ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

DISCLAIMER: Xena (Xora, Xor) and Gabrielle (Brie) are not mine. But the rest of the characters are Slade, Shane, Troy, Joy, Rayan, and Sharonda. The girls, X&G belong to MCA. No copyright infringement is intended. Although, there is no love making, the story insinuates it. If you are below the age of 18 or offended by this material STOP NOW! This is not for you.

Written and Copyrighted by: LB Anderson

March 11, 1999

"So Xora, you DO know that Valentine's Day is coming up right?" Troy asked wondering if her friend had even given it a thought. Xora wasn't much on shopping. Actually she down right hated it. Back in the past her concubines didn't mind if she hadn't purchased them anything. They were just honored to be the object of her desire that day. But this Valentine's Day was different. She gets to share it with a woman she really loved.

Troy sat and observed her friend's panicky expression. "Shiiizz," Xora returned. This year was certainly going to be different. She absolutely adored Gabrielle, and she wanted to give her something to bestow that fact. "You know Troy, I haven't thought much about it. I've been so wrapped up in spending time with Brie that it slipped my mind. Oh lord what am I going to do? I've never had to do this before, never. Yet, Brie is definitely worth it. What do you think I should get her?"

"Ah no you don't. This is your baby. Xora, you have to be creative. You have to give her something that will symbolize your love for her and on top of that make her speechless. Think about what she means to you. How she makes you feel? Or better yet, how she’s going to make you feel." Troy joked while nudging Xora. "Com'on Xora give it a shot. As artistic as you are I know you won't have a problem."

Xor looked over at her friend curiously and asked her what had she bought Slade for Valentines. The funniest thing happened once the ladies met up at the movies; they hadn't been apart since. Troy paired up with Slade. Sharonda took a liking to Shane, and Joy had been spotted around base with Mayo. And they were actually enjoying each other's company. Xor would've never imagined all of her friends coupling with each of Gabrielle's friends, but they did. And now the groups were inseparable.

"Joy, what do you have planned for you and Mayo on Valentines?" Xor inquired, hoping her sometimes-distant friend wouldn't pick up on what she was doing.

 "Well, ow..." Joy screeched from the back slap Troy had given her.

"Hay, Frost bite. Didn't you just hear me tell this woman she had to come up with her own ideas for her special lady on that night? Get out of the TV and pay attention." Troy then gazed up and down her friend's somewhat appealing lounging body and said, "I bet Mayo can make love to you and you wouldn't even know it, you lanky space cadet."

Joy squint her eyes and returned, "Just because I don't find ANYTHING you say important doesn't mean I'm not an attentive lover. You yodeling, boot wearing door mat."

Troy smiled at Joy and said, "Too-shay, you dizzy, slit whacker."

"I've got your slit whacker, you shiny face cunt cover."

"Cunt cover, Cunt cov..." Troy repeated shocked by Joy's ability to articulate insults, especially since she's usually the most intellectual one of them all.

"Alright, guys let's call it a truce before your nipples get hard." Xora interrupted; still frustrated with the fact that her friends were at ease about their gifts, yet she still had no idea what she should get for Brie. <Maybe I can get some ideas from her later. But, it will have to be subtle so she won't notice it>. Pleased with her thought, Xora smile down at Troy and said, "My Valentine's evening is going to be fantastic. Hell, I might come up with something so extravagant that it would make you three stooges look like tainted candy."

"Ah girls, I think our Karate Master just issued us a challenge. What'll you say, shall we take her up on it?" Troy eyes glowed with excitement.  She relished challenges.

"I say let's take that Dojo, pajama wearing hussy up on it, because mine is the bomb." Joy said.  Rather proud of her Valentine's evening she had planned.

"Then it's a bet," Xora announced, "Whomever wins get a free night for her and her lady any where in town." The ladies raised up their various drinks and toasted in agreement. <Damn I either have to find out what they all have planned or get to cracking on one Hell of a brilliant ass idea. If Rayan was here I know she would help me>. Xora thought.

The Monday after the bet...

"Good morning Captain Black," Lieutenant Marks said cheerfully while placing the CO's coffee down on her desk.

"Good morning Lieutenant Marks," The Captain retorted. She was reviewing a few floor

Plans for the new Women's Command Barracks.  So she didn't notice the lustful gleam in Sylvia's eyes.

"You know Captain they are having a Sweet Heart Dance at the officer's club Valentine's night. Would you be interested in going with me?" Sylvia asked sexily. She then leaned down over the plans until her and the commander's eyes met.

"Commander Xor," She began seductively while adjusting her arms so that her bust line peaked enticingly over the lapels of her crispy pressed shirt. "I have been asking you out for seem like forever and you constantly refuse me. Her eyes then widen to reveal her enlarged passion filled pupils. "Do you not find me attractive?"

Xora straighten to her original height and said, "Of course, I find you attractive. Why would you think otherwise?"

The commander stated placing a much-needed distance between her and her

Company’s C.O. She knew in her heart she loved Gabrielle to death and would definitely go to great lengths to prove it. But she also knew she was human and if Sylvia continued to offer her self so willingly she might just take her up on her offer.

Her and Brie's relationship was blossoming quite nicely, but as of this very day they still hadn't slept together and frankly the commander was growing pretty tired of pleasing herself. In her heart she was willing to wait for Gabrielle, but each time her promiscuous lieutenant leaned against her or caressed her so lewdly she felt a pulling in her loins.

"Well," The lieutenant drawled while rising slowly to her original height, then striding over to where the Captain was and stood directly behind her. She was so close that Xora could feel her nipples harden through her crisply ironed shirt. "Because, as of today you still refuse to go out with me. Am I not pleasing to you?"

"Oh yes lord," Xora gasped while moving away from the persistent officer.

Sylvia smirked from Xora's discomfort and decided to take off the gloves. <Ah, your little gunny doesn't have what it takes to please a woman of your statue, huh? Well I guess she'll just have to leave the heavy work for us big girls>. The lieutenant decided then and there to double her efforts.

"You know Xor," Sylvia began while closing the door. <Oh No she's closing the door> Xora's thought with furrowed brows. The Captain that was now sitting behind her desk  and holding her legs tightly closed. This did not deter the lieutenant though. Sylvia sauntered over to the Captain and pulled back on the rolling chair before gracefully sitting down in the Captain's lap. <Oh lord please help me. Damn she smells sooo good>.

"I've been wanting to bed you since the first day we met. But you continue to allude me, why?"

 Xora could feel Sylvia's warm breath caress her face with a soothing elegance. The Captain said nothing. She was free falling in to the widow's web without a parachute.

Sylvia leaned into Xor and gently seized her lips. The commander moaned as her hands began to cascade over her lieutenant's firm buttocks and thighs. Images of Brie inhabited her mind as the kiss quickly deepened. Sylvia manipulation was ever so patient and capturing. Xor found herself panting and reaching for more. Her center was now grinding against her lieutenant's pressing backside and her hands fondling her breasts. Her groping was hungry and feverish. She threw the Lieutenant's left leg completely off her lap and thrust her hands roughly under her skirt. The Lieutenant whimpers and spread her legs wider. The Captain growled with an uncapped need as her hand raked forcefully across the seat of the Lieutenant's soak panties. Xora jerked her skirt up and opened her legs. Allowing more of the Lieutenant's firm rear to push against her pulsating clit. The Lieutenant smiled into the kiss and continued her staggering tactics by running her thumbs over Xor's rising nipples. Stimulating the Captain even more. Both women were so enthralled with each other's administration that they didn't hear the Gunny come in.

"Xora," Gabrielle gasped. Her tone revealed her surprise as well as her disbelief.

 Xora stood abruptly spilling Sylvia onto the floor. The partner's eyes met. Xora's pounding heart fell as she watched the tears fill Gabrielle darkened green orbs.

Brie shook her head mindlessly from side to side; unable to comprehend what she just saw. "Continue what you were doing Xora, Don't mind me. I'll just see my self out." Gabrielle covered her quivering lips with a shaky hand and ran from the room.

"Gabrielle," Xora yelled. "Please, let me explain." The little mechanic didn't look back. Her heart was hurting, and she definitely didn't want Xora to know it.

Xora stood at the door to her office for the longest replaying what just happened. Sylvia rose from her position on the floor and said, "Well, that went better than I expected. I thought the little gunny would go into a ranting rage. I'm glad she didn't.  It wouldn't have set well with our superior's knowing that one of their commanding officers had been keeping company an with enlisted personnel."

"Get out of my office. Get out now before I do something I will regret later."

"Xora be reason..." GET OUT NOW!" Xora yelled. Not caring who heard her. <How stupid could I have been? I'm going to lose the woman I love, because of one stupid, insignificant altercation. I swear I will make Sylvia pay if I loose Gabrielle>.

Xora walked back over to her chair and fell helplessly into it. "If you should need me Commander, I'll be right next door." Sylvia reported proudly. She was feeling pretty spry right about now. Especially after the little gunny stormed out with her eyes full of tears.

"Just get out of here. I don't want to lay eyes on you for the rest of the week." Xora faintly said as obvious disappointment ruled her vocal tone.

Lieutenant Marks turned and strolled casually out the door with a chipper smirk upon her face. <Now she'll have no other choice, but to be with me>. She thought triumphantly as she closed the door and headed into her office.

Later on that evening in the Captain's Cottage...

"What in the Hell is wrong with you Xora?" Troy screamed unable to mentally justify why her friend would do something so stupid. "How could you allow that bitch to get you so wound up as to not hear the door to your own office open? And what was the harlot doing in your office and in your lap any way? Say something Xor. You couldn't possibly be in that much of a need. Especially, at the cost of losing the one woman that could make a difference in your life."

Xora sat across from the bar gulping down her drink. She couldn't believe it herself. One minute she was thinking of what to do for the woman she love and the next she was squeezing her lieutenant's tits and ass.

Xora sat quietly listening to Troy's babbling, not really hearing the words at all. She was stunned and the stiff drink was immobilizing her even more.

"So you're not going to say anything in your defense Xor?" The captain said nothing.

Instead, she rose sluggishly from her chair and staggered over to the bar to fix her another drink.

"Got damn it Xor, please say something." Troy was openly pleading with Xora to face what had happen. She knew Xor all too well that right now was the perfect opportunity for the old Xor to rear her ugly head. "Xora, Gabrielle is an understanding person. Why don't you try talking to her?" Troy reasoned, hoping she would come up with an idea that would be acceptable to her distressed friend at this time.

Xora plopped two chunks of ice into her almost filled to the brim drink and staggered back over to the chair she was sitting in. Since Troy stormed in and began to chastise her Xor had said nothing.

Troy knew all to well that this was not a good sign. Xor was plotting her revenge. "Xora," Troy said quietly while taking her friend's hand and easing down onto the love seat next to her. "Don't let what happen today cause you to do something you might not normally do. It was just an unfortunate situation, but it can be fixed. You just can't give up. We'll find a way to resolve this, we just have to." Troy didn't know what else she could say to comfort her friend. Gabrielle meant the world to Xora that was an obvious fact.

Xora took a big swig of her drink and looked solemnly over at her friend. "An un-fortu-nate sit-u-ation you call it. Shit Troy, when Ga-bri-elle walked in I had one hand rubbing her pussy and the other squeezing her ass while hunching against her like a bitch in heat." Xora snorted distastefully before turning her slightly bobbing head away for her friend's hopeless gaze. "So tell me my friend," Xora stammered, "Does that sound like an slight al-ter-ca-tion to you. It was a fucking disaster. And I am probably the only fool that was stupid enough to get my hands caught in that cookie jar." Xora took another gulp of her drink and growled. "I'm going to make that malicious wench pay for what she’s done to me. I'm going to make her regret the day she ever met me."

"Xora you need to focus on Gabrielle right now. The damage has been done and only you can fix it." Troy finished hoping her friend will see the logic in her suggestion.

Xora gazed unsteadily into her friend's eyes before her brow frown into a despairing scowl. "Troy," Xora's voice reveals a hurt that she had never seen before. "You didn't see Brie's face. You didn't see the tears swelling in her eyes. You didn't see...the contempt she had for me at that instant. It was almost as if she hated being in my presence."

Xora turned her head away from her friend again and took one last drink. "Tee," the tears were openly running down Xora's cheeks now. "You didn't see her trust for me drain

from her face and spill onto the floor." Xora snorted and wiped her eyes. "But I did...and it felt like a sweltering knife piercing my soul. Nah, Lieutenant Marks owes me. And I'm going to turn her ass upside down and drain it out her eye sockets if I have to."

Xora rose from her chair, slammed her glass down on the bar and told Troy to lock up when she leaves. She was going to bed, alone.

Troy watched Xora stagger up the stairs and stumbled into her room. <How can I help her out of this? I have to find a way. She can't lose the best thing in her life when she was oh so close. I won't let her. Maybe in the morning she'll be more receptive to my ideas and change her already strategic retaliation she has in mind>.

Troy cut off the lights downstairs, locked the door and lay back on the sofa trying to figure out how to help Xora rid her self of this catastrophe.

Meanwhile out side of the base...

"It's going to be okay Brie. Please, please stop crying. All you have to do is allow her to explain. We all make mistakes. We just have..."

"Shut up, just shut up you Mary Popping wanna be." Slade snapped at Shane. “I told that Hollywood tramp not to hurt her and now I have to...to...I have to kill her." Slade stated firmly before the room echoed with laughter. Even Gabrielle had to laugh at her protective companion. "I'm not kidding,"

Slade growled while roughly putting her coat on. She looked down at Brie's swollen face lying in Shane's lap and her soul ached. No one, she had never allowed anyone to hurt Brie. Then up walks this tall, dark and definitely conceiving hoe and rips her heart right out her chest.

Brie looked up at her friend and reached for her hand. Slade knelt in front of Shane's knees as the gunny began to talk. Although her face was wracked with pain, her heart unleashed a boundless volume of understanding. "Slade, please stay here. There has been enough embarrassment for everyone today. We don't need any more. I'll just give it some time, then if Xora is willing, we shall try it again."

Slade snatched her hand away for Gabrielle and screamed. "ARE YOU CRAZY. WHAT HAS SHE BEEN DOING TO YOU? SHE DOESN'T DESERVE SUCH LOYALTY FROM YOU BRIE. WHAT SHE DOES DESERVE IS A PUNISHMENT FITTING HER CRIME. SHE'S NOTHING, BUT A GOLD STAR WHORE. HOW COULD YOU STILL DEFEND HER AFTER SEEING HER WITH ANOTHER WOMAN? YOU MUST BE CRAZY." Slade jerk her self-upright and headed towards the door.

Once outside Slade slammed the door violently behind her. Her anger had hit a new high as she paced back and forth on the porch. She was still trying to figure out after all that has happened, how could Brie still be so passive toward her. Slade was so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she didn't hear Mayo slip out the door.

"Let's go for a ride." Mayo suggested quietly as she headed for the car. Slade watched her friend walk calmly to the car and waited.

Slade finally obeyed her friend's silent command and walked over to the car. They rode around for what seem like hours. Neither of the women said anything. Both obviously upset by what Brie had witnessed and her state of mind.

Even though Brie and Mayo seemed to be at each other's throat all the time, she still cared for the little career-oriented pistol. Xora always, every since she laid eyes on Brie, appeared to be taken with her. What prompt her to openly grope her sleazy Lieutenant? Hell everyone on base, including Mayo, has had her. There had to be some reason for her behavior. Shit even if she were in dire need of a quick release that in itself would be a logical explanation. Yet, this strange turn about still wasn't enough evidence to eradicate the love Mayo knew the Captain had for her little friend Brie.

"Slade, you know Brie is right. Shit the woman is so horny right now she'd probably jump a priest if he shook in front of her." Mayo sat across from Slade observing her reactions. Yet, Slade said nothing.

She kept her eyes in front of her pretending that her comrade's words just bounced off of her. She wasn't about to outwardly agree with Mayo or Brie, but even she questioned the Commander's motives.

Several hours later the pair pulled back up in front of Gabrielle's house. They sat silently staring up at the two-story cottage from the street.

"I guess we're not going to kill the commander tonight huh?" Mayo asked as she turned her inquiring gaze over at her friend. A slow smile rose on her friend's face before she retorted, "Nah, we’re just going to pull the domino effect on her."

"YEAH," Mayo screamed. "I like playing that role. It makes me feel like a detective."

"Tell the others," Slade directed. Just as Mayo was about to step out of the car Slade grabbed a firm hold of her arm. "Listen, Brie is not to know about any of this, understood?"

Mayo smirked and mimicked a mime throwing away the key to her mouth. Slade tapped her on the shoulder and told her when they were to put the plan in action.

"Slade, where have you been?" Brie asked concerned. "Oh, we just went riding. And no, I did not ride by your Captain's crib and throw a kerosene bomb in her window. Although that thought is sort of appealing. You were right, maybe we should just give it some time and if it works for you two, it does. I won't go into a rage and stalk your shoddy honey love." Slade joke while pulling Brie into a bear hug and making her squeal like a pig.

She then released the hold and eased Brie away from her. "Are you okay?" She asked cordially.

The little gunny looked up into her comrade's relaxed gaze and smiled before telling her, "yes." "Good, I'll see you in the morning. Boy am I tired. Did you know Mayo could talk holes in your clothes? Why didn't you tell me she talked so much? Geez...I'll probably have to take a couple of Alka Seltzers before going to sleep." Slade kissed Brie lightly on her forehead and headed upstairs.

After closing her mouth from the initial shock of Slade's words, Mayo bid Shane and Gabrielle goodnight as well. Shane and Gabrielle just looked at each other; both of them knowing full well that Slade had something up her sleeve. They just didn't have any idea what.

A moment to reflect...

Xora lay upon the bed staring at the phone, secretly praying for courage. She needed to talk to Gabrielle. Hell she would beg, plead and grovel if that would persuade Brie to forgive her. She would do anything to get the woman she cared for back into her arms.

Tears ran religiously down her face onto the pillow Brie uses when she was there. The sweet strawberry scent of her golden red hair and body still linger in the fabric of the pillowcase. Xora pulled the pillow between her arms and legs and inhaled the intoxicating fragrance. She loved the way Brie smells it made her mouth water. Xora's moans of agony and despair roamed among the walls of her room and seeped out into the hallway. No word in the English language could explain the desolate heartache she was experiencing right now. She just wanted to fade away like the withering petals of a dying rose.

Brie stood staring at the phone wishing against all hope that it would ring and Xora would be on the other end. She longed to hear the sensual rumble of Xora's voice. It made her heart slow a taste from the hypnotic octave tone. She longed to have Xora hold her and tell her every thing was going to be all right. She longed to feel the softness of her lips as she planted sweet gentle kisses all about her face and neck. Xora could be so delicate when she held her. It simply made Brie dizzy and her body warm all over.

Gabrielle sighed and pulled the phone down into the bed with her. She again began to cry. Mayo, Shane and Slade listened as their friend's whimpers of hopelessness drifted out into the hallways and throughout the silent rooms of the house.

Back at the Commander's Cottage...

"So how is she doing?" Joy inquired quietly. Her and Sharonda had heard about the calamity over the discreet hot line. Troy pulled her self up on the couch and shook her head. "I've never seen Xora so depressed. When I got here, she had drunk half of the Jack Daniel's over there. AND she was drinking it straight.”

"Gosh, she must really be grief stricken." Sharonda said faintly. "She really cares for Brie doesn't she. Shit, I remembered a time when she didn't give a damn about losing a woman. Psst, she'd say there was plenty of catfish in the sea. I guess this proves her wrong, huh?" Sharonda plopped down on the couch and allowed her friend's misery to become her own.

Joy walked despairingly over to the bar and began fixing herself a drink. She wasn't much for brandy, but tonight she decided to give it a try. Maybe it would rid her of the yucky feeling she was presently harboring.

Sharonda looked over at Joy and thought, <Now that's a good idea. I need a drink too>. She rose and headed for the kitchen. Just as she passed the phone it rang. She jumped in surprise before answering. The cottage was filled with melancholy. No one felt like talking. No one felt like doing anything. They all were experiencing a dose of their friend's pain in one-way or another.

"Hello," Shay answered feebly. "Hello Shay, this is Slade. May I speak to Troy please?"

Sharonda was really shocked by the pleasant tone Slade was using. Sharonda pretty much figured Slade would be in an animalistic rage by now, Xora hurting her friend and all.

"Hi Slade, just a minute." Sharonda handed Troy the phone and continued to the kitchen.

"Hi baby, what's up?" Troy said calmly. "Well, she's been up in her room every since I arrived. Of course, she had been drinking heavily since the moment she got home. And it was my pleasure to watch my despondent friend stagger aimlessly to her room. To be honest with you honey, I have no idea what Xora was thinking or if she was thinking at all. Yeah, well that might be a good idea, because she's definitely going to need some time to regroup. I've never seen her so down in the dumps."

Sharonda and Joy sat listening to Troy one-sided conversation wondering if Slade would suggest something to help their friends. Each one of their friends knew they were perfect for each other. Their relationship was like bringing night and day together. They complimented each other so well.

"So what's the plan?" Troy listened as Slade took control of the conversation, relaying the plan her and the girls had come up with. "And that gold digging trollop that started all this shit." Troy said pulling up a chair. "Ooh ba-by...I like that. When are we going to put out little scenario into action? Awe, tomorrow's not good, I've already chatted with my friend at sickbay. She's preparing us a sick chit to be out, how about Wednesday? Great see ya then lover. Give Brie an extra hug from us tonight okay? What she's in the bed too. Well, give it to her in the morning, Bye-bye."

"Don't hold back Troy, we know Slade and them have a plan. We want to help." Joy replied anxiously.

Troy tilted her head, smiled and let out an encouraging sigh. "I knew I could depend on you two, so here's the plan. Troy joined her friends on the couch and revealed what Slade told her.

Tuesday passed oh too quickly. Xora was dreading going back to work. Of course, the girls crocheted a charismatic mat of persuasion and drew her in. By nightfall Xora was feeling efficient enough to face the day. Although the memories of Brie leaving her office in a huff still weighed heavy on her soul, she was willing to get back in the game.

<When did I fall in love with her>? She questioned, as she lay sleepless in her bed. She thought back to the first time they met. She recalled her little firecracker immediately correcting her devious implications by sternly, yet professionally issuing a rebuttal.

Xora felt her self began to smile. She then sorted through her thoughts to the first time they held hands. She felt her own heart jerk from the memory. She visualized the warm clamminess of Brie's palm as she held it tightly within her own. Xora closed her eyes as she remembered the first time they watched the sun set. They stood on the shore of the island with her standing behind Gabrielle. Her arms were wrapped securely around Brie's

shoulders, pulling her closer to her. She recalled the fires of desire sizzle through her body as Brie's hand's cupped her thighs and pulled her in closer. She remembered fighting the urge of hunching against Gabrielle's pliant sweet smelling flesh. How her clit throbbed for relief. And last of all she longed to look upon Brie's captivating smile. Sweet Buddha, how she needed Brie right now.

The new commander let out a discouraging sigh, rolled over, yanked Brie's pillow to her and drifted into a troubled sleep.

Wednesday morning...

"Good morning Captain Black. How are you feeling today?" Lieutenant Marks asked skittishly.

"Fine," Xora snit as she continued past her.

No sooner had the Captain sat down at her desk than Lieutenant Marks was there with her coffee.

"Didn't I tell you I didn't want to lay eyes upon you for the rest of the week." Xora growled.

"Well, I can hardly see how that could possibly be. We work in the same area." She smirked jubilantly.

"You listen to me, you two bit whore. Don't you come near me. We might work in the same area, but you don't have to occupy my private space. Now get away from me." Xora finished while rising to head over to the chow hall.

"Do you think you frighten me Xora?" She mocked quietly, ensuring that she wouldn't draw attention to herself or the commander.

Xor whirled around and threaten, "You should be, because I'm not one to be toyed with, Lieutenant." She then grabbed her cover (hat) and left the office.

Just as she stepped onto the catwalk in front of the chow hall she heard Gabrielle's voice calling cadence. She also noticed the musical two steps melody Brie's platoon were laying down as their heels dug into the pavement. They were about to go into their second phase of training and their marching skills were quite proficient now.

She listened as Gabrielle issued a column left command leading her platoon straight for her. She waited until the platoon was right up on her before she stepped to the side. Not one of the recruits acknowledged her presence, but that was their job. They were only to focus on their instructor's voice and her commands.

Finally, the senior drill instructor came into sight. For a split second her and Gabrielle's eyes met. But it ended just as fast as it began. The little gunny continued to call cadence while issuing a rigid and powerful hand salute.

The commander blankly returned the greeting as the gunny strolled casually by. The new commander fell into her girlfriend's sensual, yet valiant movements. She was hooked and she knew it. She just HAD to get the gunny back, no matter what it took.

After breakfast the Captain headed back to her office. No sooner had she settled in that she heard her Lieutenant reprimanding voice. She had no idea what it was about, and she wasn't really interested. She continued reviewing the new Battalion Orders when Mayo walked past the scowling Lieutenant into Xor's office.

"Commander, may I speak with you for a minute?" She tactfully demanded.

The Lieutenant darted to the side of the Sergeant and ease into Xor's office. "I told her she would need to make an appointment to see you," Sylvia spat while turning to glare at Sergeant Mayo.

Xora stared vilely up and down her bossy company commander and rolled her eyes in disgust. "Come in Sergeant Mayo. Close the door behind you Lieutenant."

The Lieutenant whirled around as her mouth fell open in shock. "Commander, she has to abide..."

"LEAVE US LIEUTENANT." Xora shouted as she stood up boorishly.

Sylvia let out a frustrated sough and stormed from the room.

Once the Lieutenant closed the door Xora and Mayo eyes met. Both women were curious as to what was about to take place.

"Please," Xora began, "have a seat." "No thank you, Commander, I'd rather stand.”

Captain Black nodded her head and lowered herself patiently into her chair.

"I'll be brief, Commander. I am sure you have some idea as to why I am here."

 Xora didn't speak, she only nodded her head.

"Can you tell me why? Can you tell me why my friend caught the woman she loves groping the base whore? Can you tell me why Xora?"

Captain Black avoided Mayo's gaze as she shook her head from side to side. “Were you so caught up in your own needs that you forgot that you were suppose to be in love with Brie?"

Xora didn't respond.

Mayo snorted and turned to leave. "Your ass wasn't in love with Brie, you just wanted to know how long it would take before you could fuck her. Just like I suspected.” Mayo continued toward the door. Wondering if Xora had it in her to stop her and give her some reason, any reason as to why she did it.

"How dare you come into my office and question my motives. I love Gabrielle with every inch of my being. But just in case this is a surprise to you, I am human and I have needs. I have not slept with Gabrielle, and I promised Slade I wouldn't until she's ready. And I stand by my word. Lieutenant Marks has been dragging her slit across my desk every since I've arrived. The minute my mind blanks and my body response to her, the woman I love walks into my office. I can no more turn back time than you can. By the Angels above, I wish I could, but I can't. So I will humbly apologize for my behavior and plead for Gabrielle to forgive me if necessary. But don't you ever feel you know me, because you don't." The Captain closed her confession with a desperate shrug, leaned back in her chair and awaited Mayo's response.

The Sergeant turned around with the biggest smile the Captain had ever seen upon her face. "Now that is exactly how you will put it to Brie when you see her. My session is done Commander. You have a nice day now, you hear?" Mayo gave the Captain a wink and exited the office.

Xora was totally confused. <What the hell just happen? What...was she testing me? What does she mean her session was done with? Oh shit, what are Brie friends up to>? The new commander continued to go over in her mind her and Mayo's conversation, when she heard a ruckus going on outside of the office again.

"What in blazes is going on here?" Xora whispered to herself. "You can not go in there, Sergeant. That is an order." Lieutenant Marks yelled, bringing Shane to an instant halt.

Shane turned slowly around and threw the lieutenant a defiant gaze. "Fine, CAPTAIN BLACK, MA'AM I NEED TO SPEAK TO YOU," The Sergeant yelled, as she stood steadfast.

The new commander quickly rose and came to the door. "Well, come right in then Sergeant. I didn't mean to keep you waiting." Xora stated calmly.

Shane rolled her eyes at the Lieutenant and headed into Xora's office.

"Sergeant Shane, please..." The Captain motioned for her to sit. "Tell me what brings you by my office at this time of day?"

"Well, Ma'am I'm just here to have a girl to girl chat with you."

"Uh huh," Xora retorted as she pulled her chair back and sat in it.

Shane settled in and crossed her legs. "My, you do have a lovely office. Decorated it yourself?"

"Yes I did," Xora returned while issuing a single raised eyebrow expression. "You know Xora, some women are as delicate as that fine vase you have on your desk there. They require hands on love and attention. As long as you clean that vase, admire that vase and occasionally caress that vase, it will continue to beautify your office. Sure, there may be incidents where you will almost knock it off and even at times come close to breaking it. But amazingly your instincts kick in, and you plunge for it. Cradling it into your hands and ever so gently placing it back on the desk. Yet, the next time you replace it you will

move it further back onto the desk and closer to you. Always shielding it for all harms. Yep, China and women, incredible creations aren't they?" Shane finished before rising and asking the Commander if she had any questions.

Xora raised both of her eyebrows and unconsciously rubbed her chin. "Ugh, no I

sure don't. Is this the end of your session?"

"Funny you should ask that commander. It certainly is. I'll catch on the rebound okay." Shane turned and gracefully left the room.

Xora snorted and whispered, "By gosh, I think there is a lesson to be learned here. And soon as I put it together, it will surely show me how to get my woman back.”

As soon as Shane stepped threw the door, Slade walked in. "Commander, may I have a word with you?"

Xora examined the Sergeant's hospitable attitude before returning, "Of course Sergeant Slade. Please, have a seat."

Slade pulled the chair to her and straddle it while leaning against its back. "Xora, first of all there is something I need to tell you."

Xora nodded her head encouraging Slade to continue. "Well, Brie and I aren't just real close friends."

"I know that Adrienne." Xor said quietly.

"How did you know my name?" Slade engaged surprised.

"Your SRB, you know I did review them before meeting with each instructor, right?"

Slade's mouth fell open.

"I also know that you are Brie's older sister."

Slade was flabbergasted by the Captain thoroughness.

"So you were just prodding me when you asked were we close, weren't you?"

Xora didn't answer, but her amusing smiled revealed the answer.

"Arrrgh," Slade growled. Obviously frustrated by the commander cockiness. "Anyway back to business, we have declared that you do in fact love Brie. We have also given you a floor plan on getting her back. Can you tell me what my segment of training will contain, Miss smarty-pants?" Slade chimed as the Captain's brows furrow in bewilderment.

Reluctantly, the Captain relinquished her control and indicated she didn't know why Slade was there.

Slade rose triumphantly and said, "I am going to give you the perfect place to achieve your forgiveness. The Sergeant's voice dropped a couple of notches lower. Releasing a tone of Mystery and Suspense. "Xora, You have gazed into Brie's eyes. Yet can you tell me what you saw? You have touched her heart. But, can you tell me how she felt? You have caressed the warmth of skin; tell me what is it that she desires. She has gazed into your eyes Xora. Tell me, what did she see? She has touched your heart. Tell me, how did it feel? She's caressed the warmth of your body. Tell me, what is it that you desire? Both

your desires coincide and meet in a mutual place, can you tell me where that is? Answer my questions, Xora. There, shall you find the place."

Slade turned to leave allowing no room for questioning or retreat. "Oh yeah, before you get all wrapped up in retrieving your little goddess, we all owe your Company Commander a little something, something for her troubles. Care to join us?" Slade recruited mischievously.

"Sure, I'm always up for a little extra curriculum."

"Good, because we've pencil you in as the lead character." Slade issued a thumbs up and returned to the drill field.

PART IV

Back to FanFic Index