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This story takes place three weeks after THE XENA SCROLLS.

Is There A Doctor On The Dig?
By
Bat Morda@aol.com
1997

Chapter 1: Student Bodies

        “Dr. Covington, how many sites have uncovered physical evidence of
Xena the Warrior Princess?”
        Janice Covington smiled patiently. The eager anthropology and
archeology students were in no short supply since the discovery of the
Xena Scrolls. Word traveled quickly, and only two weeks back in the
states already saw the now famed archeologist guest lecturing in the
very halls that had once defiled the name of her father.
        She paced a moment, forcing herself to appear relaxed in gray
pumps that were anything but relaxing. “Seven sites have revealed hard
evidence thus far, it is possible I may uncover more.” Before turning
to the next upraised hand, Janice paused a moment to enjoy the lovely
blue eyes of the petite blond that had asked the question. “Thank you
for your question.” She added softly, noting the bashful blush of the
young co-ed as she sat down.
        “And where are these artifacts now?” A young man asked, before
being called upon. Janice turned to him, irritated, just as the class
bell sounded.
        “I’m sorry that is all the good doctor has time for now,” said
Professor Solon as he quickly scribbled on the black board. “Chapters
four through six for next time, have your questions ready.” As the
students filed out, many paused to shake Dr. Covington’s hand and
congratulate her on her discovery.
        Janice accepted the attention graciously, all the while counting
the minutes until she could get home and change out of the
uncomfortable skirt and pantyhose. Still, this was a part of archeology
too; the schmoozing and connection making that funded research projects
in a manner more appropriate than Harry Covington’s.
        “It was a wonderful talk Doctor,” the pretty blond said, when she
reached the front of the line.
        “Thank you.…”
        “Flora, my name’s Flora Gates.” The woman gushed, forgetting to
let go of Janice’s hand.
        Janice didn’t mind, and let her hold it. “Well then, thank you
Flora Gates.”
        Other people behind the student were beginning to push so she
continued in a rush. “If you ever take research students on your digs…
well… here’s my number, I’d be interested.” The last was said with an
inflection Janice knew was unmistakable.
        “We’ll see about that.” She replied accepting the phone number
with a gleam in her eye.

        Janice crossed the campus parking lot quickly, easily locating her
beat up Ford pickup truck. “How ya doin’ Argo?” She called to the large
dog sitting behind the wheel. Argo stuck her head out the door,
greeting Dr. Covington with a sloppy kiss. “Okay, okay girl.” Janice
laughed. “Now move over, you know you can’t drive.”
        “Dr. Covington!” A familiar voice shouted from nearby.
        Janice grimaced as she turned around, she knew that voice. “What
is it Sal?” She asked, forcing herself to remain patient.
        Salvador Monious gasped for air, the short run across parking lot
having taxed his limited physical resources. The museum curator, Sal
Monious was a necessary friend, even if he was incorrigible, unreliable
and completely self serving. “There’s a problem,” he gasped, “the
scrolls that Jack Kleinman was returning from New Jersey,” he gasped
again, this time leaning on Janice’s truck. “They’ve been intercepted.
Someone matching the description of Dr. Callisandra Leesto picked them
up…”
        “Cal…” Janice muttered under her breath, furious. “Wait a minute.
I told you to get those scrolls picked up personally. Are you saying
you had Jack, the idiot mail them?!”
        Sal clearly looked nervous and uncomfortable. “Well it’s cheaper
that way. With the money we saved we could do a much nicer display in
the museum.”
        “If you get your display at all.” Janice retorted.
        “Well I was hoping you’d help us get them back.” He looked around
to see if anyone was listening. “I was hoping the museum wouldn’t have
to hear about the mix up. I’d be willing to personally finance the
recovery of the scrolls, if you’d keep it quiet.”
        Janice smiled, “Oh you’ll finance it alright, and don’t worry
about keeping it quiet. I don’t want to let anyone know I trusted you
to get something important done right.”
        “I’d be willing to pay as much as…” As if on cue an ominous growl
issued from Argo’s throat. Ninety five pounds of canine hostility were
a bit much for the befuddled curator. “Whatever it costs, of course.”
Instantly the dog went back to contented panting.
        Nodding, Janice opened the door to her truck. “Good. I’ll call you
tonight with what I need. I’ll leave first thing in the morning.”
Fumbling in her pocket, Janice extracted three items. Her keys, which
she put into the ignition and started up the truck. As she backed up,
out of sight of the curator she handed Argo a dog biscuit. “Good work
girl.”
        The third item, the phone number of Flora Gates, Janice held
briefly. With a sigh she put it back in her pocket. “Maybe another time
Flora,” she whispered under her breath. Argo cocked her head
quizzically, but remained silent.

        No sooner had Janice returned home and deposited her mail, when a
knock sounded on her front door. Kicking off her pumps she quickly
poured herself a scotch, and headed to the door. “Just a minute…Mel,
what are you doing here?” There she was, standing at her front door,
Melinda Pappas: Descendent of Xena. Janice downed her whiskey in one
gulp. “At the airport in Macedonia you said you had to go, things to
do.” Janice hoped that the supreme hurt she felt was not apparent in
her voice.
        “And that’s just what I did. I rushed straight home, put my
affairs in order, got the next plane out of South Carolina, and well,”
she shrugged in a manner Janice found totally disarming, “here I am.”
        Stunned, Janice turned around and headed for the living room
intent on another drink. Taking that as a signal to make herself at
home Mel entered the tiny house, returning for two trips to get all of
her luggage. Janice’ mind was swimming. At first repulsed by the
wealthy southern aristocrat, then intrigued by the descendant of Xena,
Melinda Pappas had occupied the archeologist’s thoughts frequently
since they parted company. Frequently, to Janice’ surprise, while she
was in bed. Janice didn’t usually find herself attracted to dark haired
women taller than herself, but there was no denying Melinda Pappas was
magnificently attractive.
        “And I must say, why Janice I've never seen you looking so fem…
Oh, my!” Mel gasped, as Argo padded out of the kitchen, “what on earth
is that?”
        “That,” Janice explained as she made her single whiskey a double,
“is a she and her name is Argo.”
        “Oh, I get it,” Mel smiled, “after Xena’s horse. So what kind of
dog is she?”
        “She’s Golden Retriever and Alsatian.”
        “Funny,” Mel commented, “looks like Retriever and German Shepherd
to me.”
        With that a low rumble erupted from the dog’s throat and her
hackles went up. She began to advance menacingly on the visitor. Mel
quickly ducked behind Janice who quieted the dog with a hand signal.
“Argo prefers the term Alsatian, which is the same thing as German
Shepherd. She’s as upset about the war as anyone else.”
        “My mistake,” Mel said with a slight curtsey to the dog who wagged
her tail forgivingly.
        “You said Xena’s horse was named Argo. How do you know that?”
Janice asked, handing Mel a glass of ginger ale.
        “Why I’m sure we saw it in one of the scrolls…” Mel started to
look off into the distance.
        “It was not on any of the scrolls that we got the opportunity to
read.” Janice was still furious that her stupid mix up had wrecked this
much havoc in the world of priceless antiquities. She well knew what
Dr. Cal Leesto would do to them. They would be auctioned off to the
highest bidder and sent to all four corners of the globe, never to see
the light of research.
        “Well you know Janice, I’ve been having the oddest dreams since
that thing happened out there in Macedonia. Almost like I’m reliving
Xena’s dreams, it’s so strange.” Melinda watched Janice’s sad nod and
was instantly sorry she brought it up. She remembered what Xena had
said to the archeologist while in possession of her body, and the
tremors of emotion she had felt at the sight of Gabrielle’s descendant.
Still, Janice Covington seemed to cling to the belief that the bard was
excess baggage in the lore of Xena and less than worthy of historical
note. Melinda wasn’t sure how she would do it, but she had to do
something to change the doctor’s mind.
        “So, what’s our first adventure?” She asked in an attempt to
change the subject.
        “Tomorrow I’m leaving to go after the scrolls, they’ve been stolen
by a doctor unethical enough to make my dad look saintly. You, should
head back home.”
        “Now you stop right there, Dr. Janice Covington, I took care of my
business back home so we could be partners. Don’t think for a moment
that I’ll calmly sit here and let y’all walk off… now iffin you’re
going after the scrolls, then I’m a-goin’ with you.” To make her point
she sat down on the couch, crossed her legs, took a sip of soda and
glared at Janice with a look intended to make clear that she’d just
made herself quite at home. To complete the picture Argo walked over
and laid down on the floor, resting her head on Mel’s foot.
        “Oh, I get it.” Janice observed, “two against one. Fine. Stay. If
you don’t mind I’m going to take a bath and go to bed.” With that,
Janice took off her jacket, casually tossed it across the arm of the
living room chair and stalked off towards the bathroom.
        “Okay, so her manners need work.” Mel muttered to Argo as she
scratched the dog behind her big floppy ears. But she has potential.”
Sipping her drink Melinda began a casual survey of the doctor’s living
room. The furnishings were sparse, antique but well cared for. The main
living room was dominated by book shelves that went from floor to
ceiling. Book after book about history, archeology, science and
mythology were everywhere. Several stacks of books rested on the huge
oak desk near the fire place and several more stacks were on the floor
nearby.
        Something on the desk caught Mel’s eye. Almost transfixed she
reached out and picked up a piece of tattered leather. A torn section
of forearm bracer, bronze meatal work still nailed to the outer
surface. “My bracer…” Mel whispered slipping the cuff on and noting the
perfect fit despite the age of the cracked garment. Also on the table
was a worn notebook,  several strips of leather thong and a metal hair
clasp. Melinda sat down quickly as the rush of memory made her head
swim. In a flash of memory she could see the metal clasp in Gabrielle’s
hand as the bard fixed her hair. Then she saw the leather thong in her
own hand as she clumsily tried to return the favor the bard, her love.
A whining brought her out of her reverie and she looked down into soft
brown eyes, looking back, worried. “It’s okay Argo, I’m alright.”
        Still unsure, the dog nudged Melinda out of the chair, away from
the artifacts. “You’re right, I should just get some sleep.” Absently
she touched the notebook and hair things. Then embarrassed, she blushed
as she thought about the dreams she hoped she would encounter. Dreams
she’d had every night since leaving Macedonia.
        Picking up her lightest bag, Mel looked for the guest bedroom.
Finding a door she thought was correct, she tested the handle. It was
unlocked so she opened it. There, looking more than a little annoyed,
was Dr. Janice Covington naked in a bathtub, smoking.
        “Do you mind?” Janice asked, making no attempt to cover her quite
exposed body.
        “Um… well. I’m so sorry Janice. Y’all didn’t tell me where your
spare bedroom is.” Mel did her best to look anywhere but at the naked,
muscular form of the relining archeologist.
        “There is no spare bedroom sweetheart, take the bed or the couch.
It makes no difference to me.”
        “Pardon me.” Mel said, backing out of the bathroom. She paused for
a moment down the hall to get her bearings. She felt warm and flustered
after her encounter. “Must be the dreams.” She muttered to herself.
        Deciding to take the couch she headed back into the living room.
The couch however was now occupied by Argo, who did not look like she
was in any mood to move. In fact, with her head down the dog would only
follow Mel’s “get down” gestures with her eyes, declining to even lift
her head. “Well I’ll just let Janice deal with you then.” Mel decided,
turning her back on the dog and heading to the bedroom. Again she felt
dizzy as soon as she walked into the room. Mel closed her eyes a moment
trying to figure out what it was. There was a very comforting smell to
this room. She looked at the dresser and saw a bowl of lavender buds.
There was also a faint scent of leather to the room as well. On a
nightstand by one side of the bed was an old tiffany lamp with a dragon
fly design and several books. Melinda paused to read the spines. “The
Past Life Experience, Genetic Memory, Know Your Other Selves, Lifetimes
From Beyond The Grave, and Regression Therapy. Pretty out there stuff
Dr. Covington.” Feeling a bit like an intruder she got into bed on the
opposite side.
        Settled in between the sheets, she was ready to drift off to sleep
when Janice strolled in. Dressed in nothing but a man’s long sleeved
shirt, Mel was startled by the racing of her pulse. She tried looking
at the floor but bare feet led to strong calves attached to muscular
thighs and shirt tails that rode up to a delicate hip. “Well you said
it didn’t matter where, and the dog was on the couch,” she stammered as
Janice walked around to the other side of the bed. Melinda was sure
she’d faint as she pulled the covers back.
        “Mel, this is my house. I’m not about to sleep on the couch.
You’re fine here. I don’t bite.” Then, with a wicked grin added,
“unless you ask really nicely.”
        “Why that is right neighborly of you Doctor Covington.” Mel shot
back with equal sarcasm, “G’night.”
        “G’night Miss Pappas.” Janice replied with a wry grin.

…From the moment Gabrielle put the ambrosia to my lips and I regained
consciousness I don’t think I'd ever felt such joy. I’m sure I smiled
more in those next few hours than I had in my entire adult life up to
that point. I suppose I should have felt some sadness. After all, the
changes I’d made in my life were not enough to keep me out of Tartarus,
but I didn’t care. The thought that I may never see the Elysian Fields
mattered little. In life I was reunited with Gabrielle and next to
that, the Elysian Fields paled in comparison.
        “When you think of the dead, the dead can hear your thoughts.”
While I can attest to the accuracy of that statement, it does not in
any way imply the impact of hearing the thoughts of the living from the
other side. Even in her profound sadness Gabrielle was a source of
comfort and support for me. Her unwillingness to give me up added fuel
to the fire of my resolve. While there was nothing I could do from the
other side to return the kindness, reunited with my body I could and
would rectify that situation.
        After saying our goodbyes to Autolycus we retired for the night to
the Amazon village. We did not know of Velaska’s condition and
celebrated that our troubles were, for the moment, over. Ephiny
insisted that Gabrielle and I stay in her home while she stayed at a
friend’s with her son. Her hut was away from the main body of the
village and for that I was grateful. I tried to meet the curious stares
of the other amazon’s with good grace but I was still unused the
sensations of life from death and tired quickly. Gabrielle stayed in
the main lodge a while longer than I. Knowing her she thanked every one
who supported her for their loyalty, further endearing herself in their
hearts.
        I wandered around Ephiny’s house for a bit feeling oddly nervous.
Something had happened between me and Gabrielle and every fiber in my
being hoped that things would go forward, not back. In Autolycus’s body
I responded to the sound of the bard’s voice with a passion that could
not be curbed. I had to speak to her, reassure her. Since my death, her
thoughts of love and devotion had wrapped around my soul like a warm
blanket. I knew well the things she wanted to tell me but couldn’t and
her thoughts mirrored the beating of my own heart. I suppose that was
why I kissed her. Something I had dreamt about doing in life but lacked
the courage fo follow through. Knowing now how she felt, I couldn’t
stop myself. And her lips, her lips were every bit as soft and
responsive as I’d remembered. I did not think I could ever feel that
close to anyone, that was until I entered her body.
        Although that experience was brief, and consumed by the fight with
Valaska, I felt a connection to Gabrielle I doubted I’d ever be able to
duplicate. Doubted, but I was determined to try. So there I stood,
leaning against a window listening to the sounds of night, watching the
moon and feeling every bit as nervous as a newlywed on her wedding
night.
        I felt Gabrielle’s presence by the door before I heard her. “Sorry
that took so long,” she said as she entered carrying a cluttered tray.
        “Answer a lot of questions?” I asked as she put the tray down on
the table. I couldn’t keep from smiling at her, my heart brimming with
the joy of seeing her with my own eyes.
        “Not a lot of questions, just the same ones repeatedly.” She
replied handing me a steaming mug. I inhaled the steam, relaxing in the
fragrance of the special amazon mead, spiced with cinnamon and cloves.
Gabrielle took a sip from her own mug and then came to stand near me by
the window.
        “I missed you so much Xena,” she said quietly. I put my mug down
and wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. Since my return it
was all I could do not to touch her constantly. I think she felt the
same, since until the moment I retired for the night she hadn’t left my
side since I woke up.
        “Me too.” I said tightly, trying for the hundredth time that night
not to cry.
        She tipped her head up and looked at me. Slowly, I lowered my head
and gently covered her lips with my own. Sadly that sweet kiss was
broken by the huge grin that spread across my face. I opened my eyes to
see Gabrielle smiling too.
        “Much better without the moustache.” She commented, immeasurably
alleviating my nervousness.
        “I’m glad you think so too.” I murmured.
        She stepped away from me and her cheeks began to flush pink. “What
is it?” I asked.
        She chuckled and answered. “I’d like to get this stuff off,” she
said indicating her amazon outfit, “but I’m not the one that put it
on…”
        “Say no more my princess, I’m here to serve.” I replied, moving to
help her with the armor.
        “Ah, that’s ‘Queen’ Xena. I’m Queen now,” she countered with mild
reproach.
        “That’s right.” I agreed, slipping the bracers from her arms. “You
outrank me now.”
        She giggled at that as I stooped to take off her boots. “Your
oversight can be forgiven,” she replied regally, “as long as it doesn’t
happen again.” I felt her hand on the top of my head gently caressing
my hair as I worked on the laces. I sighed in pleasure as I gently
caressed her thigh and calf before pulling off the boot.
        “I will endeavor to remember,” I said as I removed the other boot.
Stepping behind Gabrielle I unhooked the clasps that held her top in
place. Before I could touch her however she slipped on a sleeping shift
and eased out of her skirt. I didn’t mind, for us it was no longer a
matter of if but when. We embraced again then she slipped behind me and
began to undo my armor. “I didn’t think Amazon Queens had to do that.”
I said.
        “This queen is not about to let anyone else do it. Face it, you’re
stuck with me Xena.” The words were like a sirens song to my ears.
Gabrielle’s voice became more serious when she asked how I was feeling.
I seriously considered the question for a moment.
        “I don’t know how one is supposed to feel after a resurrection,
but I feel fine. A little stiff maybe, but who wouldn't be after
spending time in a sarcophagus?”
        “I thought as much.” She replied after helping me out of my
leathers. “Ephiny gave me some mint oil to sooth the soreness. Lay down
on the bed and I’ll rub it in.” After getting my boots off I laid down
as instructed. I heard Gabrielle take something off the tray as she
moved to the bed. I smiled anew as I felt her comforting weight settle
on my backside. I could feel her doing something then heard the sounds
as she rubbed her hands together. Next I felt the delicious sensation
of warmth and softness as she rubbed the oil into the skin of my back.
        For long minutes she massaged my upper back and arms then began to
work her way downward providing each area of my body with thorough
attention. I was in a state of supreme bliss as I felt her shift and
work on my lower back and backside. In time she began to move lower and
massage my legs and feet. “Gabrielle, that feels wonderful,” I
murmured.
        “Yes, yes it does.” She replied, “roll over and let’s do the other
side.” I complied and looked up into shining green eyes as she
straddled my hips. “I meant what I said about never dying again,” she
said conversationally as she poured a small amount of oil into her
hands.
        “Good. I meant what I said about not dying,” I replied as she
rubbed her hands together. I watched her as she lowered her hands to my
chest gently massaged my shoulders and arms before moving to my
breasts. While her touch was not overtly sexual it was intensely
sensual and I felt myself begin to melt under her strong hands. She
continued to work, focusing on my body, working the healing oil into
the skin of my stomach and legs. When she was done her touch became
softer, simply exploring the contours of my body. I watched her for a
time, looked at her as she looked at me. It was when I felt the wetness
from her body as she moved against me that I had to act.
        I didn’t consider asking if it was alright, if it was what she
wanted. We had shared enough since my death to know exactly how we felt
and that this was what had to be, for both of us. I began to run my
hands over the tops of her thighs, lightly trailing my fingers down the
inside as she continued to explore my body with her hands. She gasped
in pleasure then looked down at me, green eyes hungry.
        I began to trace the contours of her body from the outside of her
shift. Delighting in the slide of the smooth cloth against her skin,
happy at her response. Slowly she lowered herself to my waiting mouth
and we shared a kiss that deepened as our smoldering desire ignited
into an inferno. Her tongue was like velvet as she sought out the
secrets of my mouth. I held nothing back form her, how could I? She
shared her body and mind with me without reservation. I wanted her to
know me as intimately as I knew her.
        I feathered kisses down the length of her throat, delighting in
the feel of a heartbeat that I knew so well. “Yes.” she panted and I
could feel the vibrations through her throat against my lips. It was
wonderful. Holding her tightly, I rolled over. Supporting my weight
with my arms I looked down into what was easily the most radiant face
I’d ever seen. Eyes beaming, she smiled up at me and traced a gentle
finger down my cheek. Slowly I lowered myself until my lips were just
inches from Gabrielle’s. With a smile we both uttered the words “I love
you” at the same time. We shared a laugh at that, then desire claiming
us once more continued the utterances of love without using words. The
reality of making love to Gabrielle far surpassed even my wildest
fantasies. To me, she was perfect in every way. With a slow deliberate
touch I eased the sleeping shift over her head, sighing happily as I
felt her warm skin against my own.
        With strong hands she held my head over her breast as my tongue
wreaked havoc with her nipple, even as her body writhed beneath mine. I
noticed a small area of skin, so white it was almost translucent.
“What’s this?” I asked.
        “Where the ambrosia landed” she replied through heavy breaths as I
slowly moved against her. When I kissed that white patch of skin she
cried out in pleasure, fingertips grazing across my back. I could feel
the dampness increase on my thigh as it rested between her legs.
Feeling her excitement building, I eased my body down, her thighs
spreading wide to accommodate my broad shoulders. Her hands trailed
lightly over my back, coming to rest again against my head. She removed
them briefly as she watched me lower my lips to her center then threw
her head back into the pillow with a groan of “yessssss” as I began to
feast. She was so soft, warm and wet and I could feel every movement I
made reverberate through her entire body. I lapped at her softly and
gently until she began to buck against my face driving me deeper and
harder. As my tongue caressed then consumed her swollen bud I heard her
cry of rapture. The trust and connection I felt at her loss of control
was indeed akin to the connection I felt inside her body.
        Gabrielle and I would be forever connected and we both knew it,
and rejoiced in that knowledge. That night she opened up feelings in me
I didn’t know I had. I suppose she’d been doing it all along. First she
taught me the true meaning of friendship, then a deeper understanding
of love. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for Gabrielle, nothing we
wouldn’t do for each other. And that night, that perfect night with the
moon shining in the window we did everything…

Chapter 2: The Fear of Flying

        “Come on Mel, wake up!” A not so gentle hand shook Melinda Pappas’
shoulder.
        “Wha… what?” she asked, groggy.
        “The big adventure, remember? If you want to help me get the
scrolls back, be ready to go in one hour.” Janice was about to return
to her packing then looked at Melinda critically. “Are you okay? You
look kind of disoriented.” Janice stood across the bed form Mel,
dressed in her khaki pants and an undershirt over her bra. Mel gazed at
her relaxed muscular form then glanced down at the bed covers,
embarrassed.
        “I… I was having a dream.” Melinda replied with a blush.
        “Sounded like a good one.” Janice smiled as she began to rummage
through her drawer for a shirt.
        “Yes, um, well. So, where are we off to?”
        Janice shrugged into a khaki shirt, tucking it into the waist of
her pants then extracted a revolver from her sock drawer. After
checking to make sure it was loaded, she spun it skillfully once then
dropped it into it’s holster. “The airport. I called Sal Monious, a
friend from the museum last night. He’s arranged air passage for us to
take us part way to Cal’s island retreat. I’m sure that where she’s
taken the scrolls. We’ll take a boat the rest of the way.” Rummaging
through her closet Janice tossed a small bag onto the bed, as well as
an unusual looking pack. Next came the bullwhip and a box of extra
bullets.
        “You could wait until I get up, couldn’t you?” Mel asked, a tad
irritated as things from the closet began to rain down on her.
        “I’m sorry sweetheart, but we don’t have much time,” Janice
replied with a grin. “What were you planning to wear?”
        “Well I’ve got this lovely lavender skirt and a cream blouse…” Her
words died at the unflinchingly critical look she received form the
archeologist. “I take it you think that is inappropriate?”
        “Very.” Janice replied, her voice softening. “We’re probably going
to be on the run. You’ll need something a bit more… practical.” Then a
gleam came to her eye that Mel knew was unmistakably like her ancestor
Gabrielle. Returning to her closet she said, “I’ve got just what you
need.”

        “I don’t know Janice, I feel sort of funny. It isn’t very
flattering.” Mel looked at herself dubiously in the archaeologists full
length mirror behind her bedroom door. She wore Harry Covington’s
boots, khaki pants, one of Janice’s shirts with her own lace camisole
underneath and Harry’s jacket. Her hair was down, in a loose ponytail
like Janice’s and looking at her reflection Mel felt a bit freakish.
        “You look fine Mel, the camisole is a bit overdone but trust me,
where we’re going no one is going to pay the least bit of attention to
our looks. I’m glad you’re the same size as pop. Besides, you remember
what happened to your suit the last time.”
        “Yes I do.” Mel agreed remembering how Xena had ruined her thirty-
five dollar skirt. “But I don’t intend to be possessed by Xena again.”
        “You never know.” Janice smiled.
        “Oh, all right you win. What next.”
        Janice whistled and Argo bounded up onto the bed. She then slung
the unusual pack over the dogs head and tightened the straps. The dog
now wore two small saddle bags. Janice packed them with some ammunition
and a few other items. “Anything you need to take of value- let Argo
carry it. She is the only thing I can guarantee will make it back in
one piece. Otherwise I’ll carry any stuff you need in my pack. But if
it isn’t on you or Argo, be prepared to loose it. I’m going to get my
notebook.” When Janice left the room Mel quickly opened her small bag.
Before changing her mind she extracted a small velvet pouch and a
scroll case and put the two items into the bottom of one of Argo’s
bags.
        “It’s a secret Argo,” Mel whispered, “don’t let Janice see them,
not yet.” When Janice returned she handed Mel a few other items to pack
int the dog’s pouch. Then she put her notebook, more bullets and a few
other things into her own satchel. Getting a backpack out of the closet
she packed some blankets, a few tins of food and several containers of
water. A spare canteen she put in the on the other side of the dog’s
pack and one more in her satchel. It took a few minutes of arguing but
Janice reluctantly agreed to carry Melinda’s makeup and a few other
items.
        “I guess we’re ready to go.” Janice said as she checked Argo’s
packs to make sure the weight was distributed evenly.
        “Not quite.” Melinda disagreed leaving the room a moment. She
returned a moment later with the jacket Janice had discarded the night
before. “You forgot to hang this up. It’s bad luck to leave home with
clothes lying about.” She tossed it to her friend noticing something
flutter out of the pocket.
        “Who is Flora Gates?” Mel asked as Janice hung up the jacket next
to the matching skirt.
        “Give me that.” Janice replied hotly, taking the piece of notebook
paper from Melinda.
        Outside Mel continued, “Well…”
        “She’s a student, she wants to go one of my digs, okay?” Janice
muttered as she loaded their gear into the back of the truck.
        “Funny,” Mel commented, as a frowning Janice held the passenger
door “I’ve never seen the ‘o’ in Flora written as a heart before.”

        “It’s none of your business.” Janice argued as she drove to the
nearby base of the Army Air Corp.
        “Don’t be silly,” Mel smiled and lightly touched Janice’s thigh (a
gesture not lost on the archeologist), “a little harmless girl talk
won’t kill you.”
        “I suck at girl talk.”
        “Which is why you should practice. What are we doing here?” Mel
asked as they slowed to a stop at the guard gate. An attractive sentry
leaned over smiling at the two of them.
        “Glad to see you’ve made some friends that don’t have fleas, Dr.
Covington. Sergeant Ore is expecting you.”
        “Thanks Private Maleus.” Janice nodded as she drove past the gate.
        “Where did you cultivate military connections?” Mel asked as they
approached a large transport plane on the tarmac.
        “Friday night poker.” Janice explained. “I join a group of guys
when I’m in town and we play. We don’t bet money though. Usually it’s
favors.”
        “Oh, my!” Mel said, shocked.
        “Not those types of favors.” Janice assured her with a chuckle.
“Greg is the chief mechanic so I’ll make him fix my truck, or I’ll have
to help his kids with their homework. That kind of thing. So anyway, he
looses real big to me about three years ago. I needed a flight to a dig
sight. It’s not easy to find a carrier that’ll take the dog, so anyway
it turns out his crew has to drop some supplies not too far from where
I’m going- so it works out.”
        “And the government doesn’t mind?” Melinda asked intrigued,  as
the three of them strolled over to the giant cargo plane.
        “I thought when the war started there would be trouble for sure.”
Janice nodded, “First trip we made during the war was real hush-hush.
But it turned out that the previous troops sent out had sustained heavy
losses, but every one from our trip was fine. Now they’re convinced
Argo is good luck and we don’t have any problems. Not a single soldier
that has ridden on a plane with Argo has been killed in battle.
        “That is lucky.” Mel agreed.
        “Nope.” Janice lit a cigar. “It’s no more luck than curses.”
        A group of several GI’s hurried over to join them. One of the men
circled Janice in a rough embrace. “Good to see you Jan.”
        “Greg, this is Melinda Pappas. Melinda, this is Sergeant Greg Ore,
the only man alive who can call me Jan and keep all of his teeth.”
        “It’s a pleasure Sergeant.” Melinda said, shaking the man’s hand
warmly.
        “No ma’am, the pleasure’s all mine. It’s so rare that I get to
meet a… friend of Janice’s.” With a smile frozen on her face Janice
sharply elbowed the big man in the ribs. When he looked at her in alarm
she glared at him.
        “What?” he asked defensively, “I thought…”
        “I think we should be boarding.” Janice cut him off and headed up
the ramp.
        Inside the cavernous plane a number of army troops were already
seated and ready for takeoff. Argo quickly made her rounds, licking
faces and receiving the warm words and attentions of the G.I.s. A short
distance away, between several large mounds of cargo, another seating
area had been cleared. Sergeant Ore ushered them to the area nodding to
Mel. “This is the first class section.”
        “Why are we separated from the troops?” Mel whispered to Janice.
        The Sergeant chuckled. “They’ve work to do ma’am, and there is no
denying that you and Janice would be a bit of a distraction.” Melinda
blushed, flattered.
        “Besides, it’s quieter back here.” Janice added. “Okay Greg,” she
continued, handing him her keys. “You can use the truck, just make sure
it ends up in one piece at my house, and there is some candy in the
glove box for Gabriel.”
        After shaking Mel’s hand one last time he gave Janice an official
salute and crisply spun on his heel, leaving them. Almost immediately
the low rumble of the C46 engines could be heard. Janice whistled and
Argo bounded over, curling up at Mel’s feet.
        “Why didn’t I see her in Macedonia?” Mel shouted to be heard over
the growing roar of the plane.
        “She wasn’t there. Greg’s kid, Gabriel, was sick with phenomena.
Gabriel adores Argo so I left her with him while he recovered. It
worked too, in no time he was talking her for walks.” It wasn’t hard to
see the growing panic on Melinda’s face as the plane positioned itself
for takeoff. “You don’t like planes, do you?”
        “I’m terrified of them.” Mel confessed in a squeak.
        Janice reached out and took Mel's hand squeezing it reassuringly.
“Well, you’re being very brave.”
        “Ohmigod!” Mel gasped as the plane began to pick up speed. Letting
go of Janice’s hand she grabbed the smaller woman’s arm, burrowing her
head in the archeologist’s shoulder to keep from screaming.
        “It’s okay Mel, we’re almost airborne.” Janice murmured into the
taller woman’s ear, as she put a comforting arm around her shoulders.
        Almost as soon as it started the plane leveled out, the noise
level went down dramatically and the ride softened. They were on their
way. Mel didn’t let go of Janice right away, nor did the smaller woman
release her comforting hold. Eventually however, Melinda Pappas
regained her composure and with cheeks crimson from embarrassment,
pulled away. “I’m sorry about that,” she muttered, wishing she were
wearing a skirt to straighten.
        “It’s okay Mel, really. We’ve all got things we’re insecure
about.” Janice rummaged into her pack and pulled out two blankets. One
she handed to Mel, the other she rolled out on the floor of the cargo
plane. “We’ve got a few hours until lunch, I suggest you try to sleep.”
        “But I only just woke up.”
        “From here on out Melinda Pappas take my advice, you’ll sleep
whenever you can, you eat whenever you can.”
        “Does the same go for relieving myself?” She asked sarcastically.
        “Actually, yes. I can’t guarantee the next meal, or the next night
of uneventful sleep. Dr. Leesto is dangerous, and her thugs are
dangerous. Smythe was a pansy compared to her.” Janice stretched out on
her blanket, Argo laying down next to her and resting her large head on
the archeologist’s abdomen.
        Mel stretched out on her blanket as well, but before Janice could
tip her hat over her eyes, asked another question. “It sounds like you
know this Dr. Leesto pretty well?”
        Janice absently stroked Argo’s back and looked at the ceiling of
the cargo plane. “We went to school together. A long time ago we were
even friends. But then she discovered that life for her was much easier
if she stayed on the side lines, then try to steal my discoveries and
research as I made them. We’ve been battling over Xena sites for
years.”
        “When did you see her last?” Mel asked, leaning up on an elbow.
        “A year ago,” Janice sighed, seething, “when she shot Argo.” Mel
looked with alarm to the dog dozing lazily on her mistress. “She lost a
lot of blood, she almost didn’t make it, but two Air Corps Surgeons
volunteered their time after coming off of twelve hour shifts to assist
the vet who was treating her. She pulled through.” Janice smiled warmly
at the dog, “I had discovered some artifacts from Xena’s days as a
warlord.”
        “And Dr. Leesto got the artifacts?” Mel asked gently.
        Janice nodded. “Yes, but I managed to get Argo out.”
        “But what if she tries to hurt Argo again?”
        Janice studied Mel’s face for a moment before answering, then
lowered her hat over her face, “I’ll kill her first.”

…Armor can be a lot of things. It’s a protective skin, but can become a
cage if it isn’t designed properly. It can inspire fear, terror or hope
depending upon who wears it. Ultimately it isn’t the clothes though,
but the deeds that defines the individual. “So who designed your
armor?” Gabrielle asked one day, seemingly out of nowhere. We hadn’t
been traveling together for very long, so I suppose I was a little
surprised by the frankness of the question.
        “I did,” I answered, “why?”
        Gabrielle continued to walk alongside Argo and glanced up at me
from time to time. We were riding through territory my army had
captured years before so I guess I was already on edge.
        “It’s just that it suits you so well. I mean, you look incredible
in it.” Gabrielle continued to walk along, as if she’d just said it was
a nice day. At that point I hadn’t fully realized that was just how she
was: completely honest about just about everything.
        “I see. So you’re saying I look incredible?”
        When she looked up the next time I noticed a blush to her cheeks.
Gods it was hard to keep a straight face. “What I mean,” Gabrielle
tried to explain, “is that… well, black is definitely your color. I
mean your hair, it brings out your eyes, the leather. It all goes
together to create a striking image. Then the bronze of your breast
plate, it sets off your skin quite nicely. It’s good for storytelling.
The only real point of color on you is your eyes, it’s very dramatic.”
        “So you’ve spent a lot of time looking at me?” I asked plainly
enough.
        “I, ah. Well… um. Bards have to be observant. It’s a point of
professional pride, so of course I’ve had to look at you.”
        “Mmmhmmm.”
        “So did you wear the same type of thing when you were a war lord
or was it different?”
        I stopped Argo and had a look around. I knew the terrain, knew
where we were, not far from a cave I’d used in the past. “Well
Gabrielle, if you’re that interested I could show you.” We were heading
to the next town in no particular hurry, and perhaps I was feeling
overindulgent. I extended my hand, and after a half hearted refusal,
Gabrielle joined me on Argo’s back. I smiled as her arms circled my
waist, and felt the weight of her head as she leaned against my back.
When Gabrielle rode with me, unable to see my face from her vantage
point, I allowed myself a self satisfied smirk as I felt her arms
tighten when Argo took off.
        It was a pleasant distraction. With Gabrielle against me,
chattering away about the country side, it was more difficult to see
the surrounding landscape as I had the last time I was here; riding at
the head of an army, leaving the land  burnt and bleeding in my wake. I
found the cave without any trouble and helped Gabrielle down before
dismounting. I lit a torch and headed into the cave. It was as I
remembered, some equipment still littered the cave floor, swords,
spears; nothing worth anything. My men that had died had been
remembered according to custom so there were no bodies. Making my way
to a secluded tunnel I found the alcove where I’d hidden the trunk.
Gabrielle held the torch while I pulled it out.
        “What’s this?” She asked, looking at the nondescript trunk.
        “Some supplies I stowed here when my army came through. As I
remember, I had a spare set of armor in this trunk.”
        “Really?” She asked moving close as I opened the lid. Smiling
indulgently I tossed the lid aside and sure enough, everything was as
I’d left it. Things from my past that were no longer mine, belongings
of a person I no longer was.
        “Oh,” Gabrielle breathed as she reverently lifted out the wire
frame of my breast plate. Compared to what I now wore, it was terribly
ineffective.
        Gabrielle looked at me shyly, I knew that look. She was debating
whether she should ask me something. “What?” I offered.
        “Would you put it on?” I hadn’t expected that. I must have frowned
because she moved away a little and looked uncertain. “I’m sorry,” she
gushed. “If it brings back bad memories or something, I understand…”
        Now I felt bad, I guess coming from her the question made sense,
and I had showed her this in the first place. “It’s alright,” I assured
her, “they’re just clothes- right?”
        She nodded and sat down on a rock, ready to watch. I sighed. I’d
gotten myself into this mess, might as well make the most of it. I
stole glances out of the corner of my eye as I undressed. Gabrielle’s
attention was riveted. I don’t think she blinked as I slipped my
bracers off, unhooked my armor and shrugged out of my leathers. Her
eyes roamed over my body, she studied my arms, legs, watched my hands.
I wondered what she thought. Did she look upon me as infamous? An
oddity? Or as a woman hungry for another? I had to keep my wits about
me. It would have been so easy to turn this simple stunt into a
seduction, but that was not who I was. At least not anymore.
        It was strange putting the old armor on. It felt heavy, bulky,
oppressive. When I turned around to face Gabrielle, she jumped.
“That’s… ah, different.” She finally said.
        “That’s vague.” I replied.
        “It doesn’t suit you Xena.” She explained. “It’s dark, and trust
me I didn’t think your wardrobe could get any darker. The cape and
everything, it takes away from the beauty of your body, it’s strength.
And those shoulder thingies… I guess what I mean is that you don’t need
to wear something to be fearful. You don’t need to wear something
powerful to be strong. And you don’t need to wear something flashy,”
she nodded at the chain mail on my hands, “ to be breathtakingly
beautiful. It’s like your armor now let’s the real you come to the
surface, while this suit, um… buries it.”
        I suppose it was way back then that I first felt the tremors of
something very special for Gabrielle…

Chapter 3: Campfire Girls

        Mel woke with a start, then sighed. A bit of air turbulence had
drawn her from the land of Xena, back into her own life. She looked
over at Janice who was breathing steadily, her hand resting on Argo’s
head. Not knowing what time it was, she had no idea how long she’d been
asleep. She heard a footstep nearby and instantly Janice was sitting,
hat perched back on her head, wide awake.
        “Lunch time Dr. Covington.” A young man said as he carefully
approached.
        “Thanks.” Janice replied accepting the sandwiches and bottles of
pop from the Corporal.
        He inclined his head in a silent question and Janice smiled.
“Sure, go ahead. Argo, say thanks for lunch. He dropped to his knees
and played with the dog for a few moments.
        “There’s an extra sandwich for Argo.” He said shyly, “roast beef.”
        “What’s your name soldier?” Janice asked.
        “Purdy.” The man replied.
        “Then thank you Corporal Purdy. That’s very kind of you.” He stood
and brushed himself off before heading back to his unit.
        “Thank you Doctor Covington, Argo is good luck, I can feel it.”
        Mel ate in silence for a few moments while Janice fed Argo her
sandwich. “Why don’t you believe in luck?” She finally asked.
        “I’m a scientist Melinda, there’s no room for luck in science.”
        “My daddy was a scientist too Janice, but he kept a rabbit’s foot
in his pocket until the day he died.”
        “I don’t think that rabbit was very lucky.” Janice replied with a
wry grin.
        “But look at Xena,” Mel decided to try a different tactic, “she
was mighty lucky the day Gabrielle strolled into her life.”
        Janice shrugged. “She made the most of an bad situation if you ask
me. And Gabrielle didn’t exactly ‘stroll’ into Xena’s life. Xena
rescued her then Gabrielle wouldn’t leave her alone.”
        Mel crossed her arms, defiant. “Are you saying that Xena:
Destroyer of Nations couldn’t get rid of a single bard if she’d wanted
to? If Joxer had been the one Xena rescued I’d wager that she wouldn’t
have let him follow her.”
        “So what’s your point?” Janice asked around a mouthful of
sandwich.
        “I’m just curious as to why you’re not the least bit curious about
the author of the Xena scrolls. Understanding how Gabrielle fit into
Xena’s life would shed a lot of insight into exactly who Xena was. Xena
can’t be solely defined by her deeds…”
        “Maybe so. But we don’t know for sure that Gabrielle was in fact
the bard who wrote the scrolls.” Janice ate half of her sandwich,
putting the rest in her satchel for later.
        “I do.” Mel replied quietly.
        Janice did not appear to have heard the comment. Instead she
unfolded a well worn map on the cargo floor in front of them. “This is
where we’re going.” She said pointing to an area on the island shore.
“We then hike over to this cove.” She pointed to another spot, a number
of miles from the military base.
        “Why don’t we just get picked up at the base?”
        “Because smugglers are not welcome on military bases.” Janice
replied quietly.
        “We’re traveling with pirates…” Janice quickly covered Mel’s mouth
with her hand.
        “Not so loud okay?” Releasing Mel she added, with a nod toward the
other passengers, “they don’t ask, and I don’t tell.”
        Mel looked dumbfounded, “you have an interesting group of friends
Dr. Covington.”
        “I wouldn’t exactly call them friends. They work for hire, and I
make sure they are paid well enough to make me a resource worth keeping
around. I’ve known the captain for a couple of years, but as for the
rest,” Janice shrugged her shoulders, “complete ruffians. I wouldn’t
turn your back on them if I were you.”
        Mel nodded, understanding. “So when do we rendezvous with them?”
        “Assuming they got my message, the day after tomorrow. It’ll be
dusk when we land, we’ll hike a few miles away from the base in the
dark, then set up camp. We’ll hike the rest of the way tomorrow and
hopefully see Aires tomorrow night or the next morning.”
        “Is his name really Ares?” Mel asked dubiously.
        “No it’s his sign. He’s really into astrology.” After thinking a
moment Janice asked Mel what her sign was.
        “Well if your friend is really into astrology, won’t he be able to
tell?” Mel teased, azure eyes sparkling. “Besides, I don’t think
astrology is terribly scientific, I’m surprised you even know your
sign.”
        Janice grinned back. “This poorly aspected Cancer with Gemini
rising doesn’t follow it but I dated someone who did. I’m afraid I
picked up more than I care to admit.”
        Mel was intrigued, “What was his name?” She asked.
        Green eyes flashed under the brim of the archaeologists hat, “Jane
Celesta.” Inwardly Janice smiled. Mel was clearly surprised by her
admission but fought valiantly to keep the surprise from her features.
The slight movement of the eyes and the dilation of pupils set in
brilliant blue the only visible signs.
        “And what sign was Jane Celesta?” Mel asked calmly.
        “Leo.” Janice replied, “Friendliest sign of the zodiac.”
        Mel was a little taken aback. “And Jane was friendly?”
        Janice shrugged, “for awhile, but the fact that she had Aquarius
rising I think messed things up. Either that or the fact that I walked
in on her with one of my colleagues.”
        “I see.”
        “Do you Mel?” Janice asked almost shyly.
        Now it was Me’s turn to smile, with what she hoped was
reassurance, “Of course. Leo’s aren’t your cup of tea.”
        Janice grinned back not completely convinced, “you don’t find it…”
she searched for the right word, “deviant?”
        Mel leaned over and clasped the archeologist’s hand warmly, “it’s
true that I don’t know you very well Janice, but nothing about you
strikes me as deviant. Hostile, stubborn and insecure maybe. And while
I find it remarkable that you found anyone to put up with you
romantically… I am sorry it didn’t work out.”
        Janice beamed. Complimented, insulted and reassured all at once.
Melinda Pappas was quickly becoming too good to be true. “Mel,” she
laughed warmly, “you’re a class act, I grant you that…”
        “Why thank you.” Mel replied primly.
        “But don’t misunderstand, I have no problems finding romantic
companionship.” A prideful gleam crept into the archaeologist’s eyes.
        “And why is that?” Mel asked with feigned indifference.
        “Because I know how to show a lady a good time.”
        Mel couldn’t have kept the blush that crept to her cheeks away if
she’d tried. She wasn’t sure if Janice was just bragging or giving her
an invitation. More importantly she was undecided as to which she
wanted. More and more she felt the line between herself and her ancient
ancestor blurring, and it was difficult to keep her own feelings and
those of Xena separate. Unsure why, she suspected that in time the
power of the warrior’s dreams would subside and she’d be able to put
them into perspective in her own life. Perhaps because the alternative,
her own personality being consumed by that of a centuries dead warrior
was too frightening to accept.
        In time Janice put her maps away and again reclined to sleep. Mel
decided not to follow suit. Another visit from Xena was not what she
needed at the moment. Gently removing the notebook from where it lay at
the archaeologist’s side she read through the well worn pages. Most of
the passages were about Xena. Notes written in the doctor’s careful
hand about discoveries, theories and speculation about the warrior
princess’ life. There were some sketches, dig sites mostly but a few
drawings of how Janice guessed the warrior princess looked. She smiled
at the notes from the recent events in Macedonia. She found a brief
description of herself as well as Janice’s first impressions. She
frowned at the notation spoiled southern belle written in the margin.
“We’ll see about that,” she thought. Then, turning the next page her
breath caught in her throat at the sketch of her. Rather it was a
sketch of Xena wearing her face. Hair down, eyes sparkling and
confident, it could never be a drawing of her. That quiet grace was
something Melinda Pappas only dreamed about, back when her dreams were
her own.

        Mel found the landing of the C46 even more traumatic than take
off. Argo leaned against her, providing what comfort she could, and
Janice was surprisingly understanding. She waited patiently at the
hatch of the plane until Mel was recovered enough leave. A short ride
later they were at the edge of the base making their way down a narrow
trail on the sparsely populated island.
        “I don’t see why we aren’t using flash lights or torches or
something. We’re just blindly walking off into a dark forest.” Mel
complained as she realized that Janice was indeed about to head out
into the dark.
        “It’s a full moon Mel, there is plenty of light to see. Besides,”
Janice stressed as she shouldered her heavy pack, “when you use a flash
light, you tend not to notice anything out of the light’s illumination.
I don’t think the island is quite that safe. Just follow me,” she
urged, “you’ll be fine.”
        With a sigh Mel started out on the trail after the doctor and her
dog. In time her eyes did indeed adjust to the moonlit surroundings.
The tropical plants were bathed in a pale blue light. Janice silently
followed Argo, machete out and occasionally hacking obtrusive flora out
of her way. In time they were at the edge of a cliff overlooking the
indigo ocean. Carefully navigating the switchbacks that headed down to
the beach, Janice occasionally offered a hand to Mel, helping her over
the most treacherous parts. Argo seemed unaware of any danger, staying
about twenty five feet in front of her mistress, occasionally stopping
and waiting for her to catch up. Once down on the beach the quickly
made their way to a secluded spot in the cliffs, shielded by rock on
three sides.
        “This feels like another world.” Mel said quietly as Janice
shrugged out of her pack.
        “It is.” Janice replied as she set to making up camp. “We’re safe
from the tide, there’s usually plenty of fire wood over there, and we
can risk a small fire.”
        “What about animals?” Mel asked as she considered heading over to
collect some wood.
        Janice smiled, reading her thoughts. “Take Argo with you, there
probably isn’t much on this island bigger than her and she won’t let
anything sneak up on you. If we’re lucky she’ll even catch dinner.” Mel
nodded, none too sure of herself, headed out into the woods. Janice
gazed after her as she left letting her eyes drift over the raven
haired woman’s graceful form. “Stop it Janice!” she scolded herself as
her thoughts began to wander.
        By the time Mel returned, arms full of fire wood, Janice had made
a small stone circle for the fire and laid out their blankets, one on
each side of the circle. In no time she had a small fire blazing it’s
light casting a warm glow on the camp site. “What, no rabbits?” Janice
asked Argo as the big dog curled up on the sand in the space between
the blankets. “Lazy!”
        “Does she really hunt for you?” Mel asked, suspecting the
archeologist of playing with her.
        “Sometimes.” Janice replied and rummaged in her bag for a tin of
food. “Do you like sardines?” She asked peeling back the lid on a tin
of the small fish. The grimace on Mel’s face was all the answer she
needed. With a sigh she extracted the other half of her sandwich from
her satchel and tossed it to Mel. “I’ve also got some crackers or
canned hash if you want.” She also took out of tin of dog food and
opened it for Argo. After hurriedly eating her meager dinner Janice
stood and motioned for Argo and Mel to stay put. “I’m just going to
have a look around- stay here.” Mel ate her sandwich in silence, trying
to put together all the mis-matched pieces of Janice Covington that
she’d seen thus far into a cohesive image. She wasn’t having much luck.
        About twenty minutes later Janice quietly reemerged by the edge of
the firelight. She held a ripe pineapple in her arm, and wore a look of
smug satisfaction. “I love pineapple” Mel laughed, happy at the
surprise. In moments both women were feasting on the juicy fruit. A
quick walk to the break water after and they were washing the sticky
juice from their arms and faces. Mel stood, stretching her back and
gazed out at the horizon. The full moon overhead shone down brightly,
illuminating the ocean with a soft glow. The sky was clear and stars
shown brightly on the other side of the sky. Simply put, it was one of
the most beautiful sights Melinda Pappas had ever seen.
        “Is this what life is like for you Janice Covington? Moving from
one adventure to the next, living in a world of surreal beauty?”
        Janice followed Mel’s gaze out over the ocean. “Sometimes,” she
replied thoughtfully, “but I’ve spend nights on this island, with rain
pouring down in buckets, nothing but mud and wet sand. Nights on end
with no fire, no food and no guarantee I’d ever get home again.”
        “Yet you continue…” Mel smiled down at her friend as they walked
back to camp.
        “As my pop said, Covington’s are too dumb to quit. A find or a
clue and the rush from a discovery make all the cold wet nights worth
it.”
        Mel and Janice sat down together on Mel’s blanket as Janice fed
more wood into the fire. Enjoying the sounds of the night and each
other’s company, Mel began to feel as if she were in another world. “So
the misery is worth it?” She finally asked. “But what about the
loneliness? No Flora Gates or Jane Celesta to share the misery.”
        Janice cocked her head quizzically at the question. “Not while I’m
working,” she replied honestly.“Well not very often,” she added with a
grin. “I like to think I inherited my father’s appreciation of women.
But I haven’t had any better luck than he had at keeping one around. He
did love my mother though.” She added softly, then brightening asked,
“so what about you Mel? I take it you’re not married?”
        Mel gazed into the fire and shook her head. “Oh no, not even
close. There was a story my daddy used to tell me. About how long ago
people had four legs and two heads, then the gods threw down
thunderbolts separating them so they had two legs and one head. He used
to tell me to search out the other half of my soul, not to settle for
less. And the truth is, I never have. I always liked that story, he
said his grandmother told it to him. To think that out there, some
where is someone with two legs and one head: the other half of my
soul.”
        Janice smiled as she gazed into the fire, her own thoughts years
distant. “Your father told me that story too.” She shook her head with
a laugh, “I was hung over, Diana had broken my heart in seventeen
places. God I was young then. Anyway your dad was visiting the campus
and had agreed to go over some of my research at lunch. I must have
looked like hell because he instantly knew what was wrong. An unusual
man your father, he said to me ‘she’s not worth it’ and proceeded to
tell me that story. Didn’t even phase him that I was hung over because
of a woman. I always liked him, and respected him.”

        Mel smiled at the memory of her father, pleased that he had gotten
along so well with her new friend. “Have you always been attracted to
women?” She asked quietly, gazing at the orange hue Janice’s hair had
taken on in the fire light.
        Janice fidgeted with the fire. Mel thought she might not have
heard the question when she finally answered, “I don’t know. I guess
so. I mean, I never really thought about it. My dad did the best he
could as a parent. But I’ve been told that moving from dig to dig was
an unusual way for a young girl to grow up. Dad taught me how to handle
a revolver when I was ten, and I started to learn to use the bullwhip
then too. I pitched in as a digger, smuggled goods from one country to
the next… I guess I grew up as one of the guys. I had a hard time
adjusting to collage, the routine, the safety of it. It was all so
foreign to me. I really had no interest in dating any of the men, they
all seemed so… I don’t know… uninteresting. Diana was in my
anthropology class and well…” She blushed slightly.
        “Life got interesting?” Mel offered.
        “You could say that.” Janice agreed, turning back to look at Mel,
shy smile on her face. She was not prepared for the brilliance of the
blue eyes gazing gently at her. The expression on Mel’s face was
unreadable, there was a strength and hunger in her gaze that Janice
wouldn’t have associated with Melinda Pappas. Feeling the color rise to
her cheeks as her pulse doubled she glanced around the camp site,
looking anywhere but at her companion. “Well, um, it’s getting late
Mel. Why don’t you get some sleep. We’ve got another eight miles to
hike in the morning.” Taken aback by the sudden change in Janice’s
mood, Mel was instantly sorry she’d pried into the archaeologists
personal life.
        “Janice.” Mel said putting a restraining hand on Janice’s arm as
she tried to get up from the blanket. “If I’ve said anything that has
upset you, I’m truly sorry.”
        “You’re fine Mel.” Janice said, forcing a cocky grin to her face.
“But we do need to get some sleep.” Mel let go but continued to look
critically at her rugged companion as she stretched out on her own
blanket and readied herself for sleep.
        “I don’t believe you, you know.” Mel said, as Janice tipped her
hat over her face.
        “That’s your prerogative.” Janice replied, and in moments was
feigning sleep.

…I suppose it was only fitting that days after Perdicus’ death the
rains started. I don’t remember when Gabrielle and I had been so
completely miserable. I was still grappling with all the ramifications
of her marriage and Gabrielle was in mourning. I guess I was mourning
too, only I’d been at it longer. Darkness had settled itself around me
like a shroud from the moment I saw him propose to her. The highs and
lows of the next few days were as exhausting as any battle I’d ever
fought. Hopeful that she’d say no, then guilty that I wanted her to say
no so badly. I gave her my support in an attempt to remain neutral. I
didn’t her want to stay with me for my sake alone. And the joy I felt
when she told me she was going to tell him no- I almost confessed my
love right then. But then she said yes. She said yes right in the
middle of a battle when the ox had thrown down his sword, a move that
could have killed them both.
        I was tired. This was not the first time that Gabrielle had
surprised me so suddenly, in a matter of seconds making me wonder if I
truly knew her at all. She’d left me twice before, once to go home,
once to go to Athens. Each time I told myself that I was better for it.
I knew I was lying, but it was the only consolation I could find on a
path that had suddenly become very empty. Then she came back, each time
a stronger person; a more devoted person. With each of those events I
felt more reassured about the depth of her feelings for me. Against my
better judgement, hope grew that one day her feelings might run as deep
as mine. All of that was shattered with her marriage. She wouldn’t be
coming back.
        She originally left him to follow me, to be with me, and she
didn’t even know me then. He abruptly left her at Troy. Perhaps he
thought I might not give her up without a fight. But something changed,
coming to her as a pathetic wretch, appealing to the generosity of
Gabrielle’s nature. That was not something I could do battle with, and
without a fight he won. Then he died and I murdered his murderer.
        As soon as the rain started she wanted to leave Poteidaia. I
thought she might be better off staying in her family’s house, feeling
their support, but she would have none of it. She wanted distance from
the pain, and while I was as spent as she was, only I could take her
away. I can only guess as to what went on in her mind as we walked mile
after mile in the soggy silence. She was still struggling with her
anger and hatred for Callisto, now obsolete since I’d killed her. I’m
sure she was angry about having Perdicus for so short a time and I’ve
no doubt she missed him as well. Perhaps she was angry with me, for
being able to save her but not her love. If she blamed me for his death
she never said so. I suppose at the time I was too consumed with my own
pain to provide the comfort and support she wanted. Maybe that made her
angry too. All I know is that night, when the cold and the wet made us
ache to our core, she was ready to explode.
        I had found a small cave after a full day of walking. I was ready
to stop, I didn’t care if she was ready or not. There was room for Argo
by the entrance, she’d have shelter from the worst of the storm. There
was room inside for a small fire, I could stand up without hitting my
head on the ceiling but it was close. I took my sword off immediately
since there would not have been room to draw it from my back.
        “I don’t want to stop.” Gabrielle said flatly from the entrance to
the cave.
        I shrugged. “Argo and I are tired, we all need to rest.”
        “The Warrior Princess tired?” She shot back. “I find that hard to
believe.”
        “It happens,” I replied not trying to hide the exhaustion in my
voice. “Gabrielle, you could walk a thousand miles tonight and you’d be
hurting just as much. Please come here, dry off and get some rest.”
Mutely she complied.
        It was cold in the cave. Fortunately Argo’s saddle bag had kept
our shifts dry. I took off my armor, setting it near the fire to dry as
Gabrielle watched me silently, her eyes burning like embers. I put my
blanket against a smooth angled rock and sat down. There wasn’t room
for both of us to sleep stretched out, but the rock would do. “You
should get out of those wet clothes Gabrielle.” I suggested gently.
        “I can take care of myself!” She shouted, furious, “Why are you
always trying to mother me?”
        I was on my feet in an instant. Tired and spent as I was I did not
have the energy to endure her tirade just because she was hurting. “I’m
not trying to mother you Gabrielle. I’m your friend and I’m telling you
that being miserable is not going to make your grief any more pure. I’m
not saying anything you wouldn’t say to me if our places were
switched.”
        With that she flew at me, crying. Fists rained down on my arms and
chest as she shouted incoherently. I stood there and took it for a few
moments until I’d had enough. I could feel my own anger building; she
was hitting me hard. I grabbed her arms and pulled her roughly to my
chest tightening my grip as she struggled. Finally she stopped trying
to hit me and just cried, her cold arms encircling me. She didn’t
protest as I eased her to the cave floor by the fire. She didn’t say a
word as I positioned myself against the rock wall and straddled her
with my legs. There were no objections as I removed her sodden clothes
and helped her into a dry shift. Then I wrapped the other blanket
around her icy body and pulled her close. She continued to cry rough
sobs against my chest as I held her. Finally she quieted, her hand
absently touching my arm.
        “Thank you Xena.” She breathed into my skin.
        I squeezed her reassuringly. “I’m here for you Gabrielle.” I said
quietly into her hair.
        “I know.” She sighed, “and that’s part of my problem. You’ve never
let me down Xena. And I know that isn’t true of me.”
        What could I say? She was telling the truth. I don’t know what was
going through her mind. Tonight was so different for her than a couple
of nights ago. Instead of laying in a soft bed full of warmth and
passion she was huddled in a cold cave with a reformed warlord. I was
surprised by the feel of her hand moving up my arm to my neck. I looked
down, startled by the smoky desire in the eyes looking back at me. I
felt devastated. Here was a look I’d longed for so long to see, and now
I was seeing it for all the wrong reasons. Gabrielle was hurting,
hurting so badly that she was desperate for a distraction, any
distraction. Gently she touched my face with her cold fingers, tracing
the line of my cheek and jaw.
        “I’m sorry for the times I’ve let you down Xena.” She said as she
brushed my lips with her fingers. “I don’t deserve you.” She whispered
as her hand moved to the back of my neck, drawing my head down. She was
cold in my arms but her lips were warm as they sought out mine. I was
helpless to refuse her desire for comfort, but when her tongue brushed
against my teeth seeking greater intimacy I gently pulled back. Another
second and I knew I would be taking advantage of one person I had ever
truly loved. I tightened my arms around her once again willing her to
feel warm and safe. Resting my cheek on the top of her head I softly
told her to sleep. In time she did. I stayed up that night knowing that
I might not ever have the opportunity to hold her this way again. It
might have been the exhaustion, but for me at that time it was enough
and during those few hours, surrounded by soggy misery, I was happy…

Chapter 4: Beyond The Sea

        Janice rolled her head for the hundredth time to gaze a Mel. She
found the raven haired beauty utterly captivating and felt certain
she’d never tire of watching her sleep. Her eyes darted back and forth
in dream, her features relaxed. Argo was curled up next to her, and for
that Janice was grateful. Argo had kept her warm on many a cold night
and she’d been worried about Mel’s tolerance for the chill night air.
“Still,”  she reasoned to herself, “it was her decision to come.” She
wondered again why the obviously pampered woman would choose such a
hard path. With a shrug she reminded herself that it was none of her
business, everyone lived and learned by their own mistakes. Being
charming, gentle and magnificently beautiful was no protection against
that. As the thunder of waves crashing on the beach subsided, Janice
decided it was time to get up.
        As soon as she moved the dog’s eyes opened, watching her mistress
intently. “It’s okay girl, stay with Mel. I’ll be right back.” Janice
whispered and gave the dog the visual command to stay, then headed a
short distance beyond the rocks to relieve herself.
        Mel awoke to the smell of coffee filling her senses. She opened
her eyes to stars still hanging in the sky above her, with Janice
Covington sitting on the other side of a rekindled fire sipping from a
steaming mug. “What time is it?” Mel asked, very groggy.
        Janice looked at the sky briefly before answering. “It’s still a
couple of hours before dawn. We’ve got a long hike ahead of us this
morning.”
        “But the moon is gone- how will we see?” Mel asked, forcing
herself to sit up. She gratefully accepted the enameled mug that Janice
offered her, noting how warm the archaeologists hands felt against her
own cold fingers.
        “We’ll be walking along the beach. By the time we have to climb to
the next cove the sun will be up.”
        Janice was impressed that Mel refrained from complaining as they
got ready to go. The archeologist’s daughter seemed to be made of
sterner stuff than she had first suspected. They made good time walking
the length of the shoreline several miles to the next huge rock
outcrop. An enormous basalt formation jutted some distance out into the
water, there was no way around it- they’d have to go over.
        “Now what?” Mel asked as they reached the base of the basalt
formation. It was not strictly vertical, but still very steep.
        Janice called Argo and extracted something form one of her packs.
After making the dog sit down in front of her she proceeded to put
leather booties on the dog’s feet, securing them with strips of leather
thong. “We climb.” Janice replied matter of factly.
From her own pack she extracted two pairs of leather gloves and handed
one to Mel. “The basalt is sharp. Argo cut her foot on it last time.
Watch where you put your hands, and try not to bump you knees and
you’ll be fine.”
        Mel eyed the rock cliff dubiously. “How can Argo…?”
        Janice smiled, “Argo. Up!” She pointed to the crest of the rock.
The dog ran back and forth a couple of times looking for the best place
to begin. Then she began to bound up the rock face. There was enough
slope for the dog to climb by scrambling over the rock in a zig-
zagging pattern “We follow the dog.” Janice explained. She headed up
the rock next with Mel following her. Several times she paused in her
ascent to make sure Melinda Pappas was making progress. Argo reached
the top in about ten minutes, it took the humans over twice as long.
        Janice shrugged out of her pack and offered a canteen of water to
Mel as soon as she joined her at the top. “Let me take a look at that.”
Janice said, and Mel was not sure what she was talking about. Then
following the archaeologist’s line of sight looked down to her leg, a
small patch of blood seeping through the knee of her pants.
        “I didn’t realize I even cut myself.” Mel said now feeling the
pain from her knee.
        “This rock is sharp, there is a lot of obsidian in it.” Janice
explained as she untucked Mel’s pantleg from her boot and eased the
material over her knee. The scrape was shallow but long. After pulling
a battered first aid kit from her pack, Janice cleaned the wound with
some water then wrapped a length of gauze around it. Mel was surprised
by the archaeologist gentle hands. She suspected that if Janice had the
same scrape on her own leg, she’d ignore it. Finally she said as much.
        Janice rocked back on her heels and smiled. “This isn’t strictly
for your benefit sweetheart. These smugglers are really touchy. They
see blood and they think you’re injured and helpless. I can control
Aires to some extent but I don’t know how unbalanced his crew this time
out is. Last time I showed up on his ship with a bleeding cut on my
shoulder- I had to eventually break a guys arm to get him to leave me
alone. We’ll have a cabin on board, when we get there I suggest you
stay put until we get to Cal’s island. It’ll be a boring two days, but
believe me that’s a lot nicer than excitement on that ship.” Finishing
with Mel’s injury she put the first aid kit back in her pack and
prepared to descend the other side of the rock wall. Unsure why, Mel
was a little let down by the doctor’s explanation. Janice noticed the
sullen silence and smiled to herself as she followed Argo down the
cliff.
        They had not been on the sandy beach for long when a small boat
appeared around the side of the cove. Argo noticed it immediately and
barked. “Right on time.” Janice smiled and motioned for Mel to join her
as she walked over to meet the boat. Once in the shallow surf, one of
the two men in the boat hopped out and guided the boat to shore. Janice
grasped the man’s offered hand. “Aires, good to see you,” she glanced
to the man still in the boat, “you too Toby.” The boatman smiled and
waved in greeting as Aires approached Mel.
        “I got word you’d have a guest, Doctor Covington. I didn’t know
she’d be so radiant.” With that he smoothly brought Mel’s hand to his
lips and kissed her knuckles softly.
        Janice rolled her eyes skyward and stepped in between Mel and the
Captain. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned. Mel took a moment to
study the captain. He was handsome black man, with dark rugged features
and well defined muscles. Very athletic. His companion in the boat,
however, was anything but. Simply put, he was the largest man Mel had
ever seen. He had a bald head covered by an ornate tattoo, handlebar
moustache and bright blue eyes. He also had a friendly smile and
reminded Mel of an enormous teddy bear.
        “I am Captain Aires,” Aires said ignoring Janice’s warning. “And
in the boat is Tobias Eule, but we call him Toby. He can’t talk so
don't think him anti-social.”
        “Nice to meet you.” Mel replied from behind Janice’s shoulder with
a nod to the captain and the man in the boat.
        “Glad to see Argo recovered.” Aires said, finally looking at
Janice.
        “Better than new.” Janice confirmed, as she shouldered her pack
and headed for the boat. Reaching the boat, Janice extracted a pouch
and handed it to Aires. He counted the money carefully then nodded.
After helping Mel into the boat Janice whistled for Argo who easily
leapt into the small wooden craft. Janice climbed in next after stowing
her gear to the back of the boat, behind Mel.
        The boat ride to The Gauntlet was uneventful. Mel listened quietly
as Janice and Aires caught up on each other’s lives, noting with
interest how she interacted with the man. The warm friendliness Janice
had exhibited with Greg Ore was missing. Everything about her was no
nonsense and formidable. Finally Aires leaned over and Mel could just
barely hear him ask, “What’s the deal with you and the beauty? Are you
and she…”
        Janice whispered back , “You’ll live longer if you assume as
much.” He laughed openly at that.
        “Always one for understatement Doc. Okay, I’ll tell the men to
keep away from your… companion.” He smiled at Mel and winked. Returning
his attention to Janice he was serious once more, “Silvus is still on
board, I’d give him wide berth if I were you. He still hasn’t forgiven
you for destroying his arm the way you did.”
        Janice nodded, “I’ll make every effort to avoid him. I hope he’s
smart and does the same.”
        It didn’t take long for the small row boat to reach the cargo
ship. After a confirming hand signal from the Captain, the small craft
and it’s occupants were brought on board. A number of men hung over the
side of the ship, hooting and calling to the new arrivals as the boat
was hoisted up. However, Mel noted with satisfaction, as soon as the
boat was secured and the occupants standing on the main deck of the
ship, the whistles and cat-calls silenced. In fact, most of the men
quickly found something else to occupy their attention.
        Mel followed Argo and Janice below decks to their cabin. Once
inside, Janice propped her pack against the wall and surveyed the room.
Argo bounded up on to the bed, the piece of furniture that dominated
the small cabin, and stood patiently as Janice removed her pack. There
was a crate that served as a table or dresser with a large enameled
bowl resting on top. An old mirror hung on the wall, and several pegs
were present near by for hanging clothes. On the floor next to the
crate was a large container of water with a lid. Sitting on the bed
next to Argo, Janice began to unlace her boots. “The water is clean,”
Janice said conversationally as she removed a boot and wiggled her
toes, “Aires knows better than to put me in a room without clean sheets
and clean water. I can’t vouch for anything else though.”
        “I get the impression you don’t really like the captain?” Mel
asked as she studied her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t think
she’d ever seen herself so… rumpled looking.
        “Oh, I like him fine.” Janice replied, watching with interest as
Mel studied her reflection, “I just don’t trust him. Hell, I know
enough about his business to know that you don’t survive by making
loyalty a high priority.” Mel nodded, distracted, and Janice shook her
head. “See something interesting Mel?”
        Mel turned with a start to see brilliant green eyes watching her.
“I… well… I was just thinking that this attire is more comfortable than
I would have expected. Except for the boots that is, my feet are
killing me.”
        Janice was on her feet and getting the first aid kit out again.
“You’ve done a lot of walking today, you might have blisters.” She
motioned for Argo to get off the bed, when the dog complied she
motioned for Mel to take a seat. Sitting on the floor of the cabin,
Janice began to unlace her right boot. Mel watched as Janice’s skillful
fingers made quick work of the boot lace. She began to feel her pulse
speed up as the room seemed to shrink.
        “You don’t have to do that Janice.” Mel shyly protested as the
first boot was eased off her foot. The gentle attention of her friend
was making Mel’s heart race, that was disquieting enough, but the other
sensations that joined in were downright distracting.
        “Don’t be silly.” Janice replied, intent on her task. “If you’ve
got blisters you can’t walk,” she smiled up into clear blue eyes, “and
don’t think for a moment that I’m going to carry you.” Almost as an
afterthought Janice looked up, “you’re not particularly shy about your
feet are you?”
        Mel wanted to run. “Ah… not especially…”
        Janice nodded. “Good, ‘cause there is little room in archeology
for modesty.”
        Mel looked up at the ceiling, startled to see another mirror
attached there. It was long and ran the same direction as the bed.
Gazing up, she could see Janice’s reflection as she removed her sock
and began to gently massage her foot, looking for hot-spots or
blisters. It felt wonderful, almost too good. “Janice, why is there a
mirror on the ceiling?” She finally asked to distract herself as the
second boot was unlaced.
        “This is Aires’ cabin. I stay in it when I’m onboard. And no, not
with him.” Janice was silent once more, as if the owner of the cabin
was explanation enough for the mirror.
        “He said something on the row boat, about you and me…”
        Janice looked up from her task and shrugged. “I’m sorry you had to
hear that, repulsive as you might find it. You’ll be safer if they
think you’re sleeping with me. If nothing else, they respect Argo, so
it’d be stupid for either of us to be in a room without her.” After
seeing the other woman’s mollified expression she added, “Don’t worry,
I think I’ll be able to restrain myself. You’ll be safe here.”
        “What do you mean by that?” Mel asked, annoyed at the comment.
        “I’m just saying I won’t try anything.” Janice replied innocently.
        “I’m not good enough? Is that what you’re saying?!” Mel shot back
hotly getting more miffed at the archaeologists assumptions the more
she thought about it.
        “Are you saying you want me to try something Mel Pappas?” Janice
asked softly.
        “I’m asking why I should assume that you wouldn’t…” Mel retorted,
removing her foot from Janice’s grasp. Mel wasn’t sure what bothered
her more. That Janice assumed she thought sexual intimacies with her
would be repulsive or that the archeologist wasn’t the least bit
interested in her.
        Janice smiled at the forcefulness of the question. “Well for
starters Mel, you aren’t my type. Anymore than I’m yours I suspect. I
mean business partner, maybe, but lover? Nah.” Not entirely convinced
about what she was saying, even as she said it, Janice was determined
to keep her attraction from the spoiled southerner. She didn’t want to
face the inevitable rejection or make Mel uncomfortable with her. It
had happened too often in the past.
        Genuinely stung by the archeologist’s dismissal, Mel turned away.
“I’m gratified to hear it. That must say something for my degree of
sophistication and maturity,” she shot back hotly. “And just so you
know, you’re not my type either.”
        “I know, I’m not a man.” Janice shrugged.
        “It goes way beyond gender.” Mel said icily.
        “What do you mean by that?” Janice demanded.
        She never got her answer. A loud knock sounded on the door. “What
is it?!” Janice shouted, angry.
        “Cap’n wants to see you on deck. Another ship is headed to
intercept us.” Said the voice on the other side of the door.
        “Great, just great.” Janice said as she began to put her own boots
back on. Moments later she was heading out the door glaring at Mel and
Argo sternly. “You two stay here.”
        As soon as Janice left Argo began to pace back and forth in front
of the door. Finally sitting down she looked at Mel and began to paw at
the closed door. “She said to stay here.” Mel reminded the dog. The
whining became louder and the pawing more forceful. Making up her mind
Mel put her own boots back on. “I’m telling her it’s your fault.” She
said opening the door and followed the dog.
        Janice stood deep in conversation with Captain Aires, looking out
to sea with a pair of battered binoculars when they arrived on deck.
“Is it Leesto?” Aires asked after Janice had studied the approaching
ship for several long minutes.
        “Nope.” Janice replied when she was sure. “They’re smugglers plain
and simple. What‘re you hauling?”
        “That is not for you to know Covington.” Aires replied with a
smile.
        Janice shrugged. “Well I don’t think you’re going to be able to
out run them.”
        “Then we will fight them.”
        “Oh, wonderful.” Janice muttered. “Might as well shut down your
engines now. Make ‘em think twice about approaching.” Just then Janice
felt a familiar wet nose nudge her hand, “I thought I told you…”
        “Argo insisted.” Mel supplied crisply when Janice leveled a glare
in her direction.
        Several men snickered near by. “What’s so funny?” Janice demanded
advancing on the snickering sailor.
        “No hard feelings Doc,” the young man said with a smile, catching
his breath, “I can’t control my wife either.” Several more men laughed
at the comment.
        “Very funny.” Janice agreed grinning.
        “Who’s the whore this week Jan?” Another voice asked, void of
humor. “Does she come when you eat her?”
        Janice spun at the sound, instantly finding the source of the
comment. “How’s the arm Silvus?” She asked, taking a cigar out of her
pocket and lighting it.
        His only response was a growl as he began to descend the stairs
that led to the deck. Instinctively the men began to back up, giving
the adversaries plenty of room. Janice stood her ground, calmly
inhaling the smoke from her cigar, thin trails of gray curling from her
nose and mouth. Casually she took the cigar out of her mouth and puffed
several perfect smoke rings, chewing on the cigar once again when
Silvus reached the deck.
         Silvus was a mountain of a man, not so much muscled as thick. He
had no neck to speak of and was dressed in filthy clothes that hung off
of him like greasy rags. Janice checked on the proximity of the
approaching ship, an idea forming in her mind. She turned her back to
Silvus and began to take off her jacket. She walked over to Mel who was
standing next to Aires and handed it to her.
        “I’ll take care of these smugglers for you.” She whispered to
Aires as she began to unhitch her gunbelt, “but you’ll have to protect
Mel and Argo from Silvus.”
        Aires nodded as Mel accepted the archaeologist gun belt. “What are
you fixin’ to do?” she asked.
        Janice smiled taking out her cigar. “I’m going to pick a fight
with him and loose.” She turned back to Aires, “When I go overboard,
start a brawl, will ya?” Absently she reached down and scratched Argo
behind the ears. “You stay out of this.” She whispered fiercely to the
dog. Taking Mel’s hand she put it around the dog’s collar. “Keep her
out of this,” she said to Mel, “and when the fighting really starts,
get below decks and lock the door.” After a quick wink she turned back
to face Silvus.
        He stood on the deck ten feet from Janice, one hand holding a
baseball bat with an iron spike in it. His other arm hung loosely at an
odd angle from his body. It appeared to have been broken in several
places and set incorrectly. While the fist still clenched reflexively,
the arm looked almost useless. The two began to circle each other when
to Mel’s horror the sailor’s began to place bets on the outcome. Most
bets were in the archaeologist favor. After all she’d bested the big
man last time.
        With a roar he swung at Janice who sidestepped the blow easily.
Her knee came up into his gut her fists down on the back of his neck.
He didn’t appear to have felt it. Twisting back around he took another
swing, this time missing Janice by only a whisper. In a flash her whip
was out and the tip coiled around the base of the bat. With a hard yank
she pulled it from his grasp and sent the weapon sailing overboard.
Silvus charged, his meaty fist jabbing at Janice’s head. She ducked and
slipped behind the big man. “So,” he asked turning to face her, “do you
come when she sticks her fingers in your hot, wet…uh” Janice’s leg
connected with his knee and he went down to the deck with a thud. Just
as fast he was back up again and forcing Janice to the ships railing.
        “As a matter of fact, I do… repeatedly.” She grinned after taking
another puff from her cigar. This time however she did not move when a
badly thrown fist sailed at her mid section. She took the force of the
blow, acting like it hurt more than it did. She could hear voices on
the other ship now, as the other smuggling crew bet on the outcome of
the fight. Another minute and they’d be close enough.
        Mel was startled by Argo’s growl when Silvus’ fist connected with
her mistress’ belly. “No, girl.” Mel said, struggling to keep the big
dog from joining the fight. She struggled again as another punch from
Silvus had Janice landing on deck, hard. With a triumphant roar he
kicked the prone woman in the ribs then picked up her struggling body
and threw it overboard. Janice’s worn hat fluttered to the deck as her
body sailed overboard and into the sea below.
        “That dumb ass.” Aires muttered as he shoved Mel. “If you know
what’s smart, you’ll get going now!” With a yell of his own he struck
the nearest crewman. In minutes the entire deck of the ship was
engulfed in a brawl.
        Janice hit the water and swam down, as far and as fast as she
could. When she finally surfaced for air she was right next to the hull
of the approaching ship. She looked up to see the faces of the
smugglers either looking at the brawl on the Gauntlet or scanning the
water for signs of her body. Fortunately they were scanning the water
where her body had landed, not where she was. Cautiously she moved to
the side of the ship away from the The Gauntlet and flicking her
bullwhip onto a deck rail, began to climb up the side of the ship. She
stayed quiet and careful, easing her dripping body onto the cargo ship.
        As she hoped, all of the crew on deck were at the rail watching
the brawl. As silently as her wet clothes allowed, she slipped below
decks. Janice had recognized the ship as Remember Nothing from on board
the The Gauntlet, and while it wasn’t something Aires needed to know,
Janice had a score to settle. The independent thugs that operated the
pirate vessel had stolen a prize find from her in the past. Now it was
payback time. She startled one crewman on the stairs leading into the
belly of the ship. He was silenced with a wet boot landing solidly on
his nose. Not bothering to step over the body, she continued down the
stairs to the deck below.
        Cautiously she checked the open cabins until she found that of the
Captain. He was studying himself in a mirror, shaving.
        “You know, some day your vanity is going to get you in a heap of
trouble.” Janice said quietly as she leaned on his table. Her hand and
wrist relaxed, holding her bullwhip.
        He spun around at her words, his eyes flashing. “Jan? Why, how
good to see you. I don’t suppose you’ve brought me another present?” He
shrugged, answering his own question, “Dr. Leesto was so happy with the
last one. Xena’s breastplate wasn’t it?”
        “You remembered Captain Crunch, I’m flattered.”
        “If you don’t mind Jan, it’s Krykus, Captain Krykus.” He looked
closely at the dripping archeologist, “What, no mutt? Oh, did she not
make it?” He asked with feigned sincerity.
        In a flash the bullwhip was out and wrapped around the throat of
the captain. Janice yanked down hard and with a thud his chin connected
with the table top. “That’s for Argo.” Jan hissed as she shoved his
unconscious body to the floor. Quickly rummaging through his room. It
didn’t take long for her to find what she was looking for. “So
predictable,” she muttered, retrieving her whip as she left.


        Almost as soon as it began the fighting began to subside. Aires
noted with concern that the other smuggling ship was getting painfully
close. Much longer and they’d be able to board. Already they had cut
their engines and were drifting toward the The Gauntlet. Soon he’d give
the signal to gun the engines and try to move away, whether Janice
Covington was on board his ship or not. He dabbed at his bloodied nose
gently as he approached Mel Pappas, who was looking forlornly at the
ocean where Janice had landed. “Any sign of her?” He asked gently.
        Startled out of her thoughts she replied quickly, “no, not yet.”
Mel gingerly fingered the brim of Janice’s hat, that Argo had retrieved
from the deck as soon as the fighting started. Both woman and dog
seemed only vaguely aware of what went on around them, both human and
canine eyes riveted to the ocean below.
        He joined in her visual search of the waters. “Well I can give her
another five minutes, but if there isn’t a sign of her by then, we’ll
have to go. I can’t risk being boarded.”
        Mel nodded absently, there wasn’t much she could say to argue with
the captain. If she didn’t even know how to articulate her own feelings
for the complicated archeologist, how could she explain them to
another?
        As if sensing her confusion Aires changed the subject. “As long as
we’re waiting, why not tell me when you were born?”

        Janice quickly positioned the sticks of dynamite in the main hold
of the cargo ship, shaking her head at what ever priceless antiquities
she was about to destroy. “Not so fast Covington” a seething voice
rasped from the doorway.
        Krykus stood leaning against the doorway, his revolver pointed at
Janice, his neck red and blistered from the burn of the bullwhip. “Nice
nap?” Janice asked, gaging the distance between Krykus and the door.
        “It’s over Jan. You’ve been good for business in the past but it’s
over. I’ll have to make sure that barge that brought you out here pays
for dealing with your kind of scum.”
        “That’s no way to talk about a lady.” Janice smirked.
        “You’re no lady.”
        Janice shrugged, he was right after all, and dove for the door. A
shaky hand followed her movement and the revolver fired. Janice yelped
in pain as she rolled to her feet and kicked up at Krykus. A commotion
sounded above them on deck as excited voices responded to the gun shot.
The momentary distraction was enough to divert Krykus’ eyes for the
second Janice needed to land another kick, this time hitting her mark.
The gun sailed from the captain’s hand and skittered across the deck.
She brought her foot back again, this time landing a blow to the
captain’s groin. He doubled over and instantly she was on her feet
winching in pain as she stood.
        She cast a quick glance down to her arm. A swelling stain of red
was quickly seeping through her shirt, she’d been shot in the left
bicep. Her eyes narrowed in fury. As Krykus surged across the floor in
search of his gun, Janice sprang over his prone body reaching the gun
first. Quickly cocking the gun she aimed at his arm and fired. Voices
now filled the stairs leading into the hold. Passing the gun to her
left hand she roughly hauled Krykus into a sitting position and kept
the gun barrel at the base of his skull. Several men entered the room
and froze at the sight of their bleeding captain, held at gun point by
a very angry woman, dripping blood and water.
        “Not so fast boys,” Janice growled.
        “Listen to her,” Krykus pleaded.
        “You threw the gun to Leesto that she used to shoot my dog. Tell
me why I shouldn’t kill you where you sit.” She seethed.
        “You can have the cargo, take it.” The men in the doorway nodded
their agreement.
        “Oh, like I believe you.” Janice shook her head. She jabbed the
gun barrel into his neck for emphasis. “Light a cigarette.” She
commanded, keeping her eyes on his men.
        With shaky fingers Krykus removed a battered pack of cigarettes
from his pocket and with trembling hands brought one to his lips. He
had some trouble with the matches, but got it lit.
        “Now give it to me.” Janice said evenly after he took a tentative
puff. Not able to see what Janice intended, he handed the cigarette to
her. Next he noticed the eyes of his crew men go wide as they turned
and ran from the cargo hold as fast as they could. “Wha…?” He snapped
his head around at the sizzling sound that came from near his ear.
Janice stood, a stick of dynamite in her hand, the fuse burning.
        “You’re insane!” He screamed as he struggled to his feet and ran
for the door.
        “No, just pissed.” She replied as she followed after. Partway up
the stairs she paused for a moment, letting the fuse burn down further
before throwing it into the cargo hold. She didn’t see anyone in the
stairwell, and suspected that there was a flurry of activity on deck
namely getting the lifeboats lowered. She had just reached open deck
when she felt rather than heard the first tremors of the explosion.
With a mad dash for the railing she leaped from the deck of Remember
Nothing, hitting the water with the added force of the explosion.

        “What was that?” Mel Pappas asked when she heard the first shot
ring out from the approaching ship.
        Aires studied the approaching vessel. He shouted to a near by crew
man. “Ready the engines. We get out of here, now. Full speed, on my
mark.” The man nodded, and began to shout orders to other people. Soon
the The Gauntlet was buzzing with organized activity. Then another
shout sounded and Aires hit the rail impatiently. “What could she be
doing over there?” He ordered the engines fired when he saw people
streaming over the other ships deck, jumping into the water and
frantically lowering lifeboats. When the answering roar of the The
Gauntlet’s engines did not sound in his ears, he hurried down into the
bowels of his ship to rectify the situation.
        Mel was not sure what was happening, but she did know that
something had happened on the other ship. She didn’t get much of a
chance to ponder the though because an explosion from deep within the
approaching smuggling vessel erupted, sending debris smoke everywhere.
It was several more minutes before the The Gauntlet’s engines roared
and the boat began to pull away from the wreckage of the other ship.
        It was at that moment that Mel realized that no one intended to
wait for Janice, if in fact she’d survived the plunge she’d taken. Her
eyes began to well with tears as she looked down forlornly. As she did
however, she noticed a dark figure clinging to the hull of the The
Gauntlet like a fly on a wall. Mel’s tears of sorrow turned to joy as
she saw Janice struggle to climb up the ship, her tenuous hold on her
bullwhip the only thing keeping her out of the water.
        Mel grabbed at a passing crewman, relieved to see that it was
Toby, the silent man she’d sat near in the rowboat. “Janice, she’s down
there!” Mel said, pointing. He looked over the rail, as he craned his
neck Mel noticed several scars on his neck. Pulling back, he motioned
for Mel to stay where she was and pointed to Argo as well.
Instinctively she put her hand on the dog’s collar. He grabbed a nearby
life ring and tossed it down to Janice, hitting her in the head with
it. Tobias’ eyes darted around the ship as he hauled Janice up. The
look of worry on her face reminded Mel about what Janice had said
earlier. That, coupled with the image of an enraged Silvus made Mel
very nervous. “I hope she’s okay.” She muttered to which the big man
nodded. “If she’s hurt, we can’t let any one know, can we?” Toby spared
a glance for the striking woman and shook his head emphatically. Mel
nodded. “that’s what I was afraid of,” she murmured to herself.
        Toby heard a grumble and managed to turn, still holding the rope
but appearing to lean casually over the railing as Silvus stepped into
view. He sported a black eye and several cuts, but seemed in bright
spirits. His eyes narrowed when he saw Mel. “So, you’re Jan’s bitch.
You a good ride?”
        Mel’s mouth opened, stunned. “Not for you.” She finally sputtered.
Argo growled, her hackles rising menacingly.
        “C’mere puppy- time you joined the lezzie overboard.” Silvus
advanced slowly. Argo bared her teeth, long and sharp, stopping the
thug where he stood. With one hand still holding the rope behind his
back, Toby protectively draped the other around Mel’s shoulders. He
also bared his teeth.
        Silvus thought twice about continuing his advance. “Sorry buddy, I
didn’t know you had dibs. Let me have her when you’re done…” He
continued on his way, not looking back as he moved on. As soon as he
was out of sight, Toby returned to the task of hauling Janice up.
Dumped onto the deck of the ship, Janice coughed water out of her lungs
with what little energy she had left. Mel and Toby managed to get her
standing by leaning her back against the outside of the ship’s cabin.
        “Goodness gracious, she’s bleeding.” Mel stammered. Tobias quickly
put his finger over his mouth silencing her. After another quick shake
of his head Mel nodded. Just then another crewman came around the deck
from the direction Silvus departed. Not knowing what else to do Mel
quickly covered Janice’s body with her own, obscuring the bloody arm
from view and kissed the woman soundly. She turned her head at the
appreciative whistle.
        “She’s so sexy after a swim.” Mel muttered, not needing to feign
embarrassment.
        “Well give us a break and take it below decks will ya?” The seaman
muttered, continuing on his way.
        Mel glanced up to see Tobias looking at her, blushing profusely.
With a grin he helped Mel get the barely conscious woman to their
cabin. “Will you tell the captain that we got her back?” Mel asked as
Toby prepared to leave. He nodded and patted her hand gently. On
impulse she kissed the big man on the cheek. “That’s a thank you from
Janice… and me.” She said as he departed.
        “Sexy after a swim?” Janice said in a strained voice from where
she leaned against the wall.
        “Well I had to think of something.” Mel replied helping the
archeologist out of her wet clothes. “What happened to your arm?”
        Shivering Janice looked down at the blood still oozing from the
puncture wound. “I got shot. Bullet’s still in there. You’re going to
have to dig it out.”
        “You’ve got to be kidding! I’ll get the Captain, or Toby…”
        “No! Janice said fiercely. I meant what I said earlier. Toby has
already done enough. Either you do it or I do, and I don’t think I’d do
a very good job of it right now.” Janice sat down heavily on the edge
of the bed, trying to keep her dripping to a minimum.
        “First of all let’s dry you off.” Mel said taking charge. “No use
having you go into shock.” Rummaging through the crate by the mirror,
she extracted a large blanket and set to drying off the archeologist’s
shivering body with it. Careful of the injured arm, she got most of the
cold sea water off of Janice. Her color began to improve.
        Janice could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. As much as her
arm hurt, there was no denying the signals sent to her brain from
everywhere Mel touched with the blanket. It was all she could do to
keep a satisfied smile off her face. The sensation ended however when
she accidently bumped her arm. The bullet lodged in her flesh made
itself known, painfully. “Get the first aid kit out of my pack, and the
bottle of whiskey. And that bowl.” She nodded to the enameled bowl on
the crate.
        Mel complied and hurriedly brought all the items to the bed. The
first thing Janice did was open the bottle of whiskey and take a
healthy swig. She was about to pour some over her wound when a light
knock sounded at the door. “That’s Toby’s knock,” Janice said, taking
another swig of whiskey, “go ahead and answer it.”
        As soon as the door was opened a crack, the big man quickly handed
Mel a bundle of bandages, some alcohol and other first aid supplies.
Before she could say a word, he deposited the items and was gone.
“Okay, what do I do?” Mel asked as she positioned herself on the edge
of the crate, by the bed.
        Janice grimaced as she positioned her arm for the other woman’s
inspection. After another swig of the whiskey she was ready to speak.
“Take those tweezers and try to find the bullet.” She probed the sides
of her wound, gasping with pain as she did. “I think it’s near the
surface, shouldn’t be too hard to find. After you get it out, clean it
with the alcohol then sew it up. I’ll talk you through it if I’m still
conscious. If not, just wing it. You look like the type that can sew.”
        “I appreciate you faith in me Janice Covington.” Mel said smiling
through her sarcasm as she took a deep breath and went to work.

        Aires shook his head in disbelief, Tobias simply shrugged. “So she
made it back to the ship and now they’re…” He left his words hanging as
Tobias supplied a crass hand gesture leaving little to the imagination.
“So she’s fine then?” Aires asked, to which the big man nodded his head
emphatically. “Funny,” Aires wondered aloud, “I thought for sure she’d
be a goner on that ship.”
        His silent musings were abruptly shattered by the loud gasp and
whimper that came from the cabin next door. He looked at Toby who had
the good grace to blush, “I can see you weren’t mistaken.” He said to
his silent companion. Another cry followed with some loud sobbing when
Aires shook his ruefully. “Christ,” he muttered, “she’s louder than
last time.”

        Mel studied her handiwork critically. The stitches were neat and
the wound cleaned to the best of her ability. Carefully she wrapped the
archaeologist’s arm in clean bandages, occasionally glancing to the
bowl that housed the bloody slug. Janice smiled at her weakly, looking
up through heavily lidded eyes. “See, I knew you could sew,” she
muttered, completely inebriated.
        “Nice to know you haven’t lost your sense of humor.” Mel observed.
        “Nope. Just blood.”
        Mel cringed at that. There was a pile of bloodied compresses on
the floor. Janice had lost a fair amount of blood. After gently prying
the whisky bottle from Janice’s good arm, she set it on the table and
began to clean up the mess. After washing the last traces of blood from
her fingers she turned to see Janice studying her, a small smile on her
relaxed face. Argo had hopped onto the bed and lay curled at the
archeologist’s side, injured hand resting lightly on the big dog’s
head.
        “See something interesting?” Mel asked when Janice failed to
redirect her gaze.
        “Just a beautiful woman.” Janice replied honestly.
        “Janice Covington you’re drunk!” Mel laughed as she moved to check
on the bandage.
        Janice nodded, “Yes, completely. But fortunately for me that does
not change the fact that you are incredibly beautiful.” She gently
covered Mel’s hand with her own and gazed into impossibly blue eyes.
        “Are you always this flirtatious when you’re drunk?” Mel asked,
unable to pull herself away from the green eyes that looked so intently
into her own.
        Janice shrugged, “I don’t know. If I’m going to be really drunk, I
try to do it in private. I’m much better company when I’m sober.” The
last was said with a suggestive leer than broke the spell and made Mel
laugh.
        “Oh, I don’t know about that.” Mel said, putting the
archeologist’s hand back on the big dog’s head. “Sober you’ve been
positively infuriating, drunk I find you oddly charming.” Casually she
began to glance around the small room. It was late, she was exhausted
and there didn’t seem to be any other place to stretch out other than
the bed.
        Now even Janice laughed. “Too bad I don’t drink very often.” With
a shrug she changed the subject as she noticed Mel’s eyes wandering.
        “You might as well get into bed with Argo and me. I’m in no
condition to indulge in anything more aggressive than idle fantasy.”
        Mel smiled as she began to undress. “Nice to know I’m having some
impact.” She muttered as she slipped into bed on the side of Janice’s
good arm. Oddly, she felt more comfortable with the inebriated
flirtatious Janice than the hothead of earlier. She looked over to see
if her comment met with any response to see Janice’s eyes closed, sound
asleep. With a smile she relaxed into the bed, smiling to herself as
she too drifted off to sleep.

…I learned an important lesson after Thessaly. Never underestimate the
determination of a bard. Well, at least one bard, that’s for certain. I
suppose I was overprotective, but how could I not be? As momentary as
it was, the loss of Gabrielle hit me so deeply I don’t think the pain
of it ever affected me less regardless of how many years later the
memory surfaced.
        When she was ready to travel we left the Temple of Asclepius and
continued on our way toward Athens. I insisted she ride, surprised that
she didn’t argue the point. She wasn’t strong enough to talk, well not
at her usual capacity, so a significant part of our journey was in
silence. In hindsight I guess it was not ideal for either of us. I was
left to brooding on the dark thoughts of what might have been.
Gabrielle, who knew me better than any one alive could tell. With each
step Argo took I got closer to learning something important about
Gabrielle as well as myself, and that lesson would not be easy to take.
        When we camped for the night I saw to it that she moved as little
as possible.  The stitches were not yet ready to come out, and there
was no sense in aggravating the wounds. Gabrielle was strangely moody
and by the time I’d cleaned up after dinner she appeared despondent,
gazing absently into the fire.
        “Are you okay?” I asked, worried that a full day’s travel had been
too much for her.
        “You’re joking, right?” She replied sullenly, her eyes clouded
over with something unreadable.
        “Can you tell me what’s bothering you?” I asked taking a seat next
to her on her bedroll.
        She shrugged her shoulders. “I could, but I doubt it would do any
good.”
        I blinked in surprise at the frankness of her answer. “I’d like
you to try,” I said, “I might surprise you.”
        She took a few moments to compose her thoughts then turned a
steady gaze to me. “Xena, I’m sorry about what happened at the temple,”
she began, “but the way you’re dealing with it isn’t healthy for either
of us.”
        “What do you mean?”
        “I mean you’re scared. I don’t know if you’ve admitted it to
yourself yet or not, but you are. I can see you doubting my abilities,
going overboard trying to take care of me and smothering me in the
process.” The tone of her voice gave little away. She didn’t sound
angry, or hurt, just numb.
        “That’s a little harsh, don’t you think?” I replied, “I mean you
don’t even have your stitches out.”
        She smiled a thin smile that did not reach her eyes, “I don’t
think it would matter if I had gray hair Xena. You need to come to
grips with this and until you do, you’re not going to let me out of
your sight.” She sighed. “You feel too much responsibility for my life
Xena and it isn’t doing you or me any good.”
        I was starting to get angry but tried not to show it. Sometimes I
hate it when she’s right. “You could tell all of this by one day’s
travel?” I asked, my own voice icy.
        She nodded. “You’re a complex person Xena.” she said, “but
sometimes you’re not very hard to read.”
        “Well thanks for the complex part.” I muttered.
        “Am I wrong?” She asked.
        I shook my head, “I guess not. But Gabrielle, you’ve got to
understand that I am responsible for what happens to you…”
        “No you’re not!” She said forcefully, grabbing my hand for
emphasis. “Until you realize that I am responsible for my own life this
will continue to be a problem.” She shook her head, frustrated. “Xena,
I travel with you because I choose to. I know who you are and who you
were. I am well aware that every war lord from here to Sparta would
love to have your head on a pike outside their front gate. But Xena, I
am an adult. Knowing what the risks are, I have made my choice, and it
is to be with you. You’re my home and I’m your family. I can’t explain
how we got this way but I just know that we are. You’re going to have
to let go…”
        “Gabrielle,” I butted in, “you died. This is not a matter of a
sprained ankle or the ungracious behavior of a warlord.”
        She nodded. “That’s true. But every day I have to live with the
reality that you might die. That some assassin might get lucky, that
down some dark corridor there may be the numbers to overwhelm you. Yes,
Xena you have to live with the same risks that I do.” She shook her
head sadly, “I have faith in you to come to my rescue when things get
too much for me. I wish you had faith in me to know it won’t happen
very often.”
        I didn’t know what to say to that. Looking back to the few other
painful conversations we’d had I tried to do what she had told me then.
Put myself in her place. But there was a big difference between
Gabrielle and myself. She wasn’t as strong or proficient in any weapons
save for the staff. But, I countered myself, she had talked herself
into and out of some amazing predicaments in the past. With a sigh I
realized that she was much more versatile than I and ultimately could
avoid more confrontations. Fortunately for me I had learned as a
warlord that there was little to be gained by not taking good advice
when it was presented on a silver platter.
        “What would you have me do?” I asked quietly.
        “What?” She asked, stunned.
        I shrugged, “I think you’re right Gabrielle. I’d like to try to
fix this if I can.”
        “You think I’m right?” She asked in wonderment.
        “Is something wrong with your hearing?” I inquired dryly.
        “Oh no,” she hurried on. “I’m just surprised that’s all. I thought
it would take at least another hour to talk some sense into you.”
        “Well I’m glad I can surprise you from time to time.” I replied.
“Unlike some people, I try not to have a problem admitting it when I’m
wrong.”
        “Ah, yeah.” She nodded getting my point. “So what to do…”
        I think we talked most of the night that night. At times it was
painful and exhausting but at other times it was warm and comforting.
She shared a lot about growing up in Potedia. Little things she hadn’t
yet told me about how she was treated by her family and how I had been
such a contrast to that. Knowing why she was so sensitive to being
babied gave me the insight I needed to keep from doing it- that is
unless it was necessary. I managed to avoid talking about my past but I
did tell her, through graphic examples, of the painful demise of
warriors who had let pride get in the way of their commons sense.
        As we turned to our bedrolls she spoke one more time. “Thanks
Xena,” she said, “for talking this out. You were really much better at
this than I expected.”
        I couldn’t suppress a grin at that statement. I’d changed so much
in the past year. “Just don’t expect this level of conversation every
time you have a complaint.” I muttered as I laid down to sleep. She
laughed and that lyrical sound and the radiant smile that went with it
I carried with me as I traveled past the land of dreams…

Chapter 5: Private Parties

        Mel awoke with a start. She was warm, comfortably so, and
something soft was pressing against her side. She looked down to see
the mass of strawberry blond hair resting in the crook of her shoulder,
and a bandaged arm draped across her chest.
She could feel one of Janice’s legs draped across her own and then she
saw the reason. Argo had stretched out on the bed, effectively shoving
Janice on top of Mel. Both dog and owner were breathing the slow
relaxed breaths of peaceful slumber.
        Mel stayed that way for awhile, absently stroking Janice’s back
with her arm, feeling protective, needed. It was when she realized that
she needed to use the bathroom that she decided to wake Janice.
        “Doctor Covington?” Mel asked softly, gently shaking the
archeologist’s shoulders.
        “Murphhh na lau.” Janice mumbled into Mel’s breast.
        “Janice, wake up. Please.” Mel tried again.
        “Not now, I’m busy.” Janice mumbled, only slightly more coherent.
        “Busy doing what?” Mel asked, blue eyes blazing into green as
Janice slowly lifted her head.
        “Wha…?” Janice asked trying to focus. It took only a moment before
she glanced down at her own nude form, then to Mel who was dressed in
only a slip. “What happened?” Janice demanded wincing in pain when she
tried to move her arm. Then again once she realized the pounding she
heard was coming from inside her own head.
        “What happened when?” Mel asked calmly.
        “Did I…?” Janice’s mind raced trying to put the pieces together.
She didn’t know what would be worse, having taken advantage of Melinda
Pappas or not being able to remember doing it.
        Mel laughed, the sensation of moving breasts not lost on Janice
who still leaned against them. “No Janice, you didn’t do anything. You
implied that you wanted to however, but you fell asleep.” With a nod
she indicated Argo. “I think your dog shoved you onto me in your
sleep.” Janice nodded, cheeks flaming red, almost as red as her blood
shot eyes. “So how is the arm?” Mel asked deciding to be merciful and
change the subject.
        “Arm?” Another wince. “Oh that arm.” She considered a moment then
nodded, “it’s okay. Just stiff.” Janice paused for a moment. “And
hungover. Ah, excuse me.” She added as she shifted more of her weight
onto Mel in order to turn and shove the dog. “Argo down!” After a
couple of shoves the dog woke and complied. As gracefully as she could,
Janice extracted herself from Mel’s embrace and headed for her clothes.
        Mel had finished dressing when she turned around to see Janice
unwrapping her arm. “What are you doing?” She asked.
        “Relax sweetheart, I’m just checking on your handiwork, okay?”
Taking out a new set of dressings Mel waited patiently for Janice to
finish her inspection. She got a shrug and a smile of approval. “Nice
work Mel.”
        “Why thank you doctor. Ah, do you think we should switch shirts?”
Mel asked. “I washed the blood out of your’s but there is a hole in it,
and your bandage will show through.”
        Janice nodded, wondering why the thought hadn’t occurred to her.
“That’s a good idea, thanks. Does anyone know I’m hurt?” She asked
trading shirts with the southerner.
        “Just Toby, there was no around it.”
        “I’ll keep out of sight until we get to Leesto’s. It shouldn’t be
much longer.”

        Mel and Argo proceeded on deck. Janice had assured Mel that she
would be fine and was ravenously hungry. In the quest for food that did
not come in a can, Mel endured the appreciative glances of the crew as
she looked for Aires. Grateful Janice’s shirt had a chance to fully
dry, she was comforted by the scent of the archeologist that clung to
the khaki fabric.
        “Could you keep her a little more quiet next time?” Aires said in
way of greeting when he met up with Mel on deck. She stared at him
blankly for a moment until she got his meaning.
        “I’ll try,” she murmured demurely. “But I don’t think she can
really help it.”
        “Yes, well I’m not the only one envious of her helplessness.”
Aires replied with a grin. “Have you had anything to eat? Er, I mean
food that is.”
        Mel rolled her eyes at the joke, not completely certain what the
eating thing was about. It was the second time it was mentioned and she
honestly didn’t have a clue. She did have enough of an idea that she
did not want to ask Janice. A quick trip to the ships mess rewarded her
and Argo with better food than she’d expected on a smuggling ship.
        She returned to the cabin, arms laden with bread, cheese, roast
beef and fruit. Once she had the door closed behind her she unloaded
her spoils on the bed. She handed Janice a steaming mug, that meeting
with the most approval.
        “I’m surprised you can eat with a hangover.” Mel observed as she
watched the food between them vanish.
        “I can always eat.” Janice replied. “Sick, hungover doesn’t
matter. Dad said it ran in the family.”
        “You can say that again.” Mel quipped before she could stop
herself.
        Janice looked at her strangely. “How would you know?” Mel looked
down, embarrassed. “A memory thing?” Janice asked, her voice
surprisingly soft.
        Mel nodded. “I’m sorry Janice. Things just pop into my head. It’s
like things I’ve known or just remembered. I can’t explain it.”
        “So you’re saying I’m a lot like Gabrielle?” Mel laughed, and was
instantly sorry she did. Janice looked positively furious.
        “Well actually no, you and Gabrielle are… very different.” Mel
shrugged helplessly. “Gabrielle had a much nicer disposition.”
        “How nice for Xena.” Janice replied, and had no idea as to why she
said it. She shook her head trying to clear the cobwebs forged in the
stupor of inebriation.
        Toby’s knock sounded at the door. After pointing to Janice then up
towards the deck, the two women followed the big man. Aires stood
leaning over the rail of the ship, intent on the sight through his
binoculars: A small island looming on the horizon. He winked at Janice
when she approached.
        “Sorry to disturb you, but I thought you might want to see this.”
He said, handing over the glasses.
        Janice peered into lenses, adjusting the focus slightly. A large
ship was anchored just off the island with minimal activity on deck.
        “Have they seen us?” Janice asked.
        Aires nodded, “I wouldn’t worry about it though. Leesto is used to
cargo traffic, we can pass by without arousing suspicion then double
back. What do you make of that big ship there?” he asked.
        “Looks like a pleasure cruiser to me.” Janice shrugged. “Cal has
visitors, wealthy from the looks of them. Wonder what she’s up to?”
        Mel grabbed Janice’s good arm with a start. “The scrolls,” she
whispered fiercely, “something to do with the scrolls.”
        Janice nodded, her hangover returning in full force. “Knowing Cal,
it’s an auction.”

        “Are you sure about this?” Mel asked hours later as she rowed the
small boat toward the giant cruise ship.
        “I’m not really sure of anything.” Janice replied, “I just wing it
and hope for the best.  Maybe the ship’s crew will be too busy taking
care of their wealthy guests to pay much attention to us.”
        The reception that met them however was a bit more than the
archeologist had hoped. Seven crisply uniformed men with guns waited at
the base of a ladder when the tiny boat pulled up. Before Janice could
speak Mel stood and regarded the most decorated of the uniformed men
coldly, “I will speak with the captain immediately.”
        “Who are you?” The man asked, surprised by the regal tone.
        “I am Kathryn Von Melosa, this ship was supposed to wait for my
arrival before departing. As it was, I had to take inadequate transport
to get here. Don’t think for a second I will let this sort of affront
pass.”
        “Von Melosa?” The man sputtered. “We did not have any Von Melosa
on our manifest.”
        “Then I will have a word with your captain over that as well.”
        As fast as the men could move Melinda, Janice and Argo were
brought on board. The men were beside themselves with fear. The Von
Melosas were as infamous as the Vanderbilts and Rockefellars. After
several apologies by the men, Janice suggested since they were on
board, and that was all that really mattered, why bother the captain
when the helpful men would certainly be held responsible for the
oversight. They were in favor of forgetting the whole thing and
escorted the trio to a vacant suite.
        “Von Melosa?” Janice asked with a raised eyebrow when the door
closed securely behind her.
        “Mother’s maiden name.” She explained. “Comes in useful from time
to time.”
        “Your mother is Kathryn Von Melosa?!” Janice was stunned.
        “Well, pappy called her Katie.”
        “You’re an heiress?” Janice was still stunned.
        Mel shrugged unhappily. “Well, sort of.” Getting annoyed, Mel
firmly put her hands on her hips. “Shut your mouth Janice, or you’re
going to catch flies. Yes, momma is rich, but I haven’t seen her in
years. Your daddy wasn’t the only one with trouble keeping a wife,
momma left us too.” She shook her head, trying to scatter unpleasant
memories, “So, Doctor Covington, I got us on this ship but it won’t
take much checking to discover that momma isn’t supposed to be a
passenger. What now?”
        Janice shrugged. “Let’s have a look around.”
        After breaking into the room across the hall, Janice found an
embossed invitation on the dressing table. “It’s an auction all right,”
she noted, reading the elegant parchment. “Xena scrolls and other
related artifacts to be auctioned off tonight, starting at 8pm sharp.
Bids will be taken until midnight. Only after the final bid is taken
will the artifacts be distributed. I guess she figures only unlocking
the vault once will be safer for her and her clients,” Janice guessed.
“Which means we have until midnight to figure out a way to get to them
first.”
        “Or I could just buy them.” Mel muttered. She shrugged at Janice’s
shocked expression. “It isn’t like I don’t have the money, wouldn’t
that be easier?”
        Janice looked at her, a wicked gleam in her vibrant green eyes.
“But not nearly as fun. Think about it Mel, what would Xena do?”
        It only took a moment to think about what had been done. The theft
of her things, of Gabrielle’s things. It wasn’t the items that mattered
so much as the fact that they were being sold to the highest bidder and
taken away from her family. “We take what’s ours,” she replied. Janice
had to do a double take. Mel had spoken without her accent.
        Janice checked the time on her pocket watch, thankful that it was
in the pocket of her jacket and not ruined by her fall overboard. “We
don’t have much time Mel.” She urged as the heiress put the last few
items into the large suitcase.
        Mel nodded. “I’ve got everything, lets go.”
        “Are those clothes going to fit?” Janice asked as they retrieved
Argo from their room.
        “Sure,” Mel replied, “I’ve always been the same size as the
Vanderbilts.”
        They carefully lowered the suitcase onto their dingy, keeping an
eye out for crew. With Mel and the luggage in the boat, Janice
carefully removed the dog’s pack and tossed it down to Mel.
        “Okay girl,” Janice said to the dog. “You’re going to hate this,
but I need a diversion. That end of the ship. Then come back here and
jump overboard. Mommie will get ya.” The dog looked nervous, apparently
understanding the word overboard, and was not happy. Janice tried
again, enthustically whispering the words “big mess” and pointing. With
a pant, the big dog trotted off.
        “Mommie?” Mel asked with a grin as Janice seated herself in the
boat.
        Janice frowned. “Forget it Mel, and start rowing.” Moments later
screams could be heard on board as havoc broke out. They were halfway
to shore when Janice pointed at the water. “Stop rowing. There she is,
let her catch up.” Mel lifted the oars out of the water as Janice
struggled to lift the dog into the boat. She winced with pain at the
exertion of her wounded arm, but all was forgotten when the soaked
canine showered her with sloppy kisses.
        Mel didn’t try to hide the amusement from her face at Janice as
she hugged her dog and praised her with kisses for a job well done.
Shouting could still be heard from the cruise ship as their tiny boat
found a secluded cove on the island. On firm footing, Argo took the
opportunity to shake the water from her coat, managing to drench Mel
with most of it.
        “That’s mommie’s good girl.” Janice snickered with satisfaction.
        After some scouting, Argo discovered an empty boathouse near the
main complex of Calissandra Leesto’s island retreat. An elaborate
walkway was decorated, clearly the entry way for the evening’s event.
        “We have four hours until show time.” Janice said looking at her
watch. “Get some sleep, I’ll keep an eye out for anyone. Once the
guests start to arrive, we get dressed. If your disguises work we
should be able to slip in with the rest of ‘em. When we find the stuff,
we get back to the boat as soon as possible. Aires said he’d wait 24
hours on the other side of the island. After that we’re going to have
to hijack a cruise ship if we want to get home.”
        Mel watched Janice carefully. It was clear that the younger woman
was in pain. She was using her injured arm as little as possible, but
trying to favor it casually. She needed to be still, to rest if they
were going to be successful in their attempt at recovering the scrolls.
Janice sat on the floor of the boat house, back propped up against the
wall as she glanced out the window across from her and listened to the
sounds of the island. Mel lay down using Janice’s jacket as a blanket,
and her thigh as a pillow. Janice started in surprise at first, but Mel
smiled as she felt the archeologist relax under the contact.
        “Comfortable?” Janice asked, as she draped her good arm over Mel’s
shoulders and played with her hair absently.
        “Very.” Mel replied warmly. “Don’t forget to wake me with plenty
of time to get dressed. It’s going to take awhile for your hair and
make up.”
        “I can hardly wait.” Was the last thing Mel heard her say before
drifting off to sleep.

…I don’t know who was more surprised by the announcement of Iolaus’
wedding, me or Gabrielle. We’d kept in touch with him and Hercules over
the years, keeping each other updated on our adventures, and
occasionally coming to each others aid. The announcement of Iolaus’
betrothal, however, came as a complete surprise. What was even more
surprising than simply being invited to the wedding, was the request
that I sing at the ceremony. Iolaus was like family, and there was
simply no way I could refuse. Gabrielle and I arrived into town a full
two days before the nuptials were scheduled to take place. Hercules
arrived shortly after us. Gabrielle had been unusually quiet since we’d
gotten into town and I’d hoped that catching up on old times with Herc
might remedy whatever it was that was bothering her.
        We sat at an outside table watching the village prepare for the
wedding of a celebrity. Herc had made certain that Gabrielle and I stay
in the castle of his brother. He seemed very pleased that for once the
attention was not focused entirely on him. To a lesser degree I knew
how he felt. Gabrielle continued to keep to herself, contributing only
rarely to the conversation. The arrival of Jason, Hercules’ step-father
only made things worse.
        “Beautiful time of year for a wedding.” Jason commented, to which
Hercules, Gabrielle and I mumbled our agreement.
        “Selene is crazy about Iolaus. Of course, being crazy helps if
you’re going to marry him.” Hercules commented.
        “Can’t say she was the one everyone expected to marry Iolaus.”
Jason countered.
        “Really?” I asked. “Who was he expected to marry?”
        Jason smiled across the table. “Why Gabrielle, of course.”
        The fact that Gabrielle choked on her wine let me know that she
was indeed following the conversation. Her comment of “How silly,” was
apparently not what Jason expected.
        “Why do you say that, Gabrielle?” He asked.
        “Well,” she replied, “we’ve never been more than friends, and it
isn’t as if I’m available anyway.”
        I could see Herc try to suppress a snicker as he looked intently
into his goblet. I kept my expression neutral as I waited for Gabrielle
to explain this one.
        “Well you’ve done a very good job of hiding him Gabrielle.” Jason
replied with a chuckle. “In fact, the only company I ever hear of you
keeping is Xe…”
        A judiciously raised eyebrow at Jason brought his musings to an
abrupt end. “I guess people can forget the double wedding between you
and Hercules and Gabrielle and Iolaus.” Jason muttered as he excused
himself from our table, supposedly to find his wife.
        “Apparently so.” I agreed after his departure.
        Hercules laughed heartily. “That was priceless.” He grinned when
he could finally speak.
        “I don’t find it funny at all.” Gabrielle shot back and abruptly
left the table. I assured Hercules that it was not his sense of humor
that had driven off my bard. She’d been acting odd for awhile now and
it was high time I found out why.
        “What’s the matter?” I asked when I finally tracked her down to
the stall where Argo was stabled.
        “It’s nothing,” she replied sullenly, “I guess I just don’t like
weddings.”
        I walked up behind her, easing my arms around her shoulders and
resting my chin on the top of her head. “I think there is more to it
than that.” I murmured. “Is it Perdicus?” I asked wondering if the
preparations for Iolaus’ wedding brought back memories of so long ago.
        She shook her head. “Not exactly.”
        She turned in my embrace and looked up at me with those enchanting
green eyes. “I really don’t like weddings. I can’t dance. I’ll be
expected to, and I’m not looking forward to…”
        “To what?” I asked when it became clear she had no intention of
finishing her sentence.
        “It’s nothing. Really, let’s just forget it.” She said, casting
her eyes downward. A stable hand came in to attend another horse.
Instinctively Gabrielle took a step away from me, her cheeks flushing
red.
        “If it’s bothering you, it is something, and I want to know about
it.” I assured her, ignoring the boy and taking a step towards her to
wrap her in my arms again.
        “Xena.” She put her arms up to block mine and looked pointedly at
the stable boy whose back was turned. For me the gesture was like a
torch lighting up in a dark cave.
        “Let’s go to our room,” I said quietly. “It’s not what you think.”
I added when she shot me a knowing glance. “Well, not just what you
think.”
        Safely behind a closed door I was hoping Gabrielle might be a
little more forthcoming with what was really bothering her.
        “Is it this wedding in particular that’s bothering you?” I asked,
taking off my sword and chakram.
        “I suppose,” she agreed. “ But not because it’s Iolaus. The people
in this village know you, or know of you at least. I’m not thrilled
that every noble within riding distance is going to descend tomorrow
and be all over you like flies on…” I looked at her expecting a dig but
she only smiled as she said, “honey.”
        “What makes you think they will?”
        She turned, exasperated from the window where she had been
standing. “Because people don’t know that you aren’t available.” She
finally blurted.
        “I can’t say I’ve ever really acted available” I observed.
        “No, I don’t suppose you do. But there isn’t anything or anyone to
suggest you aren’t. Or, they’ll just think you’re with Hercules.” She
finished.
        I couldn’t help but smile as I approached her. “Then we shall
endeavor to inform them otherwise,” I replied stealing a gentle kiss.
        “We can’t do that.” Gabrielle replied when our kiss finally broke.
        I shrugged, “I thought as Warrior Princess I got to do pretty much
whatever I want. You’re telling me there are limits to my power?” As
I’d hoped, my reply was rewarded with a small chuckle.
        “You’re the one worried about me being a target.” She said.
“Besides we both know how some people would feel… about us.”
        I had to think about that for a moment. It was true I had been
concerned about people trying to get to me through Gabrielle, but in
reality that had been happening the whole time we’d known each other.
As for the others, people were saying any number of things about me
behind my back, and occasionally to my face, but rarely more than once.
“Gabrielle,” I began as I gently clasped her shoulders, “anyone who
knows us knows how we feel about each other. I mean, Callisto knew, and
that was before either of us did. I’m not about to endure an entire
wedding reception without my beloved at my side. If it disappoints the
fantasies of people like Jason, well I’m afraid that can’t be helped.”
        She smiled at me, the first time I’d seen that glorious sight in
days. The smile however shifted to terror when I added, “So I think
it’s time for your first dancing lesson.”

        “…no Gabrielle, your left foot goes behind the right, then you
kick with the left. I kick with my right.” I explained patiently,
showing her again.
        “I just don’t get it.” She complained, eyeing me intently as I
began to take off my breastplate. I caught her eye and got an idea.
        I shook my head. “Nope, the breastplate stays on until you get
this. Try it again.”
        In a few minutes she had the dance and my breastplate. After that,
Gabrielle picked up the steps quickly. With each dance she mastered she
got a piece of my clothing. In no time she’d mastered seven different
dances and I found myself busy congratulating her on her progress.
        When she slept, the exhausted, contented sleep of blissfully
sated, I bathed, dressed and headed back into the village square.
        “Nice dress.” Hercules commented when I ran into him outside.
“Where have you been?”
        “Oh, just teaching Gabrielle to dance.” I replied. I’d left my
armor in the room. I was going to be wearing a dress for the wedding
and decided getting used to walking around in one wouldn’t kill me.
        “I’m sorry about Jason.” Hercules said in a rush.
        “Don’t be.” I assured him. “Really, he prompted a conversation
Gabrielle and I had been needing to have.”
        “About marriage?” He asked.
        “No, about dancing.” I replied with a smile. “But as long as we’re
on the subject of marriage, know any good jewelers?”

        I practiced the song Iolaus had asked me to sing as Gabrielle and
I dressed for the wedding. Her mood was greatly improved and that
pleased me to no end. “Well what do you think?” She asked and I turned
around to see what she meant.
        I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful vision. The dress
she wore, a low cut masterpiece in green and gold was positively
striking. I think I even needed to grab the back of a nearby chair for
support, so struck was I with her brilliance.
        “You are the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen.” I whispered.
“But something’s missing,” I added when I could force myself to think.
        “What?” She asked, crestfallen.
        I turned to hide my smile and then reached in to the saddle bag
that hung on a peg by the door. I eased the necklace from the velvet
that housed it and reached for Gabrielle.
        “What’s this?” She asked, catching the pendant that hung from the
delicate chain in her fingers.
        “For you,” I replied, “from me.”
        She studied the detail in the gold medallion with interest. “It’s
exquisite. But there is only half of it here- is it broken?” She asked.
        “Sort of.” I replied, taking another necklace from the pouch and
handing it to her. “It’s called a celtic knot, it’s from beyond the
sea, where M’lia was from. I cut this into two, this is the other
half.” She touched the two halves of the medallion, smiling at the
completed picture. “As you are my other half.” I added quietly.
        She looked at me, eyes brimming with joy. “I love you, Xena.”
        “I know.” I replied, smiling at the playful punch I received at
that. She put the other necklace around my neck and we headed to the
wedding arm in arm ready for anything.
        As weddings go I suppose it was lovely. To be honest I don’t
remember much about that day except for Gabrielle. I managed to get
through the song without my voice breaking. It was hard though, seeing
Gabrielle’s eyes on me from where she was sitting, had me on the verge
of joyous laughter. Selene and Iolaus were very happy, and we wished
them well. At the reception Gabrielle did manage to put her new found
mastery of dancing to good use. She danced with Iolaus, Hercules and
even Jason but every other dance was for me, much to the supreme
disappointment of a variety of local nobles. I was not the only one who
appreciated the vision in green and gold.
        Looking back, I suppose I’m a little surprised at just how at ease
we were. We held hands, kissed and danced like any other married
couple. I could feel a few stares, but in all honesty it wasn’t any
different from the stares I’d get from my armor. I suppose Gabrielle
and I had become used to being looked at, speculated about. Only now
the stares were for Xena and Gabrielle; two women in love, not just
Warrior and Bard: Potential trouble for our village. For the chance to
spend a day as just Gabrielle and Xena, we didn’t mind a bit.
        After a well spent night of little sleep in a comfortable room we
returned to the road after breakfast the next morning. I stole frequent
glances of Gabrielle. She fingered her necklace absently as we walked.
She was surprised and pleased that I had not taken mine off. After all,
there was no reason to.
        “So Xena,” Gabrielle asked as we rounded the bend that would have
taken the village from our sight, “when do you think we’ll get
married?”
        “I thought you didn’t like weddings.” I teased.
        “Oh, I think I’ve developed an appreciation. The dancing
definitely helps.” She smiled at me as she continued. “but by the time
we get married, I might need a refresher course.”
        “I think that can be arranged.” I replied, glancing down at my own
necklace, silently agreeing with Gabrielle that it did look rather
fitting…