Chapter 16

Alternate Conclusions

By H.W.

Chapter 16

Mara sighed. This was new, and she wasn't sure that she liked it. She looked over at the table with other Klingon children; the table that was as far away from hers as possible. At the Orphanage, Mara had liked her privacy, she had liked that she was left alone. Now she didn't though, but it was the reason why that made all the difference.

In the Orphanage she was left alone because she had proven herself. She had taken on the challenges and won. She had earned the right to be left alone. The only exception being the occasional new arrival that she had to beat into submission. But now... now she was left alone not because of who she was, but because of who her parents are. It had only taken one question and one answer.

'Who are you?' One of them had asked.

And with pride Mara had answered, 'Mara, daughter of Torres.'

And the only reaction had been an 'oh', and the kids had beaten a hasty retreat.

Much to her own surprise, Mara really liked Torres and Seven. She liked being with them and it was clear that the feeling was mutual. But no matter how much she like them, she still wanted to make her own impression. She didn't want the fact that her adoptive parents happened to be Intendants dictate who she interacted with.

Well, Mara was smart enough to know that her position was somewhat unique. Not only was she the adopted daughter of two Intendants, she was also the daughter of one of the most important business people in the Coalition. On top of that, the Commander of the Klingon Security Department was a close friend of Torres and Seven. Mara was sure that even without Torres giving the order, Martok would check out every person that Mara had contact with more than just to say 'hi'.

Truthfully, Mara didn't mind that part too much. In that regard she could actually have been a real daughter of Torres; both of them wanted to know for sure if the person they were talking to was 'for real' or just pretending in the hopes to get somewhere with her... in which ever way you looked at 'getting somewhere'.

But still, those people would not know that they were being checked out, unless a problem was found. So Mara would like to leave an impression herself and not have the name of her adoptive parent leave that impression.

The door opened and another child walked in. From the telltale spikes on her forehead, Mara knew that she was a Ktarian/human hybrid. She looked in Mara's direction and stalled for a moment; clearly realizing that there was a new face in the meeting area. Then her eyes moved on until they stopped at the group of Klingon children. The hybrid walked over to them and Mara chuckled. That would proof interesting, a former slave wanting to interact with the Klingons. But to Mara's surprise the Klingons allowed the hybrid to sit down and even talked to her.

Mara scowled. Great, a former slave they talked to, but her they stayed wide away from. Now the former slave got up and came over to Mara.

"Hi, you're new here," The hybrid stated the very obvious.

"I am," Mara said, deciding to also state the very obvious.

"Mind if I sit down?" The hybrid asked while she did just that without waiting for an answer. "I'm Naomi, by the way."

"Mara. So what are you doing over here? Shouldn't you be with your friends there? You seemed to get along just fine," Mara asked.

Naomi grinned. "Ah, we reached a deal."

Mara grinned as well. She knew that Naomi was expecting the very obvious question, but since Mara actually wanted to know she decided to indeed ask the question. "A deal?"

Naomi reached up and touched one of the four spikes on her forehead. "No matter how hard a Klingon head is, spikes still beat it. They were having a head butting contest; I won. But they and I know only too well that I wouldn't stand a chance against them in a full fight. So we kinda reached a deal where I can hang around with them and they tolerate it and even talk to me normally. In return I won't take part in any of their head butting contests again." She shrugged. "But I'm not expecting any birthday invitations any time soon though."

"So why don't you find yourself any other friends?" Mara wondered.

"I do have other friends, but they are grownups," Naomi disagreed. "The real problem is that there aren't that many other kids around. There are a few young former slaves. Not really kids anymore, but closer to my age than my grownup friends , but they aren't yet used to coming out of their quarters and hanging around if they have nothing to do, so I can't really get to know them."

"Huh, I find it interesting that a former slave is in here and talking about former slaves not coming in here."

"Well, first of all, even if there still was slavery I wouldn't be a slave yet; I'm not old enough," Naomi started to explain. "I'm had my eighth birthday a few weeks back."

Mara lifted her eyebrows at that and let her eyes drift over Naomi's body. "You don't look like an eight year old."

Naomi grinned. "That's because I'm growing up at the normal Ktarian speed. I'm glad about it too because it means that I'll be considered and adult in only four more years. But besides that... don't get me wrong, I did do the kids stuff like playing hide and seek and all that. But as I said, I have grownup friends. The reason for that is because I grew up as an only child among a group of grownups. So I guess you can say that I kinda skipped the whole kid interaction with other kids thing."

Naomi shrugged, not really knowing how to explain the fact that she never really wanted to be a kid anyway. "I guess, I kinda like my age now though. Old enough to be taken serious, and yet young enough to still play around on the holodeck in my free time."

"You said 'first of all,' Mara reminded.

"Right. Second, I'm not from around here. Where I come from there is no slavery. I know, I know, Human/Ktarian mix and I'm talking about there not being slavery. It's a long story so just think that I'm delusional or right; doesn't really matter. What does matter is that even if I was older I would not have lived in slavery, and the job I have sure would prevent people from seeing me as just the next slave."

"Eight years old, yet you have a job?" Mara asked, starting to wonder if the Klingons were tolerating Naomi because in fact she was simply a total nut case.

"Yep. I'm Assistant to Admiral Supreme of the Phoenix Alliance. The job even came with a huge, and I do mean huge promotion; I'm a Lieutenant now." With the last word, Naomi turned over the collar of her shirt to show of the insignia attached there. "I do kinda hide it when off duty so that those over there don't get nervous."

"I wish it was so simple for me," Mara said thoughtfully.

"What?" Naomi asked. "And why aren't you over there with them doing some Klingon challenges stuff or something?"

"To answer both with one answer; I'm Mara; Daughter of Torres."

Naomi's eyes got wide at that.

"See, that's exactly the reason why they are sitting way over there. They heard the name and ran off. So, are you going to run as well?"

"I'm sorry if I look shocked here, it's... well... frankly because I am," Naomi admitted with a cringe. "Torres never told me she had a daughter, nor did Seven tell me that Torres had a daughter."

Now taking her turn to look at Mara's body, Naomi added. "Either Torres must have had you really, really young, or you must be a lot younger than you look."

"I'm twelve... or I will be in a couple of weeks anyway. Torres is my adoptive mother. She and Seven adopted me. The papers were finalized yesterday; we are still in the trial period though."

"What?" Naomi asked amazed. "I'll have to kick Seven the next time I see her for not telling me."

"You see Seven, and kick her?" Mara asked amused. If it hadn't been that Naomi indeed wore an official insignia, Mara would have known for sure that the kid was a mental case.

Naomi rolled her eyes. "Well, not literally kick her, of course, duh. I don't want to end up as Toby food. But sure, I visit Seven and Torres every week; tomorrow I will visit them again. Hmm, that's probably why she didn't tell me, I bet since I was coming over tomorrow she decided to surprise me with the news. Anyway, remember that group of adults I told you about that I grew up with? Well, Seven is one of my friends. She already was my friend years before she became Intendant. I visit her every week and we play some games. Seven really likes to play Kadis-kot, so we play a couple of games of that. Torres sometimes plays along as well, but she prefers to play chess with Seven. I sometimes play chess with Torres, with Seven helping me. It's fun. Hey, that means I'll see you at least once a week as well. Maybe we can play some games as well. What kind of games do you like?"

Mara named a few and Naomi frowned. "Those are all solitarian games."

"I don't like to play games with others. Games are for kids anyway."

"Uh huh," Naomi said, not believing for a moment the front that Mara was putting up. "Well, maybe it's time you started to think differently. Both Torres and Seven like games. Besides, those kids over there are the only ones of your own age that you will have any chance of spending time with on a longer basis. So either you do find a way to get along, or you truly will be sitting alone here all the time. Why do you think I participated in that head butting contest to begin with? I wanted to have some people I could spent time with while my grownup friends are busy doing their job."

Mara snorted. "Oh, please. The moment we stop at the planet they are heading to they will be gone."

Naomi shook her head. "Nope, not at all. They are kids of Klingons that serve on this ship. Since the ship is basically Torres' home it goes where Torres goes. This means that the crew goes where the ship goes. In other words, this ship is as much their home as it's Torres' home. Those kids over there will be on this ship until one of three things happens. Either they eventually leave to follow a schooling that cannot be offered here on the ship. Or they go to take a job that is off the ship. Or they take a job here on the ship, if there is one to be had of course."

"They aren't leaving?" Mara asked thoughtfully as she looked over at the group of seven children that were, Mara guessed, pretty much around her own age. Then she sighed. "It doesn't matter. They don't want to have anything to do with me anyway."

Well, maybe you have to force the issue," Naomi suggested. "I mean, I'm the assistant to the highest military commander in the Phoenix Alliance, without going to the Intendant level of course. On top of that they know that I meet Seven and Torres from time to time. Yet they still talk to me; simply because I walked up to them and asked if I could join their contest, and then when they said no, told them that they were only saying no because they knew they would lose. I challenged them, they were forced to act. And now we get along just fine. So, maybe you have to force the issue as well."

"Force the issue," Mara repeated thoughtfully. "Hmm." Then she stood up without another word and moved over to the other table, with Naomi quickly following behind.

"You," Mara said to the boy of which she guessed that he was the oldest and also the semi leader of the group.

"What do you want?" The boy asked as he stood up in response to the challenging tone in Mara's voice.

"You have been selected to proof a point."

"What?" The boy managed to ask just before he was treated to a right hook to his jaw.

His reaction was immediate and without thought. Mara's right hook was countered with a right hook of his own that was powerful enough to knock Mara to the floor. He stopped when Mara didn't get up but instead looked up at him with a grin. "What the hell of a point is this supposed to proof; that I can knock you on your ass?"

"No," Mara said, her grin never leaving her face. "The point proven is the fact that you can knock me on my ass, without getting killed."

Then it dawned on the boy just who exactly he had just hid as he watched how Mara got up and rubbed her jaw.

"I am Mara, daughter of Torres, yes, but I'm not Torres. I can think for myself, and I can act for myself. Besides, think about it, do you really think that Intendant Torres would want a daughter that would come running to her instead of taking care of her own challenges?"

The boy looked at her for a moment before starting to laugh. "You might just truly have a point, and you did indeed just proof it."

Then he extended his arm and Mara gripped it in a firm warrior's shake. "I'm Zan'k, Son of HoD."

He then introduced the others before suggesting, "Why don't you sit down and tell us how it comes that Intendant Torres suddenly has a kid?"

Mara did as suggested and started of by telling about how she was living in the Orphanage when Torres and Seven happened to visit. She didn't want sympathy from the group; she just wanted them to understand that she wasn't really any different from them, and in fact mere days before they were the ones that had a position in life that was much more privileged as hers had ever been.

As Mara started to explain, Naomi sat down as well. As she did so, Zan'k clasped her shoulder in a clear sign of approval, and it was only then that Naomi realized that by helping Mara, she herself had also made a lot of headway in being accepted as a true part of this group. Knowing that it would be best to hide her pride for now, she merely gave Zan'k a nod of acceptance for his approval and then started to listen to Mara's story.

~~~~~~~{}~~~~~~~

As Arandis rounded the last corner in the corridor that let to her quarters she was surprised to see Maras standing in front of her quarters. Not knowing if she was ready for yet another confrontation with the Orion, Arandis took a step back so that she was standing behind the corner again and then peeked around it to see of the Orion would leave in the other direction. What she saw totally confused her though.

Maras was muttering to herself and several times lifted her hand to press the entrance chime, only to let the hand drop once more and mutter again. Finally the Orion pressed the chime, but since Arandis was obviously not inside there was no reaction.

"Damn," Arandis heard and then saw how the Orion proceeded to softly knock her head against the wall. Intrigued by this strange behavior, Arandis finally moved on towards her quarters.

"Is there a specific reason why you are trying to dent the wall of my quarters with your head?" The Risan couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, no, I... I need to talk to you, can I come in?" Maras asked frustrated.

"If you ask like that, then the answer is no," Arandis said annoyed.

"I... Alright, you are right. Can I come in, please? I really do need to talk to you."

Surprised that the Orion would actually change her words, Arandis nodded her head and stepped up to the sensor. Now that the sensor recognized the owner of the quarters at the door, they opened and both of them entered.

"Take a seat," Arandis said as she pointed in the general direction of the seating area of the main room of the quarters. "Want something to drink?"

"Um, whatever you are having."

Arandis frowned at the reply. This appeasing answer didn't sound like the Orion at all. Moment later she came back and handed the Orion her drink. As she saw how Maras brought the glass to her lips in what was clearly going to be a big gulp, she tried to warn, "You really d..." But it was too late and a moment later the drink came flying out of Maras' mouth and all over the carpet. "...don't want to drink Krakian brandy like that," She couldn't help but finish her sentence.

"What the hell is that stuff? Did you give me the liquid normally used by Engineering to scrub the paint of starship hulls?"

"It can probably be used for that," Arandis agreed. "If you would like to use something for that that costs four hundred credits per bottle. You did ask for what I was having."

"Don't tell me you normally drink this stuff," Maras accused.

Arandis sighed and brought her own glass to her lips. She drank down the whole contents of the glass with her only reaction being that she pulled a weird face and made a small shake as the liquid traveled down her throat. "Happy now?"

"I, um, am impressed."

"It's an acquired taste," Arandis admitted. "And on top of that it really is supposed to be sipped in the smallest amounts. Normally a glass like that lasts me the rest of the evening. If you drink Krakian brandy as it is supposed to be drunk than it is the absolute best intoxicating drink you can find in the entire Coalition."

She smiled before adding, "Of course, that is just a personal preference. Because if everyone thought the same then the brandy would be known all throughout the Coalition and you would have known not to drink it like that. Want something else? Water maybe?"

"Water sounds good," Maras agreed. Moments later she took the glass of water that the Risan had replicated for her and looked how Arandis took the smallest of sips from her new glass of Krakian brandy that she had poured herself from a bottle.

"Sorry about the mess," She finally said, not really knowing what else to say.

"Don't worry about the carpet, Krakian brandy doesn't leave any stains," Arandis assured. She looked at how the Orion was slowly drinking her glass of water and when minutes later the green skinned beauty hadn't spoken up yet, Arandis finally asked, "So, why are you here? Why are you doing your best to be polite to me instead of calling me a whore or asking me if I don't have to be somewhere and make a living by getting fucked?"

Maras opened her mouth only to close it again. What could she say? Apologize for the comment? Both of them knew only too well that Maras had said it to insult Arandis, apologizing for it now would not change the fact that she had said what she had, nor would it lessen the impact that the words had. Finally she shook her head and decided on a different approach.

"I'm here to do a very cheap thing."

"Really?" Arandis said, crossing her arms.

"Really. I see from the mark that you wear that you live by the Risan laws of conduct."

"I do," Arandis agreed. "But before you get any ideas, you do realize that the last rule of conduct is the exception rule, right? It states, 'the above rules should be lived by to the best of a persons abilities, but can be ignored if they restrict a person's abilities to interact with others in normal life'. I do live by the Risan laws of conduct and do all that I can do abide by them, but not at all cost."

"I know," Maras assured. "But I was hoping that I could appeal to you living by the third rule of conduct when interacting with me from now on."

"'A person should always be willing to forgive other people for the things they did as long as this does not endanger the person in a physical or emotional way'," Arandis quoted. "You want me to forgive you? What happened to make you suddenly want to be forgiven for how you acted towards me? I got the feeling you liked treating me like you did. You sure seemed to get your pleasure out of it."

"I did," Maras agreed. Then she sighed. "Alright, the complete truth. I was summoned to a meeting with Torres, with her acting as the Klingon Intendant."

"Really?" Arandis asked surprised. "You two seem to get along just fine. What could you have done to warrant such a meeting?"

"Let me just say that Torres suggested very strongly that I worked on bettering the interaction between you and me. She thinks that the way we have been behaving could lead to real problems down the road." As Arandis opened her mouth to speak, Maras rightfully corrected, "The way I have been behaving towards you I mean."

"I see," Arandis said slowly. "In other words, you are hoping that I forgive you because I'm now in a position where I can get you into a shipload of trouble."

"I told you that I was going to do a cheap thing," Maras said, agreeing, though not in words. "But it's more than that. Torres also said that I should look at the deals where your crossed me and see if there still was something positive about it. Now, granted, if anyone else had told me that I would have told them to piss off. But,"

"But, Arandis interrupted, "If an Intendant speaks, the smart person listens. At least if they want to live to a nice old age."

Maras nodded her head in agreement. "So I told myself to look at it like just another business deal, like it had been the actions of someone else. I had to agree; Torres was right. There had been a positive side. I learned a lot about Risan business ways, and it were good, though damn expensive, lessons. I have to admit that it is not fair of me to hold that against you, when it really only comes down to the fact that you knew more about dealing on Risa than I did."

"I have been reading up on you," Arandis admitted. "I was wondering why Seven would appoint such a childish spoiled brat to be Minister of Commerce. Reading about you I saw that Seven was right; you are the perfect choice for the Phoenix Alliance Minister of Commerce, which makes me wonder all the more why you have so much trouble with those deals. From what I read, setbacks of the kind I caused you should be something you actually like. Simply because you like finding another way and still getting what you want. So, what is your problem with me?"

Maras looked at the caramel colored Risan for a moment. She quickly started to realize why the Risan had such a name for being charming and compliant. Even though the beautiful woman had just called her a spoiled brat and childish on top of it, Maras had a feeling as if the Risan had been giving her compliments simply because of how she had used her voice while speaking.

"Why did you block the deal of me building that warehouse at Kraika street?" Maras suddenly asked. "You had a business there, but I checked, you bought that place only two days before blocking my deal."

"I asked first," Arandis said with a small smile.

"Fine. Yes," Maras relented. "I can appreciate someone outsmarting me, the thing that really gets me is that I see no reason. I can see no reason at all why you bought that place and than did nothing with it. You also blocked my entrance to the Risan slave market, and then left the spot unattended. It's a waste of opportunity and it bites me that I could have had those deals and you stopped me for no reason at all."

"I had reasons," Arandis disagreed. "You just don't see them. That little restaurant I bought at Kraika street that prevented you from buying that entire block and leveling it to the ground to put up your warehouse? That restaurant was owned by a friend of my mother. Or more to the point, a friend that my mother owed a huge favor. He once saved my mother's life and while he wanted to forget it and simply appreciate the friendship that grew from it, my mother could never forget. So when you were to put her friend out of business, a business that he spent all his life building and that he loves to do, my mother asked if I could help. I looked at the situation and figured that the simplest solution was if I bought it up so that I would have the control over those loans he is still paying off."

"I was looking into that," Maras admitted. "I was going to buy up those loan contracts and than demand full payment or the sale of the property."

"Standard business," Arandis agreed. "And something I would have done as well if the situation was different. Sure, those people can then go looking for someone else to loan them the credits to pay off your loan, but those people normally first look who wants the credits, and the smart ones know when not to loan to someone because doing so will piss someone off that they don't want to have pissed off at them; like you."

"You didn't look, or ask," Maras noted. "You just paid off the loan and that's it. Sure he is paying you back, but you aren’t making any profit on it, not really."

"That's because I didn't care about the credits," Arandis pointed out. "I bought up the loan contracts and lowered the interest. He should be able to pay off the loans in about ten years now. Eventually I'll get my credits back. Until that time comes, I get the interest set at five percent instead of the fifteen percent he was paying before. And of course, I get the standard five percent profit share. Not a lot of profit all in all, but also nothing lost, and I managed to help my mother even a score along the way."

She shrugged. "So, from my side it was a very successful deal while my mother's friend can concentrate on running his restaurant while having to pay back less interest. If you add to that knowing that I gave my mother the promise that as long as he pays the interest I would not sell the loan contracts again, you will see that it made total sense from my side. But turnaround is fair. Why a warehouse there? There were some warehouses for sale at that time not more than five minutes walking away. I never got that. Back then I didn't know that the other buyer was you, not that it would have mattered by the way. I only know where I, as you say, crossed you, from reading up on you and seeing deals come by that I acted on as well."

Maras sighed. "Those other warehouses will be too far away from the prime real-estate location Kraika street will be, as soon as the Risan board of commerce approves the redevelopment of the Branza neighborhood next year."

"What?" Arandis asked totally confused.

"Some people on Risa want to create a 'the place to be' shopping district in the northern territory of the Krandarian province," Maras clarified. "They selected the Branza neighborhood because it's so close to a lot of other interesting places. Kraika street has been selected as the main promenade of this new expensive shopping district, so if I was you I would hold on to those loan contracts because my guess is that the land that that restaurant is sitting on will be worth about twenty million credits in two years time."

Seeing the Risan's eyes get wider at the admittance made Maras feel a little better. Apparently it truly had been just a bad case of two different interests colliding. She decided to elaborate so that Arandis also understood what her reasoning had been back then. "That warehouse was just a front that enabled me to buy the land cheap. First because people didn't know that what they had was worth a lot of credits. After all, what could it be worth if the new owner is going to put a warehouse on it? Second, with it being just a warehouse it would fall under the enterprises support act which means only half of the normal restrictions apply while building; mostly just esthetical and safety restrictions."

"I get it," Arandis said in understanding. "Built a warehouse there with a lot of open room inside, and when the plans for the neighborhood go public everyone will find it only normal that you renovate the warehouse to give it a new front and interior. And suddenly you would have the biggest store on the street for as long as it takes others to catch up, if they even are allowed to catch up under the new rules. It might very well de that the new rules will prohibit buildings that big to be built. But as I said, even if it's allowed, by the time they finished building their buildings your store would already have made its name. But how do you know that this will happen?"

Maras merely smiled.

"Forget I asked," Arandis said in understanding. "At least tell me if your credits just bought you the knowledge of the deal, or actually made the deal?"

"It is all fair and proper development," Maras assured. "I had nothing to do with that. All that happened was that someone really liked me and told me the plans, and that this is a done deal. This will happen, just that it seems that I won't be owning the largest store on the strip."

"But you still own the other five properties on that block?" Arandis asked.

"I do," Maras agreed. "I figured that now that I didn't get what I wanted I might just hold on to them until the plans are known and then sell them off for a lot of credits."

"How about a different option?" Arandis asked.

"Like?" Maras asked confused.

"Well," Arandis started thoughtfully, "we just agreed, your store would have been the first there. But it certainly won't be the last. The whole point seems to be to get expensive enterprises there. There are going to be some huge stores and they will all compete with each other."

Now Arandis gave a sweet, and Maras thought really seductive, smile. "But what if there was this one block there where properties aren't sold? Where the six establishments are, so it seems, privately owned and not for sale. Can you imagine all those rich people shopping there? They get hungry and will decide to have dinner at that little restaurant that is known all over Risa for its excellent food,"

"I ate there, it's not that good," Maras interrupted.

"It will be once people that have the credits to hire the best Chefs on Risa to work there start showing a little interest in the restaurant. People like you and me. We could make that block of six businesses six of those small places that the rich people travel for hours to just to visit. Just like I don't replicate that Krakian brandy but go to the only store on Risa that sells it and buy it there."

Maras nodded in understanding, so Arandis suggested, "The friend of my mother wants to run the best restaurant possible, we will help him do just that and the restaurant will turn into one of those places that asks two hundred credits per person just for a quick lunch... and people stand in line to pay that. That leaves those five other businesses for you, since they are your property. You help me with the restaurant, I help you there, and we will turn that block into the 'must visit' place in that 'the place to be' neighborhood. Maybe a fashion boutique in one place,"

"A rich person's toy store in another, "Maras added, knowing where Arandis was going. "Then rich people could go there, the wife shops for clothes while the husband shops for the latest hover car. And when they are done they have dinner or lunch at the restaurant, before going to see a evening show in that small but top notch theater that will be located right next door."

"That would account for a total of four businesses there," Arandis smiled. "That would leave two more to fill up. Maybe you could even partially do your day job and fill one place with a store that promotes Phoenix Alliance products, like the ships or vacations to Mars or other places on Risa. And the last could be a Servant Recruiting building. That way you pretty much would have all in that block that rich people might be interested in. From food, over toys, to servants for hire."

"That would mean that I would get help with five businesses while you only get a little wealth protection," Maras pointed out. "That's what you are asking, right? If those plans go ahead then some powerful people might pressure the right people into dissolving your loan contracts with that restaurant and shutting it down for the 'wellbeing of the neighborhood', only to then build a store there when I sell my properties. You might be a successful business person in your own right, as one person and her assets I mean. But all in all you are still a small fish. A small fish that can withstand pressure from a big company like mine. But not from corrupt government representatives that have the power to dissolve contracts."

"You could put it like that," Arandis agreed. "You, you could..." She hesitated before admitting, "I have to admit that I admire how you walk the line. It too is one of the reasons why Seven offered you your job. Oh, you bribe, pressure, use your body, bluff, and don't hesitate to throw the weight of your company around. But there are some things you don't do. You don't have people put into hospitals, you don't have people killed. And you don't say to government officials, 'I know where your children go to school'. But others do. I can hold my ground against you. But can I, or do I want to, hold the ground against someone that threatens the family of someone that sits on some committee?"

"But if we were to have a contract of sorts those people might be smart enough to not try those tricks against me," Maras finished. "Seeing that I happen to be a person that has the business power to put such shady people out of business completely. And even if they don't fear that, they will be smart enough to not take on the person that owns the biggest trading post on Risa and can cripple their business simply by not allowing their ships do use the post. Or that knows people that tell her things that nobody is supposed to even know yet."

"Well, yes," Arandis admitted. "Basically what I'm offering is a united running of all six businesses, with me having the control over the restaurant and you over the other businesses, and you make sure that people leave us alone."

"Before I answer that, answer me this," Maras said. "The slave market, why block my admittance there?"

Despite the caramel colored skin, Maras could clearly see the Risan start to blush at the question.

"Does it really matter?" Arandis asked evasively.

"Now that I know that it makes you blush, yes even more than before," Maras said with a small grin.

"Well, I could say that it was all part of some very elaborate business deal and that by telling you I would be handing out sensitive information," Arandis said evasively.

"Sure, and I almost believe you."

Arandis smiled at that and Maras started to wonder if the seductive smile was normal for the woman, or if the Risan was using that smile very deliberately. "Alright, fine. I'm sorry to tell you this but I blocked your admittance to the slave market because I wasn't thinking with my head then. At that time my thoughts were created, um, a lot more further south shall we say."

"Sex? I lost that spot because you were thinking about sex?" Maras asked. "What the hell? Risan,"

"Are you going to call me a whore again?" Arandis interrupted.

Maras waved her off. "No, no. But you cannot deny that you have sex a lot, just like us Orions, so don't think that I disapprove of that. But come on, Risan, sex, don't tell me you ever had trouble getting any. That mark on your forehead alone makes sure that seventy-five percent of people in a room wonder, or hope, that you will ask them to come to your quarters for some quality time."

Arandis evaluated the green skinned woman's words and decided that there was no insult to be found, just an honest stating of facts that were done in a respectful way. "It's complicated, but the fact remains that I did that because I was being played. I was afraid that if I didn't do as she asked, she would leave me. She being the person who did end up getting that spot on the slave markets you wanted."

Maras nodded slowly in understanding. "And then never used it. She didn't show up because the pot was recorded as unattended ever since it changed owner."

"Not all the time, "Arandis disagreed. "The first four days she was there. But she soon found out that what she thought was a cool job was still a job, and that it meant working hard. She didn't like that."

"A relationship, not just sex," Maras said thoughtfully. "You know, I can accept that. Loosing a relationship is hard. I had a relationship once that lasted two years. She finally left me because I put business first. Though the reason may not be planet shattering, at least I now know there was a very good reason for you blocking my admittance."

"If one cannot accept a partner, who is a business person, spending time doing business instead of being with one than one should not even start a relationship with that person," Arandis noted. "Did she tell you that you spent too much time with your business and not enough with her?"

"I managed to balance it just fine with time," Maras disagreed. "It was just that she was not happy with the parts of my time that I gave her. She could not agree that a dinner with someone that landed me a five million credit deal was more important than our anniversary. Or the fact that the foreclosure sale of a gem mine was more important than her birthday."

"Did you try to make up the days?" Arandis wondered. "I mean, those are important dates. I can understand you missing them for the reasons you mention, but did you at least make up for it?"

"I did try," Maras assured. "I could not make her birthday, but I managed to free a four day slot two days later. I thought that four days of time with her would make up for missing one day a mere two days before; she didn't think so. Of course, now she hates my guts and is probably contemplating assassination attempts."

"Why is that?" The Risan wondered.

Maras shrugged. "Because she left me, saying a lot of things that I don't need to repeat. Just make up some accusation and she probably said that as well. Then half a year later I took over a business that really should not have given in so easily. It seems that my former girlfriend had something going, as in married, with the owner of the company and he was stupid enough to give in on every demand she asked of him. So at days that he really needed to be in the office to defend the company he was out. Normally I keep the structure of the company relatively in tact, but I fired him because he was stupid enough to do that. They lost the house they were living in because nobody would rehire him, knowing that I fire people for a reason."

"And that's one of the things that makes you a lot more known, and knowing, as a business person as I am," Arandis admitted. "As we just already touched upon. People look at you. I, I do business as well, I am moderately successful I might say. But nobody would care as to why I fire someone."

She pointed an elegant finger at Maras. "But you, you people take notice of. Someone applies for a job, people ask him where he worked before, he says for a business you took over, they look up if he was fired or just decided to try something different, they see he was fired and... bam, that's it. They know right away that if you let him go, they don't want him. They don't even ask, they know."

Maras grinned and freely admitted, "I like the cloud I have. And the reason why it works is that I don't misuse it... well, present company excepted. I truly am sorry, I shouldn't have treated you as I have. But there was just something about you. Something about... I guess seeing that innocent smile and then finding out who you are and realizing that you screwed me over bad, or so I thought."

Arandis sighed. "Yeah, I have to admit that I do run into that often when dealing with non-Risan. They see us, see those people that are so easy going, they never understand that we too can say 'business is business' and do things the hard way. They always assume that we deliberately target them for some reason. So, anyway, you know what happened to your former girlfriend, since you assume she still would prefer you to be worm food?"

"Last thing I know of her was when I quite literally saw her filling shelves in a store I visited," Maras said, a smile twitching at her lips. "Of course, she now thinks that it was all a plan of me to get back at her. I ruined her life and all that. She walked out though, it's her own fault she got something with the guy that happened to own a business I found interesting and then prevented him from doing his job."

"Business is business," Arandis repeated her former statement. "Business has its own timeline and only the successful business people realize that you have to adapt your own agenda to the agenda business dictates. And only the really smart partner of a business person realizes that you have to have business dictate the agenda, and then can go right in and claim every unused day for yourself. The business person can't make five important dates in a year? The smart partner manages to turn that into getting twenty other days where the sole focus of the business person is on that partner. Besides, what good is spending time with a partner on a certain day when that partner is thinking of everything but the point of that specific day at the moment?"

"True," Maras agreed. "But a lot of people don't see it that way. They only see 'me, me, me'."

"Which is why those people make lousy business people."

True," Maras agreed again. "And talking about girlfriend, was it worth it at least? Getting your girlfriend that spot at the slave markets I mean?"

Arandis shook her head. "Far from it. One of the biggest mistakes I made. While she was playing me, the relationship was real and all in all good, ignoring the little fact that she wanted things her way. But as much as she liked our relationship, she discovered that she liked the business person that was selling slaves at the next stall even more. We broke up five weeks later. They are still together as far as I know, and I have reached the point where I wish them all the best in their life. But still."

"It sucks," Maras agreed.

Arandis chuckled. "But, there I must admit that I too can enjoy being a bit childish at times. I get my kick out of knowing that she met her master. She played me, but she fell totally for him. He now plays her all the time. You know how Seven wants to be Torres' slave? Well my ex is his proverbial slave and doesn't want to be but still takes it because she does want him."

Maras grinned. "Told you it can feel good is you only indulge in that feeling of petty childishness from time to time. But, talking about business. Tell you what, now that I have this job of Minister I have other things that keep me interested. About that block. We make it a fifty/fifty corporation with you and me owning both half, exactly. You or whoever you want to put in charge manages all of it as you see fit. That's the deal part. You manage it and make sure there is a profit, and I put my name on the umbrella corporation that goes over all six businesses so that people know who they would be taking on if they wand to try and get that block."

"That is very generous of you," Arandis said, surprised by the offer. "Total freedom on the other five companies as well; I can do as I see fit?"

"Yes. After all, even if you ruin them all, I can still sell the soil for a huge profit compared to what I paid for it; something I was waiting to do now anyway. Not that I expect you to ruin them. I think you have a point, small businesses would give a nice and exclusive contrast there, but they would need one person in control that makes decisions instead of having to discuss every little thing. You could also see this as proof that I want to try anew. I was pissed at you Arandis, but for the wrong reasons. You did not deserve the way I acted and with that I want to start over. Start over by me trusting you in a deal that can cost me a lot of credits. Not that I'm trying to buy you off or something, this really is for me more than you. For me, because trying to trust is not easy. But I have to start trusting the people around me if I want to move to a point where the people around me will trust me on my word as well."

"Alright," Arandis said after a moment of thought. "I'll have my lawyer set up a contract along the lines we just discussed. Please, trust or not, for the both of us, let a lawyer look at it after you have read it to see if it is along the lines we discussed."

"I will do that," Maras assured.

Arandis took another sip of her Krakian brandy before asking, "Since we seem to get along for the moment, let me run the risk of ruining it by asking if you really consider Risan whores?"

Maras thought about that for a moment and then decided to go for the honest answer. "They can be, but that has nothing to do with the fact that they are Risan. The fact that Risan have sex a lot and with pretty much everyone that wants to have sex with them, still doesn't make them whores in my eyes. Hell, I'm Orion, we are known through the Coalition for our... appetites. If it is possible I myself prefer to have sex three times a day. Morning, afternoon and night, with the morning and afternoon one being only a quick fifteen minutes or so, just to release that energy that would otherwise drive me wild."

"The night one last longer, I assume?" Arandis asked with a knowing smile.

"Oh yes. A lot longer," Maras agreed right away. "I like to be relaxed when I go to sleep. So if I'm with a partner that can appreciate a longer love session, I like to have three, um, parts. The first is the to the point stuff, to get rid of the tension. The second part is then more about what I really feel like doing, you know, the little mood fillers. Today I want this, tomorrow that. And the third, as I said, to relax me completely is the slow and gentle. I'm a sucker for erotic massages. Mixing sex with a massage is the ultimate of relaxed pleasure for me."

"That would take at least an hour, if you include giving as well as receiving, and a bit of necking before, and getting ready to sleep after," Arandis, the true expert on the subject noted. "Plus you said that you prefer to have to fifteen minute quickies as well. Are you telling me that you truly spent about two hours every day having sex?"

"or more sometimes. I 'am' an Orion," Maras reminded. "It's part of my daily life. Just like others need at least eight hours of sleep every day. There are people that really suffer if they don't get their sleep that day, I suffer if I don't get my sex that day. Luckily we Orions only need four hours every day, and six hours of sleep is sleeping in. But yeah, about four hours every day is taken up because of sex."

"Four?" Arandis asked confused. "You just said two."

Maras flashed a smile. "Well, you should know, it's not just the sex. It's also the getting to the place to have sex, the getting undressed and making that part of the fun, and the shower afterwards. Depending on who you are sleeping with, there is also the being polite and doing a bit of talking before, the flirting, and especially with a partner, the talk that makes clear that you are interested in her, and not just her pussy. So, four hours in total, with two being spent in the act, so to speak."

"Ironic," Arandis said thoughtfully.

"In what way?" Maras asked.

"Well, please don't be insulted," Maras started hesitantly.

"I try not to," Maras noted amused.

"Well, it's just that, not counting those people that have to pretty much sell their body once every half hour just to have food or pay for an addiction, it's just that, well, the whore as you said often spent less than two hours every day having sex. In fact, the higher class often spent less than half an hour having sex, though they often spent hours socializing with someone. Going to some place as an escort for the evening for instance."

"I know," Maras assured. "So you see, it's not the sex. I have more sex than some whores do. It's the payments. Accepting credits or gifts for it, that is what makes a whore in my mind."

"So with that reasoning the whole physical service industry exists out of whores," Arandis noted.

Maras lifted her hands a little in an indecisive 'well' gesture. "It depends," She finally said. "If you take my comment literally, then yes. But even I myself don't go that far. I mean, someone at those vacation resorts, yes, they get paid a wages, but still. They offer more. They talk to people, play games with them, talk about art, and yes, have sex with them. See there it's not just the sex, there is more too it. They genuinely care about the person and they get paid for services rendered, and sex might, or might even not, be part of those services. Just one thing in a group of services provided."

She lifted the glass she was still holding to indicate it. "But those people behind the bars that never sleep with someone get paid the same as someone that sleeps with five people a day because that person really likes to have sex. So to me those people get paid for the all over job... which can include having sex. The same goes with the Body Servants. They are there to take care of the employer, sex just happens to be one of those ways of taking care of the employer. On the other hand, the sex servants, yes, I consider them whores..."

Maras hesitated before correcting, "Well, let me clarify, I'm talking about the new ones that joined willingly, not about the former slaves that are bound to a contract they have to fulfill. Anyway. Yes, those I consider whores. They sell themselves, their body, for just one thing and as soon as the employer is done they are sent away. They get paid to have sex, so they are whores."

"So..." Arandis said slowly, sifting through the words. "You don't consider all Risan whores because not all of them sell themselves for only sex. But, because we Risan do have sex a lot, and 'headaches' are pretty much unheard of with us, we Risan are very suited to be whores because we will like it and wouldn't mind selling our body ten times a day. "

"You could put it like that," Maras agreed. "I mean, I really don't want to be offensive here, but let me ask you because you can give me an answer without having to look up statistics. Have you ever in your life had the thought that you would rather be dead than have sex with a certain person?"

"We aren’t holograms, you know?" Arandis said. "Yes, we don't mind having sex a lot, but we too can reach the stage where our bodies will have had enough of the sex for a day. Just that our mind never will. We can be so spend that we can't even move anymore, we can have had sex to the point that it's becoming uncomfortable and even starts to hurt. Our body says 'enough', yet is someone we really like asks we might still be inclined to say yes and just replicate an ointment later."

Maras laughed. "Been there, just for a different reason. With me it was catching up for having gone without. It was like finally getting the drug you had been craving and taking too much of it because of that craving."

"We also have preferences," Arandis continued. "We have certain types we like, preference for a gender. There are a lot of people that will never sleep with someone from the same sex, and others that will never sleep with someone from the opposite sex."

"Another thing that makes the difference between a whore and someone that merely has a lot of sex," Maras pointed out. "A whore can't say 'sorry but I don't like women'." The she frowned. "Well, I guess in two years they can, once they are free and able to negotiate contracts then might put something like that in the contract. But until then, a whore has to sleep with everyone that pays."

Arandis merely nodded her agreement to that point and then continued. "We can also find the looks of someone unattractive. And yes, I have had enough situations where I decided that I wasn't that thrilled about having sex with someone. But, you are right, I have to admit that in my entire life there hasn't been a single situation in which I thought that I would rather be dead than have sex with someone. The line is still there I think, but different. It's not as much 'I would rather be dead than have sex with that person', but more an 'I don't mind having sex with that person, but I would rather be dead than do what that person wants'."

"So if someone were to ask you to do something that would repulse you, you would say 'no way' and still have sex with that person as long as that one thing isn't done?" Maras asked to clarify.

Arandis shook her head. "No, I wouldn't have sex with that person then because I wouldn't know if I could truly trust that person to not still try doing what I don't want. But yes, you are correct, I would not be dead set against having sex with that person because of me not wanting sex, but in that situation I would be dead set against having sex with that person because I cannot trust that person anymore."

"And because of that I do think that Risan make good whores, but no, I don't think that all Risan are whores," Maras said, feeling that she had gotten across what her view on the subject was.

"Do you think I'm a whore?" Arandis asked.

"No. And I never thought that," Maras said right away. "But I am curious as to how come you were thinking with things other than your head when you blocked my admittance to the slave market," She then added. "I mean, it would be another thing if she... you did say she, right?"

"I did."

"Right, if she had threatened to cut you off. I could sympathize with that. As much as I have sex, I would go insane if I couldn't get some for more than a week. But it's different with you Risan. You don't do the monogamous thing. Even if you are married it is normal to have sex with whomever you want. So how could she influence your business dealings with sex?"

"I told you, it's complicated."

"Well, if you don't want to talk about it, it's fine, really," Maras said with a shrug.

Arandis sighed and looked at the Orion in silence for a moment. Finally she spoke up. "It's... look, that whole sleeping with others when you are married, it's true. But that only works for as long as it's normal. It's normal that both partners sleep with others because that is just sex, it isn't the love that the partners share. But that love thing also makes it dangerous if a partner wants to use you. Because as much as you have sex with others, you want to make love to your lover, and if she suddenly starts to deny you, you want to make her happy. It's little things first. Getting her a drink, agreeing with her plans for the next day, and it goes from there. Love makes you want to make love, not just have sex, but make love. And, forgive me the crude expression, but if you are so pussy-whipped as I was then, you do a damn lot."

"Pussy-whipped?" Maras asked before bursting our laughing. "God, that's one thing I never heard a Risan say."

"Well, we talk about us Risan pretty much always being ready for having sex, but just like all other species we have people that are really good at it, and people that stink at it. She was really good,"

Arandis closed her eyes, clearly thinking back. "Damn good actually, she added with a sexy purr. "I wanted her. I needed her like the air that I breathe. I needed her to make me feel like nobody had ever made me feel."

"But in general you Risan really are ready to have sex any minute of the day?"

"In general, yes," Arandis agreed. "In fact, I could enjoy some sex right now. But you have to make a difference between being ready to have sex, and being horny. We are always ready to have sex, but that doesn't mean that we are horny all the time. In fact, we are only rarely horny. As I said, wanting to make love is different. That we can have so much that it's a craving. But horny as in simply 'needing sex now or I will explode', I don't recall ever having that once in my entire life. With us, sex, and not making love to make the difference once again, but sex... it's a social thing. It's like... well, it's the same as playing a game of colored hoops with someone. It's nice, we like it, but we won't die or really even mind if we don't do it."

She indicated Maras with a wave of her hand. "You Orions, like you said yourself, you pretty much need to have sex three times a day just to get rid of being horny so that you don't go insane. We Risan, we are ready for sex any minute of the day, we want it at all times, but we don't 'need' it like you do. I have gone a whole year without sex once, right before I met the woman that played me like I just said."

Arandis suddenly stopped and asked, as if the subject of their talk had only now registered, "But what's with all these questions about Risan and sex? Are you trying to get me aroused or something? I would really not be amused to find out that all this being nice stuff is just because you need some, and there is nobody available that is willing to give."

"That's not it," Maras assured, not really being offended by the question because she realized that her own questions could be interpreted that way. "I know where to go for sex. Hell, with wanting it three times a day, and me having no partner, do you really think that I didn't know the way to the fifth deck?"

"You visit the whores?" Arandis asked amused.

"Hey, just the fact that I consider them whores doesn't mean that I don't do business with them. It's a profession, and they provide a service that I for one really need. We were talking about what I consider whores, not whether I object to them existing. No, the reason why I'm asking is because I'm curious. I have had sex with a Risan once but, well, let's just say that wasn't any talking involved. We both knew why I was in that club. Besides, according to my own definition those people on the fifth deck aren't whores because I'm not paying them."

"No, but Torres is," Arandis reminded. "Or more to the point, those Physical Servants are in contract with Torres because she owned the sex slaves before so that her crew had a place to go if they didn't have their own slave or a partner."

She checked the time before adding, "And talking about them, isn't it time for you to go visit there?"

"I may need it three times a day, but even I can wait a little if needed," Maras said with a grin. "Told you; only going totally without for a week or so drives me pretty much insane, so I can miss one time in one day without much trouble. I found our conversation much more important. It's interesting to get to know you Arandis. And Arandis, now that I know you, and now that we both know that I don't need to say it just to get Torres of my back. I do apologize for basically calling you a whore. That was out of line, and not what I think of you. I just said that because I knew it would hurt you. I acted immature and apologize for that as well."

Arandis smiled and dipped her head a little. "Apology accepted. Let's consider that in the past and today, this conversation, our new start."

"I would like that," Maras assured. "Thank you for being so forgiving."

"Sooo, are you leaving now?" Arandis asked.

Maras laughed. "To go to deck five? Truly, it's not 'that' bad. I'm not a slave to my lust. I can skip the visit to deck five if need be. Unless you are trying to tell me that it's time for me to leave."

"No, I'm not trying to tell you that you should leave," Arandis assured. "I'm just trying to make sure that you realize that I won't be offended if you do. But since you asked me, let me ask you. Your sex drive, is it really that bad? I... I never have been with an Orion, so I wouldn't know."

"We really do need release a lot," Maras assured. "We can literally go insane if we don't get any for a too long a time. It's not pretty. I..." Maras lowered her head a little before admitting, "I was in a situation once where I couldn't take care of, um, myself. By the eight day there finally was a chance and I literally got on my knees and begged someone I didn't even know to have sex with me."

She sighed. "That's an added curse by the way. We can take care of ourselves. We can masturbate. But it doesn't compare to having sex with another person, a real person. The holodeck is just like masturbating to us. But doing it yourself... it's... well, it's like only eating bread. Sure it stills the huger for that moment. But eventually it's not enough. Even if you just had your bread, you still crave a real dinner. And we need that. We need those added sensations. To smell a different person, to taste them, to see their reactions, to hear them. A holodeck just isn't real enough. We feel the difference."

"Orion are slightly empathic," Arandis said. "I know you don't like to talk about it and prefer that people don't know. But I did have the sexual education lessons at school. "I think you call it touch empathic?"

"Yeah," Maras admitted. "That's not really true though. It's the same empathic abilities that the Betazoids have, just that their empathic filed is really strong and they can feel someone hundred of meters sway, some really powerful Betazoids even kilometers away. While our empathic abilities are really weak only extent half a meter around us pretty much. So people that know about it think that it's touch empathic because half a meter is well inside someone's personal space and you normally only come that close to touch someone."

"And it's clear to see that it's true that you Orions don't like to talk about that," Arandis noted. "Don't worry, I won't mention it again."

Maras was still looking down but looked back up at those words. She managed a smile and, with some effort she brought her normal confident self back to the surface. "But anyway, to come back to your questions, in general... I'm actually pretty much average for what the drive for Orion women is concerned. I, and most Orion women, need release three times a day just to go through life relaxed and not be at least irritated because of penned up energy. But as I just said, that doesn't necessarily means that we have sex with someone three times a day. The morning and afternoon one, normally I do that at home myself. At night I normally go to deck five, but even that I can skip a day or so as long as I can indulge in some time at home to take care of the problem."

Letting her eyes drift over the Orion's body, Arandis made a mental choice and stated, "Now that, I consider a shame. You should find yourself someone that is willing to have sex as often as you need it."

"What? One of those Klingons?" Maras asked with a snort. "No thanks. First of all, I don't like their kind of sex, and yes I tried and know that the stories are exaggerated, but I still don't like it. Second of all, even if I wanted to, they have different hours than I keep so that I can interact directly with the people in our government. We just wouldn't find the time."

"Then maybe you need to look for someone inside the Phoenix Alliance government," Arandis suggested. "There are a lot of species in the Phoenix Alliance government, I'm sure that there is one that will fit your sexual preferences. For instance, it is well known that the Orion and Risan get along very well. The need and want for sex is well covered by the species characteristics of both Orion and Risan; Orions always needing it, and Risan always ready for it. And in general the way they have sex seem to be very similar and very enjoyable for both sides."

"Um, there is only one Risan in Seven's Government," Maras stated the very obvious.

"Well, don't you like that one?" Arandis asked with a smirk.

Maras grinned at the question while in the back of her mind it registered that the Risan could even make a smirk look incredibly sexy. "To be honest with you, it's that until tonight I was trying to make myself believe that I hated that particular Risan, but,"

Maras lowered her head and looked at the Risan through her eyelashes, trying her best to look sexy herself, and succeeding very well at it. "But I have to admit that she did enter my mind more than once when I was alone and taking care of my urges."

"From the first moment I laid eyes on you in that hanger I liked you," Arandis admitted. "Then you started to act like you did and I didn't much like you because of that. But that attraction you have on me never fully went away. And now, with us starting anew I think I would like to explore that attraction a little. I think I would really like to have you at least once a day, and as far as I'm concerned I wouldn't mind having you three times a day, to have you over for a visit three times a day, I mean."

Then Arandis became a little bit more serious. "But, let me be clear. I am Risan, don't think that just because you come over regularly that you will be the only one. I don't know if there will be others, but there might be."

"I know what you are offering, and appreciate it very much," Maras assured. "Besides, Risan are not the only ones that sleep with people they are not attached to. As often as we Orion need sex, do you really think that we stay away from it just because we are married or in a relationship? If I was in a relationship and my girlfriend was back home, do you think I wouldn't be visiting deck five just to stay sane? We too know that body and mind are not the same thing. This is merely equal convenience. Just like you would not find it strange if I nevertheless go to deck five if I want something else, I for one won't find it strange if someone else might be here."

"Well, I did offer you regular times, so I would make sure I have the time then, simply out of courtesy if nothing else," Arandis assured. "But there are two more things. First, I do expect that you return the favor. This will be not just about getting rid of your urges, I want to be rewarded for the help."

"Another fifty/fifty deal?" Maras asked amused. "Don't worry you just mentioned what I was hoping would be the case. I like to give as much as I like to get."

"Good to know. And lastly, keep it interesting. If it's always same old, same old, I get bored and I will end the agreement."

"If you do me the favor of telling me if that ever happens so that I can work on it before losing the deal," Maras countered.

"I'll do just that," Arandis assured. "Oh, wait, one more thing."

"Yes?" Maras asked with a frown.

"Since we have to work together, whatever happens in here, stays in here. In fact, I'm going to implement a clothing rule. If we are anything but fully clothed we are no longer part of Seven's government."

"I could take my shoes of as soon as I enter," Maras suggested with a smile. "You know, there is the chance that we might actually talk a little or do something else than just have sex. So considering no shoes as not being fully dressed would cover that as well."

"That'll do," Arandis agreed before taking her shoes off and winking at Maras.

Maras winked back and also took her shoes off. "So, now what? These are your quarters, so you are in charge here."

"Really?" Arandis asked a little surprised. "Just now or in general?"

"In general, unless I feel uncomfortable with it and then I'll let you know," Maras assured. "Should also combat that same old same old thing. Don't you think? Don't worry too much about what I would like and more about what you would want. That's another thing about us Orions, we are easy in more ways than one. All I ask is that there is a peak so that my body gets the hormones it needs. We don't really care much about the how that happens, as long as it's fun."

"I think that I'm really going to like this," Arandis said with a broad smile. "Alright, since I'm in charge here, why don't you start by getting naked? I must admit that your green skin fascinates me very much, and I want to see all of it. Show me."

Maras slowly started to open her clothing and Arandis was surprised to see those green hands shake. "Are you nervous?"

"A bit," Maras agreed. "Enough to have my stomach feel like it's doing flips. But if you mean the shaking, that is something else. That's raw lust."

"Really?" Arandis asked, pulling her top over her head, smiling when she saw those black eyes going directly to her lace covered breasts. It was exactly for occasions like this that Arandis always wore very sexy and seductive underwear. "Are you that excited?"

"About to burst," Maras assured as she slipped off her own bra and exposed her ample chest to the Risan. "You know? Orion? Turning us on is like flipping a switch; that easy. Oh, and just so that you know, when we Orion women come, it's hard. We don't just go over the top; we storm over it. So don't be surprised by it, or think that I'm exaggerating. Believe me, you'll know when I'm there."

"Will be interesting to see," Arandis assured. "Hmm, green nipples. Really all about you is green, isn't it? Even your black hair, eyes, and nails are really just very dark green. I like it. Let me see if I can lick that green color off those nipples. Come here you; I want to suck them and feel them in my mouth."

Maras didn't have to be asked twice and practically flew to the Risan, only to groan when warm lips captured one of her aching buds. After moment of glorious torture, Maras moved away a little. "I really would like to work on that fifty/fifty thing. I want to see you, touch you, feel you, suck you."

"Let's move to the bedroom," Arandis happily suggested.

~~~~~~~{}~~~~~~~

Elegant caramel colored fingers leisurely trailed over green skin as Arandis was lying on her side beside Maras, who was lying on her back. The fingers playfully moved op the swell of one of the Orion's ample breasts, only to play with the nipple and tease it into erectness again.

"Good god," Maras finally managed to say.

"I consider that a compliment," Arandis said amused, pinching the nipple softly before moving on. "Such a nice body. So tasty too."

"How the hell did you manage that?" Maras asked. "I never, nobody ever made me, I didn't know I could." She hesitated for a moment to sort her thoughts. "And here I thought a good strong orgasm was all that mattered. I don't think I could get out of bed right now."

Arandis laughed and playfully tapped a finger against the Orion's nose. "It's the difference, sweetie. It's the difference between sleeping with a Risan whore and a Risan lover."

"Am I ever gonna live that down?" Maras asked. "I did apologize."

"Easy, sweetie," Arandis soothed, "I'm just messing with you. But yes, I do have the feeling it won't be the last time you hear me refer to it. But that's alright, I should have something to tease you with here in the privacy of my quarters."

Maras finally managed to find the energy to move. She rolled, making her end up on top of the Risan. "Alright, if that's what you want. As long as you remember that I don't think that of you. Now tell me, how did you do that, that felt incredible. I can honestly say that you are the best I ever had, and that is including relationships. Normally a first time should not be like this; we still have to find all the right spots."

Arandis laughed. "You, my dear, have to find all the right spots. You were alright, but I expect you to become perfect at making love to a Risan."

"Sorry," Maras started, only to be stopped by a finger placed against her lips.

"Don't be. Instead be glad," Arandis said still chuckling. "Because this is good for you. It means that I was satisfied by your performance. And it means that we'll be spending lots of time between the sheets as I train you how I want it just right."

"Well, if you put it like that," Maras relented. "But still, how were you able to do that to me? I never felt so good, it never felt so good. I never thought that just having an orgasm that sends me over could ever feel better than,"

"Then crashing over like you are chased by a horde of wild animals?" Arandis suggested.

"Well, yes."

"I wasn't kidding, sweetie," Arandis assured. "You just made love to a Risan, instead of just having sex with one. It does make a lot of difference. While I never slept with an Orion before, that doesn't mean I didn't study them. Risan trained slaves aren’t the only ones that know about sex. Sweetie, who do you think trains them? I had two years of sex education in school. Erm, with us Risan that means one class in school is dedicated to it, and not the full training the slaves get. Still three hours of theoretical training each week. I know all the right spots on an Orion woman. And since we just made love instead of just having sex, I pulled on all my knowledge to make you feel good."

"Thank you," Maras could only reply to that.

Arandis laughed. "Believe me, it was my pleasure. I'm kinda surprised, to be honest. Since we talked about it, I know you won't be offended when I say that I know that you slept with a lot of people. A lot. Hell, with you needing to sleep with people so that you don't go insane that part isn't really surprising."

"Then what is the surprising part?" Maras asked as she rolled on her back again, smiling when immediately those skilled fingers started to trail over her body again. She decided that she really liked how the Risan did that.

"The surprising part is what might offend you," Arandis warned. "So, don't go storming out of bed and being all huffy alright? But what surprises me is that a woman that has had sex with so many people never made love before. You have had relationships you said, there was that woman that left you because you had to make business deal on days she wanted you to spend time with her. So how can it be that I'm the first person you ever made love to? And don't worry; your secret is save with me."

Maras was quiet for a long time before finally noting, "I thought I was the person with empathic powers here."

"I don't have need empathic abilities to be able to look at your face, sweetie. All I need is a want to make love with the lights on so that I can all the little details. It started out with you doing something you had to do, oh, you wanted to do it, you wanted to have sex with me, but you also had to. As you said yourself, we were at a time where you would normally been going to deck five if we hadn't been talking."

"And it changed about ten minutes in," Maras guessed. "That time when you kinda took over the leading."

Arandis nodded in agreement.

Maras sighed. "I should really tell you that it's none of your business.

Arandis smiled. "But now that you had me, you are scared shitless that you could offend me and make me call an end to our little agreement and you would have to go find your fun again with your favorite worker on deck five."

"Yes," Maras admitted.

Arandis leaned in and treated the Orion to a sweet kiss. "I think I like that. I been on the other side, I been the pussy whipped one and didn't like it. I think I like having such a person be at my mercy though. Don't worry, I really like your strong, independent, and self-assured attitude way too much to want to mess with that. But, yes, I think I really would like to have you be in need of my pussy so much that you will relend and give me my way when I want it. That it's a real need with you only enhances the whole image."

"Just don't try to cut me off," Maras warned. "Unlike that your girlfriend did with you, no matter how much I like you, I will always fulfill my needs."

"Yes, yes, I know," Arandis assured. "Different thing, hell, different species. You are Orion, you need. It's not a matter of want, you need. Still I don't see you going to deck five any time seem because you are in the mood for say, a human, today, if you know that you could be with me and have what we just had instead."

"Well, there is that," Maras agreed.

"But I will use it," Arandis said, not having forgotten what she had asked. "Like now. So tell me, I'm curious and want to know, how come I'm the first person you ever truly made love to?"

"And if I don't tell you, then tomorrow morning we will just have a quickie to get rid of my urges, but it won't be like what we just had?"

Arandis smiled as her wandering fingers softly trailed over the Orion's center. "Something like that. Or more realistically, since we can't do what we just did every time because of time restrains and quickies will have to be had, maybe tomorrow morning the quickie will be just that; a quickie. Or maybe it would be more like you having to work extra hard to satisfy me before I even give you that quickie."

"I don't think I'll like that whole pussy whipped thing," Maras noted, and thereby admitted that she truly was at the Risan's mercy, up to a point.

"You will," Arandis assured. "There are also things like makeup sex and the fun of pleasing me to easy my ruffled feathers to look forward to. Trust me; you will love it. I'll make sure of that. But as much as you need, what you also need it someone that challenges you a bit, that makes things interesting. As good as what we just had was. How long do you think it will be before it is just the normal and not special if I don't make you work for it sometimes?"

"Hmm, I guess you have a point," Maras admitted. "Alright, if you really want to know, the answer is that being an Orion can be a double edged sword. We Orion, man and woman... or should I say boy and girl... start having sex as soon as puberty sets in. Obviously with our need for sex being driven by hormones, you won't find a single person on Orion that will object to the age of a person when they are having sex. Only the consenting part. As much as I need sex, I really don't like to do the group thing that done by some of us. I would never consent to that."

"What, you never had a threesome even?" Arandis asked surprised.

"I take it you have," Maras noted.

Arandis shrugged. "Sure, several times actually. I think the closest I can come to you there is the fact that I don't go out looking for it. In my experience sex is best one on one. And if you make it three then the third one is often just watching and playing with herself while it's her time to participate and have someone else watch."

"Ah, so I don't have to worry about you suggesting we share some quality time with a visiting friend," Maras said amused.

"Nah," Arandis assured. "That's covered by us Risan never needing but always wanting. Believe it or not, two Risan can meet and spend an evening together without having sex."

"Sorry," Maras said, knowing that her statement could be interpreted that way.

Arandis waved her off. "Don't worry about it. I'll let you apologize in great detail tomorrow night."

Now Maras laughed. "I think there might be benefits to that pussy whipped thing after all. Alright, see the thing is, I started to have sex once I hit puberty, which started at age ten with me. I had sex the first time two weeks after my tenth birthday."

Maras stopped Arandis from speaking by gently pacing her hand over the Risan's mouth. "Shhh, remember, Orion. There is a reason why we have laws that deal with the fact that sex is not restricted by the Coalition laws for Orion's. It's the age reference. Most people won't bat an eye when I tell them I had sex for the first time when my puberty began. But most are shocked to find out that this mean that I had sex for the first time at age ten; right after I just turned ten even."

"Yeah, it is," Arandis admitted. "I think it works the other way with us. Since we Risan don't ever get that need to have sex now or else, none of us do, that urge to have sex as soon as hormones start to mess with us also isn't there. With us it's more a case of it eventually happening at some time because we are bored and we are with a friend that is bored as well. Hey, let's do that sex thing and see if it really is that fun. Most Risan don't have sex before the age of eighteen."

"And after you had that sex and realize that it's fun you spend your life making up for last time," Maras said before assuring, "Kidding. I get you. It's more that after that time you found out that it really can be fun and therefore it becomes an activity to do when friends are together and are wondering what to do. Should we play this new game on the holodeck, or should we just get naked and have sex instead of having to bother with finding a holodeck."

"Something like that," Arandis agreed. "Which is why I consider most times I had sex making love. I had sex with people just too easy their need, kinda like the deal we agreed to, just that with them it was a case of a non-Risan fiend being horny and me not mining to take care of that by spreading my legs for five minutes, as you would have called it a day ago."

"You really will not let me live that down, will you?" Maras asked with a scowl.

"Nope," Arandis happily assured. I have way too much fun with you not wanting to agree, and at the same time both of us knowing that it is what you would have said of a Risan that you don't know."

"Hmm," Maras said before continuing, figuring that it was best to get her little secret out of the way so that she wouldn't have to talk about it anymore. "Well, the thing is, as I said, I had sex from the age of ten. And by the time I hit eleven my schedule of three times per day was set. Soon that became only it. I knew that to feel relaxed and not be a troubled teen I had to have sex three times per day. It's not just me by the way. It goes as far that is an Orion teenager is having trouble in school that the first thing that is asked when they call in the parents for a talk is, 'does your child get enough sex'?"

"It became a task," Arandis said in understanding. "And never got the time to become something you do simply because you want to have some fun, like I do with my friends."

"Yeah," Maras agreed. "Empathized by the fact that I was surrounded by other Orion in the same predicament. I didn't have a privileged childhood. Most people that see me today, that know that I'm worth tens of billions... well, tens of billion in assets right now... can't imagine that at some point is was just a kid that was snooping around the market places to look and see how those people were making all those credits. Didn't these people that were buying that stuff with broad smiles realize that they had just been conned? That the seller had only paid half of that."

"That is until you discovered the joy of taxes, stand fees, distribution prices, and having to charge more just to cover the costs of products you don't sell," Arandis assumed.

Maras nodded. "And then I learned to find the margins. I started to sell apples on the street. That's how I made my first credits. A guy at a fruit stall had enough of me lounging about and gave me a try of apples to sell. He assumed he would never see me again; he hoped he would never see me again. But half an hour later I came back with the tray and no apples and asked him what his split was. He works for me now. He is the director of my fresh produce department."

"You do keep your people in mind," Arandis said, reminding the Orion that she knew that part of her dealings only too well.

"Yeah," Maras agreed. "But starting out like that, not wanting to fail, it gives stress."

Arandis let her hand drift over one of the Orion's firm breasts and playfully tugged at the nipple a bit before saying in understanding, "And let me guess, Orions deal with stress by getting laid."

"We do," Maras agreed. "So there I was, a kid, then a teenager, then a young successful business person, then what you see now, and all that time I had sex three times a day, sometimes in really stressful moments even four times. It was just a task to do. Just like doing your hair because you want to have a certain look. Just like taking a shower because you don't want to stink. A task, nothing more. Then you try your relationships. Try it with people that also grew up with sex just being a task to do. You do the snuggling thing on the couch, the cuddling thing. But then you get up and go to the bedroom and perform that task you both need doing so that you can get a relaxed night of sleep."

Maras sighed before admitting, "You are right; today I made love for the first time in my life. And it felt incredible. Not a task to perform, but making live to a very talented lover."

Arandis gently brushed aside some of those black hairs before cupping the Orion's cheek. You make me feel sorry for you sweetie."

Maras smiled. "You asked. I prefer to not tell people this stuff."

"So I did," Arandis agreed. "And I'm glad I did. I like knowing that. It will help in letting me know how to play you."

An eyebrow lifted. "Play me?"

Arandis nodded. "Sure. I think that's what you really need. Don't worry, I promised you three times per day, and you get that. But we wouldn't want what we just shared to slip into just another task, would we?"

"Please don't tell me you will have me work like crazy just to get into your pants each time," Maras almost begged.

Arandis laughed. "No sweetie. Not all the time. I like to start my day off nice and relaxed. Making you work like crazy so that I finally can pretend to give in would be just silly and a waste of both our times. So that one will be your freebie. The one where I'll even start it off about half the time and it will even seem like I'm the one that is in desperate need and that you are doing me a favor. The afternoon one will not be hard too. You just have to show how much you want me instead of letting it show that you just have an itch that needs scratching. Just raving me like you have been waiting a month to do so. I kinda really like that to be honest. A bit more work, but still short enough that it can fit into an extended lunch break."

"That only leaves the evenings," Maras noted.

"It does," Arandis agreed. "And that is the time where you have to work for it a bit. Don't worry, I don't like begging. But I am partial to being offered a drink. Some nice conversation over dinner. Here or in public, your choice. Maybe some cuddling on the couch before so that it doesn't look like you are watching at the clock to see when the time is to get naked. Maybe on those days where you had a calm day and are a bit relaxed to start with you keep me company as we listen to some music or watch some stuff on the entertainment channels. Only so that when we do finally go to bed, we can continue the theme and I can treat you to some nice, slow, and teasing love that many a person would spend tens of thousands of credits to experience."

"That sure doesn't sound like your first deal of us simply having sex three times per day as long as I keep it interesting," Maras noted.

Arandis reached down and pulled the sheet up over them before shrugging. "True. And that offer still stands and if you want, you can have that. I would be cool with that too. But do you really what to? What is it you want, sweetie? You want to have sex three times per day, or do you want to work a bit for it and make love three times per day?"

"That pussy-whipped thing does have its drawbacks, doesn't it," Maras sighed.

"Not really," Arandis disagreed. "Because in a real situation like that, the reason you do things for the other is because otherwise she will cut you off. There is a reason why the word 'pussy' is so prominent in that statement. I don't threaten to cut you off. I'm just giving you a choice between going on as you have been, just filling your sex need and wait until next time, or to finally understand why people call it making love instead of making sex. You 'have' sex, like you 'have' something to eat, like you 'have' an itch that needs scratching. But you 'make' love, like you make art, like you 'make' a friendship. It's a bit more work, yes, but trust me on this, sweetie, the rewards is worth the work."

"Like having you call me 'sweetie' all the time?" Maras asked, getting around to the idea and deciding that she definitely wanted more from this woman than just scheduled sex.

"You don't like it?" Arandis wondered.

"I do," Maras assured. "I just also happen to realize that I never heard you say that to anyone else before."

Arandis smiled her sexy trademark Risan small that could bring people their knees begging to spend the night with her. "That's because it's a special endearment to me. It's what my mother always called me. I don't just call anyone that happens to land between my sheets that."

"Ooh, you mean I'm special?" Maras asked.

"If you want to be, you can be," Arandis assured. "I be honest with you, when we entered this room I most definitely did not expect this. But I think that we two really click. As long as you don't try to hate me you are actually a really likable person, and one of the few people on this ship that can understand me. That will be able to hear me say that I had sex with someone else and then ask me with a genuine smile if I had fun. Just like you, I really love the job I'm doing. The work I do literally betters the life of billions of people. I see myself being part of this endeavor for a long, long time. But, the one thing that I'm really missing is that person that keeps me company, that I can chat with when I call it a day. That I can tell about how this or that person really frustrated me."

Arandis brushed some hairs behind Maras' air before assuring, "Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking something as heavy as love here. More like two people that understand each other spending time together. I would kinda like someone in my life that is just that bit more special to me than just being one of my many friends."

She gently trailed her fingers over Maras cheek before asking, "Tell me; just how special do you want to be?"

Maras captured the hand and placed a kiss on those elegant fingers. Then she nodded. "Alright, let's try it your way. After all, you did agree that I can have the other way if it doesn't work out with the whole pussy whipped thing."

Arandis laughed. "Business person true and true. I never said that, sweetie. But yeah, you should have some assurance too. Alright, if you end up not liking this way, and I still like you enough to stick to my original offer, then the other option is there for you."

"I'm not the only business person here," Maras noted. "'If I still like you enough' you say."

Arandis winked. "Always have an opt-out clause; it can save your ass."

"Come here you." Maras said as she pulled her lover on top of her. "That's gonna be a problem we need to talk about. You freaking blew my mind. Before we entered this bed I was so sure that it was so easy. Screw around, and when I walk out that door we are just colleagues."

"I knew that wasn't gonna happen," Arandis admitted. "Maybe it is the first time you made love that plays here as well. Because until now, that's what you could do just fine; screw around, and ten minutes later you would be able to shoot down any business deal they offer you simply because you don't like it. Now you can't. Because you do like me. You see me and remember how wonderful I made you feel. You talk to me and give in where you shouldn't because you know it won't cost you your head if you agree to some deal, and you are making me happy."

"You make it sound like you slept with me to make your own life easy," Maras noted.

Arandis chuckled. "Now, that would make me a whore, wouldn't it sweetie? Nah, don't worry. I wasn't kidding. Even on Risa when I saw you there, my first thought of you was a very carnal 'tasty'. I wanted you in my bed even before I knew who you were. And if you hadn't been such an ass after finding out who I was, chances were big you would have been laid that day after getting me a nice dinner and then suggesting we go to your room and talk a bit about releasing my ship. But, yes, I'm not stupid, I did know that unless we really just had straight up sex, you would be more open to listening what I have to say. But no, once that decision was made by me, that I would go all the way with you, as in treating you to all my skills from the start, after that, the business part went to the background again. It's just a nice benefit for me sweetie."

She shrugged. "And remember what we said before, you are an Orion with the need for sex, and I'm a Risan that is always in the mood. The monogamist thing isn't for either of us. You will sleep with others, as will I. So why shouldn't we make our time together more special then that, even if it means it benefits us both in our official life."

"When I see a request coming by from you," Maras started.

"You will look at it first before looking at other requests of other people, true," Arandis interrupted. "But that still doesn't mean that you will suddenly grand me all that I ask for, or that I will start asking silly stuff for that matter. Simply because we both know that even though we are making the deal, Seven still looks at every deal her Ministers make."

"There is truth in that," Maras agreed. "Even though she told us how she can do that, I'm still amazed that within half an hour she can read all the stuff we, all her ministers, did."

"All the deal we make and send to her for approval," Arandis corrected. "Not literally all we do. It's just that she took a page from Torres' book and she also checks some other things and we will never know what else she checked unless we have to explain why we did this or that. So what it comes down to is, yes, I'll benefit from you being totally pussy-whipped and at my mercy, as we will both like it to have when we settled into that. But it sure won't give me a free reign."

She shrugged before adding, "More so since you as Minister of Commerce may be the one that sees if funds need to be allocated or if we can self-sustain the items that are needed from one of our divisions, but most of the times other Ministers are involved too. You may approve the renovating of a resort, but the Minister of Labor still has to allocate the people to do it and will also see what you approved, and step to Seven if she think it sounds fishy."

"There is that," Maras agreed. Then she decided on a line she could live with. "Well as you pointed out earlier today, Seven has clearly stated that the sex industry should have high priority. So it won't be too weird if I favor you in dealing with your requests a bit faster."

"There you go," Arandis beamed. "And the best thing is, others won't even really notice it since it's just me and I don't send in that many requests that it would take you hours to deal with it. Come on, stop worrying. You know Seven doesn't mind relationships in her government. Hell her Betazoid Adviser and her Minister or Education are on a romantic getaway as we speak."

"And she herself is in a relationship, to be married even, to her own Political Adviser," Maras agreed. "Alright. Enough worrying for now. Want to hear another interesting fact about us Orion instead?"

"Sure," Arandis agreed. She was still lying on top of her lover and felt that hands started to roam over her body.

"Interesting this is," Maras started, "As much as we Orion need to have sex, once we had our peak we had enough for a few hours until lit start building again ready for the next time."

"I distinctly remember more than one peak," Arandis said amused.

"There was," Maras agreed. "And consider that something to be smug about. But the thing is, right now I should be really just wanting to go to sleep."

Arandis felt those hands coming to a rest on her behind and starting to squeeze a little. So she guessed the obvious. "But you want something else now?"

"I do," Maras agreed.

"And just what is it you want?" Arandis teased. She sure was up for a bit more fun with her new lover.

"I want you," Maras said the expected. Arandis smiled, only to have that smile disappear with the next words. "In my life, for more than just that."

Arandis hesitated for a moment, thinking, deciding, reflecting on her new position in life between a new group of people. And when she saw worry start to build in those black eyes she made her decision and nodded. "You have me. As long as you treat me right, you have me. But let's build it a bit. For now, you will stay the night. It would be kinda daft anyway for you to leave once we are done, only to come back in a few hours for round one of the next day. Do you snore?"

Maras shook her hear.

"I do," Arandis admitted. "But just a bit. And seeing how I'm a Risan I do it of course very cutely."

"Of course," Maras said with a chuckle. Will I need ear plugs to keep out the cuteness?"

Arandis laughed. "It's really not bad. I won't keep you awake. It really has been described as cute by more than one person. Granted, it were people that wanted to not offend the Risan in hopes to get another romp next time we were to meet, but still." Then she sighed and admitted. "I have a really nasty morning temper. One of the reasons why I offered your morning romp to be your freebie. I would not be in the mood for romancing. But as I said, I do like to start my day off nice and relaxed. Normally I meditate, but I have a feeling you could take the place of my meditation. Call it my more carnal meditation."

"Nasty as in snapping at people that just say morning to you?" Maras wondered. She would never have suspected that the always dignified woman would be prone to such undignified beginnings of the day.

"Eh," Arandis said, kinda glad that her admittance of one of her biggest character flaws was received with such ease. "More like me glaring at you for talking. Maybe even a growl if you are to call it a good morning."

Maras chuckled. "Maybe that would be interesting, I love how you purr when you are receiving."

"Erm, yeah," Arandis said, blushing a little. "Please don't ever tell anyone I do that. It's my little private thing. As casual as we Risan are about sex, all of us pick something else that we consider our private thing. But just in that teaching you line, remember it. It means you are doing something very right."

"So you would be offended if I even mentioned the putting with someone around to tease you a bit," Maras wondered.

"I would."

"Alright, then I won't," The Orion assured. "I'll consider that my very little private part of you that is all mine. I just pretend to not know others heard it to."

"Not that many have," Arandis pointed out. "Remember, most of the time I just have sex, just like you. I only get to the point of purring point when I'm in a relationship." Then her eyes wend wide as she realized what she just said. "Um, I mean,"

"I consider it a compliment," Maras said. "And I like hearing the other part. But we will build, find that line where it's right for us. Because as you said, we both know there will be others."

Arandis nodded her agreement.

"As for that morning temper," Maras asked, "Is it triggered by smells too?"

"Smells," Arandis asked confused.

Maras smirked. "As in breakfast smells, you dope. Not the nice smells that surround us right now. I like to make my breakfast from ingredients. That is what that kitchen counter is meant for, you know? Seeing that you just said that I'll be spending the night, how about it, think your morning temper would be sated by us first making love, and after that, as you relax a bit longer in bed, I go make breakfast and tease you out of bed with the smells."

"There is potential in that," Arandis allowed. "As for staying the night, um, I was just talking about tonight."

"Oh," Maras said, glancing away.

Arandis gently pushed her lover's head back until they were looking at each other again. "My, my, you got it bad, don't you my little Orion beauty?"

Before Maras could reply, Arandis continued. "

But let us rectify that little misunderstanding there. "Until further notice, you will be spending the nights here. "You got that, my little pussy-whipped sweetie? I say so, and resistance is futile."

Maras laughed. "You are spending too much time with Seven. Well if you say so then I guess it just has to be that way. After all, I do want me some of that pussy."

Now Arandis smiled. "There we go we will get us joking about that all in no time." Arandis noticed that the hands on her behind started to gently but instantly pus her up.

"I said that I want me some of that pussy," Maras repeated. "Move it woman; I want my evening snack."

Arandis laughed as she more than willingly moved her center above her lover's mouth. And not much later, she was purring once more.

~~~~~~~{}~~~~~~~

Chapter 17