((The Singing Swan, Public House))

Nadina: "There you go again. You have a very low opinion of folks
round here." :: She stood up and started to clear away the dishes.
:: "Just cause we need a bit of help, don't mean we are stupid
or are not thinking for ourselves. YOU never gave anyone a chance to
think.. you barged in here and started bossing everyone around without
even trying to talk to them and see if they had any thoughts or ideas.
It is a good thing you wish to do, to help your daughter, but you are
lousy with people. You came here with some preconceived notion that we
are all stupid. Start showing some respect to people. You will get
better results. But I'd not go shouting out that she's yours,
if I were you. Especially if you plan to leave her here."

Clack: Are you saying that she will come to harm?

Nadina: "No, I am not saying anyone would harm her. I think the
most harm to her is you. Does she know who you are? Has she any idea?
Who is the man she is living with and why is she living with him? How
old is she? Would it do more harm than good to upset her world, her
sense of security? Have you even though about all this? Do you ever
think of how anyone feels except yourself?" :: She shook her head.
:: "I feel sorta sorry for you, mister. And I know you don't
think highly of folks around here, but please, for the sake of your
daughter, take my advice, talk to someone you do trust, or who you at
least feel has more knowing about these kinds of things before you go
marching off to claim what's yours."

Clack: If you could see it from my viewpoint.

Nadina: "Yeah, well, I doubt you'd listen to one of us Wheeler
folks anyway. Talk to a professional before you ruin this kids life,
that's all I ask. Cause I can see it now, you go shatter her world
and then fly off and are never heard from again. Sometimes the best way
to help a person, is to leave them be."

Clack: You are right.

::As Nadina spoke with her back to him, Clack rose from the table
and walked up behind her. Turning around, she found him just inches
from her. His steel cold blue eyes seemed to change directly in front
of her to that of soft brown.::

Nadina: response

Clack: I respect your colony, you say that I speak as though your stupid.
You can't be farther from the truth. What would you do in my position?
Would you not try to persuade a group of people who would influence
your child's future to live better lives? Please. Please, ::softly his
voice dropped.:: I didn't intend to provoke you.

Nadina: response

::Darius reached with his left hand and touched her long hair. Quickly, he
jerked it away as the soft texture of her hair sent a shudder through
his nervous system. It couldn't remember the last time he had experienced
the touch of a woman's hair. He stepped back toward the table as the
feeling brought back unpleasant memories, long forgotten sins.::

Clack: Kesi is mine. She is only four months old. DNA test will prove it.
You asked if she knows me. We've never met nor does she know my name,
but she will know me instantly when she sees me. In time, she will see me
out... it has been ingrained within her. The day will come when she will ask
you about me. ::pausing:: I am not a nice man? You say that I pass
judgment on the colony but you pass judgment on me when you have
no knowledge of Darius Clack to support such a statement. Thank you for
the meal… Miss Hall.

Nadina: response

::Darius reached out and kissed her hand. Making his way out the door,
he stopped and looked back at Nadina still standing by the kitchen counter.::

Clack: We will meet again. I will return for her when the time is right...
and I
will rejoice in my heart at the prosperity of Wheeler set into motion this
day.

Nadina: response

::Darius began the long walk back to wait for transport with the two security

guards behind him. Turning around as he walked, he saw Nadina standing
in the doorway looking at him. The cold night wind blew her hair gently
as he dangled from her face. As the images of Miss Hall disappeared
into the night, a pair of soft hands came to rest on Clack's shoulders
as the three men came to a stop and waited for public transport.::

Sheba: What is wrong?

::Behind him, draped in a brilliant white dress that shimmered rays of
blinding light was Sheba. The rays of light illuminating off her felt warm
and comforting to him against the cold night air.::

Clack: I don't know, I just feel like something inside me has crossed
over and there is no going back. I hate this...

::Darius caught the puzzled facial expressions of his two guards out of
the corner of his eye as they stood behind him baffled by his remarks.::

Never mind. ::addressing the two men without turning around.:: Just
talking to myself.


Lt Darius Clack
CEO
USS URSA MAJOR

and

special appearance by

Sheba Kinsel
House of Kinsel
Kingdom of Arakin




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