Archive of Our Own

Work Text

Dinner With a Spy
      Monitoring for all Alliance communications was one thing, now adding in both Imperial and Republic movement had Theron Shan up to his eyeballs in work.  With the disappearance of Shae Vizla and the questionable state of their Mandalorian allies, Theron was at his wits end.  The commander was never as concerned about these things as Theron believed that he should be.  Add on top of it that their new sons were due soon and the former Republic spy was certain he was going to lose his mind.     Lana and his daughter, Ceryl, seem to have decided he needed help.  Help had the uncanny habit of taking him for everything that they could and selling him down the river to suit their own gain.  This time around their deceit wouldn’t just hurt him.  Now he had his husband to look out for and not two but five children.  How in the stars did he end up going from talking his partner into having one more child, now that their girls were grown, to three?  If he stopped to give it any thought it was overwhelming.  They had adopted Karberos’s apprentice and somehow, by the will of the Force, their one son turned out to be twins.     To be honest, Theron couldn’t remember a time he was more satisfied with his personal life.  The whole no attachments Jedi thing could be damned.  But having so much in his life to care for, to be grateful for and protective of left him in an endless solar storm of worry.  Nothing could get past him if it could harm any one of them.     Assistants.  That made Theron laugh.  Bad enough he had to watch everyone else, now he had these two skilled intelligence operatives to watch on top of it.  He should just repurpose their function, subtly.  The commander already signed off on them and put them in place, without his consent none the less.  That pissed him off, but Karberos was correct, he would have refused if asked.  His husband would never get it.  You’d think being a Sith all of those years that he would, but no.  Maybe it wasn’t that he didn’t get it so much as he just didn’t care.  He’d never played into subtly.  He was definitely the type to lay down the gauntlet of challenge and simply wait for anyone with the strength or balls to pick it up.     At his normal duty station perched in front of one of the strategic command tables tucked in the corner of the Alliance War Room, Theron scanned through hundreds of thousands of messages, pushing the processing speed of his newly replaced, state of the art implants to their limits.  The upgrades were amazing.  Ceryl had talked him into it after all of the issues with the Gemini droid.  Though they could find no evidence of it, one of them being compromised was the droid’s most likely source of information.  They’d had them replaced together, which they tried to make a point of whenever possible.  It was a logical precaution.  The only common electronic thread between he and his lover were their implants.  To this day they had tracking and communications on one another.  The “Lover’s Special”, as Dr. Oggurobb’s son, Dr. Ilirod Oggurobb had dubbed it during a sales promotion so many years ago.  They loved it, and with the new technology from Iokath, it was so much better now.     The Carbonite freezing Ceryl had gone through after killing the Emperor had fried a lot of his.  The cataclysm of events that followed had his partner’s replaced and upgraded without Theron.  It led to a suboptimal connection.  Now they were back in sync.  The way they should be.     “Agent Shan?” repeated the man who had approached.  He was a well-defined, light furred cathar with Republic roots and no history of SIS service.  Halston Briggs was thirty-seven with several years of slicing and holonet security experience.  He was often in touch with Theron in Theron’s own missions to curtail Czerka or the Shroud.  After the Shroud was taken down, Halston sought employment in the Alliance.  He wanted to get his hands, paws?, on Zakuul technology.     Theron’s new assistant was very good at what he did.  Halston was more than eager to pit his skills against the plethora of potential threats challenging the Alliance.  None of Theron’s daily security tasks were beyond his abilities.  The man honestly believed in the cause.  He was here to help rebuild the worlds torn apart by war, Republic, Imperial, Zakuul or neutral.  There was no ill will towards anyone on the command staff.  He had stood up under scrutiny from his daughter, Ceryl, Lana and his husband, Ceryl.  Nothing in Theron’s personal screening contradicted any of them.  The man was a gem.  Outside of his own constant paranoia Theron couldn’t even say he had anything but a good feeling about him.     “Sorry.” Theron apologized for not responding.  “Was caught up running scans.  What can I do for you, Halston?” Theron prompted him.     “You know, I’d be happy to split the communication monitoring with you.  It would give you the chance to coach me with the lower security risks before you take time off for your kids.” Halston offered again.  The commander had already told Theron quite blatantly to share it or he’d order it stopped all together.     “I know.  I’m certain you’ll do an excellent job.  Maybe we try Monday.  The commander really will pull the plug, but we’re still a military operation.  It just wouldn’t be a great idea.” Theron sighed heavily.     “True.  But most militaries have a portion of their intelligence departments dedicated to it, not one guy pulling his hair out.” Halston chuckled.     “You’ve been talking to the commander, haven’t you.” Theron smirked at the thought.     “He is our boss.  I’m not married to him so I don’t get away with ignoring him.” Halston joked good naturedly.     “What did you need, or did he put you up to nagging?” Theron changed the subject.     “Actually, this message came for you, from Triaun 5.  Contact claims to know you.  It’s private and encoded.  I’ll let it through if you recognize the signature.” Halston shared the datapad he held with Theron.     After looking it over curiously, Theron nodded.  "I’ll take it in my office.  Thank you.” Theron accepted.     Leaving the War Room behind, Theron returns to their office.  The commander had recently talked him into making his own space, rather than just commandeering a conference room and living like a nomad.  He had only agreed if the commander would share it with him.  On a personal level, Theron hated a publicly known location like this.  This room being designated his left a target for anyone who may be seeking Alliance secrets.  It wasn’t a stretch to believe that either he or the commander would hold them, if anyone.  Claiming some space randomly when he needed to stretch out had left an ever changing base of operations for him.  It was much more difficult to figure out what he was doing and it left him no temptation to leave any trail behind when he cleaned up the room.     A designated office space had the benefit of allowing him to install permanent security protocols.  It gave him his own desk, a command table that he’d put in as a wall console to project out rather than up.  He had state-of-the-art technology at his fingertips when he worked.  There was no hunting for a random spare datapad and making it work for him, no, he had a drawer full.  Literally a drawer full.  Pick the government, pick the holonet protocol, pick the galaxy, all of his connections and resources he needed to do his job held their own.  It was too stationary though.  That was a risk.     All told, he did love the little space.  The only ones with access without his express permission were he and the commander.  His partner had no real need of an office.  He left most things that would require digging into a workstation to Theron, Lana, droids or assistants.  No, Ceryl was much more the hands on, send him out to contain or control a situation.  He would negotiate or fight or physically address a situation.  As he liked to point out to Theron, he had people for the administrative work.  Theron had the bad habit of getting caught up in it and being his own “people”.  His husband was right though, Theron hated to admit.  They needed to be able to delegate the things that could be delegated.  Maybe Ceryl wasn’t great at deciding what forms designated ample tracking of their supplies, nor did he care, but there was no one else who could stand up in single combat defense against the foes they’d fought.      Tough choice.  Do paperwork, or save the galaxy.      Halston was right, he was distracted.  Pulling out the datapad he preferred for communications, not that he couldn’t have utilized his implants for it, but he had the technology!  He keyed up the message that had brought him to his personal space.  He did recognize the contact from the Zakuul underworld district of Breaktown.  The spy had spent too many nights there when he was working on locating the commander and devising a way for he and Lana to infiltrate Arcann’s private vault.  Things regarding Zakuul were largely in Emperor Kornax’s hands now, he and the commander would visit the planet frequently, but they did nothing to deal with the governing.  They focused on rebuilding.     Coordinates, and a tracking beacon.  Nothing else.     Strange.  The location was very near the logistics hanger.  At that, Theron put aside the idea of sending anyone else.  He keyed off the datapad, secured it back in his drawer and headed through the hallways of the Alliance base at a brisk walk.  Scanning the passenger and cargo manifests of the last few ships to land, he found nothing incoming from Zakuul.  Whatever this was, it did not sit easily in his chest.  Something could be very wrong.  It could be just a message.  It could be a past contact sending him to meet someone who wasn’t from Zakuul.  Someone that needed a hand.  Yea.  And that was why his heart was threatening to pound out of his chest at the other thousand possibilities.     Making his way to the Logistic’s Bay in record time, Theron hardly managed to give Hylo and Gault a friendly wave before ducking out the open hanger, along the catwalk outside.  It was a small maintenance ledge that ran just outside of the massive hanger doors.  The doors could shut down completely, shielding the base from attack.  Most of the time they were open and ready to receive incoming shipments or visitors.     Theron’s heart sank into the pit of his stomach and he was certain that he was going to be sick when he spied a package out on that ledge that most certainly did not belong there.  Utilizing his implants, he opened his Alliance coms.     “This is Agent Shan.  Get me bomb disposal droids and initiate full lock down procedures.  We’ve got a 2 meter by 1 meter package on the maintenance ledge outside of logistics.  Move it.  I don’t see doors closing yet.”  Theron ordered crisply.  This was not good.  Where was the commander?     “Theron, what’s going on?” Lana demanded a status report as alarms inside the base sounded and every exit, including the one he was just inside of, closed at his order.     “Suspicious package outside logistics.  Hopefully nothing, but no one but maintenance droids go out that way, so better to be cautious.” Theron supplied easily for her while he transmitted coordinates to the bomb disposal droids.     “Yes, well, we’ve had nothing happen before.  Are you evacuating that area?” Lana pressed.      Looking up, away from the maintenance hatch that the droids would have to go out through, he caught Hylo’s eye.  The uncharacteristically stern look and the nod she gave him confirmed she was already clearing the area.  This was her world down here.     “Hylo’s on it.  I’m going to monitor the droids and get more information as I can.” Theron supplied.     “On my way.  Clearing conference rooms now.  No need to put our guests in any compromising positions.” Lana reported, trusting that Hylo and Theron would handle the immediate situation.     The lock down and evacuation of the logistics hanger went very smoothly.  Theron had to say he was quite pleased with the way they responded to it.  If only the commander would answer his coms.  He knew the man wasn’t on the planet, but he should know there’s a situation at the base, regardless.  He had sent back acknowledgement that he received Theron’s message, with a stupid heart and “I trust you will handle it love.”     Whatever Ceryl was doing, it had better be important.  It wasn’t a stupid holoromance, otherwise, he’d be at their home, or in their office.  He had finished something with Jekiah Ordo a couple of hours prior.  Theron knew that because he’d called him.  Who knows where he’d gone after that.  There was constantly someone that would be asking him for help, or something that just couldn’t wait for a proper plan or to be scheduled.  How his partner rolled so easily with it all, he didn’t know, but he constantly found himself admiring him.      The droids exited the maintenance hatch with Theron logged into the primary one.  There was no reason to risk any personnel with this.  If it was an explosive, anything short of a Quantum bomb would be resisted by the shielding in place.  They’d already had one of those, so all he could do was hope for the best.  A complete scan of the box and nothing at all.  Next step, take it to a shielded location, away from the base, and open it.  Setting the droids to do just that, Theron gave the orders for a shielded testing bunker to be erected a couple of kilometers from the base.     Major Pierce acknowledged the order and had a deployment of soldiers at the ready.  Once Theron was ready, they headed out to erect the testing space.  The commander, Pierce and Jorgan were still hashing out what their ranks should be under the Alliance.  He had to say he wasn’t at all certain what rank to address either with at this point.  The commander wanted Pierce over all of his ground forces and wanted to make him a general.  He wanted Jorgan over all of their special forces and was intending to promote him to either colonel or general.  He didn’t care which, they had the positions now.  It was really the three hashing out what sounded best in the chain of command.     Either way, preliminary scans of the mysterious package showed no signs of explosives.  If nothing else, there wasn’t a currently active timer counting down their eminent demise.  That gave Theron a bit of relief.  Having droids move the package in the direction of the designated testing location, he followed after at a safe distance.  This was what the droids were for.  If they got blown up, it would be a loss, but better than losing any intelligent organic life forms.     Slicing the lock on the package proved to be relatively simple.  When the lid popped off, safely tucked away inside a temporary test bunker, absolutely nothing happened.  The sighs of relief through the small unit of men who were waiting anxiously with Theron and Major Pierce were completely shared by the two senior officers.  At that, Theron went in to investigate.     What he found was another completely benign lockbox that easily fit into his hand.  On slicing that lock, a set of coordinates was revealed to him.  This location was nowhere near the Alliance base.  A note inside said simply, “We need to meet. – C.”  It was odd, completely odd.     Giving the all clear, Theron gave the order for the base to stand down.  It was time to investigate the new set of coordinates. ***^^***      The coordinates led Agent Shan to a bustling marketplace on a planet under Zakuul jurisdiction, Ebbyria.  Apparently, the informant was awaiting his arrival because as he was taking note of his surroundings and searching for whoever his contact might be, he was set upon suddenly by a frail little man.  He was older, hunched over, shoulders trembling despite the warmth of the day.  The man seemed to be Cathar, that was Theron’s guess from the pale hint of fur at the cruxes of his mostly covered skin.  Covered by a worn bandana, his face peeked out through the narrow eye slits, revealing a map of wrinkles akin to the intricate roots of ancient trees.  Each line etched on his weathered visage spoke of countless seasons endured under the harsh embrace of sun and storm alike.  A faint scent of pine clung to him, mingling with the earthy aroma of dried leaves that seemed to follow his every step.  As Theron approached, the man introduced himself as Ral'thok, a name that resonated with a sense of quiet strength and wisdom.  This informant, Ral’thok, provided him with a key and a slip of old parchment.  In the moment that Theron glanced down to inspect the parchment, the informant disappeared into the crowd before he was able ask more questions.     Theron scanned the crowded marketplace, his gaze taking in the vibrant colors and smells of the various stalls.  He clutched the small key tightly in his hand, feeling its weight and the intricate pattern etched into its surface.  The informant had disappeared before he could gain any useful information, leaving him with only the key and a cryptic riddle to guide him.     The riddle was written on the small piece of parchment, the ink faded but still legible.  It read:     "Follow the path of the sun's rise, where two rivers converge and winds collide. There you will find the answer to your quest."     Theron mulled over the words as he wove his way through the crowd, careful not to lose sight of the key.  He knew that potentially the fate of the Alliance depended on his ability to decipher this riddle and find the next location.  Whoever had planted the package with the first clue, very obviously had access to the Logistics Bay of the Alliance, if nothing else.  The potential of a threat was very real.  There were so many things that that harmless package could have been, but wasn’t.     After some deliberation, Theron decided that the first part of the riddle referred to a place where the sun rose over two rivers.  He consulted his datapad, cross-referencing geographical data with local legends and myths.  After hours of searching, he found a reference to a place called "The Confluence," where two great rivers met and flowed towards the rising sun.  It was also said that this was a place where powerful winds from opposite directions collided, creating a unique and treacherous climate.  With renewed determination, Theron set off towards The Confluence.     Upon arriving at The Confluence, Theron's eyes scanned the landscape with keen precision. The area was shrouded in an eerie mist, adding an air of mystery to the convergence of the two mighty rivers.  The winds thrashed about wildly tossing foliage and spraying him with random spouts of water, despite his distance from the two rivers.  He was ill-prepared for this terrain and wished he’d worn more protective gear.  His weathered red jacket was taking the brunt of the assault.  Theron’s datapad buzzed softly as it analyzed every detail around him, highlighting potential points of interest based on his search parameters.     As he scoured the surroundings meticulously, Theron's instincts led him to a seemingly inconspicuous spot obscured by overgrown vegetation.  Intrigued, he pushed aside tangled vines and moss-covered rocks until he uncovered a completely hidden durasteel locked door nestled within the natural surroundings.  Despite its camouflaged appearance, Theron's trained eye caught its faint outline against the backdrop of nature.     Curiosity piqued, Theron attempted to access information about this mysterious facility but found nothing in any database or record available to him through his datapad.  Undeterred by the lack of intel, he focused on bypassing the lock mechanism guarding the entrance.  With deft fingers dancing across the interface panel, he initiated a slicing sequence that would grant him access to what lay beyond.     To his surprise and satisfaction the door slid open with a barely audible hiss.  Theron was greeted not by darkness but by an intricate security network bathed in dim blue light.  The hightech setup hummed softly with energy as if guarding valuable secrets within its confines.  Undaunted by this unforeseen obstacle, Theron delved deeper into the hidden research facility that had remained concealed from prying eyes for who knew how long.     Theron's keen eyes narrowed on the security system, analyzing its complex web of defenses.  With deft movements, he retrieved a sleek device from his utility belt, a cutting-edge tool designed to slice through even the most sophisticated encryption barriers.  As he worked swiftly, delicate beams of light danced across the control panel, bypassing each layer of protection with precision.     With a soft beep indicating success, the security network blinked out of existence, leaving Theron free to navigate further into the heart of the facility undetected.  Moving like a shadow in the night, he activated a stealth field generator attached to his belt, rendering him virtually invisible to any surveillance cameras or sensors that might betray his presence.  Silent as a whisper, Theron prowled through sterile corridors and high-tech laboratories, his sharp mind piecing together clues scattered throughout the facility.  His mission demanded answers about the purpose of this clandestine operation, and he was determined to unearth them at any cost.     After what seemed like an eternity of cautious exploration, Theron stumbled upon a concealed chamber hidden behind a false wall.  When he wasn’t able to simply move the false wall, he began searching it intently for some kind of lever or pully.  The only thing that seemed to stand out was an ornate circle depicting the sun rising over the convergence of the two rivers.  It was then he seemed to recall the key now resting heavily in his pocket.  It was as if the decorative sculpture was made for it.  Sliding the key inside he heard the promise of a click and he was able to move the false wall.  Pushing it aside with practiced ease, he stepped into a room bathed in an eerie glow emanating from computer screens displaying classified data.  Among them lay a dossier filled with photographs and detailed information about a mysterious target, a puzzle waiting to be solved.     His gaze flickered over maps and documents until his eyes landed on another set of coordinates scratched onto a yellowed paper.  The pieces were coming together slowly but surely, there was more to this covert operation than met the eye.  With newfound determination fueling his every move, Theron slid the dossier into his jacket, downloaded all the information that he could and memorized the coordinates before slipping back into the shadows, ready to unravel the next layer of this enigmatic mystery.  ***^^***      The coordinates led Theron to a dingy cantina deep in the bowels of a smuggler's den known as the Asylum.  This notorious establishment was nestled in the heart of criminal activity, its reputation preceding it with tales of illicit deals and dangerous liaisons.  As he approached, the air grew heavy with a potent mix of smoke and tension, carrying whispers of clandestine conversations and hidden agendas.  Pushing open the creaking door, Theron stepped into the dimly lit cantina, his senses immediately assaulted by a cacophony of sounds and sights.  The room was alive with a motley crew of individuals, from hardened criminals to mysterious beings from distant galaxies.  They were all engaged in their own shadowy dealings under the veil of secrecy.     His trained eyes scanned the room, assessing each patron for any signs of danger or potential assistance.  The low murmur of conversations in various languages mingled with the clinking of glasses and occasional bursts of raucous laughter, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and danger.  There was the occasional single blaster shot in the background that silenced everything, followed by a raucous round of laughter and cheers.  Then the noise would continue.     Theron sidled up to the bustling bar, the clinking of glasses and loud laughter filling the air around him.  Pushing through the crowd, he leaned in close to the bartender, their conversation drowned out by the jeers and shouts of patrons unhappy with his intrusion.  With a quick nod from Theron, a neat whiskey was poured, its amber liquid glinting under the dim lights.  He inquired about his latest contact, hoping the bartender would know him.  The bartender blew him off and headed to serve another patron.     Sipping his drink, Theron scanned the room, searching for the man whose name had been etched into his memory from the dossier.  The bartender caught his gaze and nodded towards a room where cheers erupted intermittently.  "He's in there," the bartender shouted over the noise, indicating that the man was engaged in a winning streak at a card game.     Following the bartender's direction, Theron made his way to the designated room.  As he entered, he found himself amidst a tense card game.  One of the players laughed at him and gestured for him to join.  Five players sat around a table littered with credit chips and blasters casually placed beside their hands.  Four of them were alive and focused on their cards while stealing glances at each other.  The fifth player was being hauled away by droids, presumably having lost more than just money in this high-stakes game.  Apparently they now had a seat at the table.     Theron's heart raced as he took a deep breath, preparing himself for the high-stakes game ahead.  The cards slid smoothly into his hands, revealing a challenging combination that screamed of the need for expert bluffing skills to navigate through the impending dangers of this round.  The tension in the room escalated palpably as Theron observed his opponents, their expressions now veiled behind masks of deception, each one a potential adversary in this perilous game of chance.     It quickly became evident that bluffing wasn't just an option but a mandatory survival tactic in this ruthless setting.  The rules were unforgiving.  Any player caught bluffing would face the grim consequence of placing the blaster against their own temple and taking their chances with fate.  Theron weighed each card in his hand carefully, fully aware that a single misstep could lead to a fatal outcome.     In a seemingly casual exchange between hands, Theron subtly dropped the name of his target, Wilihard Undi, into conversation.  The mere mention of the man's name sent a ripple of unease across the table, with furtive glances exchanged and silent agreements reached among the players.  It was during this moment that the man Theron sought information from about the mysterious facility, raised the stakes himself.     Leaning in closer to Theron, Wilihard’s voice was low yet authoritative as he proposed a deal, answers in exchange for victory in this dangerous game.   A menacing aura hung around the man, his weathered features sprouting to life with his sharp cheekbones and a prominent cleft chin.  Jet black hair slicked back, doing nothing to shroud or disguise his expressions as he played.   His eyes, a piercing shade of icy blue, held a glint of mischief as they darted around the room.  A calculating smirk played on his lips, giving no indication that he needed assistance schooling his expressions in this game of trickery and deceit.  Dressed in a worn velvet jacket that carried the lingering scent of tobacco smoke and stale perfume, he exuded an air of intrigue and dubious charm as he made his proposition.  If Theron won, rather than take his own life, Wilihard would give him the information he was looking for.  Theron nodded solemnly, acknowledging the terms before focusing on outmaneuvering his remaining opponents.     As the game progressed towards its climax, two players found themselves eliminated by their own ill-fated choices with the blaster pressed against their own heads.  The air grew thick with tension as Theron meticulously calculated each move, all while keeping a vigilant eye on his adversaries.     Approaching the final hand, Theron felt a surge of adrenaline so potent it was as if lightning crackled through his veins, each heartbeat pounding in his ears like thunder.  The weight of the moment pressed down on him with an almost physical force, his very breaths feeling like they were drawn through a narrow straw.  Despite the chaos raging within him, he projected an outward facade of icy composure, every movement deliberate and controlled.     As he surveyed the table, his gaze locked with that of the gambler opposite him.  Theron detected a flicker of unease in the man's eyes, a subtle tightening around his lips betraying the first signs of apprehension.  The realization that this final hand could mean more than just a win or loss at cards settled heavily in the air between them.  It was a high-stakes game where victory could mean life or death, where each card turned could be a step closer to either triumph or disaster.     With every fiber of his being honed to razor-sharp focus, Theron carefully calculated his next move.  The tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to slice through with a vibroblade.  As he laid down his winning hand with precision and finesse, it wasn't just victory he secured but also a delicate balance between life and peril, unraveling secrets that had long been shrouded in darkness.     “The man you’re looking for can be found at these coordinates.  Don’t keep him waiting, he’s heard so many great things about you, Agent Shan.” Wilihard tossed a chip in Theron’s direction.  Before Theron could say anything, completely flabbergasted that the man knew his identity, a fight erupted in the bar.  Bottles flying, blaster fire, yelling, in the commotion, the man was gone. ***^^***      He should go home.  Theron had a son and a husband there that he needed to check up on, but he couldn’t allow this trail to go cold.  It just wasn’t safe for anyone.  Whoever he was, whoever had sent that package to the Alliance, they were trying to lead him to something.  Something important.  He couldn’t risk it.  Settling in on his shuttle with a datapad, he went to work decrypting the chip that Undi character had given him.  All he could do was hope that what he found was worth the risk he’d taken to win it.     A soft indicator on his holo and Theron made no attempt to disguise the upturn sweeping his lips, breaking the stern look of concentration.  He accepted the call, eyes brightening at the sight of his husband.     “Hey, you’re a long way from home, everything alright?” Karberos asked him with a look of concern.  The Sith was aboard his own ship, which wasn’t a surprise.  He’d been off of Odessen addressing issues with the Mandos.      “Yea, it’s alright.  There was a suspicious package back home just outside of logistics.  I’m just following up on a couple leads to find out where it came from.” Theron reported.  He may tell his partner about the card game later, but he didn’t feel any need to worry him.  After all, it was all said and done.     “What was in the package?” Karberos asked, prompting his partner to share why he was concerned.     “It was odd.  Just coordinates and an invitation to meet, but when I got there, the person who sent it wasn’t there.  Just another clue.  Someone is going to a lot of trouble to cover their tracks and meet me.” Theron pursed his lips in consideration.     “Need me to come and remind him you’re a married man?” Karberos teased, grinning at his husband as he processed the suggestion.     “I doubt it’s that kind of a meeting.” Theron smirked.  “Actually, I left pretty suddenly.  We should call the runt and check on him.”     “Don’t worry about it.  I’ll make sure he’s okay.  It sounds like you’ve got your hands full with this.  I can’t wait to hear all about it.” Ceryl added encouragingly.     “Yea, working on decoding another lead.  The numbers are running right now, but it doesn’t seem to complicated.” Theron provided for him.  “If this is anything like the last two, I’m going to be late tonight.  Don’t hold up dinner or anything.”     “I’ll make sure there’s something for you.  Don’t worry.” Ceryl reassured him.  They talked until the distraction of the commander was hindering Theron’s work and he had to let his partner go.  If he wanted to get home, he was going to have to slice this chip and follow the next lead.  Maybe he’d get lucky and it would be a holofrequency.  He wasn’t feeling like that was how  things were going today. ***^^***      Selia.  It was a smaller planet tucked back in a stable system under the Eternal Empire.  They had had the good fortune to not be involved in the wars or in the multiple changes to the throne.  They were heavily involved in trade and commerce.  Not harboring many of their own local exports they served as a hub for merchants and negotiations.  They had a large tourist district, packed full of restaurants, spas, salons, hotels, amusement parks, guided tours and activities of more variety than Theron could think of at the moment.  The experienced agent made a note of the location for their future endeavors.  Not only could they make good connections here to further Alliance trade, there were plenty of options to take his own family on vacation to enjoy.     It had been an unexpectedly long day.  One stop after another pursuing after this potential contact.  The curiosity was killing him.  What in the stars could this person want?  He had nothing that indicated what any of this wild bantha chase was over.  Whatever it was, this person was thorough.  They were doing their absolute damnedest not to be traceable.  At least Ceryl understood.  He would make sure Hialien was taken care of and check in with Lana and Hylo for him.  The commander could have ordered him to drop it.  Normally, something taking this much of his time with no real cause or goal, he would have him back off.  This person could come find them and speak to them if it was important, rather than this run around.     Maybe it had to do with Sa’har Kateen.  She’d reached out to the commander and Master Aldrexi both at this point.  Maybe she was trying again.  It was a possibility, but something told him the young Jedi didn’t have the knowledge or resources to pull off all of this.  It had to be something to do with the secret research facility he had discovered.  The dossier he had taken had very little information.  Just some genetic profiles of local animals.  Odd.  There had to be more to it.  He would investigate that information further, once he made contact with this person.     The chip he’d won provided him with coordinates on this planet and a time.  2000, late for dinner, but then again, it wasn’t a date.  That thought made him chuckle.  Once he received approval to land, he settled his shuttle down in a reserved landing pad near a bustling tourist district.  The spot was reserved specifically for him, so he was expected.  Maybe this time he would be able to meet with someone besides a middle man.     Walking the two blocks to the coordinates, he stepped down off of the main walkway to a drastically different setting.  Following the now polished cobblestone sidewalk, he found himself standing before an opulent establishment that exuded sophistication.  The restaurant's exterior was adorned with intricate gold accents that shimmered under the soft glow of antique streetlamps.         Approaching the entrance, Theron was intercepted by a poised host in a tailored suit, whose discerning gaze swept over Theron's attire.  With a courteous yet firm tone, the host addressed him.  “I do apologize sir, but there is a dress code to enter.  A suit is mandatory.”     Theron's outfit stood out conspicuously against the backdrop of elegance and refinement.  His red jacket, weathered from countless adventures, added a bold splash of color to his ensemble.  Beneath it, he wore sturdy beige cargo pants that bore traces of the adventures he’d suffered the day though.  A well-worn brown t-shirt hugged his frame comfortably, hinting at tales untold.  His choice of footwear was robust leather boots, scuffed with memories of battles fought and won.  Most notable were a pair of holstered blasters secured by a sturdy belt, emphasizing his readiness for any unforeseen challenges.  Despite the mismatch with the restaurant's ambiance, there was an undeniable air of confidence in Theron's demeanor as he contemplated his next move at this intersection of luxury and defiance.     “I’m here to meet with someone.  We have an 8 p.m. appointment.  Maybe they mentioned me, Agent Shan?” he proffered up to the host, hoping to at least see if the person he was after was here.     “There’s a shoppe around the corner to your right, sir.  We would be happy to accommodate you, as soon as you are dressed appropriately.  Also, this is a very respectable establishment, we will require you to check your weapons and any coats once inside.” the host suggested.  If the man would cooperate enough to dress properly, they would have no problems allowing him inside.     Ten minutes later, time he didn’t know if he had with this one, Theron returned.  This time, he was adorned in a pristine white suit that seemed to have been tailored specifically for him.  The jacket boasted sharp lapels that accentuated his broad shoulders, while the fabric hugged his frame elegantly.  A black bola tie added a touch of sophistication to the ensemble, contrasting beautifully against the immaculate white shirt beneath.  His long white slacks cascaded down, pooling slightly over his now cleaned and buffed black boots that peeked out subtly with each step he took. The sleekness of the outfit not only enhanced his stature but also exuded an air of effortless charm and refinement.  He carried with him a sealed bag, that held his regular outfit and blasters.  It was all he could do to hope he wouldn’t need any of his equipment while he was inside.     “Much better sir, we appreciate you making accommodations to join us tonight.” the host greeted him pleasantly.  “Come in.  You can check your things right there.” he pointed to a table before the cloak closet.  A droid manned the station, piping up to greet him and check in his bag.  Theron confirmed for the droid he wasn’t armed, failing to mention the vibroknife hidden in his boot, just in case.     “Very good sir.” the host smiled at him encouragingly.  “This is Iriamax, he is our maitre d.  Iriamax, please escort our guest, Agent Shan, to his table.”     “A pleasure, sir.  Right this way.” Iriamax bowed formally.      "Under whose name are the reservations?" he inquired as the waiter led him through the ornate, heavy wooden doors into the softly illuminated dining space.     The ambiance of the room exuded an air of sophistication and elegance, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over plush velvet drapes that framed tall windows overlooking a bustling city street.  The walls were adorned with intricate gold-framed paintings depicting scenes of lavish feasts from centuries past, adding a touch of historical charm to the modern setting.  Theron found himself wondering if they were of specific events for this world.  The tables were meticulously set with sparkling utensils, fine handcrafted ceramic plates, and delicate crystal glasses that caught the flickering candlelight.  Each chair was upholstered in rich burgundy velvet, inviting guests to sink into luxurious comfort while enjoying their meal.  Soft music played in the background, creating a soothing backdrop to the murmurs of conversation and clinking of cutlery.     Overall, the restaurant radiated an atmosphere of refined luxury and timeless elegance, making it a coveted destination for those seeking a truly exceptional dining experience.     “Theron Shan.” the maître d provided easily.  “Your table is just through here.  Your guest arrived before you, sir.”     Tucked away in a private corner, raised up three steps from the main floor, partitioned off from most of the restaurant, Theron was led to his table.  Closing his eyes slowly, he blinked them open again, cocking his head slightly he fought with every ounce of his self-control to suppress the grin that was threatening to burst forth.     “Agent Shan, so good of you to join me.” came the rich baritone that caressed his soul.  Standing to greet his guest, the tall, broad man loomed a full head taller than Theron.  Not bothering to disguise the bright, proud smile that turned up the corners of his full tan lips, Ceryl pulled out his chair to invite him to sit.     Theron's warm brown eyes widened as he took in Ceryl's appearance.  His partner was clad in an all-black crisp suit that seemed to have been tailored specifically for him.  The suit jacket hugged Ceryl's broad shoulders perfectly, accentuating his powerful frame.  The sleek black tie added a touch of sophistication, contrasting sharply against the pristine white shirt underneath.  Every crease and fold in the fabric spoke of meticulous attention to detail.  The trousers tapered elegantly down Ceryl's long legs, ending just above polished black shoes that gleamed under the soft glow of ambient light.  Theron found himself tripping over his own tongue at how completely amazing Ceryl looked, feeling a surge of pride at being partnered with someone who exuded such effortless confidence and style.     A thousand and one things ran through his head all at once, the collision of thoughts leaving him standing before his husband, simply staring.  The whole outfit was so out of character for the burly warrior.  If they dressed up, Ceryl normally wore robes.  That he even, no he didn’t own a suit.  He had to get one for this.  For Theron, specifically.  That realization settled in.  A chuckle came from his partner, he heard the man and the waiter talking and the waiter left.  A large hand rested against the small of his back, flooding him with warmth.  The tender kiss that pressed to his lips seemed to be enough to break the spell.  Theron let out a little sigh, settling into the sweet, intimate kiss before allowing himself to be guided to the seat he was offered.     Ceryl helped him scoot in comfortably, pressing a light kiss to his high cheekbone.  “You look incredible tonight, dear.” he complimented Theron, squeezing his shoulders, before moving to return to his own seat.     “Thanks.  I, ah.  Thank you.” Theron managed to get out.  His hand was being held in his husband’s large, dark hand.  He squeezed back gently.     “I’m glad you decided to accept my invitation.  I know it’s a little late for us for dinner, but, we both had busy days.” Ceryl smiled sweetly, then leaned over to give him another sweet kiss.  Theron’s lips trembled at the gentle pressure, breathing in the completely unexpected pleasure of his lover’s moist lips against his.     “I thought about ordering for you, but there are quite a few things on their menu you might like.  There’s like a rotating holomenu, or you can access it with your implants.” Ceryl gave him an encouraging smile as he pulled back, tongue flicking over his lips to chase the taste of his partner’s kiss.     “You set all of this up?  That package, was you.” Theron shook his head as it all seemed to click into place     “Well, I had a little help.” Ceryl chuckled.  He pulled Theron’s hand to his lips, kissing it sweetly before holding it between both of his own.     Another waiter appeared.  This one brought them two glasses of water, and turned the crystal glasses that sat on their table up for use.  He darted away, only to return with a chilled open bottle that he filled with a fizzy pink liquid before leaving the bottle on the table with them.     “Your appetizers will be out shortly, gentlemen.  Do you know what you would like to order yet?” the man inquired as Theron inspected the glass.     “Give us a couple minutes, please.” Ceryl requested.  The waiter nodded and left them alone.     “Okay, come on, seriously, what was that lab?” Theron peered over at his date when they were alone.     “Decide what you want to eat, I’ll tell you everything, promise.” Ceryl prompted him, activating the center hologram, and swiping forward until he got to the things he thought Theron would like best.     “What are you getting?” Theron eyed him.  He was hungry.  Eating wasn’t something that he’d bothered to do today, not since Ceryl had brought him breakfast at about 6 a.m.  Famished was a better word for it.     “I’m going with the saltra steak and tobata spareribs.  You pick what looks good and we can share.  Try it all.” Ceryl prompted him.     “I’m not eating spareribs in this suit.” Theron laughed.  “You made me buy a suit.”     “And you look damn good in it.  Um.” Ceryl chuckled.  “Better than that guy in that holo we watched.  Remember, his boss had him trying on suits, the fantasy sex scene?”     “Yea, I remember.” Theron admitted reluctantly.  It wasn’t the worst holo he’d seen.     “If the sauce is good, I’ll let you lick my fingers.” Ceryl threatened.  Theron didn’t respond to it.  He’d love to say something flippant, but if they started sharing, it could go somewhere.      “Chakra root, I didn’t know that anyplace this far out of Imperial space had it.” Theron noted as he cycled though.  “Maybe that and vinsteloin.  That looks really good, actually.  Think it’ll be thick?”     “I think you get to tell them how thick you want it, actually.  It’s cut specifically to order.” Ceryl shared.     “How the hell did you find this place?  This planet even?” Theron pressed.  He needed answers after today, though he was immensely relieved that the elaborate hunt was all put on by his Sith lover.     “Was helping out an escort for a trade route a couple of weeks ago.  The ships headed here.  I was aware the system was still under the Eternal Emperor, but had no idea how much in the way of goods passed through here.  It’s a huge hub.  Took a look around, made sure everything was safe, headed back home.  Found it on the holonet a couple days later and did some research.” Ceryl dismissed.  They had good trade partners with the Eternal Empire, he was definitely going to be utilizing it.     Their waiter returned placing a platter of meticulously arranged appetizers that looked almost too pretty to eat.  He took their orders and disappeared, leaving them alone again.     As Theron eyed the platter, admiring the artistic presentation of the food, Ceryl reached over and folded what looked like a flower with a light glaze sauce on top of it.  He offered it to Theron, waiting until his husband accepted the bite.  He gave pause, fanning at his mouth, tongue flicking over the offering, hoping to cool it.  Ceryl simply waited until he was done and adjusted. When he finally settled, he took the morsal pulling back to chew and enjoy the savory sensation melting over his tongue.  Whatever it was, it was a thin meat so tender it melted on his tongue, the low “Um.” sounds and his wide eyes bore his approval.     “Try that.” Theron insisted.     Ceryl did as he was beckoned, nodding his approval as he devoured his own sample.  Theron sipped at the sweet liquid in his glass, equally pleased with the somehow both refreshing and alcoholic drink.     “So, come on, what was the research lab?” Theron prompted his partner again.     “It’s pretty cool, actually.  We gave them a considerable contribution for their research, so Dr. Lokin could have access to their genetic advances.  He promised no rakghouls.  They are literally recreating extinct species in their preserve there.  It’s pretty amazing, and you know me, I’m a sucker for the animals.  Dr. Lokin made a couple of pretty serious breakthroughs on the rakghoul side of things.  A vaccine that so far has been successful.  He’s only used it on people that are infected, he hasn’t experimented on anyone then exposed them, that I’m aware of.  Either way, exciting for his field.” Ceryl provided.     “Okay.  But the security in there.  I just broke in, and how did you plant all that stuff?” Theron pressed.     “I asked them.  We were testing their security for them.  Your assistant will be sending them recommendations based on how you managed to get in.  The planted information was just part of the drill.” Ceryl shrugged.  He went to offer Theron another bite, and realized that his husband had already eaten several pieces of the assortment while he was talking.  That made him smile.  Theron liked what they’d gotten.     “Okay, and the card game, what the hell was that?” Theron demanded.  He had to know.     “Actors, dear.” Ceryl laughed, popping back a fried ball of something.     “Actors?  All of them?  They shot themselves!  What in the blazes was that all about?  The craziest, stupidest game!” Theron demanded.  He found he’d finished off his glass, and his husband was refilling it.  Catching the mischievous look in Ceryl’s eye, he laughed, he just had to.     “Yea, but you enjoyed the hell out of it.” Ceryl chuckled.  “I saw the readings from your implants.”     “Fucker.  You know, wow.  The dumbest.” Theron shook his head, at himself, at the elaborate rouse, at the thrill from the game.     “When my husband is an adrenaline junkie, sometimes, things just have to be a little crazy.” Ceryl laughed.  He took Theron’s hand again, kissing it devotedly.  “And I want you to know, Ana and Halston arranged all of it.  They’re both doing a fine job.”     “I put the whole base on alert for that stupid package stunt of yours.” Theron halfheartedly scolded the commander.     “Good.  I told Lana I was planning a drill, so it worked out well.” he flashed Theron a shit eating grin.     “You just think you have all the answers today.” the agent shook his head.  Lacing his fingers in between the much larger man’s, he pressed their palms together.  The pink crystals that inlaid the rings the Sith had crafted so carefully for them with the force glowed happily.  He was being fed another bite and savored every moment of it before sipping at his glass again.      Dinner played on.  Theron found himself being completely enthralled with it all.  Their food came and they shared their entrees, each offering up bites of what they liked best.  Conversation flowed as easily as it always did between them.  From evaluating their favorite team rosters in Huttball to where Hialien was in his lessons to what Karberos was doing with the Mandos back to what each of them had observed with Lana and Ceryl and debating whether that relationship was going to work they’d lost track of the night.  Dinner was taken away and of course, Ceryl ordered dessert.      They had a caf liquor drink to go with the final course.  Theron was certain he was going to die from sheer bliss at the sweet flavor.  His partner had opted for a brandy, but accepted a taste of Theron’s only taken directly from his sweet lips.  He couldn’t imagine a more perfect evening.  Pressing into Ceryl’s warm sensual invite the much younger spy allowed himself to be carried away with the moment.  Never would he have imagined anyone would go to all of this trouble, just for him.  Now that his belly was full and his curiosity sated, eyes drooping from the alcohol and activity from the day, there was nothing more he could imagine to make this evening perfect, except of course, going home with the man he loved.     As their after dinner drinks were topped off, a bright young woman, bouncing with enthusiasm seemed to pop in where their waiter had been.  It was a sudden, drastic enough change that it startled him.  The amused response from his lover put him more at ease than the girl standing before them.     “You two are such a sweet looking couple.  We offer commemorative photos for whatever may have brought you to us tonight.  Can I take a couple of holos and see what you both think?  If you like them, they’re available for purchase.  If not, there’s no obligation.” she offered her sales pitch up smoothly.  From the activity in the restaurant when they had come in, it was likely at least her hundredth offer of the evening.     Still a little heated from their kiss, tan features flushed somewhere between the embarrassment of being caught and the excitement of their shared intimacy, Theron began to offer up a polite denial.  They didn’t need any stupid touristy sort of gimmick.  It was a romantic dinner for two, not a random family adventure.     “We’d love it.” Karberos accepted, giving the young lady a sweet, welcoming smile.  The response startled Theron to the point he had to disguise the shrug, letting out a silent “Humph.”     “Perfect.” the girl beamed at them.  “Do the thing you were doing with your hands earlier, that pink glow.  That would make a great picture.”     This time it was Ceryl who pressed his palm to Theron’s dwarfing the smaller man’s hand.  Slotting their fingers together, he met his lover’s eyes.  It was all that was ever needed to invite their rings to glow happily together.  The crystal would forever want to join them just as it took something akin to joy at being once again in contact with its own other half.     “Perfect.  How about one kissing?” she suggested for the pair.  That wasn’t something she had to encourage twice.  Ceryl’s lips pressed lovingly to Theron’s and for the moment the entire world narrowed to just the two of them.  Theron had to remember that there was an audience this time and not to press again into the embrace, stifling the mew of regret as they pulled apart.     “Oh that one is amazing! I’ll be back after your dessert and let you see how they turned out.  Enjoy! You two are very attractive couple.” the girl complimented them and disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared.     “Holo’s huh?” Theron mused, squeezing his lover’s hand but not letting it go.  They rested their hands easily together on top of the table and sipped at their drinks.     “Sure, maybe put it on your desk, so you think of me when you send me off world on assignments.” Ceryl grinned impishly.  It was well established at this point that if he got too much in Theron’s hair his husband would find him something off world to take care of.     “I always think of you.  You know, I’m glad.  I’m glad you didn’t take the throne.  I’m glad we didn’t go back to the Republic or the Empire.  We’re building something that helps the galaxy.  Something that is entirely ours.” Theron gave him an encouraging smile, squeezing his hand.     “Me too dear.  That war is never going to end, no matter how hard we try.  At least like this, we can keep on top of threats beyond their own inability to cooperate with each other.  Here, we can be together, and that’s all I’ve wanted since that night you snuck into my locker room.” Ceryl returned his smile, leaning over to take another kiss.     “Best chance I ever took.” Theron sighed contentedly.     Dessert came and was shared far too intimately for their public setting.  Their little shell of privacy tucked in the corner of the room the only solace protecting them from prying eyes.  When it was done, barely any space between the two strong, attractive men, lips plum and pink from their kisses, evidence of their arousal gratefully hidden beneath the table they were interrupted again by the bright appearance of the girl peddling holopictures.     “Alright, as promised.” she burst, setting a small podium on the table before them.  It glowed in a dark blue hue of light.  When she pressed a key on the back, several still images of the two began to cycle through.  Their greeting, when Ceryl had seated him, sharing a quiet, private toast of the pink liquor, both laughing at something over the meal, them pressing their hands together, clasping and their rings glowing happily, a sweet kiss not taken a half hour ago.  All great images from the restaurant.  It was a little unsettling to Theron, then it continued.  Theron accepting the key in the market place on Ebbyria.  Theron taking down the security grid in the research facility.  Theron escaping with the dossier.  Theron winning at the dangerous card game in the nameless cantina on Asylum.  Theron coming out of the suit shop and turning to examine himself in the mirrored shop window.     The base, he realized had a message lighting up as the cycle started again.  “Happy Anniversary, I’ll Always Love You – Ceryl.”     Theron heard the giggling but the girl was long gone.  Giving into his own astonished laughter, the spy almost crawled into his partner’s lap, hugging him as tightly as he could as the overwhelm of it all flooded him.  He whispered a harsh “Thank you.” near his husband’s ear, relishing the solid warm embrace that held him until he got himself composed again.     “We were supposed to have a reception for everyone who missed the wedding.” Theron sighed heavily.  “I.  I don’t believe I missed it.” he added regretfully, pressing one of his palms to his eyes, making certain to wipe each dry.     “We’ll do it next year, no big deal.” Ceryl shrugged.  “Can’t tell me this hasn’t been fun.” he added teasingly.     “This is amazing.  I, wow.  Okay you went to an unbelievable amount of trouble.  Thank you.” he offered his partner meagerly.     “It’s been a crazy few months for you.  We haven’t really had time to plan it.  This way, you have another year.  We’ll have the twins soon, so you’ll be tied up with that.  You have to admit, anything that took you as much effort as today to unravel, those new assistants are good.  I just hope you’ll be able to relax some and focus on the boys.  You’ve been looking forward to it.  That and you carry around so much guilt from when the girls were teens, it’s almost like you just want a chance to make it up.  You’ll get your chance.” Ceryl gave him a sweet kiss on the cheek.     “Maybe.  Thank you for all of this.” he smiled at the little holostand and squeezed his partner’s shoulder before withdrawing his hand.  “How bout we go home and get comfortable?”     “I dunno.” Ceryl shrugged.  “I’ve had a couple drinks now.  Don’t really want to spend all that time in transit.  Why don’t we just go for a walk?  There’s a little hotel around the corner that has reservations in your name, just waiting for us.”  The Sith shared with a mischievous glint to his eye. ***^^***      Walking hand in hand along the quiet, pristine walkway back in the direction of where Agent Shan had landed his shuttle Theron couldn’t imagine a more beautiful night.  The skies were completely clear, affording a view of the brighter stars in the region, despite the light noise from the well populated area.  There were people walking, but it was quiet, subdued in comparison to the hustle and bustle that had been the earlier evening.  Large ferns fanned out from decorative vases along the path.  There were inviting, comfortable benches every forty feet, allowing ample opportunity to sit and wait for shoppers or rest from a long day of walking.  The street vendors that he’d noticed earlier had rolled up for the night.  A few shops lingered.  Most of the remaining activity at this time seemed to come from cantinas and restaurants, or entertainment establishments.     “I still can’t believe this place has been here the whole time and we never realized it.” Theron commented again as he was led up a path leading away from the main walkway.     “We were a little busy with a war and survival.  We weren’t looking for our latest means of expanding or trade opportunities.” Ceryl dismissed.  He offered Theron a steady hand up the steps, despite the spy having no need for it.  When it came to things like this, he was always a gentleman.  For a long time that had thrown Theron off, leaving him questioning his partner’s evaluation of his own skills.  Once they’d settled into their relationship, he was well aware that his Sith partner was simply trying to be courteous.     The bleeding, cycling rainbow of colors going from pink to red to purple to blue to green to gold and back to pink announced the entrance to their destination.  Pet’s Passion Pavilion.  Theron looked from the sign, back to his husband, shaking his head.     “You know, you could have at least used an alias if you were going to make reservations someplace like this.” Theron chuckled as the door was opened for him.     More than amused at the response of his partner, Karberos checked them in at the kiosk.  There was no one monitoring the front lobby.  He led them through the empty, tasteful lobby to the lift that would take them to the second floor, guided by directions on his keycard.     The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, revealing a plush interior adorned in rich velvet and golden accents. Stepping inside, the scent of lavender and sandalwood enveloped them as they ascended to the second floor.  The Sith found it odd that the elevator was completely enclosed.  Most he was familiar with were not, unless they were underground.  Karberos held Theron's bag with ease, the leather handle matching his polished shoes.  The hallway on the second floor was lined with intricate tapestries depicting mythical creatures in flight, leading them towards their reserved room at the end of the corridor.  Theron glanced at Karberos, a knowing smile playing on his lips as they continued their journey through the opulent hotel.     “Was it me, or was that serpent fucking the dartbats circling it with at least a dozen little dicks?” Theron asked, turning to walk backwards as he took in the tapestry again.     “The big-winged ladies were doing some pretty, risqué things as well.” Karberos grinned, opening the door to their room.     “Hum.  You’re dangerous on the holonet.” Theron commented, following his partner in as the Sith turned up the lights.     A spacious, unexpectedly normal room opened before them.  The entrance held a sofa and holoprojector to one side with a desk and chair to the other.  Further in was a small kitchenette coupled with a round table and chairs.  Two steps down, beyond that was a massive bed with a thick blue comforter and at least half a dozen big pillows.  There was a full bar along one wall and three doors.  One was propped open for their closet, another was a glass door towards a large balcony, the third Theron guessed was the ‘fresher.     “It doesn’t look as scary as the name on the door.” Theron mused, beginning to explore their room as his partner headed to the closet to leave his bag.     Taking the moment to leave his shoes in the closet and retrieve their weapons, placing lightsaber and blasters in easy access on one of the nightstands, Karberos loosened his tie.  It was absolutely not the sort of outfit he typically chose, but Theron had seemed to appreciate it.     “You could cook a full family dinner in here if you wanted.” Theron shared his findings from the kitchenette.     “Nice.  The booking literally asked your hobbies and turn ons to pair you with the right room.” Karberos shared as he shed his stark white shirt, returning to hang it up.     “I didn’t think cooking turned you on.” Theron chuckled coming out to explore the bar next.     “I mean not cooking so much as we have some fun with food, ice cream, chocolate, stuff we can lick off of each other.” Karberos considered his responses as he hung up his pants.     “This bar is amazing.  Anything you want to drink?” Theron offered as he poured himself a glass of whiskey.     “Water.” he accepted.  Now satisfied his suit was put up and completely naked, he walked over to accept his drink.     “No brandy?” his partner asked a little surprised.  He noticed that the broad, muscular warrior was now undressed standing before the bar and took the moment to simply appreciate the view.  His lover has an absolutely perfect body and he never failed to enjoy the times it was on display only for him.     “Maybe in a bit.” he smiled sweetly at Theron, accepting the cold beverage and drinking down half of it.  Theron took his whiskey with him, sipping it as he rounded the bar.  He gave a light slap to his husband’s bare ass, smiling as he let curiosity draw him towards the fresher.     “Ut.  Hold on a minute.” Karberos halted him as he headed in.     “What?  Just wanted to look.” Theron didn’t hide his smirk, turning towards the Sith, cradling his glass as he considered another drink.     “Nope.  First time’s a surprise.  Take your clothes off.” he prompted the spy.     “What, no foreplay?” Theron huffed in a faux pout, pursing his tan lips.     “You’ve had an entire day of foreplay.” Ceryl laughed at him.  He finished his glass, leaving it on the bar and crossing the room to meet Theron.     “It’s a ‘fresher.  You’ve got me curious now.  Hot tub, or huge bath tub?  If you added my preferences…” Theron grinned.  The monstrosity of a tub in their rejuvenator was there because Ceryl knew he loved it and made sure they both fit comfortably together in it.     “Get undressed Agent.” Ceryl instructed him again, retrieving something from the nightstand.  Theron set his glass down, reaching up to loosen the bola he wore.  When his partner reached around, tying a blindfold over his eyes he paused.  That was unexpected.     “Ooh.  What’s the game for this one?  Interrogation?” Theron almost giggled at it.  That made Ceryl smile.  He was in a good space tonight.  How and what they played with in the bedroom had to be tested gingerly.  There were a lot of unsavory things in the spy’s past that could set him off and ruin the mood.  His intentions tonight were to make his husband feel nothing but good.     Pressing a slow, sensual kiss to Theron’s silky sweet lips, Ceryl breathed him in deeply.  The feeling of his tongue lingering on his lips, sucking the hint of whisky remaining, the larger man savored the moment.  Lost in the rapture of their intimacy Ceryl faltered for only the moment.  His large hands covering Theron’s still clothed shoulders, drawing him deeper into the embrace even as he felt his lover’s arms slipped about his waist and holding him near.     “Um.” hummed out the agent.  “That’s one way to get me to talk.” he teased between breathless kisses.     “And make certain you shut your eyes.” Ceryl agreed.  He loosened the bola enough to pull it off around the blindfold before sliding the white jacket from his partner’s shoulders.      “Umhum.” Theron agreed, pressing in for another sultry kiss, his hands sliding over his partner’s perfect rear and squeezing him close.  The evidence of Ceryl’s arousal was grinding against his abdomen.  Theron had no desire to slow this down.  The day had been challenging, exhilarating and demanded all of his specialized skills.  It ended in a perfect date with the man he loved and no one in their family or the Alliance was in danger after all.  They could make love, fall asleep together and do it again in the morning.  There were obviously a variety of options for them to play with.     “You look amazing tonight, but I believe I said to get undressed.” came that beautiful, low voice spilling like honey into his ears.  There was no hiding the deep crimson flushing Theron’s features at the praise.     “Can’t wait to see what’s next.” Theron managed only when the Sith stepped back, taking his warmth and succulent lips with him.     “You won’t see it.  Least not yet.” Ceryl teased.  The sound of the door to the fresher opened and Theron realized his lover was in his implants, limiting his ability to scan or control said room.     “That’s not fair.” the spy complained.     “No cheating.” came his partner’s voice through the door.  “You’ll spoil it.”     A little snort emerged from the agent as he unbuttoned his vest then his shirt down to his pants.  Toeing off his boots he made short work of his clothes, tossing them into a pile.  It was new, he should hang it up, but someone had blindfolded him.     “Shorts too.” Ceryl encouraged him.  Theron made a noise of acknowledgement as he stripped down to his skin.  From just in front of him he could hear the soft sound of metal gliding on metal and what sounded like fluid filling a space.  Maybe a bath?  He couldn’t smell any water or anything really except for a soft lilac he hadn’t noticed in the room he still stood in.  The hint of the whiskey he’d left almost finished on the nightstand to his side, that was another prominent scent that stood out.  Ceryl was too far away for him to identify that way, unless he’d spent hours fighting or in the gym.  That thought quirked an unexplained grin on the agent’s expression.  The sound of soft steps against a hard floor then lightly muffled by thick carpet gave him a little warning before the feeling of his partner’s large calloused hand sliding over his back to drape across his hip firmly grasping to pull him in close against the much broader warrior’s side.      “Come with me dear.” Ceryl prompted him before guiding him into their ‘fresher.  The feeling that he was almost helpless like this, blind and naked tucked under the powerful Sith’s arm should have been unnerving, even frightening, but he couldn’t say it was.  He felt his heart thumping in eager anticipation and knew he would never be safer than he was in the arms of the man who held him.     “Stop here.” Was the instruction he received before a sudden cold void replaced the burning protective warmth that was his lover.  Theron huffed out a little sound of protest but remained as he had been told.  His reward came in a slow tender kiss, the warm moist sensation of his lover’s lips pressed to his, the hitch in his throat as his tongue darted to paint Cheryl’s catching his lingering taste just before the much taller man straightened taking the ambrosia of his kiss with him.  The spy did nothing to hide his pout of disappointment at the withdrawal.     Two large hands rested on his shoulders and pressed as an insistence.  “Down.”     “Ooh, so this is how you want it tonight, hum?” Theron muttered as he allowed himself to be lowered to his knees.   He didn’t mind, whatever it was that Ceryl wanted to do in this position, he just wished that the floor wasn’t so hard.  Getting older was really annoying and he had to admit he didn’t enjoy this sort of thing as much as he had in his younger years, only because the damn floor dug at his knees to the point of distraction.  He wasn’t going to mention that yet.  Waiting patiently on his knees, he couldn’t restrain his own eager anticipation.      Sitting in what could easily be described as a kingly throne of a seat suspended from the ceiling, Ceryl inspected the eager look of excitement decorating Theron’s expression.  His eyes had dark circles forming underneath them, a bruising eyeshadow of exhaustion from his very busy day.  If they were home, he’d have been asleep at the dinner table.  He would push the agent just a little bit further.  His lover enjoyed surpassing his own limits.  He would share a couple of the rooms features that had him curious, enjoy his partner and let him rest soon.     Legs spread to accommodate the broad shoulders of his husband, Ceryl navigated the chair easily as it slid him into the perfect position before his lover’s kiss swollen lips.  Their normal tan was tinged pink with their evening of affectionate adoration.  It made Ceryl smile, Theron loved kissing.  Public or not, he had not failed to adorn his lover’s lips every chance he had gotten during their meal.  He could feel the pleasure and satisfaction that Theron took from the gesture teeming off of him.  Scooting forward slightly, he pressed the leaking, bulbous tip of his thick cock against Theron’s lips and waited for them to part obediently.     A thousand smart comments ran through Theron’s head when he recognized where this was going.  He tended to be the one commanding his partner into positions like this.  It wasn’t that it couldn’t go both ways, or that he didn’t love giving his husband pleasure, it was just usually him ordering the other man around.  Parting his lips to speak, his mouth was filled to the brim by the hard expanse of his lover’s excitement.  Taking his queue, and vowing to salvage his knees before the dull ache settled into something more distracting, he began to work his mouth slowly over Ceryl’s thick length.      Feeling a large hand on the back of his head, holding him firmly in place, Theron paused.  Hearing a soft groan floating down to trickle into his brain he smiled.  The hard, thick staff pulsed against his bottom lip, the tip poked and rested against the back of his throat and he was frozen in place.      “Shh.  Just stay there, right there, until I tell you.” Ceryl whispered.     The absolute most intoxicating sound ever seeped through his ears and permeated his brain.  Ladling his entire essence with that magical deep baritone, Theron’s knees went weak.  It was probably for the best that he was already on them.  Then he began to be aware.  Sound in the room had changed.  There was nothing, nothing but himself and Ceryl.  The feeling of his heavy cock resting against Theron’s tongue, brushing his cheeks, playing out the beat of his heart like a hypnotic tempo that the agent could do nothing but follow.      As he focused on his partner, the ruddy, musky scent that he breathed in, nose being pressed against the soft hairs that littered their way from his navel to his balls, that was all there was.  Ceryl filled him.  The sweet sounds of steady breath drawing in and exhaling above him.  He was breathing through his nose, matching the pattern.  Theron found himself syncing with his partner on every level he could imagine.      Saliva pooled in his mouth, forcing him to swallow.  He could hear the soft intake from his lover as he drew in a breath in reaction, felt the slight tensing of the fingers tight against the back of his head.  It was intense.  He had no other word for it.  He wanted to move, to slake the thick rod of flesh taking up all of the space that was his mouth, to move and swallow.  Quivering, Theron’s lips faltered around the intrusion, allowing spittle to begin to drool down.  Still he was held in place.  As the ache of his knees began to set in, nagging as a distraction to his own complete absorption in his lover, the floor changed.  It felt like he was kneeling on soft, spongy ground, cradling his knees and thighs, rising up enough to give him support and comfort as he held his position.     What the fuck was this?  This place, room, was something.  He began to move his tongue, to tease the underside of Ceryl’s thick staff, hoping to spur his lover into some kind of motion.  There were a few spots he knew that always set his partner off.     “Shh.  Just be still.  Enjoy it a minute.” Ceryl whispered to him gently.  That voice.  It wasn’t the force.  There wasn’t a trick to it.  It was just Ceryl’s absolutely perfect, consuming, seductive voice.  If it was the last thing that he ever heard, he would die a happy man.  Nothing had ever felt so consuming, so embracing as the sound of the words he was graced with when they were like this.      “That’s it my love.  You’re doing so well.  Just hold me like that.  Relax, I couldn’t imagine anyone better.” he whispered sweetly.  Fingers carded through Theron’s hair, destroying the spikey faux mohawk that stood down the center of his close-cut hair.  Ceryl didn’t like it when he shaved it down completely, said he was pretending to be someone much younger than he was.  Maybe he was right.  This style he just made fun of, but never once complained or expressed not being attracted to.  That had bothered him, his objection to embracing the style.  Ceryl never criticized his looks.  It had to have bothered him a lot to say anything about it.  Was it wrong to change it for him?      “Shh. Just focus on what you’re doing.” Ceryl quieted him again, pressing deeper into his mouth and forcing him to swallow or choke.  Feeling the gentle petting as he swallowed down his lover, only to chase after the slight withdrawal of the thick weight on his tongue.  “There you go.  You’re so fucking perfect like this.  Beautiful.”     Theron’s heart swelled and he was certain his face was another shade of crimson at the praise.  His eyes were watering, drool was falling between them.  What about this?  He stopped.  No, when he put Ceryl in this spot, he couldn’t begin to describe how devastatingly attractive he found his lover.  A little grin tugged at his lips, tightening the squeeze of his hold on the cock filling the space of his mouth.      “There we go.” Ceryl encouraged him and Theron ate it up.  Breathing in time with his lover, resting comfortably on the spongy support saving his knees, hearing nothing but the sounds of their hearts beating together, lost in the taste of the heady length against his tongue, there was nothing else.  Reaching out through the force, he filled Ceryl with his warmth, his presence, his desire.  Returning the flood of warmth for an easy current, waxing and waning with their connection, their love, their presence, Theron shut down.  All that was needed was this.  He was whole, complete, satisfied.  Ceryl was his everything, and that was how it should be.     He didn’t know how long they stayed in that position, but it was long enough he’d gone soft in the Agent’s mouth.  Petting gently, Ceryl looked down at the perfect spectacle of his lover with a painfully fond smile.  This was worth the entire day.  Getting Theron to come down and relax, to let go, totally worth it all.     When he became aware of the fact that he either needed to move his partner, or let him fall asleep, Ceryl pushed back slightly on the agent’s head, breaking the seal between his lips and his own length.  He reached down to wipe his lover’s cheek and chin clean as Theron settled back slowly, his hand reaching up to grasp at Ceryl’s dick now that it was free from his lips.     “Where do you think you’re going?” came the agent’s gruff response to the movement.  He slowly began to stroke his lover’s length back to life.  Arching his back, he stretched, taking a hold of one of Ceryl’s strong forearms to pull himself to a standing position.     “Was thinking about carrying you to bed.  Letting you sleep.” Ceryl admitted with a grin.  He adjusted, completely happy to allow Theron to play with his length.     “Can I take this off now?” Theron asked, gesturing to the blindfold he still wore.  He closed the space between them, realizing now that his partner was definitely sitting in or on something.  He found Ceryl’s lips, regardless, leaning in to consume him in a sweet kiss that threatened to evolve quickly into something much more passionate.     “Leave your implants down, you can play with all the toys in here when we’re done.  Right now, I really like the settings.” Ceryl conditioned, untying the blindfold and allowing it to fall to the floor.     Theron pressed into his lover with another long, sultry kiss.  His tongue teasing over full plush lips, darting into the warrior’s mouth to claim him on every possible level.  Arms sliding about Ceryl’s hips, the taller man was standing, bodies pressed together.  Finding his own cock, he grasped them both tightly together in his hand, slowly stroking.  The long firm pull from root to tip seemed to eek desperate moans from his lover.  Ceryl had to bend at the knees just to allow him the pleasure of the shared touch, but he didn’t seem to mind in the least.     It seemed like its own eternity before the warrior withdrew a moment from their heated kiss, drawing in a sharp breath.      “Pick your lube.” he grinned at Theron and an entire menu lit up before the agent.  The oddness of it, coupled with the ridiculous amount of choices before him gave him pause.  A sharp gasp broke his silent concentration as he was lifted to find himself sitting in the spot that his lover had been previously.  The chair was shaped more like half an egg, or a pod, the agent noted as he realized the change that had been implemented.  “It completely adjusts, shape, height.  Also, I had it super soft, as you can see, you can adjust the inside from there, down to liquid, all the way up to durasteel.  It’s amazing.”     “I can fix the chair?” Theron asked, finding the angle much more comfortable for both of them as he continued to stroke his partner.  He almost didn’t notice the shot from a hidden dispenser that filled his hand with the lube he’d chosen causing a startled noise to rise between them.  Ceryl chuckled, then cut himself off with a lascivious moan as he felt the slaking of silky smooth warmth stimulating his already sensitive cock.  The feeling of Theron’s hand squeezing them together, stroking long and slow along their shared arousal was simply divine.  If he didn’t stop this wasn’t lasting very long at all.     “Mm.” was the sound that Theron received in response.  It was very clear that his husband was distracted by the work he was doing with his hand.  Reaching between them with his free hand, Theron rubbed his palm over their tips, cupping as he stroked them into his palm, squeezing when they made contact with his grip.  When he slid back down he played with each, two fingers running from his lover’s slit to his own and back, only to repeat the gesture.  The grip that Ceryl had taken on the chair around him was frightening in its strength.  Theron hoped that his Sith lover didn’t break the toy they were playing with.  Stroking down and back up again he squeezed them together, finding himself swept away in a kiss that stole his breath.  Tongues thrashing over one another in a sensual duel for claim over their partner’s mouth, the tight grip rubbing hot from the lube and stimulating every open pore, bodies plastered together as the warrior all but forced him back in the chair to mount him, Theron surrendered.  Their passion swelling to a stellar height, the agent was certain this was going to be it.      Feeling a familiar tight coil in his abdomen, Theron had no reason that they should restrain themselves.  This was for their mutual pleasure after all.  As he felt himself almost ready to crash over that ledge, Ceryl stopped him.  The sudden choke of a gasp in his throat and the agent stared wide eyed at his lover, a look of pleading and betrayal.      As the word “Why?” began to form on the plush, kiss swollen lips of the agent, he cried out in a sharp gasp of surprise that settled into a deep, resounding moan of pleasure.  His lover settled down on his cock, hilting him and pausing to steady himself.  The strong warrior pressed his forehead to Theron’s as his body shuddered in sheer bliss at that penetration.     “You alright, babe?” Theron finally managed to grit out, as his hard staff throbbed deep within his lover’s core.  “I could have gotten you ready.”       At that, Theron felt the chair rising slightly, adjusting to the new position as his partner straddled his hips, legs firm on the ground.  The seat seemed to grip his rear, gently forcing his cheeks apart as a tapping came at his own entrance.  Eyes wide he stared up at Ceryl as his lover slowly began to work down against his thick rod.     “No need.” Ceryl grunted near Theron’s ear, hips rising and falling, barely able to get words out through his passion laden breaths.  “You can pick attachments, vibrations, speed…name it.” he shared under complete duress of his own distraction.  Theron’s hand was crushed between them, and squeezed tightly around Ceryl’s cock when he felt the slick of cool gel and the slide of something slim and smooth pressing against his tight rim.  A light vibration began and it drew little circles before flattening and becoming squishy.  The feeling was remarkably like a tongue and between the tight squeeze on his cock from Ceryl’s body slamming into his own and the mild, sensual penetration at his rear, Theron thought he was going to lose his mind.      Muscles tense, toes curled, pressing up chasing the loss of his partner’s heat around his cock, resting back into overstimulating sweet squelching and Theron was crying out in sheer abandon.  The litany of his lover’s name spilling from his lips and flooding the small room.  He didn’t know he could feel so absolutely amazing in so many places at one time.  Then there was biting at his nipples.  Sharp, sudden pressure, the glide of teeth, the sudden sucking, the sickening sweet squelching from his ass as he was licked clean, the tight squeeze flooding down his length, too much.  Theron screamed.  He was sure he screamed.      The flood of sheer ecstasy that overwhelmed his body, starting in his core and washing through every fiber of his being he came.  His partner filled to overflowing with the warmth of his spent, bucking wildly into Ceryl.  He was distantly aware that his partner had showered his stomach in thick warm ropes of his own release.  The wash of his pleasure flowed like a storm surge drowning his partner only to recede back, their mutual connection within the force showering them in the undeniable bliss that their partner filled with.     Needing a minute.  Wanting a minute, Theron began to speak.  It didn’t do any good.  Ceryl was on top of him, his thick cock still seated firmly within his lover, spasming out the last sputters of his orgasm.  He was being pressed back and the chair seemed to change again.  He was laying back, like on a bed, or almost like he was flat on a speeder.  His lover was seated on top of him, legs clamped to his hips, feet slightly below, riding him.  The room seemed to disappear as the chair sealed around them, enclosing them completely.     Still breathing heavily, Ceryl caught Theron’s lips in his, kissing him hungerly.  He tightened down on the agent’s throbbing cock, squeezing, not allowing him to leave his ravenous hole.  Theron felt a slight pressure near his neck, it seemed to be fluid and settle between them, as if collaring them together.     “Does this bother you?” Ceryl asked him heatedly, between passionate kisses.     “It’s alright.  Not gonna tell me this thing does choking too, are you?” Theron tossed out when he was allowed to answer.  His lover honestly did care, and was holding back for an answer, that much was obvious.     “It does, but not the way we like it.” Ceryl chuckled, leaning in to claim another kiss.  “Not sure if we’ll like this or not, so here goes.”     Theron’s eyebrows shot up into his hairline, not that his lover could see much.  The collar that had linked them gave off a low blue glow in the close confines of the chamber.  He could see a lot of different fantasies being played out in this position.  His thoughts were silenced as he felt the rush of water, no, too thick, viscous, fluid flooding the seat and surrounding their bodies.  It was the strangest, completely stimulating experience.  Every hair seemed to stand on end like he was bathing in a tiny swarm of lighteninggels, jellyfish, lantali’s?  Coursing through him, electrifying his senses without any hint at pain, his body lit up.      He could feel everything.  The connection with his lover within the force swelled through him and Ceryl was a part of his everything.  His thoughts, his taste, everything he smelt, everything he felt, was his lover.  There were no doubts in his mind, his partner was feeling the exact same thing.  The currents between them were fusing them, heightening them and conducting them towards one another.  Losing track of the sweet, sensual sounds that tumbled between them, the deep heady kisses, the sucking one another clean of their own fluids, the motion of their bodies together.  The overwhelming onslaught of senses drove them easily over the edge again and left them drowning in their passion and love for one another.      The fluid seemed to grind them in unison, to fill every opening, to caress every centimeter of luscious skin.  Body trembling beneath the massive Sith, Theron felt no discomfort from the weight, his muscles stimulated and rejuvenated by the fluid around him, forcing him to complete attention again.  Theron was biting down on the warrior’s neck, crying out between gasps for breath as he was driven again and again to the height of pleasure his body would permit.  Sobbing and lax beneath the hulking warrior, pleading for it to stop, Ceryl found his lips, pressing a sweet, loving kiss despite the slavering mess of his lover.  As the tank around their bodies slowly drained, leaving little prickles of caresses like a lover’s parting kiss, a sharp hiss escaped Theron.  The onslaught of cold air was almost crippling.  He may have fallen over if he wasn’t laying there a complete pile of goo beneath his lover.     “Gonna be okay?” Ceryl asked him gently, not attempting to hide the grin he wore.     “The fuck was that?” Theron gasped out, finding it in him to hold onto his partner, overwhelmingly happy to be able to bury his face in the larger man’s collar.     “Overstimulation, guaranteed.” Ceryl chuckled, pressing loving kisses to his partner’s face and hair.     “How are you not a complete bloody fucking mess?” Theron laughed, holding tightly to the warrior, arms trembling from the whole experience.     “Open your eyes.” Ceryl laughed at him.  “You weren’t alone.”     Theron finally eeked open his eyes to focus on the man laying against him.  The strong warrior was trembling as much as he was.  His one eye streaked red, dried stains from tears down his cheek, cheeks flushed so red that it blocked out his dark features.  That made Theron laugh.  He had to.  It wasn’t some bizarre sexual torture fantasy, they’d done it together.  Somehow that set him so much at ease he couldn’t begin to explain himself.     “Bed.” Theron decided.  “If you can walk, take me to bed.” he gestured towards the door of the very versatile rejuvenator. ***^^***       The delicious smells of food permeated the peaceful dreams lulling Theron gradually towards consciousness.  Blinking slowly his eyes were met by the smile of his husband carrying a tray and climbing back into bed beside him.     “Good morning sunshine.  Bout time you woke up.” Ceryl greeted him, leaning down to press a sweet kiss to the top of his head.     “Morning.  Sorry, shit, after 10:00.  What time’s check out?” Theron frowned, realizing the time as their location flooded back to him.     “No worries, go back to sleep if you want.” Ceryl dismissed.  He took a piece of crisp dewback loin and shoved it in his slowly waking partner’s mouth.  “We’ve got two nights here.”     “Um.” Theron registered the salty, greasy goodness permeating his tongue and started chewing, hand rising to grasp the end so it didn’t fall to the bed.     “Too many toys to just have one day, at least that was my thought.  Now you can figure them all out.  Or we can eat, and go walk around and shop, and come back to play.  Whatever you want.” Ceryl dismissed.  He couldn’t say he’d felt this good in quite a while.  They didn’t get much time away from the Alliance together that wasn’t wrapped around one mission or another.   This was a nice break and his husband desperately needed it.  They had twin babies due soon and there was going to be nothing restful in that little endeavor for years.     “What’d we get?” Theron asked as he crunched the end of the strip.  Sitting himself up as his stomach did little summersaults of joy at the food he began to inspect on the tray on the warrior’s lap.      “This egg mash up is pretty good.  There’s a couple of fruits to try, they had your biscuits and gravy.  Plenty of dewback strips, a couple slabs of loin, toast.  If you want hotcakes, we can order them.  I figured this would be enough, but easy to fix.” Ceryl smiled over at him, hefting a large bite of the egg mash he was talking about over to his partner.  Theron accepted the offering, shaking his head as he tried to chew it down to manageable.  The warrior had a larger mouth than he did, they’d long since established that.     “Ooh caf!” Theron exclaimed through a mouthful of food, when he saw his steaming cup on one edge of the tray and almost lunged for it.     “Here.” Ceryl passed it over to him so he didn’t knock the tray over.  The man had an addiction.  Theron nodded his appreciation.  Taking a drink, he nearly scalded himself on the hot beverage as he swallowed the large bite down.     “Thank you.” he finally managed, this time taking a much more manageable sip.  “Give me the biscuits.” he requested, sliding things over enough to fit the caf and hold his plate of biscuits.  He shook his head when his partner tried to move the tray between them, sticking a fork into the inviting mess.  As he savored the bite, at least two different flavors of sausage filled his senses and the biscuits seemed to melt into the gravy.  It was divine.       “Have you tried this?  It’s really good?” Theron asked his husband.  “So light and fluffy.”  The amused shake of his head was all he needed to offer the much taller warrior a bite.  Ceryl nodded, agreeing and they settled into their very comfortable ritual of breakfast together. ***^^***      The pair spent the day together, walking the mezzanine, taking in all of the shops.  Ceryl bought something more casual than the dinnerware he had.  His partner loved shopping, when he could indulge in something so simple and domestic.  Theron preferred to spend the day at a spa being pampered, but today he was here with his husband, and he didn’t mind the activity at all.  It was exciting to take in all of the new wonders from this bustling market neither had much experience with, out in wild space.      Several holocalls were exchanged between Hialien and Ceryl when he found a shop that dealt in furnishing.  He had the runt going back to their home and taking measurements.  Though the calls may have broken the sense of them being completely disconnected from home, it was nice to check up on their young adopted son.  Theron had to admit that it set them both at ease for the afternoon.     The pair learned that the primary species on the planet was human, with some oddly different cultural practices, from what Theron observed.  They were much more commerce focused and their holidays centered around buying and selling vast amounts of goods.  Leave it to Ceryl to find their primary sporting event.  It was some kind of snorkeling relay thing that involved multiple levels and actually propelling team members over obstacles.  The commander commented a few times on possibly bringing Huttball out here.  They may enjoy it.  From what Theron observed from the relays on public view screens, there were common elements.  They may like it, he was right.     Together, they sampled an open air, outdoor firepit barbeque together.  It was so much more Ceryl’s speed than the fancy restaurant that he’d taken Theron to the previous night.  The pair enjoyed the food and the company before returning to their room, relaxed and very pleased with the day.***^^***      “So I get to play with things today, right?” Theron reminded his partner as Ceryl left a couple of bags in the closet.  They’d already visited Theron’s shuttle to drop off the heavier things that the commander had purchased.  There was no sense in dragging them all over, and his shuttle was closer than the commander’s ship.     “Yes dear, you may play with anything you like.” Ceryl chuckled.  “I have a question for you.”     “Sure, I like the cinnamon motion lotion, the heating ones.” Theron provided as he headed towards the bar.  Though, to be fair, his husband was well aware of his preferences.     “Is your problem with Halston because of Novak?” Ceryl asked him from what seemed out of the blue.     “Kovach, he didn’t help matters.” Theron smirked, not sure why the commander brought that up.  “How do you know about him?  Or maybe what do you know about him would be better?”     “I know he was Imperial Intelligence under Lana, when she was the Minister of Sith Intelligence.  I also know that Ket learned he was a Republic spy and left his fate to Lana.  But, when you were missing I found out he was largely responsible for selling you out to Saresh and one of the ones who testified that you were a traitor to the Republic resulting in the execution verdict.  His identity had been, classified.  You never did share that tidbit when you came to join my house.” Ceryl provided plainly.     “Yea, it wasn’t a highpoint of my career.” Theron smirked, sitting up on one of the barstools to look over at his partner.  “I felt like complete shit even coming to you after it all.  Wasn’t interested in reliving all the people who were supposed to be on the same side betraying me.”     “Fair enough.  I’m sorry you went through it.  I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was grateful for all of the years we got to have together because of it.  And our girls.” Ceryl gave him a warm, encouraging smile.     “Yea.” Theron sighed, finding himself returning the smile.  “That was the silver lining.  Wouldn’t trade it for anything.”     “Give Halston a chance.  For me.  Take the few months when the boys come, and enjoy being a dad, you’re great at it, and love it.  You love babies.” Ceryl chuckled at the thought.     “You’ve already pulled rank on me, I don’t get a choice.” Theron rolled his eyes.  It annoyed him on occasion.  He and Lana put the commander into the position.  Gave him the power.  That he could use it on either of them was irritating sometimes.  It was the right choice.  The things they’d already accomplished were monumental.  But still irritating.     “You have a choice.  As far as he knows, setting this all up, was you testing him.  If you think it was good enough to hold down the fort when you’re not home or available, he gets the job.  You don’t, he doesn’t.” Ceryl grinned at his husband.     “What, seriously?” Theron stared at him in shock.     “Seriously.  I’ll sweeten the deal.  Give him the chance.  If he betrays us, I’ll execute him myself.  Or you can, if you prefer the kill.” Ceryl added, the Sith in him coming out.     “I guess that will depend on the degree to which he betrays us.  I’m not into randomly executing subordinates for failure.  We just fire them in the Republic.” Theron rolled his eyes and laughed.     “Unless they happen to be a certain SIS agent I know.” Ceryl smirked.     “Okay, fair.” the little laugh that escaped the agent was enough for Ceryl.  “We’ll give a shot.  If things are still good after I’m back after the twins, then maybe I’ll relax some.  How’s that?”     “That works for me.” Cery smiled brightly at him.  He’d won.  The guy seemed fully capable of everything they needed to bolster their intelligence department for the Alliance.  And Theron needed someone to shoulder some of the ridiculous amount of work he took on for himself.  Now to work on showing Ana’s abilities to his stubborn husband.  “Taking a shower while you figure out what toys we’re playing with tonight.  I wore more of that barbeque than we’re going to discuss.”     “Here I thought it was just the babies that were going to need bibs.” Theron teased after his partner.  Not certain if he heard the warrior respond or not, he settled down.  Stripping to his boxers Theron left his clothes in the washer and utilized his implants to inspect all of the “special” features of this room.  An overwhelming selection of toys and additions to a sexual adventure were at their fingertips here.  It was no wonder that Ceryl had told him not to look the evening before.  Even now, after the incredibly overstimulating night they’d had before, there were so many things to choose from.  Maybe it would just be better to let his partner start, and see where it went.     Getting them each a glass of sparkling juice from the bar, Theron placed them on the nightstand and sprawled out across the bed.  Looking up towards the ceiling, he continued to utilize his implants to scroll through their options.  The agent was startled out of his investigation by the sudden appearance of his lover dropping down on top of him, strong arms framing his head.  Thick, muscular arms flexed for Theron’s personal pleasure, holding Ceryl in position, body wet and naked against his own.     “I’m not a towel.” Theron grumbled.  His complaint cut short as full, wet lips pressed against his own.  The muffled sound of pleasure escaped from between them, and suddenly deciding what could possibly be on the list tonight didn’t matter.  Lips parting to permit the incessant tongue lashing of his incredible husband, Theron languished in the taste, fueled by the ardent adoration that was heaped upon them.  Feeling the force flowing between them, none of the potential toys meant a thing.  All that mattered was this total, unbridled desire that they felt easily cascading between them.      The kiss deepened, becoming a whirlwind of passion and need as if their very souls were intertwined.  Theron's senses were engulfed in the taste of Ceryl's lips, the scent of their combined desire lingering in the air around them.  Every touch ignited a spark, sending shivers down his spine and awakening every nerve ending in his body.  Their bodies molded together seamlessly, fitting like two halves of a whole, creating an electrifying connection that seemed to transcend time and space.     As they kissed, it was as if the world around them faded into oblivion, leaving only the intense heat between them.  The room seemed to pulse with their shared longing, the air crackling with unrestrained desire.  Each moment stretched into eternity, each second filled with an insatiable hunger for more of each other.  Their hearts beat in unison, filled to bursting with love and lust that echoed through the room.  Theron felt himself losing all sense of self-control, completely consumed by the overwhelming need for Ceryl.  In that endless moment of entwined passion, nothing else existed except for the fiery connection between them.  A connection that transcended mere physicality and delved deep into the depths of their souls.     In that infinite embrace, Theron knew with absolute certainty that this kiss was not just a fleeting moment, it was a declaration of their boundless love and insatiable craving for one another.  He was naked, and he wasn’t sure how or when.  It didn’t matter.  Lost in the tangle of their bodies, lips meeting again and again desperate to drink in, to consume more of each other.  How his partner did it, he couldn’t imagine, but it didn’t matter.  They were here and they were forever together.      “Here.” came a husky whisper from the warrior grinding against him.  It was only then he realized that control for a device was relinquished to him.  There were no other words, Ceryl’s lips clashed against his again, nipping and sucking.  Tugging at his bottom lip sucking almost to the point the agent was certain it would swell.  He didn’t care.  Couldn’t stop himself to care about foolish things like that.  The long plush of his lover’s tongue lashed over his own, inviting the ever tempting duel.  Then a large hand was between them.  Passion swollen cocks latched together between the broad palm, grasping them, stroking them in time as their bodies writhed and their mouths clashed.     Sure, firm pulls clasping the length of their needy erections together.  The moment he had for a thought, as Ceryl’s hand ran down, squeezing near the root, forcing a deep groan to break between their kissing, that was all he had.  The control was to the anal plug filling his lover, and Theron almost lost himself with the grin.  Swelling it to match the grip he felt, increasing the vibrations, his lover was biting.  Mouth dragging sloppily from the kiss to bite at his jaw, saving his tongue the overwhelmed response.      Now he knew what his husband was up to in the shower.  Ceryl’s hand trembled as the reaction ran through his entire body, forcing the pleasure he felt onto the agent, making certain that Theron understood how completely incredible the sheer bliss crashing over him in an avalanche of rapture was.  That was the only break he allowed Theron, stroking them together, grinding down all but melting their bodies into one.     Moving with a synchronized frenzy, the slick warmth between them turned silkier and warmer with each frantic movement.  Invigorating hints of jasmine and cinnamon drifted up between them.  Long lascivious pulls from root to tip, the tight clutching of his grip strangling their cocks together.  Ceryl's touch intensified, his hands expertly stroking both of them together, creating a tidal wave of pleasure that crashed down over leaving Theron to drown in.  The sensation was overwhelming, almost too much to bear, as their skin slid against each other, filthy squelching noises wafting up and submersing their senses.  Heated kisses were exchanged between them, desperate and needy, each one a silent plea for more.  Theron controlled the anal plug vibrator nestled inside Ceryl, sending jolts of stimulation through his body with every pulse from the vibrating toy.  Ceryl's movements became urgent and erratic, driven by the intense stimulation that pushed them both closer to ecstasy.     Moans filled the air of the room, mixing with the wet sounds of their bodies coming together.  Ceryl's grip on both of them tightened, rubbing deliberately over their tips, teasing their slits, his fingers working tirelessly to bring them to the edge.  Theron's control over the vibrator added an unpredictable element to their pleasure, heightening their sensations with each passing moment. The intoxicating scent in the room grew stronger as they lost themselves in each other's touch.  Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they chased that elusive peak of pleasure together.  Each stroke brought them closer and closer until finally, with a shared gasp and shudder, they tumbled over the edge into sweet oblivion.  Their copious shared spend coating abdomen, spurting over their chests and soaking down over Ceryl’s hand, adding additional lubrication to his slowing strokes.     Their release was accompanied by squelching sounds and overwhelming sensations that left them breathless and utterly spent.  The aftermath was a mix of tangled limbs and heavy breathing, their bodies still humming with residual pleasure from their intimacy.     “Baby,” Ceryl finally managed from his place collapsed on top of his husband. “you can stop the vibrator now.”     A husky chuckle emerged from the agent and he complied, reducing the size to its original settings and turning it off.  “Guess, that was one toy to play with.”     “Didn’t figure you could choose, unless you were actually started.” Ceryl allowed a content smile to settle over his features, nestling down against his partner’s chest.  His feet hung over the bed this way, and they really needed to move, but it was such a deliciously warm spot, it could wait.     “I really like the way that lube felt.” Theron shared, pressing a soft kiss to the warrior’s bald head.  His arms wrapped easily around his partner, tracing gentle, easy patterns into his shoulders and back.     Ceryl chuckled and kissed Theron’s chest.     “What?” he asked, curious what was so funny.     “It’s the one we use most of the time at home.”  Looking up with a twinkle in his eye, he smiled fondly at Theron when their eyes finally met.     “We have good taste.” Theron smirked.  It figured.  Leaning in he caught Ceryl’s lips, leaving a sweet, loving kiss on them.     “That we do.  Am I going to need to shop for the upgrades in that rejuvenator for home?” Ceryl asked him, squeezing his hip with one hand.     “Naw.  Leave it here.” Theron dismissed the idea.     “Didn’t like it?” he asked, concerned.  They were pretty exhausted the night before, he hadn’t really asked Theron’s opinion on it.     “I did.  It was too much though.  Maybe fun once in a while, we can sneak out and make it an adventure, but not an everyday thing.” Theron shared his opinion.     “Hum.  So next year, we have the reception for our wedding, and a honeymoon.  We can come back then.” Ceryl considered.  It was fun.  There were a gluttony of sexual games that could stem from that room.  When it came down to it, making love to his partner, without all the bells and whistles, was the best game there was.     “It’s a date.” Theron grinned, squeezing him warmly.