Chapter XV

The shuttle flight was uneventful, as was the ride to the Goldman's brownstone home. Before they'd hardly placed the bags in their rooms, Gwen was pulling Randi down the stairs and out the door. With a shrug and a smiling wave, they were gone.

"What's your rush?" The dark haired woman asked with a chuckle. "The party's not for several more hours."

"Not the party, silly. The park."

"The park?

"Yes. Now c'mon."

Randi realized the bard wasn't going to impart any further information, and gladly allowed the smaller woman to pull her along. She figured she'd find out what the mystery was about soon enough.

What the mystery was, to her great surprise and secret delight, was an old fashioned fair. And for the remainder of the afternoon, the two women played like children from a time gone by. There were fast rides, slow rides, high in the air rides, and spinning rides. But their favorite turned out to be an ancient merry go round that had all white horses. They rode it until they were dizzy, and as the sun started to set, they headed back home.

"So, did you have fun?" the bard asked with a knowing twinkle in her eyes.

"No," the Marine replied pulling out her gruffest voice and sternest face.

"I'm glad. So did... HUH??? Whaddya mean... NO?!?" Gwen stopped dead in the middle of the walkway, forcing others to move around them as she stood firm with her hands on her hips, glaring at Randi.

The tall woman held her gaze, not flinching. The blonde was so shocked by the answer she failed to see the twinkle lurking in the blue depths. Green eyes dropped to the ground. "I'm s…", but the rest of her words were cut off as she was lifted into the air by her waist, and spun around in circles like a little child.

"Of course I had fun, you goof!! Couldn't you tell?? That was an awesome idea!! Thanks!!" Randi hugged the smaller woman to her tightly, rocking gently back and forth. Gwen returned the squeeze until she was lowered to her feet. Then she punched the other woman's arm.

"*That* was for being so mean." And this time she saw the twinkle and took off running. She squealed loudly when she heard the Marine catching up to her quickly. Not that she couldn't catch me if she tried. Now laughter bubbled up, and it slowed her down just enough for Randi to catch up to her before they reached the steps of the brownstone. She slung Gwen up into a fireman's carry, and marched up the steps and into the house, the bard squealing and laughing all the way. She thought of pounding on the broad back, but determined if one punch had gotten her into this position in the first place, repetitive punching would not further her case in her favor.

Geoff and Jill peeked out of their bedroom as Randi made her way past the second floor door. They merely exchanged looks, and shut the door again.

Randi went straight to Gwen's room, and dropped the bard on the bed, tickling her until she cried for mercy. Then she disappeared out the door, and into her own room before the blonde woman stopped laughing and recovered her breath to speak.

"Brat," Gwen mumbled when she was able to speak. She knew Randi had left, thinking she had won, because there was no time now to retaliate. She was gonna be pressed for enough time to get ready as it was. But there was *always* later, she thought with an evil little smirk.

This is getting harder and harder to keep a lid on. I want so badly to just... NO!! I decided that wouldn't be fair to her. I just want her to have lots of good memories. Is that so much to ask?!? The Marine ran shaking hands over her face and into her hair. Guess I'd better go get ready for this shindig, and she moved to take a shower.

A scant half hour later, each stepped from her room and stopped, staring at the other for a long moment.

"Ya know," Gwen commented with a smile, "we've got to stop meeting like this. People are gonna start to talk."

They already are, love... more than you know. Aloud Randi said, "You look really nice." She smiled when the blonde flushed slightly at the compliment. And she did, too. Her forest green sweater accentuated her eyes, and coordinated quite well with the Marine's crimson one. Both wore black pants, though the bard's were a tailored cloth, and Randi's were a soft rawhide leather.

"Thanks. So do you. Shall we?" gesturing toward the stairs. They walked down slowly together. At the door they were met by the Goldmans, and stopped to don their coats. Then into the transport and over to Sal's.

Sal and his wife, surprisingly, didn't live in the city itself, but in a sprawling farmhouse some good distance away. Randi was impressed with the beautiful, original hardwood floors and stone fireplaces. The decorating was subdued, and the Marine figured that was in large part due to Carmen's touch. Sal was just naturally more flamboyant.

Carmen and Sal greeted them at the door, and took their coats. They moved further into the room, and the Goldmans were swallowed up by old friends. Gwen did her best to stay by Randi's side, but the Marine encouraged her to mix and mingle.

"Go on, Gwen. I'll be fine here."

"Randi, I don't want to leave you alone. And I'd really rather not be without you, either." It was a startlingly unexpected comment, and it warmed the cockles of the brunette's heart. There was nothing she could say against the sentiment, either. The blonde took her arm, and slowly they circuited the room.

"They look so well together," Carmen commented to Sal as they moved to join their guests.

"Yes, they do," the man agreed lightly. "Dei and I are going to speak to them about doing some new pictures."

"Well, it can wait til after dinner," noticing the subtle signal being given to her from the kitchen. And they announced the meal, and made their way to the dining room.

Conversation flowed smoothly around the table, and Randi found herself next to an older man discussing ancient politics, and political systems. It was interesting, and she found she was enjoying herself much more than she anticipated. He was very sharp, and asked pointed questions, to which she gave equally pointed answers. They did not realize they had captured the table's attention, until a lull in their debate rested in the complete silence of the room.

"You know, young lady... you are the first person in a very long time to challenge my thinking." He lifted his wine glass to her. "Salut!"

The Marine raised her glass in return. "I thank you, sir, for the fine conversation." The guests cheered, and Randi blushed ever so slightly at the attention. The man twitched his mustache and smiled at her, his eyes twinkling.

After dinner was over, the guests moved back to the large room they had gathered in before, forming groups of twos or threes. Randi moved into a far back corner, content just to observe. Gwen had excused herself on the way back from the dining room, and now the soldier watched as the bard made her way across the room. She slowed and chatted with several folks, though never allowing them to impede her progress toward the Marine. Not far from her goal, she was intercepted by Dei and Dell, and knew she would have to actually spend a few minutes with them. She threw an apologetic glance to her companion, and Randi shrugged and smiled in return. The three women walked toward the bar.

Randi watched them go, then stiffened as she sensed someone approaching her. She growled low in her throat when she recognized Sal, but remembering her manners, and the fact that he was her host for the evening, beckoned him closer, and indicated the chair reserved for the bard.

"What's on your mind, Sal? I sense a set-up here."

"Well, um, yeah. You do. But we wanted to clear this with you first this time. We wanted to ask about you and Gwen doing new pictures together."

"Why? What's wrong with the old ones?"

"Hmm? Oh, there's nothing wrong with them. We'd just like to do some more. You two make such an interesting contrast, such a beautiful couple...." Her head whipped up, and baleful blue eyes pinned him to the spot. "I... I... I mean, uh...."

"It's okay, Sal. I know what you meant." He heaved a sigh of relief. There was quiet between them for a few minutes while she considered his words. He had asked Dei to let him be the one to approach the Marine. He wanted a chance to redeem himself of their initial meeting. Now, at least she seemed to be considering the idea. So he supposed he was that far ahead. Finally she broke the silence.

"Does Gwen know about this?"

"No. We agreed to talk to you alone first, since we kinda cornered you into the last bunch. We thought it was only fair not to put you on the spot, and only if you agreed would we go to Gwen with the idea."

She nodded her head at his words. "I appreciate that, Sal. I've got a counter proposal for you."

Both his brows rose. "Oh? Do tell."

"Walk with me."

They rose and went towards Sal's private study. He was fairly confident his sister and her partner could keep the bard occupied for a few more minutes, and was equally certain that Randi would prefer a bit of privacy to talk.

"Can I offer you a drink?"

"Water?"

"With or without ice?"

He handed her a tumbler of ice water, and fixed himself a bourbon neat. The man then motioned her to one of the two high backed chairs near the fireplace, and they seated themselves. "By the way," he added, giving her a chance to collect her thoughts, "nice discussion during dinner. You are the first person since my mother passed away who has argued with my father, and actually gotten his attention and made him think about views other than his own."

Blue eyes went wide. "That was your father?"

"Yes, and I'll warrant he hasn't had such a good time in years. Most people are afraid of him, for whatever reason. So thank you for entertaining him so well. Now, what is your proposal?"

She told him. About the big surprise party they had planned for Gwen at Spring Equinox. About the achievement award the Entertainment Guild was going to give the bard on the night following the party. And about the huge soiree after the awards ceremony.

"I was thinking maybe you guys could come down, do some shots of her at the party, then join us at the capital city, capture the whole awards thing. Even the dance afterwards. Candid stuff, instead of the posed studio look."

Sal thought hard on this. "I like it. I really do. What a novel idea. And Rico could do so much with this, maybe even put together a collage." Now he seemed to be talking mostly to himself. "Oh, this could work out so very well. What a wonderful idea." He turned to face Randi again. "Thank you."

A light tap on the door sounded, and the man called out, "Enter." A blonde head peeked into the room. The bard spotted her quarry, and came over to her.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"I was a little worried. You just up and disappeared."

With a glance at Sal to make him understand to follow her lead, the Marine answered. "Actually, Sal took pity on me. It was getting a little close in there, and he offered me a bit of respite from the crowd for a few minutes. I certainly never meant to hog the host's time."

"Not a problem at all, Randi. I needed a bit of a break from the crowd myself for a few minutes. But if you'll excuse me now, I need to get back out there. You're more than welcome to stay until you feel comfortable, ladies." And so saying, he closed the door behind himself.

"You okay?" Gwen asked once they were alone. "I know Sal kinda drives you crazy."

"I'm fine. Actually, he's been very kind. Did you know that was his father I was talking to at dinner?"

"Yeah, and I'll admit to being surprised. Old man Bouvier hasn't smiled that much in all the years I can remember knowing him. And that's a pretty long time. C'mon. Mother and Daddy will be ready to go shortly."

It was a very short time later when the quartet took their leave of the party.

"Well, that was interesting. Sal and Carmen always have such nice gatherings. Mr. Bouvier Sr. was extremely animated, more so than I've seen him in years. Let's see, tomorrow night is our parade. I'll be glad for that day of rest before the last big party. It's funny how tired having fun will make you."

Geoff agreed silently with a nod of his head, and indicated the back of the transport. There, wrapped in each other's arms, the bard and her warrior sat sound asleep.

The next day passed in relative quiet. Gwen managed to talk the Marine into doing a bit of shopping with she and Jill. The bard's mother noticed that Randi was not enjoying herself particularly, but was determined to bear things out with good grace and humor. Before she could step in, though, the bard moved to rectify the situation.

Taking the taller woman by the arm, Gwen led her over to a small indoor café. Jill followed behind slowly, not wanting to intrude. Once they were seated for lunch, Jill excused herself to the ladies room, to give the two younger women a bit of privacy.

"Thank you for coming with us today, Randi. I know shopping is not high on your list of fun and entertaining things to do, and I really do appreciate your willingness...."

"Does it make you happy, Gwen?"

"Yes, of course, but...."

"Then I'm glad to do it. I don't mind it, really. I just figure you have a better time going with like-minded folks, like your mom and Ella. But I never mind going with you."

"And I much prefer your being with me."

The waiter walked up them, cutting off whatever reply the Marine would have made. Instead, they turned their attention to the menu, and had ordered when Jill returned to the table.

"Hi, Ma! I ordered you a Reuben on seedless Rye with fries."

The older woman wrinkled her nose good-naturedly at her daughter. "You're bad for my figure, you know."

"Oh I don't know, Jill," running a lazy blue eye up and down her body. "I think you look pretty good, and I'll bet Geoff does too. What about you, Gwen?"

"Oh, yeah. I want to look that good when I get to be old," getting in on the teasing.

Jill flushed in pleasure, then sputtered," OLD?? What do you mean, OLD??"

The two younger women burst out laughing at the look of outrage, the sheepishness that adorned Jill's features. "Oh you two! Geez!"

Fortunately, lunch arrived at the table, and the next few minutes were spent indulging in guilty pleasures. When the first rush to eat was done, conversation resumed.

"So what's on for the afternoon?" from Jill.

"I thought you still had shopping to do," replied Randi a bit puzzled.

"Randi, there is *always* shopping to do," the bard explained. "But we've done enough for today. What would you like to do?"

The Marine was caught flat-footed. That happens a lot with her, doesn't it Valiant? "I, uh, I dunno. I hadn't thought about it, really."

"OK, I'll tell you what. We'll take a little walk, then maybe go back to the house for a bit. You be thinking on what would interest you around here, and we'll plan all day tomorrow with stuff you want to do. Sound like a plan? What do you think, Mother?"

"Sounds like a good plan to me. Would you like me to take the packages back in the transport, dear?"

"Please."

"Well, I guess it's all settled then." the Marine commented as she rose and paid the bill. "Will you be all right going back alone?" with consideration.

"Aren't you sweet. I'll be fine, dear. Thank you. You kids run along now."

Randi stretched out her hand to the bard, who took it willingly. They walked out of the café, and headed out toward the park.

Instead of visiting the fair, they chose a path, and meandered slowly around the outskirts of the park in silence. Mostly silence, that is, since the sounds of the fair carried to them easily in the still air. Their still linked hands allowed them to find a pace they were both comfortable with, and in unspoken consent that headed home after only one lap around the perimeter.

Jill met them at the door with cups of hot cocoa, and motioned them into the living room and its already lit fireplace. They curled up next to each other on the couch, and stared into the flames until their hot chocolate was finished. Then the bard reached for Randi's cup, and placed them both on the table.

"You decided what you'd like to do tomorrow?"

The Marine looked down at the blonde head tucked beneath her chin. I suppose staying right here with you in my arms is out of the question. She moved an arm around her companion's shoulder, and was gratified when Gwen reached for her other hand and wrapped it around the bard's middle. "Um, well, is there anywhere we can do some skiing or something?"

The bard's gaze turned inward for a long moment. "Yep, I know just the place."

The following morning found them headed to an old, abandoned ski lodge. The new building that had replaced it was on the other side of the mountain, so they were alone on the old side. They unloaded the Sno-doos and skis, and rode one to the top.

"Well, now I understand the need for the 'Doos," Randi commented as they reached the summit. "Good choice, though. It's almost like we're alone in the world. I needed a little peace." Said with a sigh.

"I know," Gwen smiled. "That's why I chose this place. Very few people ever come here anymore."

And for hours that morning and into the early afternoon, they took turns skiing and riding the Sno-doos up and down the mountainside. Finally, exhausted, the bard dropped to the ground.

"No more, please. No more."

"How about this then?" indicating a picnic basket. "Your mom gave it to me this morning as we started out the door."

"That's what held you up?"

"Yep. So how 'bout it?"

"Whatcha got there, soldier?"

"Well, let's see. Tomato soup. Coffee." She put the two thermoses aside. "Hmm, roast beef sandwiches, chips, aannnndddd, mmmmm, chocolate cake."

"I think you may have just found yourself a lunch date, sugar," drawled the bard with a chuckled. Randi just stared at her. She found the accent cute in the extreme, and was hard pressed not to say something. The Marine swallowed, and continued to remove the food from the basket.

After they were finished, they loaded up the transport and headed back toward the Goldman homestead. The plan was to enjoy a quiet relaxed evening in. And for a change, they managed to stick to the plan.

Much of the following day was spent apart, though it wasn't deliberate on anyone's part. Randi was up with the birds, and went for a run. It went a little longer than she'd expected, though when she got back, Gwen was still in bed. That's unusual. But she shrugged, figuring the bard was taking full advantage of her holiday. The Marine hopped in the shower, and when she got out and dressed, headed down stairs for a cup of coffee. She noticed the bard on the vid phone with Dei as she passed the open library door, and decided to pick up a cup for her friend as well. By the time she reached the study, though, Gwen was gone, and she heard the shower running in the room above her head. With a smile, the soldier took the coffee, and left it on the blonde's dresser.

Geoff met Randi coming back downstairs, and invited Randi to join him in his workshop. He had been tinkering with a couple new weapons, and wanted her comments and input. The morning passed with them bantering back and forth, though they actually made a bit of progress, and the Marine made some insightful suggestions. When they went in for lunch, Jill casually mentioned that Gwen had been called away for a meeting with Dei and Sal. Randi was disappointed, but understood the need to take care of business.

After the meal, the Marine went to her room, and took out the journal Gwen had given her. She read until sleep claimed her, and when she dreamed, it was off far off places, and long lost times, and two people who had meant everything to one another in life, in death, and beyond.

Gwen came in mid afternoon, and after asking after her, climbed the stairs quietly to the top floor landing. She knocked softly at the door, and when she received no response and heard no sound, gently pushed the door open. She smiled at the picture Randi made curled up tight in the middle of the bed around the book the bard had given her. Gwen extracted the journal, and placed it on the stand beside the bed. Then she pulled a cover up over her sleeping friend, and returned to her own room. She decided a nap wasn't a half bad idea, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

When she awoke a few hours later, she realized the smells of dinner were making her very hungry. Though supper was served at the dance, the Goldmans always ate before they left. It was necessary, since the supper didn't start being served until quite late. The bard ran a brush through her hair, and ran lightly downstairs to the kitchen.

Everyone seemed to be waiting on her, and as she slid into her seat, she muttered, "Why didn't somebody wake me?"

"We didn't need to, dear. The food did exactly what it was supposed to," Jill teased with a twinkle in her eyes.

Dinner and clean up was taken care of fairly quickly, and the four separated once again to prepare for the evening. Randi regretted the fact the she only had her uniform, but wryly smiled at how well it suited her.

Gwen, for her part was secretly glad for the formal gathering, as it afforded her an opportunity to see Randi decked out in full dress blues. The Marine was a striking figure any time, but when she put on that uniform, she commanded attention.

The bard debated for a long time, finally deciding on a blood red backless frock. She didn't question the need to look perfect tonight; she simply went with her gut instinct. Almost an hour passed before she emerged from her room. She was strangely disappointed that the Marine did not exit her door at the same time, until she looked at the lower landing, and saw her companion returning her gaze from below. With a deep breath, she made her way slowly down.

Without a word, Randi took her arm, and escorted her down the second set of stairs. They paused, playing at what was now a ritual between them in donning their outerwear. Then they silently headed out to the transport and the dance.

The party passed as the ones before it had. Upon entering the room, Gwen was swept away by one pair of arms and then another. Randi made it clear by her eyes and body language alone that offers would be unwelcome. Instead she stood in the same place all evening, waiting for the time that the bard would return to her. Each time she welcomed her back joyfully, and they would stay in conversation until a new body whisked the blonde to the dance floor again.

"Why don't you ask her to dance, Randi?" Geoff asked, as he and Jill took a break

"No, Geoff. It's hard enough to maintain control without taking her into my arms like that."

The man furrowed his brow in confusion. "Randi, you take her in your arms all the times. I've seen you do it."

"Never like this, and never in public."

He accepted her words, though he disagreed with her logic. He realized she was right about their public touching, though. He really wished... Damn! It was getting harder and harder for him to remain silent as well. He got an idea and excused himself.

Randi thought she saw Geoff, a little while later, talking to the DJ, but couldn't be entirely certain. And she didn't have long to think about it as Gwen came up with drinks.

"Step outside with me?"

The veranda was sheltered, but still very cold when the two women stepped from the overly warm room. Gwen wrapped her arms around herself in reflex.

"Brrr. Oh, wow!" she exclaimed all in one breath as a warm wool jacket was draped over her shoulders. She turned, and found herself wrapped in strong, white covered arms. White covered?!? What the hell?? Then she realized what the wooly warmth surrounding her was.

"Miranda Valiant! Put your jacket back on this minute!" She started to shrug it off. Large, muscular hands impeded her efforts.

"Leave it," the low voice commanded. "You need it worse than I do. We're only going to be out here for a minute anyway." The bard stopped struggling. "Now, you okay?"

"Yeah. Just needed a bit of a break, and some fresh air." A pause. "Thank you for coming with me. I know you're not having fun."

"Gwen, I'm fine. But you're welcome."

They stood in silence for a few more minutes, looking out at the stars together. "C'mon," the blonde said, slipping off the jacket and holding it for the Marine. "Before they start looking for us."

Gwen gave Randi the once over when she was finished buttoning, and nodded her head. "Sometime when you wear this, I'd like to see your hair down, instead of in the braid. Now let's go. I'm hungry."

There wasn't anything to say at that point, and the brunette willingly followed the blonde to the buffet supper table. It was a quiet few minutes, as they were left in peace while they ate. But as soon as they reached the ballroom, the bard was once again besieged by willing partners.

As the night neared its closure, Gwen finally got up the nerve to do something she'd been garnering courage all evening for. "Dance with me?" She asked the Marine, shyly.

She wanted to say no. She really, truly tried to say no. But one look into those pleading green eyes, and she was lost. When the music of the song she'd sung to the bard for her birthday began to play, she took the smaller woman into her arms. And the world faded away until there was nothing but the music and each other.

Slowly the floor cleared, leaving them alone together to dance the last dance of the season together. When it was over, they strolled off arm in arm toward the door. Not a word was spoken between them, but something fundamental changed. It was not ready yet to be acknowledged, but it was there. Things were subtly different.

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Gwen came back from her memories to dark swirling clouds, and a brisk wind that whipped whitecaps on the waves. She stood in the face of the approaching storm, unconcerned.

"Kinda suits your mood, doesn't it, Little One?

The blonde head jerked around, looking for the voice that had spoken to her. "Randi?" She whispered, seeing no one, then paused, knowing it couldn't possibly be her Marine friend. "All right. I don't know who's out there, but this is not funny. Show yourself."

She waited, then stared in amazement, as with very little fanfare a beautiful blonde woman took up residence on one of the deck's built in benches. "Wh... who are you? And why are you here?"

"My name is Aphrodite, and we need to talk."

"Aphrodite?? Goddess of Love, Aphrodite??"

"You got it, Sweet Cheeks. In the flesh."

"What do we have to talk about? This is too little, too late, I'm afraid." Tears welled up in her eyes and rolled silently down her face as her gaze returned to the dark horizon. Her arms came up to wrap around herself in a sense of self-protection. The goddess flinched in sympathy at the anguish radiating from the slim form.

"Do you really think she betrayed you?" dropping any hint of playfulness in her speech.

There was quiet for a very long time. Big, fat raindrops started dropping slowly onto the deck, increasing in speed and ferocity rapidly. Soon, the bard was soaked, and almost hidden from view by the pelting water. The goddess began to wonder if Gwen was ever gonna answer her. She looked so miserable, and with a snap, they were in the boathouse, dry and warm, sitting comfortably in front of the fire.

"Gwen, do you really think Randi betrayed you by not telling you of her love for you?"

"YES! No. I don't know what I believe anymore," she said with a whisper. "It just hurts so much."

"And it's easier to blame her since she's no longer here."

"She left me! She left me all alone to go die for something I don't understand and nobody will explain it to me! She left me without once...." She paused and drew in a sobbing breath. "But she did, didn't she?" looking at Aphrodite with pain filled eyes. "In her actions, in her looks, even in her words she told me, and I just never heard her, did I?"

The blonde goddess didn't answer her, just took the small, cold hands in her own warmer ones. "Why do you suppose it is that you didn't hear her?"

Silence for a long while, and then a whispered, "I was afraid. Afraid she wouldn't feel the same. And afraid it would change everything if she did feel the same, and I didn't want to lose the most precious friendship I've ever had."

"Gwen, if you could say anything you wanted to Randi right now, and you knew she would hear you, what would you tell her?"

Another long pause while the bard who had lost her words thought seriously on this. "I would tell her I'm sorry, and that I miss her, and that I love her very much, that I am totally, hopelessly *in* love with her. And I would ask her to come back to me, because I need her."

Aphrodite didn't say anything for a while, overwhelmed by the simplistic truth of those few sentences. She hoped they would be enough. She squeezed the hands she had been holding, and released them to stand. The goddess took a long look around the boathouse, admiring, to her amazement, the simple, clean lines and lack of frills in the room.

"Ya know, Gwen, when mankind made its first tentative steps toward peace, and the different religious sects came together to build the temples, a few of the gods were confused as to why the temples were built out of old fashioned marble stone and cedar wood. I mean, after all these millennia, none of us really understood why you would use such outdated materials. It was only when we looked closer, and realized how rare those items were now, that we began to appreciate what we had been given."

"Are you telling me I need to appreciate what I've been given?? Something that was ripped away from me before I understood its importance to me?? That one day I'll see how rare what we had together was and be thankful for the time we had together??" The fire died as quickly as it flared. "Please, just go," the bard whispered, eyes never leaving the floor.

It wasn't at all what the love goddess had been driving at, but she realized that there was really no way to explain herself either. "I'm sorry, Gwen. I wouldn't for all the world have had this happen." Happy when the young woman didn't pull away from the light touch on her shoulder.

"What... having us fall in love, or having us not recognized the glaring truth in front of us?"

"You're not recognizing your love for each other. We are bound by new rules now, and they restrict so much of what we are able to do."



"Oh, so you can make people fall in love, just not make sure that they're happy in it?" with a bitter twist.

The goddess took Gwen in her arms, cradling and comforting her like she would a small child. "Oh no, hon. I don't make people fall in love at all. Never have. I just put people and circumstances together. What develops from there is up to the individuals involved. A lot of times, they end up friends. A lot of times they end up lovers, or even *in* love with each other. But only in very rare instances, do soul mates come together. But when they do, it's a beautiful thing."

"Were Randi and I soul mates?"



"You know the answer to that as well as or better than I do."

There was quiet after that, and when Aphrodite checked on her charge, she found she had fallen into a light doze. With a thought directed toward her cousin Morpheus, she felt the bard slip into a deep, dreamless state. Thanks, Morph, she thought. She needs this. Dite then moved the two of them to the beach house, and after only a moment's hesitation, placed the young woman into the Marine's bed, before disappearing in a shower of rose petals.

Gwen slept through the night, undisturbed by dreams or nightmares. She awoke in the morning, confused as to how she'd ended up in Randi's bed again, wondering if Aphrodite's visit had been just a figment of her once active imagination. When she saw rose petals scattered on the floor and bed, she figured what she remembered must be real, and that the love goddess had put her where she was.

Why here? The bard thought dully as the sights and scents of the room again overwhelmed her, and sent fresh pain searing through her heart. She got up, pushing her hair away from her face haphazardly, and shuffled her way into the kitchen. The bard started the coffee, and looked around the room, noting the changes her moving in had brought. Her mind carried her back to the events of six months previous.



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The week after they had returned from up north after Festival was incredibly busy. The days at work were spent catching up from the holiday. Randi and Gwen did manage lunch together, but that was the extent of their contact. Still, many noticed a subtle, tangible difference between them. They were much more tactile with each other, managing some sort of physical contact the entire time they were together. Neither woman seemed overtly aware of this change, but it was markedly there nevertheless.

The Marine snuck out of work early both Monday and Wednesday. Gwen never noticed, because Randi was right there when the day was over, waiting to help her move her stuff. Her reaction to the many, many boxes piled in the bard's living room was priceless, though.

Blue eyes, wide and round, had turned to the blonde in startlement. "You didn't tell me I was gonna need to build a whole new house, Gwen."

The bard had burst into surprised laughter. She sent a light smack to her friend's muscular mid section, then grimaced slightly at the contact. "Ow, you're solid!"

Which comment got her a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "You're just now noticing this? Man, I must be slipping." She picked up a small stack, and moved out the door toward the elevator. Gwen followed right behind her with a couple of her own.

"It's not as bad as it seems, Randi. I need to go through all these boxes and get rid of a lot of stuff."

Now Randi felt bad about her comment. "No, Gwen. We'll find a place for it all to go. I just didn't, uh... well...."

"I know. Neither did I until the boxes started piling up around me. I decided the other night I was gonna have to do some sorting. There's a lot here that I don't really need or want, but have never taken the time to get rid of. This is the perfect excuse." She smiled at the Marine, who naturally responded in kind.

It took the better part of the week to move everything from the penthouse to the beach house, but that was due in large part to the fact that neither woman seemed to be in any great rush to go back and forth. One load a night was plenty, and still the bard didn't go through every box they brought in each night, so they started piling up.

Tommy stopped by on his way home Friday to remind them of band practice, and could only stand shell shocked at the number of boxes stacked neatly by the walls awaiting Gwen's attention. He wisely did not comment, only reminded them of their expected presence, and headed home.

Practice was short and sweet. Randi told the guys privately that she was going out of town, and asked them to continue working on the other songs. "I should be back in a couple weeks, and we can do the afternoon practices til we're ready."

"You still want it to be a surprise?"

"Yeah, the party, the award's ceremony, the whole nine yards. Everything is a surprise for her, all right?"

"Okay, Randi. We'll be ready with your music by the time you get back."

They finished putting away equipment silently as the bard emerged from the house and headed their way.

"You tuck the baby in?"

"No, Ella just let me feed him a bit. She's waiting for you to say goodnight to him before she puts him down."

"Okay. I'll be back in a minute, all right?"

Gwen nodded her head, and watched until the Marine disappeared into the house. Then she walked over to where Tommy was casually seated.

"You don't put your progeny to bed, T?"

"Hmm, I'll go in and sit with him and we'll talk a while when he wakes up again. He's quite the conversationalist at times. Must gonna be a bard." She mock punched him.

"Ya know, you're the second person to make a bard crack to me about that boy. Bet he does grow up to be one, just to spite you." The blonde picked up a water bottle and took a long gulp. Randi stepped from the doorway, and neatly removed the bottle from Gwen's grasp, draining it quickly.

"Why you little... I oughtta...." Her voice tapered off when the Marine rose to her full height and glowered down dangerously at the smaller woman.

"Yeeeesssss?" she drawled with a smirk. "You oughtta what?"

Gwen lost her train of thought as the nearness of the body triggered memories of what had been exposed to her eyes months previous. And the memories prompted responses she wasn't ready to receive or acknowledge. She stepped back a pace.

"I oughtta get started on my story telling, I guess." She grabbed another bottle and moved away. Randi looked at Tommy in a somewhat confused consternation. He shrugged his shoulders. He understood Gwen's response; he just wasn't sure what had caused it. And he wasn't about to try to explain it to the hardheaded Marine. If she couldn't see it for herself, there wasn't much he could do to make her see.

The bard had actually walked to a private area to regroup, and after a few calming breaths, and a distinct effort on her part to clear her mind, actually felt ready to start. She walked over to where Tommy and Randi still sat, and waited for the same reaction. When it didn't come, she extended a hand to the seated woman.

"Come sit up front with me?"

Randi made no verbal response. She simply took the proffered hand, and allowed the bard to link their fingers and lead her forward. And their fingers stayed entwined while the stories were woven. Gwen adapted her style to allow for the lack of hand gestures. Tommy sat in awe, as once again, he realized she could really tell a story with nothing but words. No holo-technology, no visual aids, just words, and the inflection of her voice. It was, as Scott had once said, a very humbling experience.

Saturday began much like the rest of the week had started, with an early morning staff workout. It was becoming their habit to do practice in the morning before work, and again in the evening before they retired. They had missed the exercise the night before, and discovered very quickly that moving outside was a prudent idea. It was amazing the difference a foot of space could make.

The chill outside was a bit of a shock, but the katas warmed them up quite fast, and by the time they came in, both women were sweating liberally. They separated for showers, and met back up in the kitchen almost simultaneously.

"What you wanna do today?"

Gwen sighed at the Marine's question, looking toward the boxes with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. She sighed again loudly. "I need to start going through all those boxes, I guess."

"Would it change your mind if I told you I'm going out of town Monday, and will be gone for at least a couple weeks?"

Those words caused an ache deep in her gut, and the bard had to draw breath against the sudden, unwelcome sensation. "You'll be okay?" Where did that come from?

Randi smiled, grateful for the concern, although she was a bit puzzled at the reaction. "Yeah, it's just something that can't be rescheduled that I need to take care of. I'll be back here aggravating you before you know it," waggling her eyebrows.

Gwen mock punched at the Marine. "Well, in that case, you can give me another riding lesson?" ending with a question and a hopeful look sparkling in her verdant eyes.

"A riding lesson, huh? I think that can be arranged. Bundle up, though."

"Yes, mom," the bard sassed before scooting out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

"Brat," muttered the Marine, but the smile on her face betrayed her mumbling.

They rode most of the day, with Gwen doing a majority of the driving. She was really starting to get quite a liking for this bike, and was glad again she'd allowed Randi to coax her on it the first time. She was amazed at the freedom she felt, and was subtly conscious of the large hands resting lightly at her waist. Wonder what it would feel like if she wrapped herself around me like I do to her? She shook her head, wondering why that thought had popped into her head.

"You okay?" came the low voice in her ear.

"Hmm, yeah. But maybe you should drive the rest of the way home." Gwen pulled the bike over to the side of the road and stood up. The hand on her shoulder startled her.

"Hey," Randi said, removing her own helmet and reaching for the bard's. "What's wrong?"

"I guess I'm just a little tired," barely meeting her companion's compelling blue eyes.

The Marine read the confusion in the green eyes looking back at her, but couldn't fathom the reason for it. So she took what Gwen said at face value. "All right. I'll drive."

The remainder of the ride was silent, each woman lost in her own thoughts.

Sunday was fairly quiet. They spent a good portion of the day babysitting Randall, giving Tommy and Ella a bit of much needed "couple" time. It was fun and entertaining, and Gwen told the infant and Randi another part of her special baby tale. But they were happy as well for the peace and quiet that returned that evening when the Steeles picked their son up.

"I never realized how tiring a baby was," Gwen commented as she flopped on the sofa after they had taken their leave.

"Um," was the only response she got from the Marine who dropped down beside her, stretching long legs out in front of her, and rolling her head back onto the back of the couch.

"Well, I was gonna work on those boxes tonight, but I am just too tired." She closed her eyes.

The dark head turned her way. "No rush, Gwen. You'll get it done when you get it done. It's not going anywhere."

"Yeah, I know. That's part of the problem. But I'll try to get it done before you get back."

Silence fell again for a long while after that, broken only by the popping from the fireplace. "You will be careful, right?" The blonde couldn't explain the clenching in her gut if she'd tried, but it was very real. The thought of this trip was making her almost physically ill.

"I'll be fine, I promise."

"You promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

"All right, then." But she felt the spasming subside to a tolerable level.

They said their goodbyes that night, as Randi needed to be up and away before Gwen was out of bed.

"Keep up your staff practice. I'll be testing you when I get back."

"I will. And I'll try to have things sorted out."

The hug they found themselves enveloped in was like a safe port for both of them, and they stood there for long moments absorbing the warmth. Lips grazed across the top of blonde hair in a light kiss.

"I love you Gwen," spoken on many planes.

"I love you too, Randi. Good night."

"Happy dreams, Little One."



Chapter XVI

It was still fully dark outside when Randi left the house and headed to the public shuttle hub. This mission was unauthorized and not for the record, so she wanted to keep it as quiet as possible. She was fairly certain she could pinpoint who the leak was. Catching them was going to be a whole other kettle of fish.

She looked much like any other traveler, and in fact blended in so well neither Gwen nor Tommy would have noticed her. Years of being a shadow were truly effective now, when her best safety lay in being out in the open.

It took three days to travel a distance that should have taken a mere two hours directly. However, directness wasn't as important as discreteness, and she took her own sweet time, listening and learning along the way. It was interesting what people would say if they didn't know a person was there.

The Marine was the first to arrive at the first rendezvous point. Her team was meeting here before separating to regroup at the second, and official, assembly. This area attracted all manner of individuals throughout the year, and was a perfect spot for them to blend and mingle without attracting undue attention. The tall woman laid down on the bed and tried to relax. Hopefully, within ten days, they would have an answer. Then they could begin to work on the solution.

While out in the cheerful market place late the next morning, the soldier noticed two of her compatriots had arrived. A third showed up while she was enjoying lunch at an outdoor café. Five were still unaccounted for, but the team wasn't scheduled to meet up until afternoon the following day.

Randi got up early that Friday morning, careful to leave no trail as she slowly made her way to their gathering spot. Tiny was the first to arrive behind her, followed shortly by Brenda and Cam. The rest of the team, though coming from different directions, arrived almost simultaneously. The rest of the afternoon was spent going over the details of their infiltration. When they were sure all the bases had been covered, the Sabres slowly slipped away one by one, until only Randi and Tiny were left.

"Do you think this will work, Randi?"

"Doubts, my friend?"

"Merely concerns. This is a big risk."

"Tiny, if you want out, now's the time to speak up."

"No, NO, my friend. I, *we* are all with you til the end. I just want to be sure we take the bastards with us."

"Oh, we will. And we'll take the bitch for good measure."

Another three days passed before the Sabres began trickling into Ghost Rider's temporary encampment. The sheer size of it, and the volume of dissidents arriving could have been down heartening. To know that so many people were unhappy with peace, and to know there were so few Sabres to protect it was a heavy burden to bear. Instead, it strengthened their resolve to ensure the peace for an unknowing mankind.

Randi had become a Fringe Amazon. No one even looked twice at her, and she learned just how fragile the truce was between the six fanatical cults. Already these women had plans to destroy their temporary allies after their common enemy, the Black Sabres, was decimated. It made her blood run cold to listen to such matter-of-fact talk about murder. It was hard enough for her to live with the things she had done, even knowing they were necessary to maintain the peace, and blessed by the goddesses. She couldn't imagine how these women were able to sleep at night.

Tiny was quite impressive as a Wizard. He looked much like his grandfather had when he had been a wizard in his youth, and no one questioned his right to be there or the reason for it. The things he saw and heard sickened him, and he wondered how his grandfather had ever managed to swallow the line of shit they were serving. He now understood a lot of the comments his own father made about his old man, and why he kept pretty much to himself. He was more than a little ashamed at what he had come from, then realized he had much to be proud of. He had made more of a difference than his grandfather ever had, and if he died now, it would be with far more honor than his grandfather had ever known.

No one would have recognized Nick. Even Randi had a hard time picking her fellow Sabre out of the throng of Skinheads wandering around. She secretly wondered how he felt about giving up the mass of blonde hair that had adorned his head. She absently ran a hand through her own dark mane. I don't think I could do that, though the piercings she'd ended up with hadn't been a particularly pleasant experience. You'd think we'd be a bit more advanced in this day and age.

As a member of the Reds, Cam seemed to blend in quite well. His nondescript features helped him to mold himself into a typical Red gang member. His tattoo, which took up all of one arm and part of his back, had actually made him quite admired by his fellows. The attention was a double-edged sword. It got him noticed, but it also allowed him the opportunity to hear things he wouldn't have otherwise.

Hernandez was their Blue infiltrator. His heritage, which was written in his features and skin, made him welcome and unquestioned. The fact that he spoke the language like the native he was only helped his cause. He thought of his upbringing, and realized the many nights he had spent at his mother's knee learning of his ancient culture were to his benefit now. He sent a silent thank you to his mama. It was very possible the time she had taken with him as a child would keep him alive as an adult.

As a member of the Brotherhood, though, Brenda had topped them all. Her short muscular physique and captivating good looks had earned her a place at the leader's side. He had noticed her when she had arrived in the camp, and after a little "persuasion", she had been glad to remain there. She was risking everything to be so close to the information, and she only hoped whoring herself out to the enemy would bring in the results they needed.

Randi was more than a little amazed at how easy it was for them to blend in to their groups, until she realized that in the sea of faces they were in, few individuals actually knew each other. And her team had their stories down pat. The other three members of the squad were set up in various observation spots to learn all they could without actually being seen.

It took more than ten days for people to stop arriving, and Randi secretly wondered what would happen if the regular military were to notice a gathering of more than ten thousand souls in the dry, dead desert. But because it was dry and dead, no one would think to look. And because there was no known threat to the peace, no one would think to look. So the sea continued to swell, until the desert became a mass of humanity from all over the planet. And then the assembly held its collective breath, waiting for its leader.

Two more days passed, and tempers were growing frayed. But on the evening of the second day, word was passed that Ghost Rider, Grace Rivers, had arrived. Excitement mounted. Finally, after years of work and planning, they were all about to hit pay dirt.

As the witching hour approached, each faction made its way toward its designated area around the circular stage that had been constructed. Brenda, of course, had a front row seat, but the rest of the Sabre team managed to get fairly close to the front as well.

The floodlights that had been hastily erected were suddenly switched off, causing a gasp to rise from the assembled crowd, followed by complete and absolute silence. When they were turned back on a mere moment later, Ghost Rider was standing alone in the midst of the stage. Cheers and applause rang out across the desert for several long minutes, until the woman raised her hands, and a hush fell.

"My friends." Her surprisingly quiet voice rang out through the stillness of the desert night air. "The time we have been working toward for years lies almost within our grasp." The empty night echoed again with the shouts and callings of ten thousand dissidents. Randi felt a thrill of terror shimmy up her spine at the sound. It was the first real tendril of fear she'd felt. She'd known when she started this, and when she realized where the corruption was, that in all likelihood, she was a dead woman walking on a very limited clock. As a Sabre, it was an accepted part of life. But the fact that so many were ready, anxious even, to wreak havoc on innocents all in the name of wreaking havoc, was horrifying to the woman. A picture of Gwen's face floated before her mind's eye. I will keep you safe. I swear. Her resolve affirmed, she turned her attention back to the blonde on the podium.

"A few of you have been with me from the very beginning. Many of you are second generation. And we even have a scattering of third geners with us." The tall blonde smiled a sickly sweet smile. It brought home to Randi how many young people and children were here, and she wondered privately how many of them truly believed what they were told, and how many were here out of a sense of duty and loyalty. But seeing the looks of fanaticism all around her reminded her that most of these people had been schooled in hatred and violence since their birth. How sad, and how unjust. She wondered how many of them would have chosen this had they been offered an alternative. Ghost Rider resumed her speech, and the Marine focused on the words.

"Set your houses in order, my children, and prepare yourselves and your troops for the apocalypse. In a few short months, at the time of Celebration, we will strike! And we will be victorious!" A loud roar of approval met her words, and she let the sound carry and build momentum for quite a little bit. Eventually, though, she signaled for quiet, and continued. "The Black Sabres are not great enough nor strong enough to oppose us, and when we have crushed them beneath our heel, the world will be ours for the taking, and chaos shall reign!" Her voice had grown shriller with each word, until she was shrieking. The troops seemed to rally with it though, and again the desert shook with the thunder of cheering voices and applause. The blonde woman soaked it all in, and regained a semblance of sanity. When she spoke the next time, her voice was soft and modulated.

"Now, my friends, please, eat, drink, make merry among yourselves. When next we meet again, it will be to make war, not love."

At this, controlled mayhem broke out all over. Factions began to politely mix and mingle, which was a blessing for the Sabres. It enabled them to meet and speak without arousing suspicion. Everyone except for Brenda, that is. The leader of the Brotherhood made it very clear he wanted her company for the remainder of their time together. She had managed to pass that much information to Randi when they'd met sometime later.

"You sure you're okay with this?" growled Randi, sotto voce. "I hate to think...."

"Then don't," Bren whispered back. "I'm fine. It's our best chance for information, and you know it." Sincere brown eyes met troubled blue. "It's only for three more days. I'll meet you all at the rendezvous after that."

"And we'll talk?"

"We'll talk. I promise."

"Be careful."

"You, too."

Alcohol was flowing freely, and it didn't take long for the music to start. With the music, came the dancing, and many heretofore unaccepted, in this mixed company anyway, unions began to form. Morning was going to bring some interesting discoveries.

The Sabres took the opportunity to escape the debauchery as early as they could. There was a lot to do and discuss. And none of them felt particularly like partaking in the activities that were breaking out around them. It was difficult enough to know Brenda was having to consort with the enemy at that level. And these people, all of them, *were* the enemy.

Randi and Tiny actually left together. No one even gave them a second glance. The way they were cuddled up together whispering and giggling, it was assumed they were going to one or the other's room. And in fact, they were, though they were headed into the town, and not to the temporary shelters that had been put in place in the desert. But not for the reason it was thought.

Two of the three team members who had been hidden observers were already back in the hotel when Tiny and Randi arrived. They knew this by the small signal that was placed in the window of their room. The Marine nodded satisfactorily, then unwrapped herself from the big man's embrace to open the door for them. They both carefully checked the room out, visually as well as electronically before entering. Well satisfied that their cover was intact, they heaved a silent sigh of relief and sat quietly on the bed together for a long time, comfortable in the solitude.

"This is bad, isn't it?" the Marine asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, it is," Tiny answered. "If we don't stop them before their attack on Celebration, we won't be *able* to stop them." He got up and started pacing the room a little. "Where did all these people, all this hatred come from? Did you know it was gonna be this bad?" He turned an accusing eye on her.

She jumped up, and met him stare for stare, blue eyes locked on gray for a very long moment. She wasn't sure whether or not to be angry or sad at the frustrated allegation in her friend's voice. Finally she fell back to the bed in defeat, and dropped her head into her hands.

"I don't know, Tiny. I suspected it was big though never in a million years did I ever imagine something like this. How did all this get started? I think that's gonna be a big key here to understanding where the hate is coming from, especially for Ghost Rider. And she's the glue that's holding all of this together."

He didn't interrupt her. He could sense she was having difficulty expressing some things, and was working others out aloud. So he patiently waited through the silence for her to continue.

"Tiny, I'll be honest with you. Since I started putting the pieces together months ago, I've discovered a few things." She stood and started pacing, and now he sat to stay out of her way. He had sat in on a few of her thinking sessions before, and found it best to stay out of her way until she was done.

"First of all, we have a leak." She nodded at the look of shock that crossed his handsome features. "I know, but it gets worse. It's somebody high up... someone very close to the top. I'm fairly certain I know who it is, but until I have proof, I can't make any accusations." He knew better than to even ask. She would reveal nothing until and unless she was able to do so.

"Secondly, we know Ghost Rider is the glue that holds these people together. If we can remove the heads of the hydra, we should be able to defeat the lower echelon quite easily. The question is, can we get it done quickly enough with minimal damage to our forces? I'm not sure it's possible, because we need to take her *and* the faction leaders out of the picture completely." Doubt was very evident in both her words and her tone. She grew pensively silent.

"What else troubles you, my friend?"

She debated long and hard with herself about sharing her innermost thoughts and feelings with her comrade. This man, who had stood beside her, sharing life and death. Whom she had trusted her life to on many occasions, and had him place his own life in her hands in return. He was the closest thing to a confidante she had ever, or would ever know. And she needed to share, just a little bit.

"I'm in love, Tiny."

His eyes widened. Words he had never expected to hear from the Marine had tumbled from her lips and fallen on his ears. He made no immediate comment, though. There was nothing he could say at this point. He waited in silence for her to continue.

"You're not gonna comment, Tiny? Tell me how stupid that is? What a waste of effort and energy?" she finished with a sneer. But the compassion in his eyes was her undoing, and she sank to her knees of the floor in defeat. Her voice fell to a bare whisper.

"I didn't mean for it to happen, Tiny. But I couldn't stop it. She means everything to me."

"Have you told her?"

"NO!" A breath. "No, and I won't. She deserves better than me. She deserves to be happy."

"And if you're what makes her happy?"

"She'll forget soon enough, I think. This is a suicide mission, and you and I both know that. The odds of us, of me, surviving the outcome are nil. I won't do that to her. I can't."

"Randi?" No response. "Randi, look at me." He knelt on the floor beside her and cradled her face in his big hands. "How does she feel about you?" She made no verbal acknowledgment, but her eyes gave him all the answer he needed. He took her in his arms and held her while she cried away months of heartache and frustration. Crying for what could have been, what she really wanted, and what could never, would never be. When he felt her tears slow, and finally start to abate, he spoke softly.

"Randi, life is too short to not reach out and grab whatever happiness you can find with both hands. If being with her, even for just a little while would make you both happy, what is so wrong with that?"

"I want a lifetime, Tiny. I want forever. And I can't offer that to her. I won't ask her to accept or settle for less."

He heard the firm determination in her voice, and knew she had thought it all out before reaching this decision. The big man knew at this point he had no hope of changing her mind, but he couldn't resist the impulse to try.

"You're wrong, Randi. You're not giving her the chance or the opportunity to choose for herself. Can't you see how wrong that is? How unfair you're being to her? To you both?"

"Life's not fair, Tiny. It never has been," she said quietly with a sigh.

The two remained locked in a comforting embrace for a while, until finally, Tiny's body protested its discomfort at sitting on the hard floor.

"Randi, I need to move." He got no comeback, and looked down to find the tear stained face relaxed and the swollen eyes closed. Tiny stood, hefting the tall woman with negligent ease, and walked over to the bed. He placed her gently on the sheets, and moved to take her shoes off. A strong grip around his wrist gave him pause.

"Stay with me, Tiny. Please? I don't want to be alone tonight."

He knew the admission for what it was, and nodded his agreement. He took off her shoes, and then his own, and climbed into the opposite side of the bed. He curled up protectively behind her, and cocooned her in his strong arms. She placed a hand on top of his, and squeezed gently.

"Thanks, Tiny."

"Anytime, my friend." Then sleep claimed them both.

When morning arrived, Tiny unwound himself from Randi, and moved to his own room to get cleaned up and changed. He had been recognized enough that he deemed it wise to stick around for another day. The big man was fairly certain the faction leaders were going to be receiving special orders in the next day or two, and he was going to try to learn what he could. He would be back before the rest of the team started trickling in to meet at the rendezvous in three days.

Tiny also felt it wise to give Randi a little space. She had opened up to him last night, and he knew from previous experience she would want a bit of time to distance herself from what she perceived to be a weakness. He grabbed the transport key card, and left for the return trip to the encampment.

Shortly after Tiny had gone to his own room, Randi awoke. A bit disoriented, she wasn't sure if her head or her heart hurt worse. She lay there for a long moment, wondering what had come over her that she went to pieces like that. The Marine shrugged her broad shoulders, and pushed the rawness she felt out of her awareness. She had more important things to deal with. A long, hot shower helped clear her mind, and she went downstairs for breakfast.

Her three Sabre compatriots were there, two of them together, one of them alone. Since the one alone was sitting at a table for two, and the restaurant was quite busy, she asked to join her. An affirmative answer was given and she took a seat, engaging the woman in the small talk that strangers forced to share circumstances usually found themselves exchanging.

In their rather stilted conversation, they managed to set up a meeting for later in the day between the three scouts and Randi. When the meal was over, the Marine gave a slight nod to her companion, and left without a backwards glance.

She went to the marketplace; resolutely putting aside what she knew would be Gwen's reaction to the delightfully colorful place. Instead, she concentrated on getting the supplies she need to take a day hike and picnic, and set off at a leisurely pace toward the lovely painted rocks in the distance.

The Marine was happy to be out and about again. The ten days they had been with the factions had been very wearing on her nerves. Probably why I went nuts on Tiny last night. She smiled at his consideration for her, in leaving her alone and giving her some space to put things back into a perspective she could handle.

For the first time in memory, Randi was not the first team member to arrive at the rendezvous point. In fact, she and Tabitha arrived at almost identical times. Tabitha got there just slightly ahead of her, and had just set her pack down when the Marine reached the hidden crevice where there were gathering. Each woman silent went about the tasks of setting up a mini camp. John and Lacey walked in together, each with a small load of firewood. As soon as everyone was seated comfortably, the discussion began.

"Well?"

"Well, we learned some things, but it's mostly bad," from John.

"Like?"

"Like there is an underground fortress here. Like this is not the only hidden fortress the Ghost Rider has, and in fact, this isn't her headquarters. Or the fact that security around her is tighter than a drum."

"Like the fact that a majority of the dissidents weren't here." Lacey chimed in.

"WHAT?!?" For the first time Randi's voice rose, and she stood and paced in the confined area.

"It's true, chief." Tabitha spoke up now. "This was mostly for each individual pocket leader world wide to come and meet his or her faction leader."

"So we're talking about a force of at least two hundred fifty thousand people organized and ready for war?"

"Looks that way, boss."

"Shit!" The Marine rubbed the back of her suddenly aching neck, and sank to the ground. "All right. Any good news?"

"Not really. Not yet. Our best hope for any kind of helpful information at this point is Bren or Tiny. They've got the best "ins".

"I did hear a bit of conversation between a couple of her security people. There is going to be another meet for the faction leaders alone. They didn't mention specifics. Just a casual comment about hoping the security wouldn't be so lax." Lacey trailed off when she saw everybody looking at her.

"Well, that's a start. Let's hope Bren or Tiny can come up with something definite on that. Now, let's see what all we know." And the rest of the afternoon was spent reviewing the facts they had, and speculating on possibilities.

The next day saw Nick amble in mid morning, followed by Cam coming in near dark. Both men were exceedingly happy for the shabby little transports they'd gotten, especially Cam. It was a two-hour ride to the desert rendezvous. No one really wanted to know what kind of walking time they were looking at. And since Cam had had to take the long way around, he was more than glad to be riding. Tiny actually stumbled in during the dark early morning hours, though he did manage to stumble quietly. Then they all settled in to wait for Brenda. She wouldn't be arriving before sunset, at the very earliest. Randi frankly expected her sometime the next day.

The Sabres had checked out of their various hotels, and now had a camp set up at the rendezvous. They spent the time waiting honing skills with practice, talking, meditating and resting. They were forging a tighter bond to see them through the difficult days that lay ahead.

Randi, for her part spent most of her mornings alone recovering her center of balance. Her time was so short now she didn't want to have to push Gwen away. She wanted her equilibrium back before she returned home. Though they had done no fighting and killing on this mission, they had seen and heard some horrendous things. A bit of time spent in deep meditation each morning helped her achieve some of the peace she was seeking. It would have to suffice for now.

Brenda came walking into came shortly after dawn of the fourth morning. She flopped gracelessly on the ground. "I'm beat."

"You wanna go crawl in the tent and take a bit of a rest?" Randi offered the exhausted woman. "I think we can wait another few hours for your report."

"You sure?" The Sabre was tired beyond belief, but knew where her duty lay.

"Is a few hours gonna make a difference for us?"

"No, we've got a bit of time."

"Then go rest. I'll wake you around midday."

Brenda nodded, then slowly moved to the tent where she immediately feel into a deep, dreamless sleep. The others, mindful of her need, chose quiet tasks to pass the time until lunch.

When the noon meal was ready, Randi went into the tent to wake her friend. She noticed the woman had not removed her shoes before tumbling onto a pallet, and it looked as though she hadn't stirred from her original spot. The Marine's light touch on her shoulder brought her to consciousness instantly, albeit she did not react defensively, her body recognizing a comrade.

The black woman scrubbed her hand over her face in an effort to jump-start her brain. Then she looked to Randi with a question in her eyes. The Marine nodded back.

"It's midday, and lunch is ready."

"Good. I'm starving."

Randi put a hand out to stop the other woman's progress as they reached the doorway. "Hey, you okay? You wanna talk?" The Marine wondered if she sounded nearly as awkward as she felt. But the truth was she was feeling horribly guilty about putting the woman in the position she'd ended up in.

"Randi, c'mere a minute." The short woman took the taller woman's hand and led her back to then pallet she had just vacated. "Look, I'll be honest with you. I wasn't real thrilled that I ended up in the leader's bed for the week. It's certainly not what I would have chosen, given the choice. BUT, *you* didn't make the choice, *he* did. And he treated me well, Randi. He never forced himself on me. In another life, who knows? But in this one, it got us the information we needed. And I'm glad, proud that you chose me to be a part of this team. We *will* make a difference. And though no one but us ever knows how much, we will always know. And that's enough for me. Okay?"

It was the longest speech she had ever heard from her fellow Sabre, and Randi sat quietly thinking about it for a minute. "Okay, Bren." Nothing more was said between them. They understood one another, and that was enough.

Their plates were fixed and waiting for them when they left the confines of the tent. Lunch conversation was light, and consisted mostly of some of the interesting sights they had seen in the different factions' camps. When the meal was over, however, talk turned serious, and Brenda took center stage.

"I gotta say, Ghost Rider is well organized. If we can't stop her at the Equinoctial meeting, we have very little hope. Do we have a world map?"

Tiny unfurled the small one he kept with him. Most Sabres had one somewhere in their kit. The majority of mankind could not read or understand them because they were not electronic devices. And these maps provided the location of every military facility on the planet, which was always handy to know when you'd been in the bush for days on end.

Now, he took the map out, and laid it flat for Brenda to read. He held one side, while Randi held the other, and the others crowded in as close as they could. Her lips moved silently, as her fingers traced latitudinal and longitudinal lines to a point where they met.

"Here," she said at last. "Here is the meeting place for the faction leaders meeting."

"The middle of the ocean?? They're meeting on a boat??"

"No, nothing so simple, my friend. Apparently, this is the Ghost Rider's headquarters. And it is located on the bottom of the ocean floor."

Stunned silence met this pronouncement. Then.... "Excuse me. Did you say the *bottom* of the ocean floor?"

"Yeah, I did. And believe me, everyone else had the same reaction. Apparently no one is particularly thrilled to have to make this journey."

"And you got details, specs...?"

"I got everything she gave to them."

"Impressive!"

"Awesome!"

"Nice job, Bren!"

"Way to go!"

"Okay, people. Let's get back to work." The focus resumed on Brenda, and the small woman took a deep breath before continuing.

"There are specific routes the leaders are to follow to get to this fortress. And there are specific vehicles that will be placed in their control to get them there. We will need to take out the security people, and then we can take out the hydra's heads. They will all be there together for the week of the Spring Equinox. It will be our only opportunity to stop them, I'm afraid. Once they leave this facility, getting a hold of them becomes much more complicated."

"When are they scheduled to arrive and leave?" This from Randi, who was seeing her plans with Gwen go sliding down the drain.

"They are scheduled for staggered arrivals on Equinox. Meetings won't begin until the following day."

"Okay. We need to do a bit of thinking and planning here. But I think we have a real shot at this." A feral twinkle entered the blue eyes as a plan began to form itself. And it would even allow her to accompany Gwen to the awards ceremony and banquet.

"Do we have a real shot of coming out of this alive?"

"I'd say for almost everyone here, odds have risen considerably. But this is still extremely dangerous for all of us. You know that, Tiny. But I'll do my best to see everyone gets home safely, okay?" She sounded more than a little frustrated, because she knew where he was going with this, and really didn't want to go over all this again now. He didn't take the hint.

"Even you?"

"Well, Tiny, someone's gonna have to stay behind and pull the switch. And that responsibility falls to me alone." The no nonsense tone in her voice got his attention, and he let it lie.

"Now, we've got some serious planning to do before we can separate, and I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to go home and get in my own bed. So, let's get done."

The initial planning took the rest of the daylight hours, and most of the next day. By that evening, though, they had things roughed out; tasks assigned and were ready to head for their respective homes. They were scheduled to meet together in three weeks to make sure things were on track. With spring Equinox only six weeks away, they had some serious work to accomplish quickly.

Goodbyes early the following morning were bitter sweet. It was kind of like leaving your family. Hating to go, but glad to leave. They staggered their departures, with Randi being the last to head out. She was actually taking a direct route home. The more than three weeks she had been gone made her anxious to get back. Knowing precisely how limited her time was made it all the more valuable. And her determination to keep her feelings to herself became that much stronger.

It was very late when Randi finally arrived at the darkened beach house. She was a little surprised when Ditto did not meet her at the door, as had become the dog's habit when she arrived home. The Marine suspected the shepherd was out on one of her nocturnal hunts, and figured she'd see the dog sometime after daybreak. Hope she doesn't get all smelly again, wrinkling her nose in remembrance of the scent the dog had brought with her to Tommy's house on Festival morning. Shrugging her shoulders, she moved to put her dirty laundry in the hamper to be washed.

She finally noticed, on her way back to her bedroom, that all the boxes which had been stacked neatly against the wall were now gone. Guess Gwen's been busy. That thought made her want to go look in on her friend, to check and make sure she was there and unharmed. She shook her head in self-disgust. You're pathetic, Valiant. Go get a shower and go to bed. You'll see her soon enough in the morning.

The hot water felt good on tired, achy muscles. The cold water stream they had used for bathing was good for getting a person clean, but it left a lot to be desired in the relaxation department. The Marine stood there for long moments just absorbing the warmth once she was clean. Finally, though, she turned the water of and stepped out.

Dried off and dressed, she padded toward the kitchen in search of a snack. Ditto, however, stopped her at the bedroom door. Randi knelt to be at eye level with the dog.

"Hey, girl!" briskly rubbing her ears. "How ya doing, huh?" The shepherd whimpered at her mistress, and nudged the woman's chest. "What's wrong, girl? Hmm? What's the matter?"

Ditto rose from her haunches and took several steps towards the staircase. She turned to be sure Randi was following. The Marine moved after her, and the dog, satisfied, headed up the steps. The brunette kept up her low murmur of running dialogue with the canine, content that the dog was taking care of the bard. When they reached the loft balcony, the shepherd took a sentinel post beside the open door. Randi could hear soft cries and mumbling coming from inside the room. She hesitated at the doorway, not wanting to invade her friend's privacy, until she heard her own name called out.

"RANDI!!!! Oh God, no! Please, Randi! NO!"

The Marine rushed to the bard's bedside, wondering what she had done to have caused the woman such terror in her dreams. Softly, she began to speak to the blonde, crooning words of comfort that seemed to assuage the bard's fears. Then she reached forth a gentle hand, and slowly moved the hair away from the flushed face. Sleepy green eyes opened and looked at the Sabre in disbelief.

"Are you real?

Randi wondered at the tenor of the question, but answered it honestly.

"Yes. Are you okay? It sounded li...."

That was all the reassurance Gwen needed before she flung herself into her companion's strong arms. Randi just cradled her there until the bard stopped shaking and pulled back a bit. "Sorry, I, um... I was, uh... having a bad...."

"Shh." Long fingers lightly covered soft lips. "It's okay. I understand." Gwen tucked her head under Randi's chin and resumed her hold on the older woman, though not quite as tightly as before. "You wanna talk about it?" the Marine whispered at the top of the blonde head.

"Nothing to talk about, really. I know I was scared. It was just a bad dream."

Now it was Randi's turn to pull back a little, and bend down to look Gwen squarely in the face, directly in the eyes. What she saw there gave her pause. While the bard was apparently telling her the truth about not remembering the dream, there were black circles underneath those verdant eyes attesting to more than one night's lost sleep. She sat down on the bed and leaned back against the headboard, still holding on to the bard. Two fingers lifted Gwen's chin so Randi could keep eye contact.

"Hey, you okay?" she asked the small woman again.

"I'm fine. Much better in fact, now that you're home. I missed you, Randi."

"Ditto, Little One," stifling a yawn.

At the sound of her name, the dog came into the room and settled contentedly at the foot of the bed.

"Looks like she thinks she owns the place," the Marine commented with a chuckle.

The bard felt, as much as heard, the light laugh, and responded in kind. "You mean she doesn't? She settled herself in her with me the day you left, and she sticks pretty close. I think she'd even go to work with me if I'd take her."

"Good girl, Ditto. You kept a good eye on Gwen." The shepherd lifted her head and gave a sharp staccato bark of agreement.

"You had her keeping an eye on me?"

"Nope, didn't have to. She knows." The Marine closed her eyes. Just for a minute, she thought.

"She knows? Knows what?" But there was no answer. Gwen looked up at the serene, sleeping face of her companion, and shrugged. She reached down, and snagged the covers, then pulled them up, and settled down into sleep herself.

"Ow! Ow! Damn!" came the muttered cursing from the brunette. "Who's bright idea was this anyway?" It was nearly dawn, and Randi had woken up to screaming pain in her neck and shoulders. She had never meant to fall asleep, especially given the god-awful position she had been sitting in.

"Yours," came the burring answer from the blonde head tucked just under her chin. "You fell asleep while we were talking. Here," untangling herself from the taller woman, and moving to lie flat on one side of the bed. "Scootch down and go back to sleep." Green eyes were already closing.

"Maybe I should...." The Marine's upward motion was halted by a small hand pressing against the middle of her chest.

"Maybe you should just lay down and go back to sleep."

Randi didn't really want to leave, and she gave in to her desire, and just lay back and closed her eyes. Her left hand came up to tangle with the fingers still splayed lightly on her chest. She felt a soft return squeeze before slipping back into the realm of dreams.

Things settled into something of a normal rhythm for the two women over the course of the next three weeks. Up early, Randi and Ditto took their morning run together. The shepherd had regained her favorite spot in front of the fireplace once the Marine returned, knowing Randi was there to take care of the bard. By the time they got back, Gwen was up, showered and fixing breakfast. After the meal, Randi cleaned up while the storyteller finished getting ready. Then they rode in to work together.

Mondays and Wednesdays, the Marine left right after lunch, to meet up with the guys in the band. Tommy had pulled a few strings, to insure that they could get the time off to practice. The drummer was thrilled with the amount of effort the guys had put into making sure this would be a success. She was convinced Gwen was gonna be captivated. The blonde had been subtly after her to sing with the band since she'd heard her in the boathouse. For this party, the bard was going to get her wish.

They rode home again together, always stopping by for at least a few minutes every day to see and play with Randall. Dinner, which they usually prepared together, was full of lively conversation, and the evenings were spent first on their individual tasks, and then in quiet talks or peaceful solitude in front of the fireplace. It was a time of peace, and Randi's soul sorely craved it, and stored the feeling against the onslaught of war that was coming.

Fridays, again, were spent at band practice. The guys were hard pressed to keep quiet, and keep a lid on their excitement. In fact, Gwen noticed the elevated energy levels, but just put it down to the happiness over Randi's return. Though they never said much, they drew energy from her playing, and it showed.

By now, though, everyone was aware of the surprise party planned for the bard, though most did not know of Randi's hidden agenda for Gwen. The entire Midas compound was on a countdown to spring.

On the third Saturday since her homecoming, while they were getting ready for their bike ride, the Marine turned to Gwen. "I just wanted you to know I'll be gone all day tomorrow. But I'll be back sometime tomorrow night."

A thousand questions sprang to the bard's lips at this pronouncement. All she said aloud was, "Be careful, okay?"

"I promise."

Then she stepped onto the bike behind her blonde companion, and settled back to enjoy the ride.

In the darkest hour before the dawn, Randi was up and gone from the beach house. The rendezvous was actually close to her, but it was going to be a long meeting, she suspected. The sooner they started the sooner it would all be over.

They were actually in a well-hidden cove at a beach on an island right off the mainland near Midas. Randi had stumbled across it shortly after her arrival when she had gotten her "discharge" papers. And as far as she could tell, no one else had ever visited it.

Her comrades arrived in two boats just as dawn started lightening the night-darkened sky. She had things set up and breakfast waiting when they stepped foot into the cove. Each of them grabbed a roll and some coffee, and with a mumbled "Good Morning", they fell to work with a will.

It took all morning, and a majority of the afternoon, before all the details were sorted out, and the assignments settled. Then they took an hour just to sit and talk together as friends. This would be the last time they saw each other until this was all over, and it was accepted fact at this point that, short of a miracle or divine intervention, they would not all be together at the end of that day.

Finally, as they prepared to leave, Randi withdrew a flask of Scotch from her bag, and poured each of her Sabre teammates a swallow.

"My friends," she said, raising her flask in salute. "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with each and every one of you. CARPE DIEM!!!"

"SEIZE THE DAY!!" they repeated in tandem after her, then as one, drained their glasses. Without another word, they loaded up, and headed out, confident they would achieve victory.

It was just good dark, when Randi approached the beach house. This time, she was met at the door with a body full of exuberant German shepherd ready for a tussle. Happy to comply, she didn't even notice the blonde in the kitchen doorway with the camera taking holo-pics. After about fifteen minutes, both dog and mistress lay sprawled on the floor exhausted. Soft chuckling from the kitchen made the Marine roll from her back to her stomach and glare in Gwen's direction.

"What's so funny?"

"You are," came the unrepentant answer.

"I live to amuse."

"You do so very well. Would you like dinner? It's about ready."

"Really? Yeah, just give me a minute to clean up."

It took a little longer than a minute, but things picked up as though the Marine had not been gone on a mysterious errand for the entire day.

The next three weeks flew by for the two. Randi wished for a way to capture time by the tail and slow it down a bit. It was so very nice to be able to just sit and talk with Gwen, to listen to her tell stories or share her dreams. She could only hope that the bard would one day look back and treasure these quiet times as much as the Marine herself did now.

For her part, Gwen *did* treasure the quiet time they'd had to spend together. The conversation was nice, though far less revealing of her companion than it was of herself. But mostly she simply cherished their time together. Something about Randi had been different, withdrawn, since her trip after Festival, and no amount of questioning or puzzling helped her figure it out. It was enough that the Marine was here with her. Everything else would have to be revealed in Randi's own good time.



Chapter XVII

Early that last week before the spring equinox, Tommy and Randi put together the finishing touches on their game plan. Randi placed a vid call to Gwen's parents, making sure they would be available for both the party and the ceremony. They had actually made all their arrangements during Festival, but the Marine was anxious, and talking to the Goldmans helped her calm down. She so badly wanted this to go right. It was the last thing she was going to be able to do for her bard.

On Friday morning, just as Tommy had predicted, Gwen made her way to his office first thing.

"T, is this schedule right?"

"Hmm?" looking over the paper she handed him. "Yeah, that's right. You've only got half a day today."

"Damn! Wish I'd have known about this earlier."

"Why, is there a problem?

"Sorta, but not really. It's just that Randi and I rode in together."

"That's not a problem. I'm sure Randi wouldn't mind taking a half holiday and playing hooky with you."

A genuine smile crossed the fair features. "That might be fun. Think the boss would let her?"

'The Boss' snorted. "And when has 'the boss' ever been able to stop her from doing whatever she wanted or needed to do? The woman is a law unto herself, and well you know it." Their laughter rang through the room. "G'wan. I'll make sure she knows she needs to be free after lunch."

"Thanks, Tommy. We'll see you at practice tonight, right?"

"As far as I know." He did manage to keep a straight face until the door closed behind her. Then his grin grew to resemble that of a Cheshire cat. The first call he made was to Randi. "It worked. She has no clue." Her smile echoed his own.

"I'll tell her about tonight at lunch. Is Ella picking up Geoff and Jill?"

He looked at his watch. "As we speak. We'll keep them at the house tonight."

"All right, T. Thanks."

The lunchroom was a-buzz with excitement. Everyone there knew of and was attending the big, formal surprise party Tommy was hosting for Gwen that night. The chatter didn't stop when she and Randi entered the room, though the Marine did notice all eyes turned their way, and big smiles greeted them before turning back to their own meals. Gwen chalked it up to the coming of spring. People always seemed just a little bit happier then.

"I hear you've got the afternoon free," Randi commented once they were seated at their table. "By happy coincidence, so do I. Wanna go shopping?"

The bard looked at her companion in complete shock and disbelief. The woman never wanted to go shopping and now she was offering?!? What was up with *that*?

"I know. I know. I wouldn't have mentioned it, but when T gave me the rest of the day off, he invited us out for dinner and dancing... a real *adult* evening. I told him yes, if you wanted to, but now I need a new shirt."

"What happened to practice?"

"Oh, CL and Tony called in sick with the flu. So, practice is a no go, and we are free for the evening. Wanna go play with Tommy and Ella?"

"Sure, sounds like fun. And if we're going shopping anyway, I can get a new dress for tonight."

Randi rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, but inwardly she was as giddy as a schoolgirl. "Yeah, you can get a new dress. You about ready to leave?" looking down at the younger woman's now empty plate.

"Uh huh. Let me grab my stuff, and I'll meet you out front in five." The brunette ushered the blonde out in front of her, but paused in the doorway to make eye contact with Tommy, and give him the thumbs up. The muted cheer that rose after the door was closed made her smile.

Shopping wasn't nearly the chore that she'd expected it to be though that probably had as much to do with the company she was in as anything else. Gwen had found a white silk shirt that Randi actually really liked not long after they got started. And Gwen's comment cinched the sale for the Sabre. It highlights your tan and brings out the color of your eyes. I like it.

Finding something for the bard that both she and the Marine liked, was a bit harder. After a solid hour of patient and not-so-patient looking, the tall woman held up a sleeveless aqua silk sheath. "I like this one," she announced. Having seen some of Randi's other somewhat dubious selections, the blonde was hesitant. The Marine seemed to be looking strictly at color, though Gwen liked this shade herself. She took the dress from Randi, and held it up in front of herself. She looked from Randi, who was smiling in approving pleasure, to Maria, who was doing her best not to let the bard know this was the dress the Sabre had commissioned specifically for her.

"Try it on, Gwen. Let's see how it looks."

The blonde went to the changing room, and slipped into the dress. It came to mid thigh, and outlined her figure very nicely. The rounded neckline was modest, though it did show a teasing hint of firm breasts. "Well," she muttered to herself, glancing in the mirror. A voice interrupted her musing.

"How's it look?"

"Judge for yourself," Gwen answered as she stepped into the room. "Can you please zip me up the rest of the way? I couldn't reach." She moved her hair to one side, then dropped it and walked forward a pace before turning around to face the Marine.

Randi could feel the slow flush burning its way up her skin. Two more days, Valiant. You can control yourself two more days. But she questioned if this was gonna be a losing battle. Aloud, she commented, "Um, Wow! You look fabulous!"

The bard noticed the blush and wondered what was behind it. It made her just a bit shy. "Really?" looking first to Randi, and then to Maria. The dressmaker nodded enthusiastically.

"Really," she confirmed. "It looks like it was made for you," she couldn't resist adding.

"Great, I'll take it." The she glanced at the Marine. "Do you think we could find a nice spot to have some tea? I need a break."

Randi nodded mutely, still a bit overcome by the effects of the dress. Gwen moved closer. "Are you all right?"

"Hmm? Yeah, I just think I'm ready for a break as well." She turned to Maria. "Can we leave this stuff here and pick it up on our way back?"

"Sure. No problem."

"I'll go change then," said Gwen. "Be right back."

They waited for the door to close behind her before Randi whispered, "What about the other dress?"

"Ella and Mrs. Goldman were in this morning and picked it up. She will take it up when ya'll leave in the morning. It shouldn't need any alterations, since it was made on the same specs as this one, but if it does, I can be there in little more than a couple hours."

"Thanks, Maria. I can't wait to see her face."

"I'm looking forward to tonight myself." And then the conversation halted as a blonde head poked out of the door.

"Randi, could you come get the zipper for me please?"

The Marine gritted her teeth silently, but smiled at her companion, and moved to do her bidding. She was sure the gods were conspiring against her at this point. And she wasn't at all certain how long her resolve would last against this sort of temptation.

The teahouse they went to was actually a favorite. The proprietor was an old friend, and he seated them in the garden that was just coming into bloom under his precise care. The hour melted away, and it was with some regret that they moved to leave.

"Thanks, Willie. It was lovely, as always."

"Anytime, ladies. You know you are welcome here anytime."

Gwen decided to take a long relaxing bath when they got back to the beach house. Randi, on the other hand, opted for a shower, since she had a vid call to make while the bard was indisposed. So now she sat, toweling her hair dry, dress in shorts and a tank top talking to Tommy.

"Everything's all set then?"

"Yep, The dance floor has been laid, the guys have already got the band set up on the pavilion stage, and the caterers are already here." She heaved a sigh of relief. "We do have one minor problem." The Marine stiffened at these words.

"What?"

"Randall is cutting teeth. So it's probably gonna be a relatively short night for Ella and I. And we won't be able to be there tomorrow."

"Aw, Tommy...."

"I know, hon, but what are ya gonna do? He's miserable and cranky, and making everyone around him that way as well. Don't worry, though. I've got things covered and it will all be recorded. I'll be getting a live feed from both the ceremony and the party afterwards. I'll put together a nice momento for all of us." He didn't tell the woman of the elaborate plans to cover both the events and she and Gwen personally.

The Sabre smiled, though it never reached her eyes. "Okay. Still wish you could be there, though."

"So do I. Next time."

A sad nod of agreement. "Is Jill around?"

"Uh, yeah, hang on a sec." He waited until the woman picked up the call in her and Geoff's room, before shutting the call off in his study, and leaving to go get ready.

"Hi, Randi! What's up?'

"Aside from my blood pressure?" the younger woman joked. "Not much. I just wanted your thoughts on the dress."

"My God, child! It's beautiful. She's going to be absolutely breathtaking in it. And let me just say, if this is your work, your design, you are in the wrong line of work. It's fantastic."

"No, I could never do something like this on a regular basis. This was special, and it took forever to create. Besides, it was a labor of love. I couldn't do that for anyone else.

"Well, it's gorgeous. You did a fabulous job."

The Marine blushed a little at the effusive praise. "Thanks, Jill. Listen, let me run before Gwen gets out of the tub and catches me talking to you. I'd hate to spoil the surprise at this point." She saw the confusion plainly on the older woman's face. "She'd recognize Tommy's house in the background." Realization dawned, and Jill nodded in comprehension.

"Okay, see you both shortly," then she ended the call.

Randi was dressed and ready before Gwen made her appearance. Getting into the leather pants had taken less time than deciding how to wear the shirt. Finally, though, she'd tied the two ends into a halter just below her ribs, and rolled the sleeves to her elbows. She left it unbuttoned just far enough to expose a hint of cleavage. Boots for her feet and a braid for her hair, and she was ready to go.

Now she paced back and forth silently, willing herself to calm. She wanted so much for this night to go well, and she was very nervous about performing. Funny, it's never bothered me before. But it's never been so important to me before, either. A slight gasp from the loft caused her to look up.

"Wow," the bard breathed. "You look incredible."

The Marine found herself blushing under the compliment. "Thanks. So do you. You need help?" remembering the zipper difficulties of earlier in the day.

"Do you mind?" Gwen asked, even as she presented her back to the taller woman. Her hair was pulled up in a twist, and was already off her neck.

"Wouldn't have offered if I did. There ya go," patting the younger woman's shoulder. She was caught off guard when Gwen grabbed the hand and squeezed it.

"Thanks."

She cleared her throat. "You, um, about ready to go?"

"Yep. Let's do it."

They walked out toward the garage. "Are we meeting them at their house, or in town?"

"Their place, why?"

"Can we take the bike over? I feel daring." And considering the length of the dress she had on, it was quite a dare.

Randi groaned inwardly. The gods are all conspiring against me here. I'm not gonna survive to go on this mission at this rate. "Uh, sure, I guess, if you want. We both need to get a jacket or something, though. This mild spring air gets downright chilly on that bike, ya know."

"I know."

With Gwen wrapped in her leather bike jacket, and Randi in her long duster, they settled themselves on the motorcycle. The decision was made to leave the helmets at home, since Gwen couldn't wear hers with her hair up, and the distance was relatively short. Randi sat down first, and started the bike, then reached a hand back to seat the bard. Warm hands wrapped around her bare midriff, and she shivered in response. Gwen tucked the reaction away in her mind.

"Let's go, tough stuff," the blonde commented to her companion with a pat on the exposed belly. Without another word, they were off.

In order to keep things a surprise, Tommy had hired multiple large transports to bring folks to the island. Five minutes before the two women were due to arrive he got the prearranged signal from Randi that they were on their way. Everyone made their way outside, and stood in the shadows, waiting patiently.

When he heard the bike, the man muttered to his wife, "Wonder whose idea *that* was?" And then Randi was knocking at the door.

"Wow! You guys look great," he said in honest appreciation when he opened the door. "Come in. Ella will be out in a minute." She had gone back to check on her unhappy offspring before the knock, as had been agreed upon earlier. She lifted the boy up and cuddled him to keep him quiet, while she went out the back door and joined the others waiting to surprise the bard.

"We've got a couple minutes. Can ya'll come out and see something? I've added something to the band pavilion that I think you'll like."

"What is it?" asked the inquisitive bard.

"You'll have to see it for yourself. It's kind of unexplainable." Tommy led the way to the double French doors and opened them. "Over that way," he directed them, as he turned to pull the doors shut behind him.

Gwen reached out and took Randi's hand in a firm grip. The Marine gave her a reassuring squeeze, and led her out toward the stage area. Halfway there, the bard noticed Tommy wasn't right behind them, and they were no longer walking on what should have been grass. She looked up at Randi, concerned, who smiled down at her indulgently. And as if by some hidden signal, the world around them came alive in a cacophony of sound and movement.

"SURPRISE!!!!!" Many voices rang out, and caused the blonde to reach her free hand to her chest.

"Wha... ? Why?"

Tommy held up his hands for silence. "Gwen, we all," gesturing to the many people clustered around in their finery," wanted to congratulate you on being one of the youngest recipients in Guild history to receive the lifetime achievement award. To wish you well at the awards ceremony tomorrow night. And to salute your continued success!" A cheer rose up from the crowd.

She stopped breathing for a minute, then turned and hid her face in the Sabre's chest. Randi wrapped her arms around the younger woman, and whispered into her hair.

"Gwen?"

"I'm sorry. Just a little overwhelmed." The bard wiped a lone tear from her face. Then she straightened a little, though she kept an arm attached to the tall woman's waist. "Waitaminute... awards ceremony tomorrow night?!?"

Randi was glad for the arm she still had around Gwen, as it prevented her from going anywhere. "Trust me? I promise it'll be fine," she whispered.

Green eyes gazed into blue for a long moment. "Always," she replied. Then she turned back to face the expectantly waiting crowd, never releasing her hold on her companion, nor allowing the Sabre to remove the supporting arm from the bard's waist.

"My friends," looking around at the sea of people she had come to know over the years. "Thank you all so much. For being here tonight. For being part of my life. For sharing and caring. Now," she said with a giggle, "enough of the mushy stuff. Let's get this party started." The people roared their approval.

Randi gently led the bard toward the spot Tommy nodded her to. Gwen looked at her questioningly, and the Marine merely raised her eyebrow, and turned her head.

"Mother? Daddy?" And without another word, leaped into their embrace. She turned a loving look on the Sabre. "You did this. You arranged this whole thing, didn't you?"

The brunette flushed in embarrassment, and scratched the back of her neck. She kept her eyes on the ground and scuffed her toe on the wood floor. "Um, well... I, um...." And found herself with an armful of warm blonde bard.

"Thank you, Randi! This is just so awesome."

Randi returned the hug with all the love she could show without actually hurting the smaller woman. She slowly set Gwen on her feet again.

"I, uh, I need to go. The guys are waiting for me." She motioned toward the stage.

"Ya'll are playing tonight? For real?"

"Yep."

"This is just too cool!" They shared a big smile, and Randi moved to take her place behind the drums.

The Marine found the reaction she got to her outfit once she removed the leather coat surprising. "What??" she questioned the guys in the band after a long moment of stunned silence and staring. They all shook their heads, unable and unwilling to explain. Instead they picked up instruments, and waited for her to count them out.

However, even that took a bit of time, as Gwen chose that minute to remove her outer covering. The entire place whistled and cheered, and the bard blushed a beet red. She turned her attention to the drummer, who gave her a dazzling grin. Gwen echoed the smile, and Randi counted the band down to its first number.

After fifty-five minutes, the band was ready for a break. Randi grabbed one of the towels Ella had set out for that purpose and headed towards the bard. "Here," she said laughingly. You look like you need this as badly or worse than I do." It wasn't really true, though. The drummer was sweating profusely. And while the bard had danced the entire time the band had been playing, she was merely flushed and slightly winded. "God, don't you ever sweat?" Randi questioned while wiping another bead of moisture that had started rolling down her face.

"Hmm," was the only reply the blonde made, as Tommy chose that moment to ask for everyone's attention.

"Folks, I'm sure you've noticed the caterers have gotten most everything set up, so we'll ask our guest of honor to make her way over to the buffet lines and get things started."

"Gwen," the Marine whispered when the bard didn't immediately move, "he's talking about you."

Blushing slightly when she realized all eyes were turned her way. "Oh, sorry guys," with a modest shrug. "I forgot."

A chuckle rippled through the crowd at her words. One of the nicest things about the bard was her unassuming manner and modesty. They laughed a second time, as with a tug, she drew the Marine along with her to insure she wasn't alone.

The dinner hour was a very pleasant interval. The banter among the six friends sitting together was warm and funny, and everyone took the time to come over and speak to the bard personally. She was amazed at how many friends she had really made, and her parents were equally impressed with their daughter's newly developed people skills. Until she had come to Midas, though friendly to one and all alike, Gwen had been very much a loner. It was amazing the difference one person, the right person, had made in her life.

Geoff sat quietly watching the Sabre watch the bard. And he could see the sadness underwritten in her eyes while her face continued to smile at the conversation and activities taking place around them. He felt the chill of premonition chase up his spine. He had a feeling their time had just about run out.

Talk continued to flow for a few minutes after the meal was completed, as Randi waited for her band mates to finish eating. She used it as an excuse to take Randall away from his mother, and rock him gently to sleep. It was very faint, but Geoff could have sworn he heard a lullaby coming from her direction. When the baby was soundly asleep, the Marine rose from her seat and made her way into the house. A few minutes later, she returned, and if he had not been studying her so intently, he would have missed it. Just before she stepped back outside, she lifted a discreet hand to her eyes and wiped them, then put a smile back on her face and moved stepped back onto the terrace.

When the drummer came out, the rest of the band took it as their signal to head back to the stage area to start the second part of their show. It was hard to tell who was more nervous about this, them or Randi, but they all wanted to make this part special. Because it was something they could give back to a woman who had given so much of herself to them without expecting or asking for anything in return.

Gwen was more than a little puzzled when Greg walked around and took the drum position. She looked for her tall friend, but couldn't see hide nor hair of her. How does six feet of silk and leather just up and disappear? Then the band kicked off the opening chords of its second set, and she stopped wondering, and just stood in awe as Randi came out singing.

Jill reached over and gently pushed the bard's mouth closed. "Careful, dear. You'll start catching flies." The twinkle in her eyes made the rest of the table smile in reaction. And seeing the energy and enthusiasm the Sabre and her music were generating, and the response it created in the bard, Tommy was glad beyond measure for the time and effort he had spent to set up making sure a permanent record of this night was being made.

It didn't take long before the dance floor was full, but Gwen never moved from her spot, her attention riveted on the dark, lithe form belting out song after song. Many of them the bard recognized from the Marine's enormous collection of oldies music. She was trying to figure out when they'd had time to practice and prepare for this night, since she attended all the Friday night rehearsals that the drummer did. I'll have to ask her later. This is phenomenal.

No one bothered the bard. Her entranced look was too precious to disturb, and more than one couple on the dance floor commented to their partner about the almost palpable love between the two women. Finally, the band wound down and stopped, though no one moved from their positions. Applause and cheers rang out over and over for them, even when Randi signaled for quiet. After taking a bow, she asked for quiet again, and this time the crowd was happy to comply, sensing the best was yet to come.

"Thanks, guys, thanks! You've been great!" Another loud whoop allowed the woman to take a long drink of water and wipe her face before continuing. "Um, wow! Thanks!" She hesitated, not really sure she could go through with it now that the moment was at hand. But she'd given her word to Tommy, and she wasn't gonna let him down now.

"When Tommy came to me with this idea a few months ago, he made a special request of me, of us," gesturing to the guys behind her. She moved to sit on the edge of the stage, and the band members took their cue from her, and sat on the stools they used during practice. She'd said she was gonna have to give an intro to her last song, and they were very content to take a break. The audience also decided to resume their seats, wondering where all this was heading.

"For those of you who don't know, T and I grew up together and have been best buds since I was, what... five, Tommy?" He nodded his head. "Anyway," scratching the back of her neck, "we grew up listening to the same music, and right up until the time he and Ella fell in love, he claimed the oldies I liked were all too, um, sappy. Imagine how falling in love changed that." She snickered, and the crowd laughed in response. Tommy and Ella just blushed and nodded.

"By coincidence, one of my all time favorite love songs is an ancient one both they and our beautiful guest of honor have come to adore. So if you folks will be kind enough to indulge me, I would like to close out the night with this song." Clapping greeted her words.

She slid off the stage and onto the dance floor, and stood waiting for an introduction. This song was particularly hard for her, as it said everything she could never bring her self to admit openly to the bard. She took a deep breath to control the butterflies now screaming in her gut. But once the music began to play, she tuned out everything but the words, the music, and the green eyes of her best friend that she knew were watching. She saw tears spring up as Gwen recognized the tune, and smiled. Then she lost herself in the message of the song itself.

Because You Loved Me

Words and Music by Diane Warren

c Realsongs/Touchstone Pictures Music & Songs, Inc. (ASCAP)

All rights reserved. Used without permission.

Performed by Celine Dion

For all those times you stood by me

For all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life

For all the wrong that you made right

For every dream I had come true

For all the love I found in you

I'll be forever thankful, baby

You're the one who held me up

Never let me fall

You're the one who saw me through

Through it all.

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith cause you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me.

You gave me wings and made me fly

You touched my hand I could touch the sky

I lost my faith, you gave it back to me

You said no star was out of reach

You stood by me and I stood tall

I had your love I had it all

I'm grateful for each day you gave me

Maybe I don't know that much

But I know this much is true

I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith cause you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me.

You were always there for me

The tender wind that carried me

A light in the dark shining your love into my life

You've been my inspiration

Through the lies you were the truth

My world is a better place because of you.

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't speak

You gave me faith cause you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me.

She didn't hear the thunderous applause that broke out as the last note echoed on the wind. She only saw green eyes full of unshed tears, and opened her arms. The bard made her way there unseeingly, and hugged the older woman tight. "Thank you, Randi. That was beautiful."

Full lips brushed the top of the blonde head. "Hey, you wanna go for a ride, maybe watch the sunrise with me?"

"Where you go, I go, gunny."

The words sent a curious thrill skittering across her skin, leaving goose bumps in its wake. "All right, " shaking off her reaction, "let's go say goodnight to Ella, Tommy and your folks. Then we'll grab our coats and get outta here."

No one stopped them, which would have surprised both of them if they had bothered to think about it. The aura they were projecting was so intense, so special no one wanted to intrude. And neither of them thought about it, intent as they were to leave.

Ella was just returning from checking on her son when the two walked over.

"How's the boy?" from Randi as they reached the table where the Steeles and Goldmans had been sitting most of the evening.

"Cranky." Ella run a weary hand through what had been perfectly coiffed hair. "This teething thing is gonna be the death of me."

"You want me...?"

"No, there's nothing you can do for him."

"Well, then I'll just peek in on him before we leave."

"You're leaving?" He wasn't surprised. Geoff was sure Randi was trying to fit in as much time as he could with his daughter before the Sabre left. He knew she had little hope of coming home, and from her demeanor, the time was closer to hand than he wanted to acknowledge.

"Yeah. Tommy wanted to make it an early night, and Gwen and I are going for a ride. We'll see ya'll tomorrow, though, right?" Please, Geoff, don't make me leave her alone.

"Oh, yeah," answered Jill. "I can't wait to see this dress."

"Wait, what dress?" the confused bard asked.

"I'll tell you about it later, 'K?" Blue met green in an imploring look, and green acquiesced, with a promise of later interrogation. The dark head nodded slowly in agreement, and the blonde smiled.

"Thank you for a lovely party, Tommy. It has been so much fun." She kissed his cheek lightly.

"Ahem, yes, well, would you like to say goodnight to the folks before you leave?" To his surprise, she took his hand, and he helped her onto a nearby chair. She signaled for quiet.

"I'm getting ready to leave," a groan arose, "but, BUT, before I go I wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you for coming out tonight. You have no idea how much this all means to me. To know I have so many caring friends. Thank you all, for being part of one of the most special nights of my life." A cheer sounded out at her words, and they lifted their glasses as one in a toast. She lifted hers in response, then had Tommy help her down.

"Where's Randi?' not having seen the tall woman leave.

"She went inside, to look in on Randall, I suspect."

The bard donned her jacket, then gave hugs and kisses around the table. Just before she reached the door, she heard Scott call out her name, and turned around.

"Don't let her forget this," handing Gwen the duster that the Marine had negligently handed him before she climbed behind the drums the first time. "She might need it."

"Thanks, Scott."

"Congratulations, by the way. I think it's just awesome!"

She smiled at him. "I'm still a bit overwhelmed from the shock of it all, I think. But thanks." He gave her arm a squeeze, then turned and made his way back to the crowd of people slowly congregating to say their goodbyes. Whispers had made the rounds about how difficult Randall's teething was for the entire Steele family, and no one wanted to impose.

Gwen found Randi standing beside the baby's crib, lightly patting his bottom. "He's a beautiful baby, isn't he?" She looked up, and the bard would have sworn for an instant there were tears in the blue eyes. But with a blink, they were gone.

"Yeah, he is. I hope he gets through this teething soon."

"Oh, he will," the Marine answered with a chuckle. "And then he'll undoubtedly move onto something worse." She chuckled again softly at the expected backhand.

"Well, don't say that where Ella can hear you. I don't think she's ready to hear that right now." This time they both laughed, before heading for the door. Geoff and Jill watched them go.

"They look so well together, don't they?" the woman commented to her husband.

"Yes, they do." But for how much longer?

Surprisingly to the Marine, Gwen did not ask to drive, but was content to hold on to her from behind. She did wonder what was going through her friend's mind, but figured the bard would speak up when she was ready. Self-expression had never been a problem for Gwen before.

How shocked she would have been, had she been able to read the blonde's thoughts. The blonde had deliberated a lot about Randi while the Sabre had been gone, and about the reactions she had to the Marine. She had finally decided that what she felt for Randi was more than friendship, but how much more, and where it would all eventually lead was still in question. She knew she felt safe and loved, contented and well cared for around the older woman, and no place felt more like home than her strong arms. For now, that knowledge was enough. The bard wouldn't push or question, comfortable to let things progress naturally. She was fairly certain Randi felt *something* for her, but retaining their friendship was far more important than pushing to explore other possibilities. They had all the time in the world for that.

Sunrise found them back at the beach house, sitting out on the sand. Randi sat peacefully satisfied with the world for the brief moment she held it in her arms. The bard was sitting in front of her, leaning back against her chest, her small hands grasping the top of the larger ones wrapped around her middle. There was no need for words, as they watched the sun peek over the horizon, then burst onto the scene in a dazzling display of color. Once it was up, the Marine released her companion and rose, reaching a hand down to help her up.

"C'mon. We need to get showered and changed. We have to be at the shuttle hub in an hour."

"But...." wondering how she was gonna make it through the day without some sleep.

Long fingertips on her lips sent a tingle down her spine and stopped her speech. "Relax. Trust me, remember?" A nod. "You have the penthouse suite at the hotel there next to the Performing Arts Center. We'll be there in," Randi glanced at her watch, "about three hours. You can sleep on the ride up, and once we get there. The affair doesn't start until eight, and your parents, and your dress will meet us there."

"Really?" The Marine nodded. "Can I ask you something?" Another nod. "Where did the dress come from?"

"Um, well," looking at the ground before pulling her friend forward with her toward the beach house. "Uh, Maria made it when she made this one," indicating the aqua sheath now mostly hidden under the long duster."

"This was made for me? You had her do this, didn't you?" She got no verbal answer, but the flush that was making its way up the Marine's neck was answer enough for Gwen. "Thank you, Randi." She gave the woman a heartfelt hug. "You'll probably never know what it, all this, means to me." Maybe one day I'll be able to tell you. "But thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I love you, ya know. "

"I love you, too, Little One," soaking up the bitter sweetness of both the words and the moment. She gave Gwen another brief squeeze. "Now c'mon," she said, resuming their walk toward the doors, "let's get a move on. We've got a shuttle to catch."





Continued In Chapter XVIII