Stepping into the office after Jindra, Paul stops as his eyes fall on 
  Jessalyn. He simply stands there, drinking his fill.

Jessalyn:
The deep-set eyes of this young human woman are rainforest green, and are lit 
  from within with humor and compassion whenever she offers her dazzling 
  smile. Shining dark red hair falls in unruly silken waves around her 
  shoulders, framing her features with their wide cheekbones and smooth, pale 
  skin not as fragile as most redheads'. 

Jessa is dressed in her Support Corps uniform, a loose ash-blue shirt whose 
  sleeves fall to her slender wrists and whose collar bears the insignia of 
  her rank. It is worn beneath a tailored, dark tan, and short sleeved tunic, 
  fastened down the front and cinched by a black leather utility belt around 
  her waist. Her hair is held back from her face and clipped behind her head, 
  though stray curling locks continue to fall into her eyes. There is a thin 
  silver chain set with a rough but shiny blue-green stone, resting just 
  beneath her collarbone. A standard issue blaster is holstered to her right 
  thigh, and a long, cylindrical silver object, with a hand grip and a small 
  disc extending from the body, is clipped to her belt. The fit of her 
  trousers -- light blue with yellow piping along their outer seams -- as well 
  as her shiny knee-high black boots, emphasize her narrow waist and the 
  long-legged rhythm of her strides.
                -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Carried Virtual Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Medpack 

Jessalyn sits at her desk, the glow of the compscreen illuminating her face. 
  She doesn't look up as she hears the door slide open and continues tapping 
  at the input keyboard. "Yes, Sergeant?"

Jindra looks at the man and then back at Jessa. "There is someone here to see 
  you. An old friend?" She says.

"Yes... I know," Jessa murmurs quietly before she lifts her green eyes from 
  the comp and gazes across the room, the same smile spreading over her face 
  as her eyes light on Paul. She begins to rise from her chair. "Thank you, 
  Jindra..." she says as she begins to rise from her chair

Jessalyn looks at you for a moment.

Jindra still looks back and forth between the two and realizing no 
  introductions are necessary she carefully backs up toward the door.

Taking a step forward, Paul waits for Jessalyn to look up, holding his breath 
  as he awaits her reaction. _She hasn't changed_ he marvels ..._She looks 
  just like she did when I left ...._ For Paul, there is something wondrously 
  reassuring and welcoming about that simple fact in and of itself. As she 
  smiles, Paul approaches her, his smile warming. Placing his hands on her 
  upper arms, he leans forward dropping a kiss to each cheek before drawing 
  back and murmuring softly, "Jessa ..."

Jindra heads back into the Central Chamber.
Jindra has left.

Jessalyn's eyes close for a moment as he dips down to kiss her cheeks, and her
  hands lift to touch his elbows lightly, the smile deepening as she gives a
  soft, delighted chuckle. When her eyes open, however, and she looks up into
  his face more carefully, a tiny note of concern is evident by the crinkle in
  her forehead. The smile doesn't waver, however and she reaches up to touch
  his scruffy cheek. "My, my... I don't even know what to ask first," she
  chuckles, her green eyes dancing.

"You look wonderful," he murmurs softly, smiling into her eyes. Shaking his
  head slightly, the smile turns more wry as he knows that he does not. "I
  apologize for dropping in unannounced ... I remembered that I promised, and
  was on my way to Corellia to drop off a shipment, so it seemed the ideal
  time." Glancing down at the desk she just abandoned, Paul adds, "Please,
  don't let me interrupt you if you're busy ..."

Jessalyn follows his gaze toward the desk and chuckles, shrugging her
  shoulders before swinging her assessing gaze back to his. "I was just
  finishing up for the day, actually," she informs him, then laughs, her
  fingers sliding up to his upper arms, tightly squeezing. "And this is a
  special occasion! Don't be absurd, Paul!"

The sheepish smile curls into something more genuine. His hands rub against
  her upper arms briefly before he steps back to take a better look at her.
  "Good. Well, it's a relief to see you well and whole ... I was frantic when
  I found the remains of your camp on Tatooine ... never learned the specifics
  of what happened ... just that you and Luke finally returned safely ..." he
  murmurs with a grateful sigh. Looking in Jessa's face again, Paul allows
  himself to bathe in her sunny smile. "Guess being a Lieutenant Colonel
  agrees with you then?" he teases.

Jessalyn rakes her hand back through her hair as he steps back from her,
  glancing down at herself briefly. "You don't think I've gotten a bit too
  thin? I'm afraid I was... somewhat ill a few weeks ago. Let me tell you, I
  wasn't looking so hot then." She chuckles almost nervously as her eyes lift
  up to his again and she looks him over, now arching a brow. "I don't know...
  I think the scruffy look kind of agrees with you, too, hotshot."

A slight touch of color touches the Corellian's high cheekbones, but he offers
  Jessa a self-derisive snort. "Flatterer," he chides her lightly. "I've just
  been too lazy or preoccupied to bother with the upkeep, but it's kind of you
  to say so." Perusing her figure with an appraising eye, Paul murmurs, "As
  for your weight, I think you look fine .... better than fine really, but
  what really counts is how you feel." Looking back into those green green
  eyes Paul asks with a touch of concern in his voice, "How do you feel
  Jessalyn?"

The young red-haired woman folds her arms over her chest, her gaze steady and
  her smile firm as she replies, "I am just fine, I promise. They found the
  cure for the parasite and the bacta healed any damage that was done to my
  body." She waves a hand dismissively and takes a step closer, noting the
  shadowed look in his hazel eyes. "I imagine you've been keeping yourself
  busy?" she asks, her gaze straying to the door to the courtyard expectantly.
  "Where's Shenner?"

At first Paul's eyes light up with relief ... the details of her illness news
  to him, although he had heard something about the rampaging parasite when he
  was on Kichnar station. However, at the mention of Shenner, there is a
  guilty start in that hazel gaze, and Paul glances about for a moment before
  meeting Jessalyn's curious eyes. "On Calamari, at least last I knew she
  was," he answers.

Jessalyn seems only somewhat surprised that Shenner is not with him, and
  doesn't react visibly other than to nod her head in understanding, her eyes
  returning to his just as the smile turns somewhat softer. "So I have you to
  myself for now?" she chuckles, though obviously not aware of the situation
  and thinking nothing of the remark.

That comment gets a small start out of Paul, who was half expecting further
  probes. It's uncertain which startles him more ... the sudden change in
  conversational direction or the direction it's taken. Perhaps that slight
  color increases? But Paul Nighman is, if nothing else, a Corellian, and
  counters that suggestive remark, murmuring, "For now, yes, you have me all
  to yourself. I came specifically to see you ... after all, I promised," he
  reminds her. _And I wanted to ..._ is the unexpected side-thought.

Jessalyn's head tilts to the side as she responds to the typical Corellian
  charm, and her cheeks perhaps heat up just slightly. But she doesn't melt
  beneath it, and she places her hands on her hips, her smile sliding into a
  grin. "Specifically to see me? You mean you aren't here for Yavin's
  rejuvenating rains or hot springs? Perhaps a change of scenery? The
  waterfalls or flowerbeds...?" She trails off, chuckling to herself.

Shaking his head in all honesty, Paul leans a hip against a nearby desk. "Nope
  ... in fact, I've heard a great deal about Yavin, but I've never actually
  been here before. Childhood nonsense," he explains obliquely with the wave
  of his hand. "I'm heading to Corellia with a shipment of cargo, and realized
  that I'd been remiss .... so here I am." He chuckles softly, adding, "And I
  hope you don't mind putting me up for a bit ... seems that my hyperdrive
  engines have popped a coolant valve or two. I was hoping that someone here
  might be able to help me fix it, rather than limping my way to Corellia."
  There is a sly grin as Paul adds, "I guess you could say that I am your
  willing captive."

Jessalyn raises her brows at the remark, finding herself leaning against the
  desk, meeting his casual stance, but one hand resting on her hip. "Is that
  so?" she chuckles, then swallows, glancing toward the door once more. "Well,
  you came to the right place for hyperdrive repair, you know. We've got the
  best techs in the New Republic."

"What a relief," he breathes. "I mean after all, it isn't even my ship, and if
  I got back to Corellia with it broken, Raven might consider breaking me."
  Pausing then, as if all the conversation had just abandoned him, Paul
  glances down at her desk, inquiring, "Ah, so how are things going? When did
  you get promoted? Are you still Jedi training?" He glances over at the door
  that Jessalyn seems so preoccupied with, frowning slightly before hazel eyes
  turn back to the redhead. "Is there something wrong?"

A swift shake of her head is Jessalyn's immediate reply, and she forces
  herself to keep her eyes on Paul, the same easy expression returning as she
  chuckles and touches his arm gently. "Well... Where to start? Things in
  general are just fine. I got promoted just a couple of weeks ago as I was
  recovering from the illness. And yes...." She pauses for a moment, her eyes
  wandering down to her fingers touching his arm. "I'm still in training...."

"You got promoted for being sick?" he teases, the opening too wide for a
  Corellian to ignore. "What an army!" he adds with a small wink. Sobering up
  slightly though, Paul glances down at that hand resting on his arm,
  considering it thoughtfully but making no gesture in return. "How do you
  like it? Being a Jedi I mean? Last time we spoke you didn't seem so sure ..."

Her smile trembles with some kind of emotion, and Jessalyn tears her eyes back
  up to his, releasing a long breath as she nods her head slowly. "I think I
  did the right thing," she answers simply, her voice soothing and calm, and
  she presses her lips together.

There is clearly some kind of strange undercurrent going on, Paul can feel it
  thrumming through the air. However, he is hesitant to ask ... to press ...
  for fear of applying pressure where none is desired ... or perhaps for fear
  of what might be said. Still, his brows wing down slightly in consternation.
  "Does it make you happy?" And then, on a lighter note, "Can you do any cool
  tricks? Or is that against the Jedi code ... to show off I mean." There is
  an additional wink to try and relieve the slight tension.

"Well, I suppose it's okay as long as you're just doing it to impress a
  handsome Corellian in private," she jokes back at him, shrugging her
  shoulders and looking shy for the first time since his arrival. She looks up
  at him from beneath her lashes. "So you want me to... show off?"

The handsome Corellian at first wonders what happened to his nonchalant and
  cavalier nature ... and then he begins to recall by degrees that in his
  relationship with Jessalyn, he had never seemed to quite pull that off in
  her presence. Now is no exception. "Well, I don't know about the handsome
  Corellian you're thinking of impressing ... is he under the desk?" he jokes
  in an attempt to cover himself. "However, this Corellian can't help but be
  curious .... " There is a brief flash of a recent memory, a painful one,
  and Paul firmly places a damper on it, determined to have a positive
  experience with this thing called the Force. "Yes, please," he murmurs
  softly, "I'd like to see ..."

Jessalyn nods her head slowly, her green eyes soft and serious and reminiscent
  of someone else's as she looks up into his face. She then turns her head
  slightly, her hand extending somewhat from her body and gesturing toward the
  desk. As her lashes slide shut over her eyes, a small but heavy ball of
  marble, used as a decoration or perhaps a paperweight, floats off the
  surface of the desk and moves in an elegant arc toward the girl. She holds
  her palm out in front of her and it levitates almost half a foot over it.
  Breathing shallowly, she glances up at him and gives a small -- but proud --
  smile.

Recently Paul had seen such actions, and far more impressive ones. However,
  all of those had ended in a pain inflicted, in destruction. There is
  something so simple, innocent, and pure in this small gesture. Paul reaches
  out tentatively with one hand, touching the ball gently, merely stroking
  it's surface. "I'm impressed," he murmurs softly, his golden gaze shifting
  from the marble to Jessalyn's face, his lips curling at her obvious pleasure
  at her success.

Jessalyn shrugs her shoulders absently as she finally releases the ball from
  her mind's grasp and it falls into her palm. Her waiting fingers close
  around it and she winks at him, placing the ball back on the desk and taking
  several steps back from him. "It's not much," she murmurs, "I can do other
  things. I just don't think Luke would approve of me using my powers to --"
  She stops herself and laughs nervously.

Folding his arms, Paul settles himself closer to Jessa now, cocking his head
  to one side. "What other things?" he queries, honestly curious ... and
  puzzled. "And why wouldn't Luke approve? I mean he wants to you practice I
  would imagine ... right?"

Jessalyn laughs again and pokes the Corellian squarely in the chest, not at
  all liking how flustered she's feeling in front of him. "It was a joke, I
  swear," she assures him. "Unless you want to see me showing off with my
  lightsaber?"

It's ironic how closely the emotions of these two people mirror one another
  without their even knowing. Paul is highly aware of the fact that he is
  unbalanced by Jessalyn, hoping that it doesn't show through his control too
  badly ... and hopefully not at all. A pure Corellian smirk curls his lips,
  and Paul murmurs in all innocence, "Hey ... I wasn't inferring anything ....
  in fact I wasn't aware that -you- were implying ... " and he lets the
  playful jibe trail off, his eyes glinting with amusement and pleasure.
  Spontaneously, he tells the woman before him, "I've missed you Jess ... I
  hadn't realized just how much until now." Blinking, he coughs lightly,
  glancing at the lightsaber at her side and then back up. "As for a
  demonstration, I'll probably be woefully ignorant of your skills, but so
  long as you promise not to hack me into pieces, sure ... but maybe outside
  would be better?"

Jessalyn takes a few steps back from him, keeping his gaze, and in a swift and
  elegant move her lightsaber is swept up before her and ignites, humming
  powerfully between them, the light of it illuminating her face and hair.
  "But if I can't hack you into pieces, then how can I show off?" she teases
  in a whisper.

He can't help it. Paul jerks back responsively, his hand dropping to his
  blaster despite himself. Closing his eyes, Paul wills his body to relax,
  feeling his hand trembling with the released but unused adrenaline. Opening
  his eyes he murmurs roughly, "Ah sorry ... you surprised me." It's an
  awkward little half-truth.

His response, however covered up, is almost palpable to her, and the
  lightsaber disappears back into its hilt as quickly as it was there.
  Jessalyn moves toward him, not wanting to outright acknowledge his
  discomfort, but unable to keep from it. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he assures, control flowing back into him as well as embarrassment.
  "Really, I'm alright ... just had a bad experience with those and wasn't
  expecting you to light up so suddenly ... guess it took me back for a sec
  there." He smiles wanly, touching Jessa's arm reassuringly. "It's not you ..
  it's me. I'm fine now. I'm ready to be diced now madam."

Jessalyn chuckles lightly, somewhat reassured but certain now that she
  shouldn't 'show off' this particular talent. At least not yet. She clips the
  lightsaber to her belt and straightens up, shaking her head ruefully.
  "Perhaps we should just get something to eat instead... are you hungry?"

"Sounds good to me," Paul replies, smiling warmly again and offering Jessa his
  arm. "I don't suppose there are any fancy restaurants tucked away in the
  jungle for me to take you to for wining and dining? A discreet little bistro
  perhaps?" he teases, regaining his Corellian charm.

Jessalyn places her hand lightly through his arm and smiles, raising her
  brows. "I'm afraid you'll just have to settle for the base dining hall," she
  informs him, gesturing toward the door. "But it's really not so bad...
  despite what you might have heard from some of the others around here...."

Raising a brow, Paul murmurs, "Uh oh ... I hadn't heard anything yet ... but
  that doesn't sound too reassuring. Maybe we should make a late night raid
  instead and I can cook you up something instead ... that's -almost- as
  good." Though the Corellian takes Jessa's arm in his own, he let's her
  indicate where they should go.

You head back into the Central Chamber.
Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations
In the center of this ancient structure is a huge, open-air chamber, lined on
  all three sides with the thick gray stone walls of the ziggurat. Gazing
  skyward, one can see the arch of green trees and thick vegetation, through
  which are glimpses of clear blue sky and wispy white clouds -- unless it is
  Yavin's rainy season, and heavy gray ones are hovering lowly overhead
  instead. The brush has been cleared out through the center of the chamber,
  allowing for a small pathway to meander through to doorways leading to other
  sections of the structure. In the center is a small fountain, built out of
  an iridescent stone incongruous with the somber gray of the rest of the
  pyramid, the bottom of it lined with a brightly colored tiled mosaic that
  shifts and glimmers beneath the swirling waters over it. Several stone
  benches circle the fountain. The ancient walls are lined with thick
  greenery, most of which looks like it has been fixed there for decades.
  However, an attempt has been made to clear away some of the shrubbery from
  one wall, and a creeping line of vineroses has been encouraged to grow,
  throwing riot of color against the dark gray stone structure.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> D2-P11
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <Northeast> leads to Storeroom.
 <Northwest> leads to Ravine.
 <E>ast leads to Medical Facility, Military Support Operations.
 <W>est leads to Barracks, Military Support Operations.
 <S>outh leads to Headquarters Office, Military Support Operations.

Jessalyn arrives from the HQ Offices.
Jessalyn has arrived.

Jessalyn smiles as she tilts her head to look at him from the side, stepping
  out into the courtyard and inhaling deeply of the cool, moist air. "Well,
  where were you planning on doing the cooking, Dr. Nighman?"

Considering those features thoughtfully for a moment, Paul shrugs. "Well, I
  think kitchen's tend to be the best .... they've usually got food and pots
  and pans and stuff to cook with ... unless you'd prefer I make a bonfire in
  your office and do something a la outdoors instead?"

Jessalyn keeps her head tilted consideringly and glances off across the
  courtyard, smirking at the sarcasm. "Well, the only kitchen around here is
  the one in the dining hall," she says slowly. "Should we go hijack it?"

"Is it free? I mean, won't the chefs try to boil us alive if we so much as set
  foot inside?" Paul queries. "Course, they'd be no match for you and that
  lightsaber," he notes thoughtfully. "We could storm the gates and take over
  the grounds before they knew what hit them."

Jessalyn is walking arm and arm with a tall, lanky man across the Ziggurat
  courtyard, and she chuckles softly at something he just said. "Well, I -am-
  the commanding officer around here. I think I can take control of the
  kitchen for a little while without having to worry about mutiny."

Kainankk waves at Jessalyn, heading across the courtyard toward the barracks
  area.

The tall Corellian glances down at the redhead on his arm, smiling at her
  contagiously. He shakes his head murmuring, "Lieutenant Colonel ... that's
  going to take me awhile to get used to ... I barely had "Major" under my
  belt." Paul looks up curiously at the waving Wookiee.

Jessalyn turns her head as the waving, furry arm catches her eye, and she
  smiles warmly, though apparently a tad embarrassed at being seen. She waves
  in return, looking between the two and wondering whether she should
  introduce them.

Kainankk looks over the human with casual curiosity. Reaching the door to the
  living area, he stops and waits, seeing if perhaps they are heading the same
  way.

Jessalyn heads into the Barracks.
Jessalyn has left.

You head into the Barracks.
Barracks, Military Support Operations
Rows of plain but comfortable looking military bunks are lined up along each
  wall and through the center of this long room, all of them made with a drab
  green blanket that is thick enough to provide warmth against Yavin's chilled
  night air. Nestled against each bed is a small locker and table, filled with
  mementos belonging to its occupant. Windows are cut into the thick stone of
  the outer wall, allowing the glowing warm, reddish golden light to shaft
  inward. Against the farthest wall are doors leading out to the bathing rooms.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jessalyn
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <S>outh leads to Dining Facility, Military Support Operations.
 <E>ast leads to Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations.
Jessalyn heads into the MSO Dining Hall.
Jessalyn has left.

You head into the MSO Dining Hall.
Dining Facility, Military Support Operations
A wide chamber, lined with very long, narrow tables in military precision,
  allowing for enough room to seat all of those who are stationed at this
  base. There is a kitchen at the far end, reachable by a narrow doorway. A
  countertop also divides the two rooms, through which the patrons are served
  trays of the daily meals. A row of small windows runs along the outer wall
  as well, offering a view of the thick, meandering greenery outside, as well
  as swatches of blue sky.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jessalyn
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <N>orth leads to Barracks, Military Support Operations.

As the pass the Wookiee on the way toward the kitchen, Paul's attention
  returns back to Jessalyn. "Alright then .... dinner. Would the lady like
  anything in particular?" he queries as they step beyond the dining area and
  into the realm of the cooks, who eye Paul with a touch of suspicion, but
  Jessalyn with respect.

Jessalyn trails her hand along a countertop, walking up to the man who must be
  the head cook, and leans toward him to whisper something in his ear. The man
  looks at her dubiously, then back at Paul, and shrugs his shoulders,
  muttering something back to her. In a matter of moments the chefs and dish
  washers and other various kitchen workers have filed out of the area, and
  Jessalyn turns to look at Paul again, her back against the countertop and
  her hands resting on top of it. "Well, I've always enjoyed your taste in
  cuisine, Dr. Nighman," she chuckles. "There's nothing too exotic in here,
  I'm afraid, but I imagine you can work your magic anyway."

Staring at the chefs who have left, Paul then peers outside into the dining
  area, breathing a sigh of relief as it continues to stand empty. "Should I
  make for more than just the two of us?" he wonders, "Just in case anyone
  else should show up, or is the dinner hour over?" As he asks Jessalyn this,
  he ambles over toward the refrigeration unit, opening it up and gawking for
  a moment at the enormous tubs of basic foods. Blinking, he carefully begins
  to rummage though the area, looking for non-processed ingredients, removing
  the occasional bottle or container with a thoughtful glance.

Continuing to lean against the countertop, watching him thoughtfully, Jessalyn
  gives a slow shake of her head, noting each ingredient which he selects
  curiously. "No, dinner is over for today. They were just in here cleaning
  up. I promised him that we would finish that chore for them." She clears her
  throat, glancing into the empty and darkened dining hall and its rows of
  tables. "So just us two...."

There is something about her words that causes Paul to stop, looking up at her
  for a moment, eyes dark, before he returns his attention to his task.
  "Sounds good," he murmurs, the hum of the fridge nearly swallowing his words.
  Gathering the ingredients together, he settles them on the counter,
  organizing them to his satisfaction before searching for knives, pans, and
  other such utensils. A cutting board is procured and he starts to
  efficiently fillet a Machi fish into two generous portions, setting those
  aside. Glancing up again, Paul considers the lighting and with a touch of
  inspiration asks, "Ah, are there any candles .... or a dimmer for the
  lights. It's kind of a big hollow space for two people to have dinner, " he notes.

"Ahhh..." Jessalyn considers for a moment, not certain how to react to his
  idea of a candlelit dinner, but her smile gives her away. "Just a
  second...." She disappears into a supply room, and eventually she returns
  pulling out a large plastic bin. She sets it on a countertop and pries off
  the lid. Inside there are various decorations and oddities used to perk up
  the dining hall during different times of the year. A length, she finds what
  she was looking for: a pair of tall white candles sit into small silvery
  holders.

In a small bowl several spices are mixed along with a garlic oil. Washing his
  hands once again, Paul rubs the spiced oil liberally into the meaty fish,
  glancing over at the candlesticks that have been found and nodding in
  approval. "Yeah ... that's good." Turning on one of the ovens, Paul settles
  the two fillets in a pan, sliding them in and setting a small timer. He then
  settles about the rest of his business .. finding a half loaf of crusty
  bread with a little more character than most of what the kitchen stocks. He
  takes a variety of greens and fruits, mixing them together in an exotic
  salad which he places back in the cooling unit to chill. Pulling out a pan
  he rapidly dices up peppers, onions, squash, zucchini, and a variety of
  vegetables, pouring more of the spiced oil into the pan and heating it up.
  Pausing in his work, he glances up to see what Jessalyn is up to. The
  process of cooking on the fly always is intent work, and it isn't until he
  reaches this short breaking point that he remembers that he is creating this
  for someone else who happens to be standing right there. He smiles at the
  redhead a touch apologetically.

For a while, as Paul was working, Jessalyn goes into the dining hall and
  selects one of the smaller tables for their use. She spreads a small, silk
  cloth over its surface, smoothing out the wrinkles and setting it not only
  with the pair of candles, but with plates and silverware as well. By the
  time he's gotten to the vegetables, Jessalyn reappears at his side, peering
  curiously over his shoulder and smelling the aromatic spicy odor. "It looks
  wonderful," she assures him, seeing him glance toward her and offering a
  tiny smile.

Chuckling, Paul bows slightly at the compliment. "Thank you ... but so does
  plastic fruit," he notes wryly with a small wink to match her small smile.
  He ducks down to check the fish, and as the oven opens, a tantalizing scent
  wafts out along with the heated hair, ruffling the loose hair at his brow.
  He sniffs and inspects like a scientist, prodding the surface of the fish
  experimentally before nodding contentedly. Closing that up again he pours
  some of the spiced oil into a small dipping bowl, slicing the loaf into
  easily tearable chunks after removing it from the oven where it was heating
  up. The vegetables are dropped into the oil, hissing violently as Paul stirs
  them rapidly, cooking and absorbing the oil. He quickly reduces the heat and
  turning to Jessalyn, he announces, "Done ... plates?"

Jessalyn stands at the ready, handing him one of the plates as her senses take
  in the wonderful aromas of the meal. "Here you go," she murmurs helpfully
  before also handing him a pair of serving spoons.

Arranging the fish and vegetables on each plate, Paul brings out the bowl of
  salad and the bread, passing them to Jessalyn before murmuring, "Lead the
  way sweet lady."

Jessalyn turns and goes back into the dining room without a word, leading him
  to the small table beneath the tallest window, moving around to one side and
  arranging the bowl and bread upon it. She fishes around in one of the
  utility pouches on her belt, and produces a small flame lighter which she
  uses to light the candles. She tips her head up to look at him, smiling and
  pulling out her own chair. "I don't think I've had a meal like this in...."
  She shakes her head slowly.

Placing the plates across from one another, Paul cannot but smile gallantly,
  catching the back of Jessalyn's chair to seat her properly. "I think that's
  the nicest compliment you could have given," he replies soberly as he
  settles her into place before taking a seat across from her. "Don't stand on
  ceremony ... just eat," he suggests, breaking off a piece of tender Machi
  himself and taking a bite with a self-critical expression on his face. He
  nods contentedly and assures her, "Not poisonous."

Jessalyn basks for a moment in his gallantry, settling back into her chair and
  gazing through the candlelight toward him before she picks up her fork and
  pokes it at the fish. "I imagine not," she chuckles, taking a bite and
  sighing with pleasure. "Definitely not poisonous."

Smiling in pleasure himself, Paul presses the bread and salad to her, starting
  up some light conversation as he serves himself as well. "So, I'm embarrassed
  to say that I really have no idea what it is that you do Jessa ... I mean
  other than studying to be a Jedi .... Is that going to affect your work here
  at some point?"

Jessalyn looks slightly startled at the question, tearing off a piece of bread
  and considering it before she dips it into the oil and takes a bite.
  "Well... what do I do... I'm in charge of everything that the Support Corps
  does. We disperse supplies and provide technical and medical support to the
  rest of the New Republic military. For instance, recently I was in charge of
  the relief mission to Caspar when they were suffering from the parasite
  epidemic."

"Right ... I heard about that while I was picking up cargo on Kichnar," Paul
  notes, jabbing at her lightly with a piece of oil dipped bread before taking
  a bite out of it. "Whew ... that is quite a lot of responsibility," he
  muses, never realizing before just how much weight those elegant shoulders
  had to bear. The woman across from him seems so much the same in appearance,
  but the woman beneath seems so different from Palanhi and Calamari ...
  confident, capable, certain. "Will you keep doing this when you're fully
  trained or would you rather turn you hand to something else?"

She samples the salad with the same delight and enthusiasm she did the rest of
  the entree, and arches a brow at him as she gets poked at with the piece of
  bread, completely unaware of any impression she's making on him.
  "Honestly..." she murmurs, glancing around the empty hall as if she suspects
  she might be heard, "I'm not really sure, Paul. I love my work here, I even
  enjoy the responsibility. But I'm not... sure this is what I should be
  doing, as a Jedi. I feel like I should be doing more."

"Well, this seems like an awful lot ... and if it's what you love doing, then
  I think you should stay until you no longer love it ... or until some other
  opportunity arises that seems like the "right" thing to do," he reflects as
  he reaches for another slice of bread, ripping it free from the loaf and
  using it to soak up some of the oil on his plate, scooping the rest of the
  vegetables there onto his fork.

Jessalyn's lips curl into a smile of agreement as she continues to eat the
  vegetables, glancing at him thoughtfully as she chews. Finally, she
  continues, "Yes, that's sort of what I thought I would do," she murmurs. "I
  do still love it here... I just have a feeling...." She shakes her head as
  if to clear her thoughts, her eyes having clouded over slightly. 

Considering those features for a long moment, Paul finally tears his eyes
  away. Settling back in his seat, he considers the empty dining room instead,
  knowing only that this is not a place he could stay in for long. The silence
  starts to play on his nerves as he feels like he's dancing around topics ...
  talking about things, but perhaps not anything truly important. Finishing up
  the last bite of Machi, he finally asks lightly, "So, have you seen Luke at
  all lately?" There is a fair amount of trepidation felt, but not shown, at
  broaching so close to a delicate subject ... for both of them now, but he
  wonders how much she might have heard, even though he suspects that Jessa
  knows nothing of Mandalore.

Lowering her own gaze to contemplate her now nearly empty plate as his roam
  around the room, Jessalyn shakes her head slowly, her fork toying around the
  last of the vegetables, before she finally glances up at him with a calm
  smile. "No, I haven't seen him in some time," she replies, placing her fork
  beside her plate, wondering quietly at his hesitation but thinking that she
  probably understands it nonetheless.

"Oh." It's an inadequate reply, but nothing else seems to come to mind
  readily. He pushes his plate to one side, his arms occupying the space
  cleared as he leans forward again, considering the woman across from him and
  wondering, despite his better judgment, what is going through her mind at
  the moment. "I was think that tomorrow I might go take a walk through the
  ruins," he starts up conversationally. "Caught a glimpse of them when I
  arrived through the trees, but haven't seen them up close and personal yet."

MISSING POSE

There is a strange flicker in those hazel depths as something occurs to Paul
  that never did before. Softly, his eyes intent on Jessa's emerald gaze, he
  queries, "You grew up here? I didn't know that .... how old are you
  Jessalyn?"

Jessalyn clears her throat again, surprised. Perhaps she thought that he
  already knew. She thinks for a moment, trying to remember, and nods her head
  slowly. "I did grow up here. I'm... I'm twenty-six." She rests her chin in
  one hand and raises her brows expectantly, wondering why he wants to know.

"So that means you were here when the colony was rescued ... or at least,
  found alive. Relief teams were sent first ... and later the man who had sent
  you all out in the first place ... the Xenoarcheaologist, showed up to
  coordinate with those scientists that choose to remain on Yavin?" The
  implications are beginning to make Paul's mind reel slightly, Shenner's
  commentary on how Jessa once said that she was Corellian solidifying in his
  mind, the pieces falling into place.

Her lips parting in shock as she listens to the story, something obviously
  clicks in her mind, too. The name 'Dr. Nighman' had always seemed so
  familiar to her, but not until now could she put her finger on it. "Uncle
  Xavier?" she murmurs, staring over at him. "Yes, yes! I was born here when
  the colony was stranded...."

"_Uncle_ Xavier?" Paul rasps out in startlement. Shaking his head, Paul
  wonders if perhaps Jessalyn isn't remembering someone else entirely.

Jessalyn falls back in her chair, practically laughing as the memories return
  to her and raking her fingers back through her hair. "Of course! He used to
  take me on walks through the rainforest and through the ruins -- because he
  knew I'd go anyway and this way he could make sure I didn't get eaten or
  lost. He told the most wonderful stories...." She beams across the table at
  Paul.

Slowly Paul draws back in his chair listening to Jessa reminisce with a sick
  sensation growing in the pit of his stomach. Gradually his hazel eyes begin
  to lose their warmth, growing more and more removed and distant. His brow
  furrows fractionally and he finally murmurs, "I'm sure you must be thinking
  of someone else ..... Dr. Xavier Nighman didn't tell wonderful stories ...."

Snapping suddenly back to the present, Jessalyn blinks rapidly, her expression
  falling. Afraid for a moment that he is right and that her memory has failed
  her, she stares down at the table, her cheeks turning red. "I... I'm
  sorry...." Glancing back at him worriedly, her lips curve into a concerned
  frown. "He's... related to you, I take it...."

"He was my father," Paul murmurs, his voice frowning as much as his features.
  Shaking a hand dismissively, he mutters, "It doesn't matter now anyway," but
  his features do not strictly obey his silent order to disregard the sudden
  and deep hurt.

Jessalyn begins to feel guilty even though she really has no idea why. She
  sighs deeply, and rises from her chair, gathering up the used dishes and
  piling them together. "I'm sorry," she repeats, moving away from the table
  and going into the kitchen, perhaps more to distance herself from him than
  anything else.

As Jessa gathers the dishes up and abandons Paul at the table, the Corellian
  feels that deeply as well. Scowling to himself, he sits up straighter,
  schooling his features firmly. Rising, he gathers up the last few things on
  the table, his thoughts reliving that last moment with the man who used to
  be his father. He walks wordlessly into the kitchen and begins to set about
  to putting things back to rights.

Jessalyn cleans up what mess made in the kitchen, putting away dishes as
  they're dried and setting the leftover food into the cooling unit in case
  anyone wants to raid it later. She glances at him somewhat warily from the
  corner of her eye, knowing this is a hurt that is not her fault, and that
  she can't heal ... yet. That last thought makes her stop, and she wonders why
  she thought it at all.

The process of cleaning and putting things away is a mercifully mindless and
  cathartic process. Taking one last look around, Paul nods, satisfied that
  they have left the grounds in better condition than they received them.
  Turning to Jessa, Paul watches her finishing up before walking toward her
  slowly, waiting till she is done.

Standing at the sink and drying off her hands with a towel, Jessalyn slowly
  turns and smiles slightly as he walks toward her, still worried that what
  she said has ruined his mood. "Nice job," she compliments lightly, referring
  to both the meal and the effort at cleaning up.

"Thanks," he returns casually with a shrug, a smile curling his lips slightly.
  It's impossible right now for Paul to idly dismiss what he's just learned ..
  it has irrevocably changed everything he knew about his past ... and for the
  worse. However, he covers the discomfit well, the smile ringing true as he
  gazes at Jessalyn. He simply ignores the sharp bite at the base of this
  throat. He's very familiar with that sensation these days, as well as how to
  deny it. "I figured I'd just sleep on board the ship .... no need to disturb
  ranks and all that," he rumbles with a wry chuckle.

"Yes, well, whatever makes you more comfortable, though we have plenty of room
  here, Paul," she says, trying to keep her voice smooth as she tosses the
  towel next to the sink and folds her arms over her chest." No matter how
  successful he is at keeping the emotion from his voice and expression,
  Jessalyn's heightened senses can pick it up in other ways. But she knows
  that it's not wise to keep picking at an open wound, and decides the best
  method of cheering him up is distraction. Yes, distraction. She moves past
  him suddenly, going to a cabinet and pulling out a dusty, dark bottle with a
  gold label. She wipes her hand over it and nods in satisfaction before
  pulling out to crystal glasses as well and looking back at him over her
  shoulder. "Alderaanian wine?"

Glancing up, startled at the change of direction, Paul nods slowly, the smile
  curling into something genuinely felt as well as shown. "That sounds
  wonderful," he admits softly, walking toward Jessalyn slowly, his hand
  trailing along the counter surface. Cocking his head, he considers the
  bottle of rare vintage, mmm'ing in approval. "Wow ... it's the good stuff,"
  he teases lightly, eyes narrowing with humor.

Nodding her head gravely, Jessalyn smiles, now more at ease as well, and looks
  at the bottle for a moment before waving her hand and leading him back into
  the dining hall. The candles are still lit, though they've burned down
  perhaps a quarter of the way, and Jessa sets the glasses in front of each
  chair, the bottle in front of her. She smiles almost teasingly at him before
  she inhales a slow breath and closes her eyes. The cork in the bottle begins
  to shift before popping out loudly, seemingly of its own accord.

Chuckling once he realizes just what she did, Paul rumbles, "Show off. You
  going to make it pour by itself as well?" He does not take his chair, but
  instead stands close to Jessa, smiling down at her and the mystical bottle
  in her hands.

She takes this as a challenge, and one from him is one that Jessalyn would
  never ignore. She lifts the bottle in front of her, but her hands then slide
  to her sides, the bottle remaining floating in the air, allowing its aroma
  to waft into the room. Her lower lip catches between her teeth as she
  concentrates on the delicate task, the bottle tipping down ever so slowly to
  pour its contents into both the glasses. She gasps softly as her mind
  releases the bottle from its grip, setting it gently onto the table.

Picking up the two glasses, Paul hands one to Jessa, raising his in a toast.
  "Impressive ... very impressive," he purrs delightedly. "To reunions," he
  offers, his glass shifting to contact her's with a light chime of ringing
  crystal.

Jessalyn lifts her glass to her lips and takes a long, savoring sip of the
  wine, watching him carefully though she tries not to let on that she's
  gauging his reaction and his mood almost obsessively now.
"To reunions...."

The Corellian samples the wine with an appreciative sigh and seems content to
  stand, musing aloud, "With wine this good, there should be music." Whatever
  plagued him so before seems to have been either buried deep within himself
  or has dissolved. "We've never danced ... have we? What do your staff do
  around here to keep themselves occupied and entertained when they're not
  working their butts off for you?"

She laughs softly at the comment, gazing at him from over the rim of her glass
  and considering her answer. "I -- I really don't know," she whispers,
  actually a little embarrassed as she lowers her eyes. "I don't socialize
  with them... much...."

Tilting his head again, Paul tries to catch that lowered gaze with his own.
  "No? I would think that would make for a pretty lonely existence here Jess
  ... don't you have any friends here?"

"Oh, sure, they're my friends, Paul," Jessa assures him, her voice light even
  though she's hesitant to meet his gaze. "But I'm also their superior
  officer, and it just wouldn't be... proper." She busies herself by taking
  another, rather long, sip of the wine.

Paul "hmmmms" speculatively at that commentary, seeing the logic behind it,
  but also the flaws. There is a strong urge to catch Jessa's chin and take a
  long deep look into her eyes, but he manages to stifle the urge, his hand
  rising slightly only to be aborted in mid-motion. "Alright ... so if you
  don't know what they do to have fun, what do -you- do?"

Jessalyn catches the movement of his hand out of the corner of her eye and
  shrugs her shoulders absently. "I don't do much, Paul. I do my job. I'm
  usually up late. I go to my quarters and practice some of my lessons if I
  have time." She notices that her hand is shaking as she holds her glass of
  wine, and sets it down on the table.

Hazel eyes watch the descent of the glass, catching the slight quaver in that hand.
  Spontaneously, Paul reaches out again, taking that trembling hand in his
  own. He then sets his glass down on the table and starts to slowly step
  backward, pulling Jessa's hand to coax her along with him toward an open
  space in the floor.

Her green eyes watch him warily as she smiles slightly, tugged out onto the
  floor. She curls her fingers around his and lets her other hand rest lightly
  on his upper arm. "I'm really not good at this," she informs him. "In fact,
  I usually avoid it...."

Smiling at her smugly, Paul rumbles deeply, "I'm good enough for both of us."
  Drawing her hand out to one side and sliding the other about her waist, Paul
  brings Jessalyn close before moving his feet to imagined music, gliding her
  through simple steps slowly, humming softly under his breath for her benefit.

Jessalyn moves hesitantly, her feet cooperating even though she's more unsure
  of herself than anything else. Her hand rests lightly on his shoulder as she
  sways against him, her eyes fixed not on his gaze but on a spot just past
  him in the distance. "You would have to be," she murmurs, trying to bring
  some levity to the situation.

"Hmmmm? Why do you say that?" he queries, watching her eyes even is she
  doesn't look into his, his voice briefly stopping it's melody to huskily ask
  the question. He reverts back to the soft song, turning her smoothly about.

Her green eyes glitter a little in the candlelight as they finally glance up
  at him, her voice amused as she lets her hand slide across his shoulders to
  rest at the nape of his neck, toying with the hair clasped there. "Because
  I'm bad enough for us both," she teases quietly.

The Corellian's eyes glitter more in humor than due to the candlelight. "Well,
  I don't think you're -that- bad ... nothing a little practice won't fix." A
  devilish smile upturns the corners of his mouth and he suddenly warns,
  "Watch out ... dip!" and spins her in his arms, dipping her down backward.

A soft yelp leaves her lips before she laughs, going back into the dip and
  clinging to his shoulders on reflex. "Oh!" She shakes her head as she
  straightens back up, gliding back into the slow dance. "Practice, hmm... I
  probably won't be able to get much of that around here...." 

"Sacrilege," Paul murmurs as he draws her close again. "Guess I'll have to
  give you a lesson every night then while I'm here ..." Glancing down at her
  feet, Paul peers back into Jessa's eyes. "See ... you're improving already."

Jessalyn swallows hard, her cheeks starting to glow faintly pink as she feels
  the effects both of the wine and being so near to this Corellian whose
  always made her blood boil whether she likes it or not. "I can try," she
  murmurs absently, breathing out a long, wistful sigh.

That sigh lowers Paul's gaze to Jessalyn's mouth, where for a moment it is
  caught, considering. With a fair amount of restraint coming through, Paul
  manages to bring his gaze back up to Jessa's. "You'll succeed," he assures
  her.

Jessalyn stops swaying after a few moments, her lips quivering as she smiles
  back up into his eyes, her fingers drifting up into his hair almost of their
  own accord. "I'm glad you have a little faith in me," she teases softly.

"Why shouldn't I?" he rumbles, the pitch of his voice dropping lower as they
  simply hold each other close in the silence of the communal dining space.
  "You are continually developing, growing more confident and radiant from
  within ... my faith has been well rewarded. You have come so far while the
  rest of us are merely standing in place, if not actively losing ground ..."

Her delicate brow creases with concern, despite being flattered by his
  needless compliments, and Jessalyn lets one of her hands slip from its perch
  at the nape of his neck to brush her fingertips along his bearded cheek. "I
  don't think that's true at all," she murmurs softly, and honestly. "No
  matter what you've been through, no matter how difficult and what mistakes
  you think you've made, it's all a learning process, and we're all better for
  what has happened to us." Her fingers continue caressing his cheek as she
  lifts her eyes back to his, trying to convey her sincerity.

Reaching up with one hand, Paul takes that caressing touch into his own,
  bringing it to his lips to press a gallant kiss to the back of Jessalyn's
  hand. Smiling over her knuckles, Paul murmurs, "I've learned one thing ...
  it is not wise to argue with a Jedi."

Not really knowing what to say to him, Jessalyn simply nods her head slowly,
  watching his lips press against her hand and suppressing a tremor that runs
  through her body. "Good, then we shouldn't have any problems, then," she
  teases softly.

Straightening up, Paul releases Jessalyn's hand with a wry smile. "No ma'am,"
  he replies soberly, only the lopsided smile betraying his true thoughts.
  "More dancing ... should I let you get some rest ... or would you prefer to
  do something else?"

Her hand released, Jessalyn slides it back to his shoulder, though her embrace
  is somewhat looser now as she gives a small shrug. Her eyes as well as her
  heart respond to that lopsided smile, however, and she's forced to swallow
  the lump in her throat before she replies. "I'll be up for a while yet... so
  don't worry about me, Paul. I just want you to enjoy your stay here...."

His hands drop to her hips, resting there as hers slide up to his shoulders.
  It seems ridiculous, the way the tension between them keeps ebbing and
  flowing. As those delicate hands press against him lightly, Paul feels a
  sharp surge of attraction. His eyes don't miss the small swallow on
  Jessalyn's part either. "I'm glad I came," he breathes, still surprised
  considering the degree of trepidation with which he honored his promise. The
  hands at her waist grip tightly, pulling her forward as he wraps his arms
  about her in a warm hug, his head dipping to lean against her dark red
  tresses.

Jessalyn slides her eyes shut as she feels herself drawn against him, and her
  arms move to wrap tightly around his neck, returning the hug that she
  experiences as both comforting and overwhelmingly arousing. Whatever it is
  about Paul Nighman, it hasn't gone away, as she half expected it to do. She
  breathes out a sigh and smiles to herself, her head pressed to his chest.
  "So am I."

He holds her for a long time, rocking ever so slightly as he embraces her.
  Drawing back slightly, his hands come to rest at her waist again, and
  despite his better judgment, he speaks his mind. "There's still something
  there ... between us," he murmurs softly, golden-green-hazel eyes resting on
  emerald ones. It isn't even phrased as a question, but simply a fact. The
  question now is, what to do about it? Perhaps just saying it aloud will
  bring everything into balance.

Her brow raises mildly as what was both on their minds is actually spoken.
  "There always was," she sighs, smiling into his hazel green eyes
  thoughtfully despite the heat still rising into her cheeks. "I'm not who I
  used to be, though, Paul," she whispers quickly, as if he hadn't already
  noticed that before. "I'm not sure what you'll make of me now...."

"Well, what I do know is that that makes two of us .... a lot's happened to
  both of us it seems ... and we're both changed because of it." Raising a
  hand, Paul cups Jessa's cheek tenderly. "As far as I can tell, you've only
  improved with the passage of time. I don't think I can say the same for
  myself ..." Echoing Jessa's own sentiment, Paul rasps, "I'm not sure what
  you'll make of me now either ...."

"Should we find out?" Jessalyn asks just as bluntly as his own statements,
  though her voice and her expression are very gentle, as soothing as a warm
  breeze. Her head tilts slightly to press her cheek into his palm, and her
  eyes slowly slide shut.

The burning inside of Paul flares at the gesture, and bringing her closer with
  the hand at her hip, Paul's head dips, his mouth brushing against those
  closed lids and then her mouth. He breathes softly, "I don't know."

Jessalyn couldn't see his lips coming, but she sensed them, and as he kisses
  her eyelids her head tips slightly up to let her mouth meet his, very
  lightly. Her hands curl where they rest against the back of his head, and as
  he whispers, she nods her head slowly. "Neither do I."

"Then I think we better wait .... I don't want to make a mistake ... I don't
  want to hurt you ..." he rasps softly at her cheek. His other hand raises to
  catch the back of her neck, however, and he huskily admits, "Forgive me
  though ... I need this ..." and with that his lips capture hers again,
  kissing Jessalyn fervently, as if this one time sample could slake the
  sudden hunger running through his system.

A small whimper emanates from low in her throat as she's caught up against him
  and her mouth responds just as hungrily, her returned kiss even more sensual
  and coaxing than it was before. Feeling her heart race and her body respond,
  Jessalyn fails to feel disappointment at his decision, instead simply lost
  in the moment of being kissed by those demanding lips.

The small sound tears at Paul's control, and for a moment he plunders what
  Jessalyn so willingly offers. As her lips respond, her body shifting against
  his own, Paul barely stifles a growl at the base of his throat. His hands
  are forcibly dropped to her upper arms and he draws back, releasing her
  mouth and pressing a kiss to her forehead before pressing his own there.
  "Damn, you taste good," he rumbles. "That was really stupid of me ..."

The only thing that Jessalyn can really think through the haze of her own
  burning is 'What an odd thing for Paul Nighman to say....' She shakes her
  head as if to clear it, her breath coming harshly from between her lips, and
  looks up at him from beneath her lashes as he pulls away from her. "I don't
  think it was," she whispers calmly. "You can't hurt me, Paul. You simply...
  can't."

With all that's happened recently, Paul finds her words hard to believe. His
  hands stroke through the sleeves of her uniform rhythmically. His eyes bright
  on her's the Corellian stands before her uncertain and torn. "Jessa ... what
  do you want?" A simple question on a certain level, complex on another, and
  loaded in either case. However, it is one question which the answer of will
  tell Paul what to do.

She takes a deep breath to answer, her brow furrowing slightly as she glances
  off across the room, at the small table sitting in the circle of
  candlelight. It glints golden highlights off her red hair, even her pale
  skin taking on a warm, golden glow. "What do I want..." she repeats to
  herself, finally returning her gaze to his as her own fingers curl against
  his shoulders. "I don't know... but I'd like to find out."

"Let me know when you figure it out." It wasn't as clear an answer as the
  Corellian might have hoped for, but it puts everything in perspective
  anyway. "If you'll show me where I can hang my hat," he murmurs, "I'll go
  get my stuff and get settled in, eh?" Fingers reach up to trail through that
  glowing mass, touching the firestruck strands as if they were the precious
  metal they mimic.

A small frown touches her lips as she considers him quietly, her heart
  throbbing harder in her chest than she might have expected. She completely
  ignores his request and instead she takes a commanding step closer, the
  assertiveness now practically gleaming in her fiery, green eyes. "Just a
  moment. You haven't told me yet what it is that you want."

It takes the Corellian a moment of thought before he can answer that one,
  uncertain if Jessalyn means something specific or something more general. "I
  don't really know ... and what I want now may not be what I want later."
  There is a soft breath, and Paul finishes, "But if I had to say right here,
  right now, what I want, I would have to say peace .... sanctuary .... and
  you. And perhaps those are all the same thing ..."

The small frown turns into a rueful smile and Jessalyn's arms go tenderly
  around him, pulling him against her chest in the way a mother would comfort
  a child. "Then you'll have it. If there's anything that I would want to
  offer, that would be it, Paul. We have to live in the present. We can't
  second guess ourselves every moment."

Holding onto Jessalyn, Paul simply closes his eyes, breathing in deeply at her
  words, absorbing this strange and miraculous moment into every cell of his
  being. He doesn't say anything .... as if speaking might somehow break the
  protective spell that has been wrapped around him along with her arms.

Without her even realizing it, Jessalyn's mind reaches out to soothe his
  emotions, not prying to discover the source of his concerns, but simply
  attempting to bring some peace to their result. Her fingers stroke through
  his hair, cradling the back of his head, as she simply makes soft, soothing
  noises against his shoulder.

The Corellian has no idea what Jessalyn is working on his ragged emotions. All
  he knows is that as he stands there holding her, he feels the tension easing
  from his soul by degrees. Like the lapping waves of a calm ocean inlet, the
  soothing waters of the Force wash over his psyche, cooling the torn passages
  within him. Sighing, Paul buries his face against the side of Jessalyn's
  neck, one hand clasping the slender line of her neck, the other wrapped
  about her waist, holding her tight against him.

Her embrace remains gentle around him as Jessalyn concentrates on soothing his
  torment, at first unaware of what she is doing, then delighted -- and then
  guilty. But she ignores her guilt, especially as she feels him responding,
  relaxing against her. Her hand strokes soothingly through his hair, cradling
  his head even as her cheek rubs against the golden brown strands. At length,
  she finally finds the presence of mind to whisper, ruefully, "Are you okay?"

There is something about Jessalyn, about this moment, that breaks down the
  walls he had so carefully built up during the last month. Perhaps it is the
  subtle workings of the Force, or perhaps it is simply the need to be honest
  to someone. He's been lying to so many for so long it seems ... even
  himself. What Paul finds unexpected, in a small clinical part of his mind,
  is how surprisingly painless the confession is. "In general? Sometimes. Now?
  Yes ... yes I'm okay."

She is quite aware of the change in his demeanor, and she leans slightly back
  so that she can look into his face, see for herself the ease with which he
  speaks his mind to her. "That's as much as we can hope for now, isn't it?"
  she murmurs, smiling slightly, wondering if there's more he wants to say.

The hand at her neck curves to catch one cheek. "You make me feel .... good,"
  he murmurs inadequately. Hazel eyes move about her features, as if her
  secret were contained within one of them ... her satin cheek, those emerald
  eyes, the arch of her cheekbones, the curve of her lips ...

The effect his eyes have as they roam across her face is sudden and
  unexpected, and Jessalyn lowers her eyes to try to steady herself. "I just
  want you to feel... comfortable... relaxed here, Paul. You deserve at least
  that," she murmurs, reaching gently to brush the back of her fingers across
  his cheek.

The idea that he deserves any such thing never even occurs to Paul, and he
  shakes his head almost as if dismissing the very thought. It's a small
  unconscious gesture. In a more conscious one, however, he captures that hand,
  turning it and pressing a kiss to the palm. "You seem to have developed the
  uncanny knack of putting me at ease as well as on alert," he teases roughly.
  "I have to say this is the first time I'm grateful for engine trouble
  forcing me to delay ...."

"I suppose I have to be pretty grateful, too," she chuckles breathlessly,
  watching his lips pressing to her hand. "I might even have to give specific
  orders that the technicians doing the repairs on your ship take their time."

There is a half chuckle half growl as Paul's eyes raise to catch her's.
  Pulling her arm open, her hand slipping over his shoulder, Paul allows his
  mouth to range along the length of that arm, pressing the sleeve up to make
  way for his questing lips. "I had no idea you were so .... devious," he
  murmurs against her flesh as he makes his way, pausing to pay greater
  attention to the tender flesh of her inner elbow.

Jessalyn slides her eyes tightly shut, surprised at his reaction, but feeling
  her heart begin to race as a result of it. Her released hand brushes over
  his shoulder, and her breath catches in her throat as his lips trail over
  skin. "I wasn't... trying to be devious," she informs him lightly, daring to
  open her eyes and staring at the back of his head.

"Just comes to you naturally?" he purrs, biting lightly and soothing with a
  kiss before releasing the tormented arm, glancing back up with eyes that
  gleam with merriment.

Taking comfort in his improved mood and the small affections being shown to
  her, Jessalyn laughs back at him, her dark red head shaking slowly. "If you
  say so," she says, caving in and smiling into those deep hazel eyes. Both
  arms now free, she wraps them impulsively around his neck, simply studying
  his face with her own sultry emerald eyes.

"I say so," he replies smugly, looping his arms about her waist. Shaking his
  head again, this time in disbelief, Paul rasps, "So where's all of my
  competition for your affections, eh? I can't believe there aren't men lined
  up outside your office every day just to get close to you." Yes, of course
  it's the Corellian in him coming out. It's in the genes after all. But there
  is a certain amount of wonder at the fact that this desirable woman is
  standing here in his arms, and is by all appearances, not sought after by
  anyone else. Are they blind??

Jessalyn lowers her eyes slightly at the question, more embarrassed by it than
  by anything else that has been said. But she keeps her arms around his neck,
  smiling wryly and giving a tiny shrug of her shoulders. "I haven't really
  considered myself... available," she murmurs. "No -- not because of Luke,"
  she adds quickly, catching his eyes. "Because of my position... and
  because... well... I guess you could say my standards are still too high."

One brow raises, as Paul never consider himself to be in the "high standards"
  ratio. Her embarrassed reaction he decides, right or wrong, is a sense that
  she still does not consider herself truly desirable. Slipping fingers
  beneath her chin so he can hold her gaze as well as her head up to his own,
  he rasps seductively, "Then I can't fathom why you tolerate me .... but I'm
  grateful ..." and his mouth descends to thank her, parting her lips and
  taking her breath away ruthlessly.

Jessalyn simply gives a soft, surprised whimper, her fingers sliding up into
  his hair as he kisses her, her feet feeling as if they might indeed leave
  the floor.

Feasting there, Paul's mouth plunders Jessalyn's treasures, his hands beginning
  to slide along the length of her figure tantalizingly and slowly. He finally
  draws away to catch his breath literally and figuratively, his eyes dark as
  he takes in her softened features once more. His fingers still drift down
  her spine, but he murmurs, "I think I better get settled in ... before I
  forget to do so ..."

Jessalyn gives a rapid nod of her head, breathing out a sigh of mingled desire
  and frustration as her fingers slip down to grasp his shoulders tightly.
  "Yeah... you might forget," she mumbles, smiling tremulously before she
  leans up to press her lips softly against his.

Paul responds, shifting against her as if he were going to start dancing
  again, his lips greeting the return of Jessalyn's warmly. "You keep this up,
  you're going to make me forget," he rumbles, brushing up against her figure
  again.

A small chuckle vibrates low in her throat as she feels him moving against,
  and she sways slightly as if she hears the music as well. Her fingers slide
  through his hair, curling gently at the nape of his neck. "It's not
  intentional," she whispers feelingly.

Torn between putting her away from himself and keeping her close, Paul begins
  to sway as well to the soundless music, hands ranging down to Jessa's hips
  once again. "It's no less effective," he informs her. In truth, it is mostly
  because her every response is so genuine and natural that Paul is aroused
  ... far more than a practiced seduction would stimulate.

As they begin to move again the slow dance, Jessalyn places her head gently on
  his shoulder, smiling softly at the teasing words and sliding her hand
  lightly over his shoulders. "I'll bear it in mind," she murmurs absently,
  barely paying attention to what she says as she closes her eyes.

The two of them move across the floor slowly, savoring the touch, the contact,
  and the restrained heat between them. Paul stops talking and concentrates on
  feeling. So much of that side of him has been restrained as of late, that it
  is a sharply felt thing, soothing and edgy. Pleasurable and painful. His
  hazel eyes flicker shut too after awhile, dancing purely by sense of touch
  and direction.

The heretofore repressed sensations are unfamiliar to Jessalyn as well, and
  her slender frame trembles in his arms, her hair drifting over his arm as
  she presses her cheek more firmly to his chest.

"You're trembling," Paul notes suddenly, as Jessalyn's figure quivers against
  him. His lips find her brow, pressing there soothingly, unsure if it is
  desire or nervousness that causes her to do so. He hopes it is the former
  .... and then again hopes that it is not. The very idea excites him enough
  as it is. The reality would be more than he could handle at the moment.

MISSING POSE

Those hazel eyes are dark, barely repressed hunger lurking beneath the
  surface. "If I wasn't, I'd have to be a eunuch," Paul rasps with a twisted
  smile. "Have to admit ... this wasn't what I was expecting after all this
  time ..."

Jessalyn curls her lips into a small smile as she contemplates that cryptic
  statement as well as those heated hazel eyes. "So what were you expecting?"
  she asks lightly, aware that her warm breath is grazing against his lips as
  she speaks.

"Not sure ....," he breathes, dipping his head closer to brush his lips
  against her cheek. "Awkwardness .... disappointment ...on your side that is.
  I just feared it would be awful ... that you would ..." but the Corellian
  trails off, unable to admit any more, as it would reveal more than he is
  able to. "I guess," he offers finally, "that I thought you would no longer
  be my friend, or something ..."

If anything could shock her, that is it, and Jessalyn's form stops moving as
  she stares up into his eyes, her lashes blinking rapidly. "Why?" She
  whispers, shaking her head slowly before releasing a sigh, pressing her lips
  to his firmly and defiantly. "Why in the name of the Force would you think
  that?" she breathes against his lips.

_This is it ... this is where it all changes_ Paul stares back, too cowardly
  to admit what had happened since they last spoke, able to see nothing but
  her features coloring with condemnation. He takes that last kiss from her
  passionately while he still can. Drawing back, he is only able to murmur,
  "Because I've done things ... things I had no right to do. Things that were
  wrong ... and in the end hurtful. Because if I were you, I would ..."

She takes in the words, still blinking her lashes slowly and squeezing her
  fingers against his shoulders as he draws back. "So have I," is the only
  thing she can say in response, her eyes going glassy. "Gods, Paul, so have
  I. How could I judge you when I --"

Staring at her pale face, Paul gazes uncomprehendingly. "Never mind," he
  rasps, leaving the past in the past where it belongs, unwilling to show his
  scars and unwilling to let Jessa be tortured further by her own. "It doesn't
  matter ... that isn't what is or what happened ... so it doesn't matter," he
  insists roughly, hands grasping as he pulls Jessa close. If his words don't
  block out the past, his actions will. Capturing the nape of her neck, Paul
  lays claim to her mouth, pressing against her as tries to burn the thoughts
  from her mind.

Jessalyn looks for a moment as if she wants to protest, explain, do anything
  so that he'll understand what she means, but his lips come back to hers
  insistently, and they block out her thoughts as well as his fears of the
  past, and her mouth responds, yielding warmly to his as her body leans hard
  against him.

Walking Jessa backward, Paul presses her back against a wall, his kiss edgy
  and desperate. Dangerous. His hands are bold now, fueled by his fears and
  his needs. Cupping one breast, his mouth ranges away from her mouth to burn
  a line of kisses along the length of her throat, laying siege to the hollow
  at the base. His other hand strokes possessively along the length of her
  thigh and hip as he settles his weight against her.

Her back against the wall, Jessalyn moans low in her throat, one of her hands
  buried deeply in his hair, feeling every dip and tilt of his head as he
  kisses along her pale throat; her other hand clutches at his waist
  desperately as his body presses to hers. She gasps as his hand finds her
  breast, her mind fleeing back to that night on the beach on Calamari so long
  ago...

The feel of her body is familiar to the Corellian ... unforgotten after all
  this time, just buried. So are the things she found pleasurable, and
  reaching for her mouth again, Paul brushes her lips with his own, not
  settling, but instead increasing the tension with the promise of his mouth
  on hers. One thigh presses forward against the crease of her legs, pressing
  her stance apart to bring himself closer to her. The hand at her thigh
  rises, making contact with the belt at her waist which impedes him from
  finding her flesh. A restless growl rumbles at the base of this throat as he
  finds the buckle, making short work of it.

After a moment Jessalyn comes enough to her senses and realizes what he is
  doing, and she starts murmuring a protest against his lips without really
  breaking them away. Caught against him and utterly helpless unless he
  releases her, she finally clears her throat, composing herself enough to
  whisper, "Paul... Paul... we -are- in the dining hall. And... I do have
  quarters, you know... this... isn't the best place." She chuckles, hoping
  she hasn't completely ruined the mood or the moment, and rakes her hand back
  through her hair as she tries to catch his eyes.

Slowing down, Paul leans against Jessa for a moment, his body raging at the
  cessation. He turns to look into her eyes, nodding in agreement. "You're
  right ... but are you sure?" he queries, ironically echoing his words of
  months past. He watches that hand run through her hair, reaching up and
  removing the clasps that hold it back and away from her face. "I feel rather
  like I was forcing the issue ..." he murmurs sheepishly, a lopsided smile
  curling his lips. His eyes, however, betray him with their heat and
  intensity.

Jessalyn smoothes back her hair as he releases it from its clasp, smiling
  almost shyly up at him, even though she is just as reluctant to slow down as
  he is. She draws her tongue over her reddened lips and clears her throat
  once more. "Too much talking, Dr. Nighman," she teases, reaching for his
  hand and tugging it lightly as she indicates the doorway. 

Nodding silently, hazel eyes spark sharply as Paul takes that hand and allows
  himself to be tugged out of the potential public eye.

Jessalyn heads back into the Barracks.
Jessalyn has left.

You head into the MSO Barracks.
Barracks, Military Support Operations
Rows of plain but comfortable looking military bunks are lined up along each
  wall and through the center of this long room, all of them made with a drab
  green blanket that is thick enough to provide warmth against Yavin's chilled
  night air. Nestled against each bed is a small locker and table, filled with
  mementos belonging to its occupant. Windows are cut into the thick stone of
  the outer wall, allowing the glowing warm, reddish golden light to shaft
  inward. Against the farthest wall are doors leading out to the bathing rooms.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jessalyn
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <S>outh leads to Dining Facility, Military Support Operations.
 <E>ast leads to Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations.
Jessalyn heads back into the Central Chamber.
Jessalyn has left.

You leave the Barracks, heading for the Central Chamber.
Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations
In the center of this ancient structure is a huge, open-air chamber, lined on
  all three sides with the thick gray stone walls of the ziggurat. Gazing
  skyward, one can see the arch of green trees and thick vegetation, through
  which are glimpses of clear blue sky and wispy white clouds -- unless it is
  Yavin's rainy season, and heavy gray ones are hovering lowly overhead
  instead. The brush has been cleared out through the center of the chamber,
  allowing for a small pathway to meander through to doorways leading to other
  sections of the structure. In the center is a small fountain, built out of
  an iridescent stone incongruous with the somber gray of the rest of the
  pyramid, the bottom of it lined with a brightly colored tiled mosaic that
  shifts and glimmers beneath the swirling waters over it. Several stone
  benches circle the fountain. The ancient walls are lined with thick
  greenery, most of which looks like it has been fixed there for decades.
  However, an attempt has been made to clear away some of the shrubbery from
  one wall, and a creeping line of vineroses has been encouraged to grow,
  throwing riot of color against the dark gray stone structure.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jessalyn
=> D2-P11
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <Northeast> leads to Storeroom.
 <Northwest> leads to Ravine.
 <E>ast leads to Medical Facility, Military Support Operations.
 <W>est leads to Barracks, Military Support Operations.
 <S>outh leads to Headquarters Office, Military Support Operations.

You head into the MilSupportOps HQ Office.
Headquarters Office, Military Support Operations
This small chamber is the private office for the CO of the Support Corps.
  Along the wall to the left is a low table upon which small decorative items
  have been placed; a glimmering blue-green geode set into a small black
  lacquer display stand; an aromatic candle set into an intricate,
  patina-colored holder; a glazed ceramic bowl spilling over with roses from
  the ziggurat courtyard. Toward the center of the room are three
  sturdy-looking chairs arranged around a desk which is topped with a computer
  console and what looks like an eternal load of paperwork.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jessalyn
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <E>ast leads to CO's Quarters, Military Support Operations..
 <N>orth leads to Ziggurat Chamber, Military Support Operations.
Jessalyn heads into the CO's Quarters.
Jessalyn has left.

You head into the CO's Quarters.
CO's Quarters, Military Support Operations.
A small but comfortable looking chamber, dominated by a large window cut
  through the thick stone of the eastern wall. A long narrow table sits
  decoratively before it, topped with more vases of the courtyard roses. A
  narrow bed covered with pale green and off-white patterned blankets and
  pillows rests against the northern wall, with a small bedside table next to
  it that supports a lamp and a datapad. A pair of similarly patterned
  upholstered chairs are arranged near the window.
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=<<Real Objects>>=-=-=-=-=-=-
=> Jessalyn
                  -=-=-=-=-=<<Visible exits>>=-=-=-=-=-
 <W>est leads to Headquarters Office, Military Support Operations.

She moves through the dimly lit room to the table by the bed, turning on the
  lamp which emits a soft glow. Turning, Jessalyn smiles a little awkwardly at
  him, resting her hand on the table's surface. "It's small, but at least it's
  not in public," she chuckles lightly.

"We don't need much room," he notes, closing in on her slowly, giving her the
  opportunity to change her mind. Smiling himself, Paul doesn't feel awkward
  in the slightest, knowing his mind and his needs, and planning on satisfying
  her's as well. It doesn't give thought of tomorrow. He discards his fears
  about making the right decision. Reaching Jessalyn, one hand snakes out to
  claim her waist, disposing of the belt once and for all before slipping
  beneath the fabric. He draws closer, catching her loose hair in his other
  hand, rumbling deeply, "Tell me what you want ... what brings you pleasure
  ...." before his lips dip to grace her jawline.

Jessalyn's emotions are probably nearly palpable as his hands and lips reclaim
  her, flowing along a tenuous, throbbing link that was established before,
  when she was healing his concerned mind. Her gasp is felt as much as it is
  heard as his hand slides beneath her clothing, and she reaches with
  trembling fingers to undo the buttons on his shirt that aren't already open.
  "Mmm... and here I thought you might remember," she teases, her voice a
  breath.

"One night isn't long enough to learn everything," he assures her, his eyes
  promising that he fully intends to do so now. As he touches her, he is
  surprised at the strength of the flare of desire that runs through him,
  searing his nerve endings. "Seven hells," he growls against her throat as he
  dips there once again to lave the elegant column. He breathes in her scent,
  his hands desperately trying to move over her seductively, but the intensity
  of the experience is making that plan increasingly hard to follow.

Her cool, knowing hands slide across his chest as she finally finishes the
  fastening of his shirt, pushing the fabric off his shoulders. Her head tips
  back slightly, her pale throat outstretched beneath his lips. She stumbles
  slightly backward and laughs at herself, closing her eyes and trying to tame
  the odd flare of desire flaming through her blood. "Sorry," she chuckles, "I
  seem to be a little weak in the knees...."

"Not a problem," Paul rasps huskily, arms wrapping around Jessa and lifting
  her off of her feet. He carries her over to the bed, his shirt dangling
  about his arms, and lays her down reverently. Whipping the shirt all the way
  off, his fingers move over her clothes, undoing buttons and snaps and
  closures, caressing the flesh beneath with each pass as he kneels on the
  bed, hovering over her. "I'll catch you," he assures as he exposes her
  torso, his mouth dropping to one breast to lave and torment, his hand giving
  solace to the other.

"Mmm... my hero," she breathes in response, her back arching toward him as his
  head bends to her breasts. She busies herself by reaching her hands down to
  unfasten his pants, sliding them slowly down his hips, even as her mind
  swims with the flaming desire that only he has been able to evoke in her for
  as long as she can remember.

Nipping at her lightly, Paul's mouth ranges up to capture Jessa's again, his
  tongue parting them and thrusting in and out in prelude of what is to
  eventual come. His hands range lower, removing her pants as well, stroking
  the satin flesh to be found along the inside of her thighs as he urges them
  apart, settling one knee there to enforce their separation. One palm raises
  up to press against her core, grinding persuasively. Her pleasure is
  foremost in his mind ... his coming from the heady passion running through
  his system and the thrill that each cry and response from her ignites within
  him.

Jessalyn's hands are just as busy as his own, stroking over the strong line of
  his back, grasping his hips suggestively and tugging him closer to her as
  her thighs open up around him. Her responses are much as they were the last
  time, only now instead of an aching sadness lingering in her expression,
  there is a small smile of pure pleasure and joy. Her voice throbs with soft,
  encouraging moans, her body shifting restlessly as she waits for him.

Good things come to those who wait, and as Jessa shifts needfully beneath him,
  Paul's blood burns paths through his veins. He resists, however, the tug of
  her hands, sliding down along her figure, his mouth pressing kisses down the
  length of her torso, across the gentle swell of her belly, and lower. His
  arms and hands spread her wide, and dropping down he kisses her intimately,
  hands feathering caresses along her tensed length of her thighs.

For a moment Jessalyn isn't sure how to react, and her hands finally fall in a
  slow movement to touch his hair, her whole body trembling and tense before
  she gives a breathless cry of pleasure, her fingers in his hair curling
  around the strands instinctively. She whispers his name, her hips shifting
  slightly on the bed as she tries to draw even more pleasure from his mouth.

Pinning Jessa's arching hips, Paul continues his assault, driving her
  relentlessly toward climax. He can feel his own loins burning potently as
  her cries merely fuel his own needs, but this he cannot deny her.

Jessalyn's cries grow slightly muffled as she tries to stifle them, her body
  tensing more and more as his mouth and hands control and evoke her body into
  waves of overwhelming pleasure. She finally whimpers, her breasts heaving
  and her body wilting back against the blankets as her fingers loosen in his
  hair, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on her skin.

Paul surges forward, bringing himself back up Jessalyn's limp form. As her
  body is still reeling from his attentions, he settles himself between her
  still parted thighs, one hand arching the small of her back. He fuses his
  mouth to her's mere moments before he fuses their bodies together. A groan
  of pleasure is released to her lips as she surrounds him, his hips moving in
  an age old rhythm as his passions surpass his control.

Her body is still malleable from the intense pleasure of her release, and her
  arms move slowly as if through water as they wrap around his neck, her hands
  sliding along his shoulders the same as her knees bend upward so that her
  hips tilt to meet his body. Her lips move gently but urgently against his,
  feeling her own desire triggered back into her veins as he moves within her.
  "Paul," she whispers into his mouth.

Flying out over the edge, Paul's mind blanks and a sharp cry escapes him as he
  plunges forward one last time, body clenching in ecstasy before slumping in
  exhaustion. With his head tucked against Jessalyn's shoulder, he lays there
  for a moment, unable to move, but trying to support himself somewhat so as
  not to crush the woman beneath him. His breath rushes raggedly against her
  neck as waves of pleasure rush over him, ebbing slowly. Raising his head up
  slowly, he gazes down at her flushed features, reaching with one hand to
  gently trace her cheek. "Jessalyn," he murmurs reverently, his lips brushing
  hers in homage, their bodies still merged as one.

Jessalyn's hands are gentle as he relaxes in her arms, stroking along the
  length of his torso caressingly. Her breath leaves her lips harshly as he
  kisses them, and she's hesitant to open her eyes at first. "Yes, Paul...."
  she whispers back against his soft, hot mouth, cradling him in her arms and
  legs, letting him know she doesn't want the embrace to end.

Rolling slowly to one side, Paul holds Jessalyn to him, keeping them bound
  together. He brings her over till their positions are nearly reversed, arms
  and hands stroking her damp skin. He kisses her closed lids, enfolding her
  with blankets and with himself. "I could get used to this," he rumbles
  deeply, his body radiating contentment and pleasure.

Her hair falls around him in a soft silky curtain as he shifts her above him,
  and she finally opens her eyes to smile down at him, her own arms warm and
  gentle as they return the embrace. Her lips curve even higher at his words,
  and she presses her forehead against his, trying to decipher that cryptic
  statement. "Mmmm... could you?"

"It might kill me," he admits, those Corellian lips curling in a devilish
  Corellian smile, "but life's short anyway." Fingers trail through that
  curtain of red, stroking it absently and loving the feel of it skimming
  against his chest and collarbones.

Jessalyn rests her body against him, her head tilting slightly to press her
  lips against his in a light kiss, and one of her hands drifting over his
  warm flesh. "It is indeed," she muses to herself thoughtfully. "And I hardly
  ever take enough advantage of it..."

Lying back against the pillows and blankets, Paul draws an arm about
  Jessalyn's shoulder, his fingers tracing idle patterns against one exposed
  shoulderblade, as his eyes drift closed. "Feel free to take advantage of me
  any time you like," he murmurs softly, his voice a warm brandy for the soul,
  rich with contented exhaustion and happiness.

Her soft green eyes watch his contented features for an extended moment, and
  she chews thoughtfully on her lower lip as his own eyes slide shut. "I might
  hold you to that," she teases back, dipping her head down to taste his lips
  again.

The hand in her hair trails up to catch the back of her head, stroking the
  silky strands luxuriously as he holds her still for the sampled taste. He
  deepens that exploration, probing her mouth with renewed interest, his blood
  and breath picking up pace again as he feels himself stirring within her
  depths. "Please do ..." he murmurs into her mouth, his other hand now
  reaching up to hold her to him.
 
... and a short while later ...

At least this time Jessalyn is on top, and Paul doesn't have to worry about
  smothering her. Sinking into the bed, his torso rises and falls with each
  deep gasp he takes, Jessa rising and falling along with him. His heart is
  still slamming in his chest. His arms wrap about her heavily, pressing her
  head against the crook of his neck. He manages to flicker his eyes open,
  glancing down the length of sweat slicked body, the sight arousing in and of
  itself. Stroking her hair tenderly, he murmurs in warm dark tones, "Am I
  dead yet?"

The long, lightly toned body sprawling over him as she catches her breath,
  Jessalyn rests her head against his shoulder, her own body heaving as her
  lungs struggle for more oxygen. She presses a row of kisses along his neck
  before lifting her head and chuckling at him. "Hmm... I don't think you're
  anywhere near dead."

"Coulda sworn this was heaven," he murmurs, turning his face so that he can
  look at her, those hazel eyes looking more gold now in this light, or
  perhaps in this mood. "Well, too much more of this and I will be," he
  teases, the back of his fingers trailing along her glowing cheek, those eyes
  wondering at the events of the day. Everything happened so fast ... so
  unexpectedly ... "You're amazing ...." he rasps huskily, the pad of his
  thumb brushing over her full bottom lip.

Jessalyn is suddenly hit with it all at once, too, as she recollects the
  moment she first sensed his arrival onworld, and the moment he walked into
  her office behind Jindra and she could see him with her own eyes again. She
  smiles down into his eyes, her red, throbbing lips pressing a kiss to his
  thumb. "Too much for you, hot shot?" she teases.

One brow raises as he watches her actions and hears her words. It is time for
  a Corellian bluff. Catching her throat in one hand, the gesture predatory
  and possessive, Paul growls deeply, "Is that a challenge?" Of course, Paul
  doubts he can sit up, let alone seduce Jessalyn again after only a short
  respite, but hopefully she won't actually put him to the test.

For a moment Jessalyn is startled by the action and she has to calm herself
  before she realizes the little game being played. She chuckles, swallowing
  hard as his fingers possess her throat, and looks at him through the screen
  of her lashes. "What do you think?" she purrs, bending her head and kissing
  his lips lightly.

The Corellian manages to return that kiss, but as he reaches for Jessalyn once
  again, his muscles lag with exhaustion. Laughing warmly against her mouth,
  he pouts "Hey, no fair ... you aren't supposed to -call- my bluff!" and with
  that he sinks back down into the bed, eyes shutting for a moment as if he
  could magically call on hidden reserves. Golden eyes flicker open again and
  Paul soundly curses in Corellian. Waggling a finger at her, however, he
  mutters, "If had hadn't been up all night stowing cargo and flyin' all day,
  you'd be in trouble ... that's all I have to say." The hand then drops to
  his chest weakly. "Give me a few minutes and I'll be right with you honey,"
  he teases softly, his lips still curled in a self-mocking smile.

The Corellian woman knows all about bluffing, and she grins as she looks into
  those warm golden eyes, knowing full well that he couldn't meet the
  challenge. "A few minutes is all I can spare," she chuckles teasingly,
  rolling off of him and onto her back at his side, catching her own breath as
  she stretches out luxuriously on the blankets. "Mmm... I suppose I could use
  a rest, too."

Turning onto his side, Paul pulls the blanket up to cover both of them,
  wrapping an arm about her waist and curling to her side. "You better be more
  tired than you look, or else my ego will be shot to hell," he mumbles
  sleepily, his eyes feathering shut as he snuggles close to her, a lazy smile
  upon his lips.