Chapter 6: Trouble, More or Leesto

        “Wake up Mel, it’s show time.” Janice nudged Mel gently, wishing
she didn’t have to disturb the woman sleeping peacefully on her lap.
Mel blinked in confusion, at first puzzled by the contrast of her dream
and her present surroundings. “Leesto’s party, we’ve got to get
dressed.” Janice supplied as she helped shift Mel to a sitting
position. “I noticed some activity on the dock, we’d best get dressed
and get out of here.”
        Mel nodded, clearing the cobwebs from her mind and opening the
suitcase containing the items they’d stolen from the ship. She took out
a white shirt and put it aside as she began to unbutton her own blouse.
        “I thought I was wearing that.” Janice blurted when she noticed
what Mel intended to wear.
        “You?” Mel laughed. “Don’t be silly. Y’all will never be able to
pass yourself off as a man, y’all will wear the dress.”
        “Like hell I will.” Janice shot back, “what about all that, I’m
the same size at the Vanderbilts?” Still smiling, Mel removed the
luggage tag from the suitcase and handed it to her friend. “Marmax
Vanderbilt,” Janice read the tag out loud. “Great. Look Mel, I don’t
know how to put this, but there is no way you’ll be able to cover… er
disguise your… um… what about your hair anyway?” She finally finished,
forcing her eyes above Mel’s ample bustline.
        Mel took a styled wig from the suitcase. “A little trim on this
should do the trick, and don’t worry I swiped some sewing scissors too.
You get out of those clothes and put the dress on.”
        Argo lifted her head as she watched her mistress disrobe. “Not one
word out of you.” Janice warned the dog, who put her head back down.
        Janice shrugged into the black satin dress, futzed with her
stockings and shoes and slipped on the long gloves. She kept her back
turned to Mel, not wanting the older woman to see how unaccustomed she
was to dressing in such finery. From behind she could hear Mel dress,
her mind painting pictures of how the statuesque woman would look in a
tuxedo. When she finally stood up, her face to the boat house wall she
felt a warm body move behind her and adjust the fasteners at the back
of the dress. “You look very nice Janice.” Mel commented as she
adjusted the lace at the archeologist’s shoulder. Janice could feel her
skin tingle from the whisper of Mel’s breath as it caressed the side of
her neck. Lifting her head she caught a reflection of the two of them
in the window. Janice’s eyes widened with wonder at the vision standing
behind her. Mel was dressed; the tuxedo complete except for the untied
bowtie that was draped loosely around her neck. Her hair was still
down; black tresses blending into the black jacket over a white shirt
and vest, her blue eyes shining like lapis. Something caught her eye
and she shifted her gaze to her own reflection. She cocked her head
curiously at the stranger looking back at her. The dress was low cut
and elegant, a masterpiece in lace and satin. She followed the black
lace line at her shoulder to where it met the black cuffed wrist of
Mel’s hand.
        Mesmerized she watched Mel’s hands lift from her shoulder and move
to the back of her head where they gently pulled her hair free of it’s
bindings. Mel brushed her hair with long luxurious strokes and pulled
two combs from the pocket of her jacket to pin it gracefully behind her
ears. Janice didn’t recognize herself.
        Gently those delicate hands turned her around and she was face to
face with her friend. “You look incredible.” Janice whispered.
        “If you say so,” Mel replied, breaking the spell. “I can’t tie a
tie though.”
        Janice nodded, not trusting herself to say any more. With shaking
hands she reached for the tie, and as she had for her father many
times, tied the complicated knot, forcing herself to concentrate.
Feeling her pulse race, she willed herself to stay calm. Still, the
thoughts persisted, her eyes persisting in showing her things and she
couldn’t help but respond. When she finished straightening the tie she
moved her hands to Mel’s shoulders, examining her work. She could feel
the suspenders under the material of the jacket and vest, the material
cool and smooth against her burning hands. Unable to stop herself, she
leaned up and softly covered Mel’s mouth with her own. Her hand slid
across soft fabric to the even softer skin at the back of Mel’s neck.
After a few seconds of exquisite contact she realized that the other
woman was neither helping nor hindering her efforts. Like a deer in
headlights, Mel was frozen.
        “Shit Mel, I’m sorry.” Janice blurted embarrassed beyond words
after abruptly breaking the kiss, “I don’t know what came over me, I
don’t know why I… look, I… I’m sorry.”
        Mel continued to look at Janice for minutes more, not moving. She
finally shook her head and mumbled, “It’s okay Janice, let’s get ready.
We’ve got work to do.”
        Janice nodded blushing to the roots of her hair. Mel reached for
the makeup, her own hands shaking. Her lips still throbbed from where
Janice had touched them. She closed her eyes, unsure if the racing of
her pulse was from fear or arousal. Sorting through the contents of the
makeup pouch, Mel extracted a powder compact and turned back to Janice,
aching for the embarrassment that still haunted her vibrant green eyes.
“This won’t hurt a bit,” she reassured with a smile as she began to
apply the makeup. Janice closed her eyes, torn between wishing she
could undo the last five minutes and wanting to relive them.
        “I need you to look at me,” Mel instructed gently when she’d
finished most of the makeup. Taking out the caked mascara, she spit
into the container as discreetly as she could. Then, after moistening
the applicator, gently held Janice’s head still as she applied the tiny
brush to delicate eyelashes. Janice marveled at the gentleness of the
hands that held her face, skillfully transforming her.
        “Almost done.” Mel reassured as she reached for the lipstick. As
she worked Mel stared in wonder at the soft full lips that had so
recently touched her own. She felt a slight twinge of pain then noticed
she’d bitten her own lower lip in distraction. “There, what’d ya
think?” She asked turning Janice back around to the window, the closest
thing they had to a mirror.
        “I look like a freak.” Janice quipped, barely able to recognize
herself.
        “Now you know how I feel in your daddy’s clothes.” Mel chided her
friend.
        Janice smiled in spite of herself. “Get to work on that wig, I’ll
have a look around. Argo, lets go.” She said as she quietly stepped out
of the boathouse. Mel sighed in relief, it was instantly easier to
concentrate with the gruff archeologist gone. “What’s happening to me?”
She wondered as she set to work on the expensive black wig.
        Janice returned shortly. Mel instantly noticed that the younger
woman’s hands were filthy with oil. “What have you done?!” She quietly
demanded.
        “Relax sweetheart, I took the gloves off didn’t I? There were
several of Leesto’s boats tied to the dock. I did a number on all of
them. When we make a break for it try to get the boat on the end, it’s
the easiest to fix. The others are in pretty bad shape.” Janice looked
around for something to wipe herself off with and unable to find
anything suitable, she settled on her discarded shirt. She busied
herself with checking her gun and putting her satchel in Argo’s pack.
When Mel finished adjusting the wig she turned around.
        Janice nodded in appreciation. “Well I’ll be. I still think you’re
too pretty to be a man, but I’ve heard that the Vanderbilt boys run
that way. You know, pretty. Just one thing is missing.” Carefully
Janice took her father’s pocket watch from her jacket and tucked it
into the watch pocket of Mel’s vest. After carefully stringing the
chain through the button hole she tucked the watch fob into it’s place.
“There, now you almost look like a real man. How did you manage to
flatten… ah… your…”
        “Never mind.” Mel cut her off. “But it isn’t very comfortable, so
the sooner I get back into my beige camisole the better.”
        Nodding Janice handed her the revolver. “Can you put this in your
pants somewhere?”
        “I’m not taking a gun. What if it goes off?”
        “It only does that when you pull the trigger. C’mere, let me try
putting it in back by your suspenders.” Janice shook her head in
appreciation as the black tails of Mel’s jacket shifted as she moved.
The heiress’ attire was having a profound effect on the archeologist
and she found it troublesome. Easing her hands inside of the jacket she
could feel the firm muscles and warm flesh beneath as she positioned
the gun. Successfully wedging it inbetween the woman’s shirt and
suspenders, she positioned it so the waistband of the black pants held
it in place. It was secure, and while it might be less than
comfortable, it was safe. “Well, I guess we’re ready. This invitation
says it’s to Mr. And Mrs. M. Vanderbilt, if you’re Marmax who am I?”
        “My wife, Effie.” Mel smiled at the other woman’s grimace. “And
sweetheart,” she added taking the archeologist’s gruff tone, “let me do
the talking. Ephiny Vanderbilt is shy and demure. We should be okay as
long as y’all don’t open your mouth.”
        “Yes dear,” Janice replied, dripping with sarcasm as they left the
boat building.
        They hid their gear among the lush trees by the water’s edge, then
proceeded to where small groups of elegantly dressed people were
arriving by the way of rowboat. “Argo, c’mere.” Janice whispered gently
to the dog when they were still out of earshot of the arriving guests.
She rummaged in the dog’s pack and pulled out a fresh cigar.
        “You’re not going to smoke that, are you?” Mel asked, horrified.
        Janice smiled in reply, “I’m not, but you are.” With practiced
efficiency, she made a small bite at the end of the cigar, then spat
the excess tobacco on the ground. In moments it was lit and glowing.
After a few luxurious puffs she handed it to Mel.
        “Now, when you hold it in your hand, do it like this,” Janice
instructed. “When it’s in your mouth, hold it between your teeth, and
for gods sake, don’t inhale.” She warned.
        Mel did as she was told, coughing at first and struggling to keep
her eyes from watering. Finally she felt comfortable enough to proceed
to where guests were admitted to Leesto’s mansion. When they neared the
ornate doors, Janice pointed to a rosemary hedge below a large bay
window. “Argo, hide in there,” she instructed. The dog complied and in
moments was settled, out of sight in the shrubbery. “Stay,” Janice
commanded then handed their ticket to Mel as they approached the door.
        They reached the double french doors just as a small group was
admitted. Their invitation was checked against the guest list by a
valet and they were admitted without further comment. The doors opened
into a large formal ballroom lined with elegantly set tables. On one
wall, framed photos were displayed with notes describing the artifacts
to be auctioned. Mel and Janice casually walked over in a group of
several other guests.
        Janice was relieved that the sheer opulence of Leesto’s ballroom
and interest in the artifacts kept everyone’s attention riveted
elsewhere. No one paid them a second glance. She blinked, startled when
she felt a possessive arm snake around her shoulders. She glanced up at
Mel who with her eyes pointed in the direction of other couples. She
was mimicking them. “Trust me, I’m not complaining,” she muttered.
        When they got close enough to the photo’s to read the
descriptions, Janice’s eyes narrowed in anger. “These are my goddamned
notes!” she hissed.
        Mel leaned close to the shorter woman’s ear. “Watch your temper,
dearheart, someone may have heard that.” She finished her statement
with a soft kiss on Janice’s cheek, eyes quickly scanning the closest
aristocrats. No one appeared to notice the exchange or the outburst
preceeding it. While there were several heads turned in her direction,
it was clear that she and her wife held no special interest.
        “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” Janice asked when Mel
withdrew.
        “About as much as you are.” Mel replied with a small smile. “Nice
penmanship, by the way,” she added, studying the doctor’s notes. The
first object pictured was the wire-frame breast plate over the tattered
remains of a leather dress.
        “Xena’s armor.” Janice whispered.
        “Her warlord armor.” Mel added. “You were right about that. She
stopped wearing it when she broke alliances with Ares.” Mel glanced
around. No one was within earshot. “Quite uncomfortable, I might add.”
        Janice looked up and was about to reply when they were joined by
another guest, so they moved on. The next item was a bullwhip in
excellent condition. Glancing up, Janice noticed a slight tug at the
corners of Mel’s mouth. Almost as if she recalled the item, and it held
fond memories. Her suspicions were confirmed when they reached the next
photo. Instantly Mel’s expression shifted from amusement to sorrow, and
anger. Janice looked at the photograph even as she felt the tensing of
the hand that rested so comfortably on her shoulder.
        The artifact titled Lot 3 was a pair of necklaces, each made from
half of an intricate medallion. The two haves fit together, creating a
pattern of celtic design. “What is it Mel?” Janice asked. “Was this
Xena’s? I didn’t think…”
        Still staring at the black and white photo Mel answered. “We were
buried in those. From the day I put it on I never took it off. Neither
did she.”
        Janice stared at Mel in wonder. “Come with me,” she urged pulling
Mel away from the pictures to a more secluded spot in the huge ballroom
near large draperies. “Are you…?” Janice asked. “I mean your
accent…where did it go?”
        “What are you talking about?” Mel asked, her regular voice back
once more.
        Janice shook her head and lifted a champagne glass from the tray
of a passing waiter. When he was out of sight, she downed the contents
in one gulp. “Just now, when you saw those necklaces, you sounded like…
well you know.”
        “Oh Janice,” Mel whispered, “don’t be silly. I’m fine.”
        Janice was about to argue the point when a hush settled in the
ball room as an elegantly dressed woman stepped up to the mike at the
front of a stage next to the wall of photos. Now it was Mel’s turn to
watch the archeologist’s eyes harden at the sight of her nemesis.
        “Greetings, and welcome.” the woman addressed her guests in a
smooth, clear voice. “I am doctor Calissandra Leesto, and I’d like to
thank you all for accepting my invitation. I had hoped an old friend
might decide to pay me a visit but it appears that she couldn’t make
it. So be it,” she sighed, “we’ll just have to start the auction
without her.
        “As you can see,” she continued, turning to include the photos in
a sweeping gesture, “I’ve documented and photographed my entire Xena
collection. Each lot will be auctioned off separately. To make a bid,
write it on a card provided and put it in the box with the
corresponding lot number. Each half hour the lots will be checked and
the highest bid for that item posted above it’s photo. You will then
have the opportunity to re-bid. Winning bids and bid-holders will be
announced at midnight, unless annominity is requested.”
        “Will we be able to see the artifacts?” One guest called out in a
clear baritone voice.
        Leesto smiled sweetly in his direction. “Because of the value of
the artifacts, they won’t be brought down until eleven. You will have a
chance to look at them before the last round of bidding.”
        “That tells me what I need to know.” Janice said quietly from
behind Mel’s back. She’d moved there to stay out of sight when Leesto
took the stage. “The stuff’s upstairs, most likely in the study. Let’s
go.”
        As soon as Leesto stepped off the stage to mingle with her guests,
Mel and Janice quickly passed by the remaining photographs they hadn’t
seen to note which items the doctor still had in her possession. That
finished, the two headed up the grand staircase to the second floor of
Leesto’s palatial home.
        “She bought all of this stuff off of money she made from your
research?” Mel asked, noting the elegant house furnishings.
        “I suppose that, and blackmail.” Janice replied, fighting for
balance as she ascended the stairs in ill-fitting high heels.
        They reached the second floor landing and Janice headed for the
study. “I’m glad one of us knows our way around here.” Mel muttered as
she followed her friend.
        “The study was where Argo got shot last time.” Janice shook her
head sadly. “We ran from her bedroom and hid…”
        Mel laughed quietly in spite of herself. “I’m sorry doctor
Covington, but the thought of you running from any beautiful woman’s
bedroom is a little hard for me to believe.”
        Janice frowned. “I’m glad you find my sexual preference amusing
Melinda, but I do have standards. Besides, Cal is definitely not my
type.”
        “You don’t go for blonds?”
        Janice stopped and looked at Mel a second. “I don’t go for twisted
bitches. But since you’re so curious.” She added, gazing unflinchingly
into Mel’s bright eyes, “I think I’m developing a passion for black
hair and blue eyes.” Mel glanced away, embarrassed. Janice only smiled.
“Careful Mel Pappas, I’m beginning to think you’re flirting with me.”
She dropped her voice an octave lower, “and I love to be flirted with.”
        She turned away from Mel, whose cheeks were flaming red, and
looked down the hall. “There’s the study, with the two guards out
front. Give me the gun.”
        “You’re going to shoot them?” Mel hissed.
        “Not unless I have to. Stay here.” With that, Janice took the
revolver, and holding it behind her back, casually approached the two
men.
        “Scuse me, y’all know where the ladies room is?” The guards looked
at Janice, or rather at her cleavage, and nodded down the hall. “Thank
you ever so much. I seem to have a had a bit too much hard liquor.” She
stumbled a couple of steps, one of the guards instantly at her side.
The gun handle came up and hit him in the back of the head before he
knew he was in any danger. Instantly Janice spun the gun in her hand
and had it cocked and pointed at the other guard. “Don’t be stupid,”
she growled. The guards brought his hands up and took a slow step away
from the door. “Night-night,” Janice said before rendering him
unconscious as well.
        “Come on Mel, help me with these bodies.” Janice whispered as she
tried the handle of the study door. The handle wouldn’t budge, it was
locked. “Great, just what we need.”
        “Let me try.” Mel said joining the archeologist.
        “Mel, this isn’t a chakrum or…”
        With strength she didn’t know she possessed, Mel forced the door
handle, breaking the locking mechanism. “Close enough,” she muttered
dragging the first body through the open door.
        “You know Mel, I feel a lot more comfortable around you when you
have that blasted accent.” Janice quipped following Mel inside.
        Inside the study, with the guards safely locked in a small closet,
Janice turned to Mel and asked in an uncertain voice, “It’s… you’re…? I
mean, are you…?”
        The tall woman diverted her attention from the artifacts strewn
around the room to the archeologist looking at her. “Yeah. We meet
again Janice. But don’t worry, Mel’s here too.”
        “What is it with you?” Janice asked confused. “I mean that whole
bit with Ares, okay. There was your chakram and that possession made
sense, but this? Do you just pop into Mel’s head from time to time?”
        Xena took a deep breath and forced herself to be patient with
Gabrielle’s progeny. In a way, Janice was her descendent as well. “I
can’t explain it any better than you can. But look around you, we’re
surrounded by my things… by our things. We’ve got enough to worry about
getting this stuff and us out of here safely than how I came to be
here. It’s going to take all four of us to pull this off. Janice, I
need you to trust me.”
        Janice shook her head slowly, “Four of us. You’re talking about
you and Mel, me and Argo… right?”
        “Oh yeah, Argo. Make that five of us.” Xena nodded and continued
her survey of the room.
        “Oh no. You’re not telling me I’m about to be possessed by that…
by the…” after a warning look from Xena, Janice chose her words
carefully, “by a certain bard, am I?”
        Xena shrugged her shoulders. “Look around. Don’t you feel a
connection to this stuff?” The warrior’s eye caught something, and
picked up a battered staff. Two of its three pieces were attached, the
third handing loosely, broken. “Here, do you recognize this?”
        “Recognize it? Hell Xena, I dug that up. It’s a staff.” Janice
replied taking the artifact that the other woman so reverently held.
        “It’s your staff.” Xena replied evenly.
        Janice felt light headed for a moment but shook it off. “Okay,
Gabrielle’s staff. I get your point.” She looked around the room. Many
of the artifacts she recognized from her digs, many of them having
nothing to do with Xena. Finally, she located the scrolls and began to
separate them from the other trinkets. “Look, let’s just gather up the
stuff and go. We don’t have much time. I’m surprised Leesto is trying
to pass some of this stuff off as Xena’s… oops sorry, yours. I mean,
take this saddle for example…”
        Xena glanced at the saddle indicated. “It was mine, well Argo’s,
or Ego as she was called in her retirement.” Xena laughed at the
memory. “Little Lyceus couldn’t pronounce her name.” She stopped
laughing when she noticed Janice’s opened mouth stare.
        “You had children?” She asked eyes wide. “With Gabrielle?”
        “Well, we raised two. Obviously she had to give birth at some
point, how do you think you got here?” Janice was about to respond when
Xena shook her head. “You were right, we don’t have much time. Get the
scrolls, that’s really what you came here for. There are a couple of
things I want to take. Lets make it quick.”
        Janice quickly bundled the scrolls together, watching as she did
the warrior princess dressed in a tuxedo, rummage through the
artifacts, her belongings. Xena put a couple of things into her pockets
and pulled a heavy bronze breastplate from a display stand. She also
picked up her bullwhip, then put it down in favor of Gabrielle’s staff.
They were about to head for the door when it opened suddenly, revealing
the blond scientist and several of her henchmen.
        “Jan,” Leesto said with a sinister sneer, “so glad you could make
it.” Her soft brown eyes darted to Xena. “And who is the pretty man in
the wig?” She asked, her voice taunting.
        “Don’t Mel.” Janice warned as Xena’s eyes narrowed. “Cal, this is
Melinda Pappas,” Xena reached up and took off the wig, shaking her long
tresses loose. Leesto’s eyes widened in appreciation at the imposing
woman.
        “It’s a pleasure, Melinda Pappas.” Leesto purred. “I’m sorry you
keep such dreadful company.” Janice shrugged, not disputing the jibe.
Finally Leesto looked around the room. “What, no dog? Whatever will I
do for target practice?”
        It was reflexes forged in the heat of battle that launched Xena’s
body to intercept the archeologist before she could attack Leesto,
preventing her from getting shot in the process. “You’re not helping.”
Xena murmured to Janice as she relaxed her hold slightly.
        “So Jan, is your friend an authority on Xena as well?” Leesto
asked, waving her thugs into the room to subdue the doctor.
        Janice smiled and winked at Xena before looking around the
warrior’s body to her nemesis. “She knows a lot more about Xena than I
do. Sometimes I have to remind myself that she isn’t the warrior
princess. I’m sure the two of you will have lots to talk about. You are
going to lock me up somewhere, aren’t you?”
        Leesto smiled briefly and nodded to the guards to haul Janice from
the room. “Do be a good girl Jan and rot, won’t you?” Her voice hard
she addressed her guards, “take her to the kitchen and lock her in the
walkin refrigerator. I want three guards posted, and keep an eye out
for her mutt. If it’s here, I want it killed.”
        “But Cal, it was a love bite, honest.” Janice laughed as she was
dragged down the hall. One guard remained with his gun trained on
Leesto’s lone visitor. “Wait outside Theoradore, if I need you, I’ll
call.” He bowed briefly then retreated from the study closing the door
behind him.
        “Brave woman.” Xena said as she studied Leesto.
        “Not really.” The blond woman countered, “the slightest scream
from me will result in the death of your friend. My men are funny that
way. Like Jan’s flea-ridden cur, they can be trained. So Melinda, what
can you tell me about Xena? That I don’t already know that is.”
        “Well,” Xena began thoughtfully as she gazed at Argo’s saddle,
“she had quite a temper and was fierce in battle. But you know, nothing
brought about her hostile nature like a threat to her family.”
        Leesto cocked her head. “Why don’t you prescribe to the theory
that Xena was a twisted loner like most of those fools downstairs? Most
of them don’t think there ever was a Gabrielle.”
        Xena rested her hand on the ancient saddlehorn, “Because I know
better,” she said remembering the feel of the leather, the warmth of
the animal she rode, and the love of the woman she rode with.
“Gabrielle wrote the scrolls. All but one. But those bits of paper
aren’t the real treasure. It’s how they lived and the family they
raised. Still their possessions do deserve better than to be sold to
the highest bidder. They belong to her family, my family.”
        “So you’re a descendant of Xena?” Leesto asked, false disbelief
evident in her features.
        Xena leaned close, azure eyes burning into soft brown. “You tell
me.” She whispered.
        “And I suppose you’re going to tell me that Jan is related to
Gabrielle…”
        Xena shrugged, her hand grasping the familiar handle of her
bullwhip. Suddenly a familiar fire burned in the eyes of the blond
archeologist. “Well isn’t this old home week.” She said, her voice
brimming with the timbre of Callisto’s as she drew her gun. With a snap
of her wrist the gun was out of her hand, but it discharged as it hit
the study floor. Leesto would have dived for it had her face not
contacted solidly with Xena’s elbow. “Not this time Callisto.” She
muttered as the unconscious woman slid to the floor.

        Janice didn’t bother to struggle against the guards that roughly
escorted her to the kitchen. She could feel the gun barrel just below
her ribs and knew that Leesto’s men would have no qualms about killing
her. Once inside the kitchen, however, she did struggle enough to knock
some food on the floor and shouted as she was thrown into the large
refrigerator. The door closed with a click, the latching leaver having
been removed from the inside of ten foot by ten foot frosty cell. She
was trapped. It didn’t take long for the chill to settle in and in
moments she was shivering. She paced the tiny room glancing out of the
reinforced glass window, noting the position of the two guards beyond.
“That leaves one more out in the kitchen”, she thought. “Shit this
sucks.” Annoyed, she took off her gloves. The black satin was useless
against the cold anyway. Not having a better plan for the moment, she
began to look among the food stored with her for something to eat.

        Xena walked past Callisto’s inert body towards the door. She
reached for the handle, then froze at the unmistakable sound of a
cocked gun. “Not so fast Xena.” Callisto said with a pistol leveled at
the warrior. “And get away from that door.” Xena complied, her eyes
never leaving the gun pointed in her direction. She was fast, but not
that fast. “Theoradore!” She called to the closed door. The beefy guard
entered and waited patiently for his instructions. “Catch up to the
others. If I’m not there in ten minutes with ‘ol blue eyes,” she said,
indicating Xena, “have Covington shot.” He nodded and withdrew from the
room.
        “So what do you think of my progeny’s collection?” Callisto asked
as she stood up.
        Xena looked around the room once more. “Impressive, I suppose.
Janice’s research is thorough and scholarly.” Xena cocked an eyebrow at
the blond woman. “Alright Callisto, when did you find the time to
procreate?”
        “Oh, wouldn’t you like to know Xena.” Callisto replied dryly. “I
was a god for awhile you know. Surely you don’t think I was fighting
with Valaska in a river of lava that whole time?” She continued in a
light sing-song voice. “Nice thing about being a god, you can assume
any form, make people think you’re any one, even make them think
they’re dreaming. That’s how little Arleia was born. Named after my
murdered mother, by the way. Our mighty Hercules was reliving old times
with you. Poor boy thought he was dreaming.”
        “You’re sick.” Xena said flatly.
        “You ought to know.” Callisto replied happily. “But really Xena,
you should thank me.” Xena only cocked an eyebrow, unwilling to play
the age old game. “Were it not for me your precious little Lyceus would
never have been born.”
        “You!” Xena’s eyes flared in fury, “Erasmus raped Gabrielle…”
        Callisto laughed. “Where do you think the dear boy got the idea?”
Xena advanced menacingly toward her nemesis. “Not so fast, we’ve got a
date to keep with the ‘fridge. We don’t show up and Janice takes a nap.
A long nap.
        “You know,” she continued conversationally as she followed Xena
down the back stairs to the kitchen, “I really owe Janice a lot. Her
scholarly work is going to make me a fortune. Nothing like a war to
make the rich salivate over priceless artifacts. I assure you the fact
that I get to scatter your memory to the four winds is only a bonus.”
        “Why bother?” Xena asked, “burn the scrolls and I’ll vanish from
history.”
        “Oh no Xena, I could never do that.” Callisto beamed as the
refrigerator door was opened. “Why I’d vanish too, and that thought is
simply too painful to bear.”
        Xena was roughly shoved inside as Janice finished off the last of
her sandwich and washed it down with milk from a fresh carton. Callisto
smiled at Janice from beyond the small window in the door. “I’m glad
you’re making yourself at home Jan. You’re going to be here awhile. If
you’re still alive when the auction is over, I’ll be sure to let you
know how it turned out.” With that she was gone.
        “Who is it?” Janice asked, putting the milk carton back on the
shelf. “Mel or Xena?”
        “Oh, we’re both here.” Xena replied with the traces of an accent
tugging at her voice. She looked around the small chamber.
        “I’ve already checked.” Janice commented. “The only way out of
here is that door, the one with the two guards outside and a third
somewhere in the kitchen.”
        Xena leaned against the cold wall troubled by Callisto’s recent
revelation. Something tugged at the corners of her vision and with a
start she noticed the frost coming from Janice’s mouth as she breathed.
The archeologist looked quite cold. “What am I thinking?” the tall
woman said, southern accent firmly in place. “Janice you must be
freezing. Here, take my jacket.”
        Janice laughed but accepted the jacket. “We’re trapped, our
mission taking a terrible turn for the worse, my dog is going to be
hunted and you’re worried about me being cold?” She shook her head,
grateful for what little warmth it provided. “Nice to have you back,
Mel.”
        “How is the arm?” Mel asked examining the bandaged wound with more
proficiency then she knew the southern belle possessed.
        “It’s okay.” Janice said, “the long gloves covered the bandage
fine, but they were of little use in here so I took them off.”
        Mel nodded. “We’ve got to get out of here. Janice please, get in
touch with whatever part of Gabrielle you’re carrying around with you
and think of something.”
        Janice sighed. The southerner made it sound so easy. Still she
didn’t have the heart to tell her that was what she had been doing.
Instead she just nodded and said, “I’ll try.”

        Argo waited patiently, the fragrant scent of the rosemary filling
her canine senses. She was used to the routine. They would go
somewhere, she would wait or accompany her mistress waiting for the
signals and commands that would complete the task. She jumped at the
sound of a gunshot. She well knew that blast signaled painful injury,
but it did not match the sound of her mistress’ gun. Momentarily torn
between the order to stay and knowing the shot signaled danger, Argo
sniffed the air and quietly stole from the cover of rosemary.
        Her finely tuned nose told her that her mistress had moved. She
crept around the building, sticking to shadows and staying out of sight
until she stopped at the back of the mansion. She sat down behind a row
of trash cans, momentarily distracted by the myriad of scents coming
from the refuse. She sat still as a gun toting guard entered through
the back door. Her mistress was near by, beyond the door. The increase
in the familiar scent when the door opened told her so. The dog sat and
watched, waiting.

        “Think of anything?” Mel asked, for the fourth time.
        Janice turned to glare up at her friend. “Do you really think
asking me that every five minutes helps?” Sitting on the floor of the
‘fridge with her knees pulled up to her chin, she turned her attention
back to the door. “Think about something else.” She muttered as she
rested her chin on her knees.
        Mel continued to pace back and forth in the small room. “But we
need a plan!” She pleaded, her arms waving in expressive gestures.
        “I’ll say this just once Mel.” Janice said evenly, trying to
control her rising anger. “I don’t think up plans. They just happen to
come to me when I’m thinking about something else. If you don’t stop
talking about getting out of here, I won’t stop thinking about getting
out of here and trust me- we won’t get out of here. If you want to
help, for gods sake change the subject!”
        “Well.” Mel said in a huff, “I can see why Xena tired of your
company.” The doctor continued to look dejected and Mel regretted her
reproach. She moved to the wall where Janice sat and sliding down,
joined her on the floor. “I was just teasing.” She offered quietly.
        Janice tried to smile and failed. “No you weren’t, but that’s
okay. I know I’m not very nice.”
        “Oh, you have your moments.” Mel continued, “you just have a lot
of rough edges to go with them.” Mel gazed at Janice for a moment, a
new topic of conversation forming in her mind. “In the boat house, why
did you kiss me?” She asked quietly.
        “What kind of a question is that?” Janice asked, surprised.
        “An honest one.”
        “Look Mel, I said I was sorry. It won’t happen again, if that’s
what you’re worried about.” Janice glanced sidelong at her companion,
hoping she wasn’t blushing as much as she thought she was.
        “You mean you regret you did it?” Mel asked, sounding hurt.
        Janice shrugged, there was not getting out of this conversation.
“Yes and no. I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable or scared you. But no,
I don’t regret the experience. I’m only human after all.” Inwardly the
archeologist groaned. “What a lame thing to say,” she thought
furiously.
        “Why are you so certain I find the thought of being kissed by you
repulsive?” Mel asked gently, watching the other woman carefully.
        “Call it woman’s intuition,” she shrugged, “I don’t think I’m your
type. Are you saying otherwise?” Janice asked. “Besides, you didn’t act
as if you enjoyed it.”
        Now it was Mel’s turn to blush. She quickly tore her eyes from her
companion and stared at the door opposite them. Through the window she
saw the face of one guard, watching, and the back of the other’s head
as he faced the kitchen.
        “Maybe I was surprised?” Mel offered. “Maybe no one has ever
kissed me like that before?”
        “You’re kidding.” Janice said as her jaw dropped.
        “I’m glad you find my lack of experience amusing Doctor
Covington.” Mel said primly, as she turned away from the doctor.
        Janice grimaced as her own words were thrown back at her. She
glanced up, also noticing the guard watching them intently. “But on the
boat, when I was hauled out of the water you…”
        “That was just to keep someone from seeing your arm. You were
almost unconscious, and I just winged it.” Mel’s voice was tight, hurt,
and Janice felt like a fool.
        “Mel, you’re incredibly beautiful, and smart. I just assumed that
you’d have a list of suitors a mile long.” Janice murmured, laying a
gentle hand on the other woman’s shoulder.
        “You didn’t mention rich.” Mel added.
        “Okay, so your list of suitors is two miles long. Surely someone
has tried to… um… well… kiss you.” Janice finished lamely, not knowing
exactly what she was trying to say.
        Mel turned around, indignant. “As a matter of fact the answer is
no. I haven’t met anyone I found interesting enough to pursue a
meaningful relationship with, physical or otherwise, so I spent my time
helping daddy with his work.”
        Janice’s eyes continued to widen in surprise. “Look, Mel I’m
really sorry then. Shit, I must have really scared you.”
        Mel shook her head. “What would you say if I told you I wanted you
to kiss me again?”
        Janice opened and closed her mouth several times, searching for
words that would not come. “Ah… I guess I’d ask you if you were… er…
sure about it.” She finally stammered.
        “I think so.” Mel whispered, not knowing what to expect from the
archeologist.
        Janice’s eyes softened, and a gentle smile eased across her
features. She brought her hand to the side of Mel’s face, cold fingers
resting against warm skin. Slowly she drew their faces together,
bringing her mouth to rest against Mel’s once more.
        Mel closed her eyes, savoring the touch that sent a charge through
her nervous system. Without thinking, she brought her hands to Janice’s
shoulders, drawing the smaller woman even closer. As their mouths
shifted, Mel delighted in the movement of soft lips against her own.
Janice moved again, deepening the kiss as she felt Mel’s body relax
against hers. The kiss lasted for long moments, Janice encouraging Mel
with her lips, letting the other explore at will. When it ended, with
both women hungry for air, Mel looked at Janice in wonder. “That was
really nice.” She whispered.
        Janice smiled. “You won’t believe this, but I’ve got an idea.”
        “Yeah, so do I.” Mel replied.
        “I mean for getting us out of here.” Janice corrected her.
        “Oh.” Mel sounded a little disappointed, which only made Janice’s
smile broader.
        “Don’t worry, it involves more kissing.” She chuckled as Mel began
to blush. “Tell me, is that guard in the window watching us?” Mel
glanced over the archeologist’s shoulder at the small window. Two faces
were pressed against the thick glass.
        Nodding, Mel whispered. “Both.”
        “Good,” Janice murmured, leaning in close to Mel’s ear. “If you
don’t mind, I’d like to try and distract them.”
        Mel closed her eyes as one hundred and one pleasurable sensations
rippled through her. She felt warm lips at the base of her ear lightly
trail down the line of her jaw before coming to rest on her lips once
more. With growing confidence she responded to the gentle mouth moving
against her own. She wanted more, more of everything Janice had to
offer. She started at the sensation of a tender tongue moving against
her lower lip, taking delight at a new rush of sensation. Responding in
kind, she searched out the velvety depths of Janice’s mouth. She
caressed the archeologist’s lips and teeth, taking special delight as
Janice’s tongue wrestled with hers. Reveling in the sensations of
warmth and softness, Mel felt a growing hunger beginning to burn deep
within. Moaning in delight, she felt Janice’s tongue enter her mouth,
caressing her in ways she never knew possible. She continued to return
the ardent kisses with growing passion, as she felt the archeologist’s
hands at her neck, undoing the bowtie. That done, Janice shifted her
mouth to Mel’s neck, kissing her way down the elegant line of her
throat.
        “Gods you’re beautiful.” Janice murmured against the soft skin of
Mel’s throat, her tongue dancing in counterpoint to the rapid beating
of the other woman’s heart. Mel threw her head back, her breathing
ragged, every nerve ending alive and hungry. Janice nuzzled lower, her
lips resting on the top button of the tuxedo shirt. With a quick nip,
she quickly removed the button. “Get ready for the guards,” Janice
whispered, just before her tongue dipped into the indent at the base of
Mel’s throat, just above the clavicle. Mel whimpered with need, trying
desperately to keep some small part of her mind clear. Finally, Janice
moved down to the next button, biting it off in the same fashion as the
first. This time however, Janice pulled back with a surprised look on
her face, both hands going to her own throat. Silently she tried to
gasp for air.
        “My god, she’s choking!” Mel exclaimed, easing Janice to the
floor. She turned to shout at the guards. “Get in here and help her,
unless you want to explain to Leesto why her precious prisoner is
dead!”

        Argo moved closer to the kitchen door. The dog noted that as
people entered or left the door was slow to close. When another guard
left to make a security sweep of the grounds, Argo slipped in,
unnoticed as the door eased shut. She padded silently down the hallway,
stopping in an unused supply area at the sound of foot falls. She could
smell food as well as her mistress and headed in that direction. The
big dog’s ears perked at the sound of the other female voice. It was
muffled, coming from behind the silver door a short distance in front
of her. Two guards stood transfixed at the door, peering in the small
window. A third approached from the kitchen, his gun drawn. When the
silver door opened and Argo detected the comforting scent of her
mistress, she acted. With a sinister snarl she launched herself at the
third guard with the drawn gun. She’d learned her lesson and knew that
the arms holding the dangerous weapons must be rendered useless.

        With theatrics she didn’t know she possessed, Janice flailed on
the floor like a woman scared to death of death. After a moments
indecision the door opened, both guards entering. In a heartbeat she
was attacking one, Mel going after the other. Both women heard the
angry snarl of Argo, then the brief but terrified scream of the third
guard. In seconds all three guards were rendered unconscious. Two in
the ‘fridge from blows to the head, the third from fear as well as loss
of blood; both arms sporting severe dog bites. Argo sat patiently
outside the silver door, hoping she would not be reprimanded for
leaving her post. She wagged her tail happily as she was greeted with
affectionate rubs and whispers of “Good dog.” Finally, looking around
the empty kitchen, Janice pondered what to do next.
        “Was that all a ploy to get the door opened?” Mel asked
tentatively.
        Janice turned and smiled at her companion. “Mel I’m soaked from
being turned on. Did that feel like a ploy to you?” The archeologist
glanced down the hall, back to the stairs that lead to the upper floor.
“When we get back to the ship, I have every intention of proving my
sincerity.” Then, with a shy glance at Mel added, “That is, if you’ll
let me.”
        “Let you?” Mel asked her eyes burning with desire, “I’ll make
you.”
        Janice grinned as she headed past a supply room. Not knowing why,
she paused and grabbed the large utility broom. It took a couple of
moments to unscrew the broom head, and with only the sturdy handle, she
headed for the stairs.
        “I was wondering when you’d get here.” Xena commented from behind
as Gabrielle headed up the stairs, as fast as her tight dress would
allow.
        Gabrielle glanced at her lover with a smile. “You try breaking
through the conscious mind of someone not entirely convinced you aren’t
useless. She’s got your stubborn streak.”
        “Hey, don’t blame me, she’s your offspring.” Xena replied,
reaching the second floor and leading the way to Leesto’s study. “But I
thought I recognized your theatrics. Was the kissing thing your idea
too?”
        The bard giggled. “No, and what she’s thinking makes even me
blush.”
        Xena rolled her eyes, “now I know she takes after you.”
        “Xena, I think our kids were so much like both of us, it’s really
a moot point as to who belonged to whom.” Gabrielle replied with an
affectionate smile.
        Xena nodded as Gabrielle spun the broom handle in her hands,
getting a feel for it’s balance. Argo looked at the two women,
confusion evident in her canine features. Pointing to a bend in the
hallway, the bard looked at the dog and commanded, “Stay.” Argo
appeared to ignore her at first, then watching the big stick for a
moment, obeyed.
        “I believe we’ve got a little score to settle with Callisto,” Xena
quipped, reaching for the handle.
        “Just like old times.” Gabrielle muttered from behind the warrior
as she removed the satchel from Argo’s pack.
        “I hate to break up this reunion,” Janice said sincerely, “But do
you know what time it is?”
        Xena shrugged her shoulders, and the archeologist shook her head,
smiling. “Here, let me…” Janice said as she extracted the battered
pocket watch from the tuxedo’s vest pocket and smiled. “Perfect. Leesto
or Callisto, or who ever the hell she is probably downstairs. She’ll
find us missing soon enough. Xena, or Mel” she shook her head, it was
starting to hurt, “or both, slip inside the study and put the scrolls
in this. Dump the stuff out her window if you have to, it’ll land on
the plants outside.” She handed Xena her satchel. “I’ll slow the bitch
down. Argo and I will meet you outside under the window.”
        Xena shook her head, “I think I should go after…”
        Janice cut her off. “Not this time. Gabrielle, Argo and I all have
scores to settle with that irritating blond. It’s payback time.” She
leaned up and kissed her passionately but quickly. “I’ll see you soon.”
        “Be careful.” Xena called out quietly as the other woman left. She
absently touched her lips. They tingled with the memory of Gabrielle
and something more. Shaking it off with a smile she opened the door to
the study and slipped inside.
        Gabrielle descended the stairs quietly, dispatching the two guards
she encountered with several quick blows of her staff. Janice had to
admit that the bard was an expert with the weapon. Still, that
knowledge did not stop her from taking the gun each guard carried. “My
weapon,” she muttered to herself as she tucked them into the pocket of
the tuxedo jacket she still wore.
        She and Argo reached the opulent ballroom and peered around the
corner of a grand Doric column. As expected Leesto was mingling with
guests, answering questions and discussing the artifacts as the bidding
continued. Ducking back into the shadows, she headed back to the
kitchen, noting that all three guards had left. “Probably running for
their lives,” Janice muttered. Pointing to the bloody floor and inside
the walk-in, she asked the dog, “Where are they?”
        Argo sniffed around and in moments she was heading for the door.
The guards had fled outside. Janice smiled, “Good work.” Inwardly she
sensed Gabrielle’s grin. “All Argo’s should be that size.” Alone in the
kitchen, Janice looked around. It was payback time indeed.

        Xena looked around the now familiar study and quickly headed for
the scrolls. She put them in the satchel then added Gabrielle’s staff,
after taking it apart, and her bullwhip. Not ideal treatment for
priceless antiquities, but the rugged artifacts would survive. Next she
grabbed her breastplate, it’s familiar weight bringing a smile to the
warrior’s lips. She’d already put the necklaces in the jacket pocket of
the tuxedo, when she was in the study previously so the only item
remaining that she had any attachment to was Argo’s saddle. With a
shrug she grabbed it. She didn’t want strangers to have that either.
She carried her booty to the window and peered out. The only question
remaining was how to get it to the garden below. Dropping the stuff out
the window was out of the question. The artifacts were fragile and
being treated roughly as it was.
        “Curtain!” Xena plainly heard Mel’s voice in her head.
        “This is no time for interior decorating.” Xena muttered looking
around the room.
        “No, you oaf, the curtain pull, the rope, use it to…” Mel shot
back.
        “Alright, alright, I get it, why didn’t you say rope in the first
place?” Xena’s eyes landed on a battered dagger. She recognized it as
Callisto’s. “That should do the trick,” she said as she drew the dagger
and cut the ropes that operated the curtain pull. Securing the saddle
in a crude rope harness, she lowered it to the ground below. With a
second rope she lowered her breastplate. When that touched the grass
below the window she positioned herself on the edge of the window sill.
She put Callisto’s dagger into the satchel around her neck and smiled.
“Hang on Mel.” She whispered as she pushed off. With a tight tuck and
an aerial spin she landed lightly on her feet. Picking up the other two
items, she headed toward the kitchen.

        Leesto smiled at her guests as she made her way toward the
kitchen. Theoradore rushed up to meet her. “Dr. Leesto,” he said in his
thick accent, “several of the guards are missing.”
        “Shit, Jan must have gotten out somehow. Give me your gun. I’ll
check to make sure she isn’t still here. Have some men check my study,
make sure the artifacts are there. After that, round up as many as you
can find and meet me at the dock. She’ll try to get out by boat.” The
burly man nodded and disappeared into the crowd.
        Leesto cautiously entered the kitchen. It was dimly lit, the only
sounds coming from the ballroom behind her. For a moment she regretted
her decision to not serve dinner for her guests. She shrugged, deciding
they didn’t come to eat, they came to buy stolen artifacts. Besides the
extra staff required for dinner would have only put those artifacts in
greater danger. Drinks were enough, and that requirement was being
handled from the service area at the other end of the ballroom.
        Cocking the gun she headed toward the walk-in refrigerator. Just
outside, she glanced down noticing a patch of blood on the white tile.
She didn’t bother to look in the ‘fridge window. Janice and Mel were
not there. “Looking for me?” A pleasant voice called from behind.
        Leesto spun at the sound to face Janice, leaning casually on a
broom handle, a service revolver pointed at her head. “A staff and a
gun?” Leesto teased. “Make up your mind Jan, are you a useless bard or
a hopeless failure?”
        Janice smiled warmly. “Just because you have fewer options: bitch
or bitch, don’t blame me.”
        “Oh, you’re good.” The blond woman purred, a soft sinister quality
threading her voice. “But you won’t be able to beat me. You’ve never
been able to beat me.”
        “You don’t keep score real well, do you?” Janice replied smoothly,
enjoying the confrontation. “Put the gun down on the counter and slide
it toward me. And if you’re going to get cute, remember I still owe you
for Argo.”
        Callisto complied, slowly stepping toward the counter. “So what’s
it like Gabrielle?” she asked, “sharing your psyche with an abject
failure. Oh, but I’d guess you’d know about that, wouldn’t you?”
Gabrielle kept her gaze steady. She would not be taunted by the
madwoman, not again. “As long as I’ve got the chance I should thank you
Gabrielle.” Callisto added in a sincere voice as she slid the gun
across the counter.
        “For what?” Gabrielle asked sarcastically, as she pocketed the
weapon.
        “For being such an exquisite fuck.” Callisto smiled, and laughed
lightly.
        “What are you saying?” Gabrielle growled, furious at the other
woman’s ability to bait her.
        “Erasmus dear Gabrielle, I’m talking about Erasmus. You know, your
brother-in-law? Funny though, I would have you expected to put up some
sort of fight. I’ve always wondered about that. You see, I was in his
body at the time. I raped you Gabrielle, and you didn’t even struggle.
Perhaps you enjoyed it?” Callisto’s eyes narrowed with hate. “Maybe
there are things our precious Xena couldn’t do for you after all?”
Callisto crossed her arms, confident that she wouldn’t be shot in cold
blood.
        Gabrielle’s pulse raced with rage. Of course the madwoman had
somehow been behind it. It made so much sense. “Look,” Janice’s voice
cut into her thoughts, “if this is all past history to you, why not let
me handle it? She’s trying to make you mad and careless. It’s what I
would do if I were her.”
        “What are you going to do?”  Gabrielle thought to Janice.
        “Turn the tables on her.” Janice replied. “Trust me.”
        The bard shifted her stance and laughed. “So that explains it!”
She said, her eyes bright.
        “Explains what?” Callisto asked.
        “Why he was so… inept.” Janice shrugged. “I mean, I’d done it with
him once or twice before, I didn’t understand why he was so clumsy. If
I’d known I was with a virgin, I could have been more… instructive.”
        Callisto’s eyes narrowed in fury as she quickly drew a carving
knife from the drawer. Ducking behind the metal counter she threw the
knife at the archeologist’s head then ran. Gabrielle knocked the weapon
from it’s trajectory with her staff, pocketing the gun as she calmly
followed the fleeing woman down the hall.
        The kitchen hallway that lead to the back door was wide. Designed
to accommodate shipments of food and other supplies, Janice could hold
her broom handle in a horizontal position and not touch either wall. As
Callisto fled, she skidded to a halt twenty feet from the back door.
Argo stood, hackles raised, teeth bared and snarling. She spun back the
way she’d come. On reflexes alone she caught the mop handle that was
thrown to her by the bard. Gabrielle intended to fight her. Callisto
smiled. Things didn’t seem so bad after all.
        “Oh isn’t this quaint,” the madwoman purred as she struck out at
the bard. Gabrielle deflected the blow easily, and parried twice more
fending off the other woman’s assaults. She chose her targets
carefully, hampered in her movements by her tight dress. With efficient
mastery she tested Callisto’s defenses, making it clear by her blows
that she was playing with the other woman. All of her blows were
parried, but the concentration required was evident on the other
woman’s face. It made sense, she admitted to herself. She’d gotten
better with the staff than Xena.
        “Don’t get cocky.” Janice warned in her mind’s voice. The
archeologist’s words were prophetic. Callisto changed the direction of
her strike and slammed the mop handle into the archeologist’s injured
arm. Gabrielle yelped in pain and let go of the staff. Now relying on
only one hand for control, her defenses slipped and many of the other
woman’s blows found their mark. Gabrielle ducked from a blow aimed at
her head and hit Callisto solidly in the gut with the end of her staff.
        “That’s for Janice.” She said as Callisto slumped from the impact.
She reversed her grip bringing the stick across her jaw, “and that’s
for me.” Callisto screeched and landed another blow to the injured arm.
This time Gabrielle had no choice but to drop her weapon. Before
another blow could land, however, her hand had come up holding a cocked
gun drawn from her jacket pocket. “But we still haven’t settled Argo’s
score.” Janice said quietly.
        Callisto froze. It was over, she’d lost, she left. Leesto stood
for a moment, dazed at the feeling of emptiness that overcame her.
“Drop it.” Janice commanded, nodding at the staff. Still dazed, she
acted as if she didn’t hear. In quick succession, the archeologist
fired off two shots, each finding it’s mark in the mop handle,
eliminating a foot of wood from each side. “I said,” Janice warned as
Leesto dropped the stick. “Open the ‘fridge,” she commanded, and
utterly defeated, the scientist complied. Before she could enter
however, Janice took a step forward and struck a solid blow across the
other woman’s jaw. Leesto fell to her knees from the impact, drops of
her blood now joining that of her guard on the white tile floor.
“That’s for Argo.” Janice said simply as she slammed the ‘fridge door
shut.
        “We’ve got to get out of here.” Janice said, heading for the door.
        “You mean you’ve got to.” Gabrielle replied, inside her mind.
        “You’re… I mean…” Janice muttered, feeling self-conscious and
realizing for the first time who it was she was talking to.
        “Leaving. Yes Janice, I’m going.” Gabrielle’s voice was kind and
gentle.
        “But… I mean, you just got here.” Janice shook her head. It was
now or never. “What I mean is, there is something I’d like to say to
you.”
        “Yes?” The voice asked patiently.
        “I… I owe you an apology. You’re not at all what I thought…
you’re… well, all the things Xena said you are.” Janice was hating
herself. Since finding out who in the Xena scrolls was her ancestor,
she’d considered giving up archeology all together. She felt like a
first class idiot realizing just how wrong she’d been.
        “You don’t have to apologize to me.” Gabrielle said, her voice
soft. I lived the life I wanted. How I’m remembered couldn’t interest
me less. But there is something I think you should know.” Janice
stopped walking and cocked her head, listening. “I am very proud of
you. You have the qualities that made Xena and I proud of our own
children. I’m happy to see the important things were passed down.
You’re strong, you know what to fight for and when to fight for it. You
also stayed by your father when no one else would.” Gabrielle sighed.
The time had finally come when mere words failed.
        “Thanks.” Janice said quietly feeling inadequate. “But… um… Xena,
she’s outside, I think. Don’t you want to stick around and see her?”
        Gabrielle laughed, Janice smiling in spite of herself at the
sound. “Xena and I are never apart. These bodies are for the living,
not the centuries dead. I love you Janice, Xena and I love you both. Be
happy, and remember when you think of the dead…”
        “The dead can hear your thoughts.” Janice finished as Gabrielle’s
presence faded.
        Exiting the back door and stepping into the cool night air, Janice
allowed her eyes to adjust to the dark. Listening intently, she made
certain no one was around before moving. She could hear the voices of
guards still in the mansion and knew that time was running out. She
signaled Argo, and quickly moved towards the other side of the building
towards the study. She’d gotten about half way there when Argo nudged
her.
        “What is it girl?” She whispered.
        The dog headed over to a large rosemary shrub, poking her head
inside. “Argo, is that you?” came a voice from the bush.
        “Mel?” Janice called softly. She suppressed a grin as Melinda
Pappas wriggled her way out of the confines of the shrubbery. “What the
hell were you doing there?”
        Doing her best to look indignant, Mel put her hands on her hips.
“Once we jumped out the window and got about here, Xena left. She just
took off, just like last time. I’m sorry Janice, but the saddle and
everything was just too much to carry and I could hear guards coming
and…”
        Janice nodded, “I get the point. Why on earth did you bring the
saddle?”
        “It wasn’t my idea. But she want’s us to take it.” Mel whispered,
dragging the relic from the bushes.
        “Okay, I’ll get it.” Janice said, hoisting it over her shoulder
with her good arm. “Can you get the rest?” When Mel nodded she headed
back the way she’d come. “We’ve got to get to the boat. They’ll find
Leesto soon enough. I want a head start on them when they do.”
        They made their way to the dock avoiding the various guards that
came within visual range. Just as they began to load their cargo a
commotion erupted from the mansion, with shouts and booted footfalls
coming their way.
        “Shit!” Janice muttered as she frantically reconnected the wires
she’d pulled loose from the boat engine. “We’re going to have to leave
the stuff near the boat house, there’s no time to get it.”
        “Doesn’t matter.” Mel said, trying to stay out of what little
light the moon overhead provided, “it was just clothes.”
        “Easy for you to say.” Janice quipped finishing her work as the
shouts grew louder, “my hat and my favorite shirt were back there.”
        “Why was that shirt your favorite?” Mel asked as Janice pulled the
starter on the motor boat.
        Janice winked. “It still smelled like you.”
        The boat pulled away from the dock just as Leesto and a group of
guards reached the other boats. “Do you want to drive or shoot?” Janice
asked, needing to yell to be heard above the roar of the motor.
        “Are you crazy?” Mel yelled back. “I can’t drive or shoot.”
        “Well, pick one.” Janice shouted. “They’ll be on our tails in no
time. We’ve got to get clear around the other side of the island…”
        Her words were cut off as a distant gun shot rang out. Argo barked
in response, the fir on her neck raised in anger. Mel looked out the
small wind shield on the power boat. The direction they were headed was
marked by rough water. Already sea spray was splashing over the sides
of the boat, drenching both women and dog. “You drive.” Mel shouted as
Janice handed her a gun. “What do I do?”
        “Just point and shoot. There’s extra bullets in Argo’s pack. Try
to make ‘em think twice about following us.” Janice shouted as she
navigated the rough water.
        Mel did as she was told and found that after the first couple of
shots she could even fire the gun without closing her eyes. Three boats
were following them, all firing as well. One bullet struck dangerously
close, biting into the wood on the side of the boat. Janice changed
course several times, trying to shake those in pursuit. It also
succeeded in nearly shaking her companion from the deck of the boat.
“Careful!” Mel screamed.
        “Duck!” Janice shouted, drawing one of the guard’s weapons from
the tuxedo jacket pocket. She fired over Mel’s head and a dark figure
fell overboard from the boat closest to them.
        “I thought you said you were driving!” Mel shouted. She steadied
her hand trying to aim carefully at the boat moving ever closer. An
instant after she pulled the trigger, flames and smoke erupted from the
pursuing boat’s engine.
        “Good shot!” Janice screamed as she was drenched by yet another
breaking wave. The southern aristocrat’s smile quickly faded from her
face however as two more bullets struck dangerously close. Janice tried
several more maneuvers, but the other two boats were gaining. “Get all
the guns fully loaded!” She yelled, as she swung the boat in a wide
arc. With the guns laid out, she picked up one after the other, firing
in quick succession at the closest of the two remaining boats. The gun
fire from the other craft ceased as it’s occupants dodged the fury of
raining bullets. With her good arm Janice held tight to the wheel of
their boat, navigating the rough water as best she could and shooting
with the other. Finally, the driver of the gaining boat slumped over,
the boat turning away from them, speeding toward shore.
        They neared the far side of the island with only one boat left in
pursuit. The shots kept getting closer; someone on that boat had
exceptional aim. “It’s Leesto!” Janice screamed above the boat noise
and the splashing of water, “She was a champion marksman in college.
Duck!” Janice turned the wheel hard to the left as the small boat sped
back toward the island.
        “What are you doing?” Mel shouted watching the island grow larger.
        “Trust me,” Janice shouted back, “and keep shooting.”
        Leesto’s boat altered course, using the change in direction to add
more to the ground they gained on the fleeing boat. Janice grabbed a
gun and carefully took aim on the ever nearing boat. As soon as she
fired she spun the wheel hard to right, heading back out to sea. As
she’d hoped, her shot either hit the driver of the other boat or
dangerously close enough. The boat did not alter course in time and ran
aground into the soft white sand.
        Mel and Janice laughed, overjoyed and relieved as their craft sped
away from the island, no one left in pursuit. Moving just beyond the
island’s point they saw a large ship in the distance. “It’s The
Gauntlet.” Janice yelled. “We made it Mel!”

        In Aires’ cabin on board the smuggling ship Janice combed her wet
hair, a huge smile on her face. In the corner of the small cabin Xena’s
treasures were neatly stacked; the satchel full of scrolls resting on
Argo’s saddle. Her Argo lay nearby, chewing contentedly on a large beef
bone. She lifted her eyes at the sound of the cabin door creaking open.
Seeing it was only Mel, the dog returned to her snack.
        “Toby kept guard outside while I bathed.” Mel said, removing the
towel that wrapped her hair. She was dressed once again in the tuxedo,
her other clothes still on Leesto’s island. Janice was dressed in her
customary attire, having traded the expensive dress for something more
suitable as soon as she came on board. “How did you arrange hot baths
for us?” Mel asked. “Although I don’t think that was really a tub- tea
cup maybe, but tub? Not quite.”
        Janice laughed, “I traded the speed boat for it.” Mel looked at
her stunned. “Well, I really  wanted a bath, and I don’t really need a
boat. Besides, I got a couple more favors thrown in for good measure.”
Janice looked at Mel. She was simply stunning. The way she wore the
tuxedo was bad enough, but her eyes framed by tresses of long wet hair
made the archeologist’s heart skip frequent beats.
        “I’ll bet.” Mel replied, beginning to feel self conscious and shy.
        “Are you hungry?” Janice asked, “Can I get you something to eat?”
        Mel shook her head. She felt ravenous, but it wasn’t for food.
Still, she didn’t know how to articulate her feelings; as embarrassed
as she was by them. She moved further into the room, stopping when she
stood at the foot of the bed. “Did Gabrielle… say anything to you
before she… left?” She asked, not looking at her companion.
        Janice shrugged, noting the distance in the other woman’s body
language. “We talked a little. I apologized for… well for being an
asshole. She’s a class act, like you. So, did Xena have any parting
words of wisdom?”
        Mel smiled and began to blush. Janice wasn’t sure if it was the
compliment or something more. “We talked a little. She’s kind of
intimidating though. Wouldn’t answer any questions, said I’d find out
for myself.”
        “What did you ask?” Janice asked as she got up from the bed where
she’d been sitting. She led Mel to the bed then nudged her to sit down.
Climbing on the bed behind the heiress, she began to comb out the wet
raven tresses, delighting in the silky texture as it slid through the
comb.
        Shaking her head slightly, Mel’s cheeks glowed crimson. “Oh,
nothing. Just advice.” Mel hoped her growing nervousness wasn’t as
obvious as she feared it was.
        “Advice about…?” Janice asked quietly from near her right ear.
        Mel stood up and took two steps away from the bed before turning
around. “I don’t know what to do Janice.” She said, her voice tight
with emotion. “I’m nervous, embarrassed and plenty of other things I
can’t name. I… I don’t… know how to…”
        Janice got up from the bed and slowly moved to where the other
woman stood trembling. “Do you trust me Mel?” She asked softly.
        The other woman responded with a nod. “It isn’t a matter of trust.
I feel so…”
        “Shhhh.” Janice whispered. “I’m as nervous as you are. It’s to be
expected when you’re with anyone… for the first time. It passes. I want
you to listen to me Melinda Pappas. I don’t want to do anything you’re
not up for. If something makes you feel uncomfortable; if you change
your mind and want to stop, just say so. I promise I will.”
        Mel nodded again, lost in green eyes that regarded her so kindly.
Janice gently put her hands on the other woman’s forearms, slowly
sliding them up the black jacket. “Did you really think Xena was going
to tell you what to do?” She asked, smiling as her hands moved across
the taller woman’s shoulders.
        “Well, I thought she might tell me what to expect.” Mel said,
watching Janice move closer.
        “What’s the matter, you don’t like surprises?” Janice teased,
drawing her head down. Her tension dissipated as the archeologist
covered her mouth with soft lips once again. Bringing her hands to the
sides of Janice’s face, she held her close, losing herself in the
velvety softness.
        “I love the way you kiss.” Mel whispered when they finally broke
for air.
        “That goes double for me.” Janice whispered back, slipping her
hands under the black jacket, her lips drawn to the taller woman’s
throat. In a graceful movement, she eased the jacket from Mel’s
shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. With skillful fingers, she
released the cufflinks and unbuttoned Mel’s vest, all the while nipping
and kissing at the tender skin of the taller woman’s neck. When the
vest fell to the floor, Mel started in surprise.
        Janice drew back slowly. “Are you okay?” she asked, concern
evident in her features.
        “Oh I’m fine Janice.” Mel teased. “It’s just that you seem awfully
good at this. Do all of your women dress like men?” She ran her fingers
through Janice’s still-damp hair, delighting in the soft texture of the
strawberry blond tresses. The doctor’s eyes smoldered with desire and
she smiled. If Mel hadn’t jumped she would not have really taken a good
look at the woman standing before her. White shirt buttoned, save for
the top two which were missing, tucked into black pants with black
suspenders. Mel’s black hair hanging past her shoulders created a
dizzying vision of black and white. The only points of color, intense
arctic blue, were her eyes. She was gorgeous.
        “If you must know,” Janice purred then turned her head to brush
warm lips against the palm of Mel’s hand. “I’m usually the one in the
suit. That’s how I know things like cufflinks and shoes need to come
off first. Have you ever tried to get your arm out of a sleeve with the
fastened cufflinks? It’s embarrassing.” She leisurely began to trace
her fingers over the white fabric of Mel’s shirt. She slowly brushed
her fingertips along the line of the suspenders, lightly touching the
sides of Mel’s breasts. Her smile broadened as she felt the other woman
tremble, followed by a sharp intake of air. “Still, I don’t think I’ve
ever seen a more gorgeous vision in a tuxedo.” Mel’s eyes widened,
riveted on the hunger clear in Janice’s expression.
        “Do you have any idea how incredibly sexy you look in that?” The
archeologist asked, softly easing one suspender over a graceful
shoulder. “What it’s doing to me?” she continued, slowly reaching for
the other suspender. “How much I want you?”
        Janice’s words were having a profound effect on the other woman,
and she knew it. Her movements became more deliberate as Mel’s
breathing became more ragged. “You are so beautiful.” She whispered as
she lightly caressed Mel’s breasts through the thin fabric of her
shirt. Green eyes burned with passion as she felt nipples harden under
her teasing palms.
        Mel leaned in to claim Janice’s mouth once more. Her body was on
fire, nerve endings burning where ever the archeologist’s hands touched
her. Janice’s soft tongue exploring the recesses of her mouth brought
some degree of satisfaction to her need, but not enough. Not nearly
enough. Mel couldn’t imagine anything being enough. Before she realized
what she was doing, her hands were at Janice’s neck and she was
unbuttoning the sturdy khaki shirt. “Uh, is this okay?” She asked,
wondering if she was being too forward.
        “Absolutely.” Janice smiled, her own fingers at work slowly
undoing the buttons of the white shirt. “Mel, I can’t think of anything
that wouldn’t be okay.” Janice said as she eased her hands under the
white fabric, “as long as makeup isn’t involved.”
        Mel laughed at that. “How do you do that Janice?” She asked.
        “Do what?” She replied as her fingers lightly trailed across Mel’s
torso causing the muscles to tremble in their wake.
        “Know just what to say to put me at ease.” Mel shuddered again as
light fingers moved across the bare skin of her back.
        “At ease?” Janice arched an eyebrow as she slowly drew her hands
up to cup ample breasts. Mel gasped, her knees feeling like water as
skilled fingers caressed her nipples, teasing them to taunt points.
“You mean like not nervous?” She asked innocently as she maneuvered Mel
in the direction of the bed.
        “Yeah, not nervous.” Mel agreed as Janice eased her onto the bed.
She opened the shirt slightly, but left it on.
        “So that means you’re feeling something else?” Janice asked as she
lowered her lips to Mel’s chest.
        Finding concentration difficult, and coherent thought almost an
impossibility, she struggled to find the words to utter between pants.
“Yes,” she breathed as soft lips kissed a path of fire across her
exposed skin. “Take this off.” She gasped tugging at the archeologist’s
shirt, then instantly regretted her outburst. Janice’s mouth hovered
just over her nipple. If she’d kept quiet, those magnificent lips would
be kissing her there, not smiling and withdrawing from her body. “I
mean…” Mel stammered, caught with indecision.
        “Yes?” Janice asked as she slowly sat back on her knees.
        “You don’t have to stop what you were doing.” Mel finished
quietly.
        Janice began to unbutton the rest of her shirt, watching Mel watch
her. “So do you want me to take this off? Or kiss your perfect
breasts?”
        “Ah… both.” Mel replied as Janice brought teasing fingers to her
burning skin once more. Her mouth opened in disappointment as Janice
shook her head. “What?” Mel asked.
        “You take it off.” Janice said softly, raising Mel’s hands to her
unbuttoned shirt. She swallowed, pulse racing, and pushed the material
off of the archeologist’s shoulders. “Verrrrry nice.” Janice murmured
at the first touch of Mel’s hands on her body when the shirt fell to
the bed. Mel gazed in fascination at the muscular body uncovered before
her. She trailed her fingers over warm skin, smiling at the shudders
and tremors rippling beneath the surface in their wake. Janice sighed
and caught her lower lip between her teeth as Mel caressed her breasts,
her desire heightening as she watched the southerner explore her body.
Straddling Mel’s hips, she let her own hands wander once more over her
torso, adjusting the white shirt to expose more of the soft flesh
beneath as she went.
        “Oh, sweet Jesus.” Mel gasped as soft lips circled her nipple,
gentle suction pulling her deeper into warm depths. Teasing the aroused
flesh with tongue and teeth sent wave after wave of desire coursing
through her veins. “Yes, Janice, do that.” Mel whispered fiercely, then
felt the other woman’s mouth smile against her flesh.
        “Yes ma’am.” Janice replied and trailed moist kisses across the
Mel’s chest to the other breast. As she reveled in the scent of warm
skin, delighting in the softness contracting in her mouth, Janice
reached out and found one of Mel’s hands, guiding it to her own breast.
        “That feels too good.” Mel gasped, overwhelmed by the sensations
rushing through her. Janice pulled back a little, kissing the valley
between ample breasts and murmured into the soft skin.
        “It gets even better.” She promised.
        Mel swallowed reflexively. She was not convinced she could handle
‘much better’. With a gentle nudge she moved the archeologist forward.

Propping herself up on her hands and elbows Janice looked down. “Yes?”
She replied to Mel’s silent command.
        “My turn.” Mel murmured, laying claim to one of the doctor’s
breasts.
        “God, yes.” Janice encouraged and shifting her hips slightly, she
gently began grinding against the woman below her.
        “Just like that.” She breathed, as Mel swirled her tongue around
the sensitive flesh. “Mel, that’s won…derful,” she panted, gazing at
the face so intent on giving her pleasure.
        “You feel so good,” Mel murmured as she headed for the other
breast, “so soft.” Janice closed her eyes in ecstacy, the thrumming of
Mel’s voice against her skin making her dizzy. Janice let her continue
for several minutes until her own desire became insistent. Shifting her
weight she leaned back form Mel’s mouth, helping the other woman sit
up. When she did, she eased the white shirt off smooth shoulders
gliding her hands over the planes of Mel’s back as the shirt fell to
the bed. Moving close once more, Mel smiled as the warm softness of
Janice’s breasts rested against her own.
        “I had no idea.” Mel whispered, smiling as she gazed into liquid
green eyes.
        “Neither did I.” Janice whispered back, her voice tight with
emotion.
        Mel stared in wonder. “But you’ve…” She was silenced by gentle
fingers against her mouth.
        “Never like this.” Janice whispered fiercely. “Never with the
other half of my soul.”
        “How can you know that?” Mel asked quietly, voice brimming with
emotion at the archeologist’s words.
        “I felt it the moment I saw you,” Janice answered simply, “and
fought against it. It scared me Mel, it still does. But I’m through
fighting, fighting against it anyway. Fighting for it is another
matter.” Mel watched as Janice traced light fingers across her thigh.
        “If I didn’t know better Janice Covington, I’d think that was a
proposal.” Mel smiled, running her hands over the other woman’s
shoulders, fingering soft red-gold hair.
        “Maybe it is.” Janice smiled. “You wouldn’t be flirting with me
again, would you Mel?” She asked as she trailed her fingers along the
inside of an elegant thigh. “Because I really like it when you do.”
        Mel smiled wickedly. “Would you show me how much you like it
Janice?”
        Janice’s eyes gleamed as she leaned forward to claim Mel’s lips
once more, her knee resting in between the other woman’s thighs, then
applying firm pressure to her center. “Oh Christ!” Mel gasped, causing
Janice to jump back.
        “What? Did I hurt you?” The archeologist asked, scared to death.
        Mel shook her head, blushing. “No, I think I wet myself.” Mel
mumbled, then looked at Janice with surprise when the other woman
laughed.
        “I’m counting on it.” Janice beamed, reaching for the fasteners of
Mel’s pants. Mel did likewise, and soon two pairs of pants joined the
rest of the discarded clothing. “Now, wasn’t I going to show you how
much I appreciate your flirting?” Janice asked as she stretched out
next to Mel on the bed.
        “Something like that.” Mel murmured in reply, drawing her hand
slowly up the side of Janice’s body. When she reached the bandaged arm
she paused. “How is it?” She asked.
        Janice removed her mouth from Mel’s breast once more. “Absolutely
perfect.” She whispered.
        “No Janice, your arm.” Mel laughed at the gleam in the doctor’s
eye.
        Shrugging, Janice replied, “Since my senses are otherwise engaged,
I don’t feel a thing: Not in my arm anyway. I’m feeling glorious things
everywhere else.”
        Mel rolled over, tucking Janice beneath her. Propped up on her
elbows she gazed down into penatrating green eyes. She didn’t doubt the
archeologist’s words. Janice’s touch had a staggering effect on her own
body and knowing she could do the same for her left her with a sense of
power that made her slightly dizzy. “What things?” She asked, her voice
husky.
        “For starters,” Janice said quietly, gently tracing the outline of
Mel’s cheek and jaw, “your voice makes me melt. Your eyes set me on
fire and I think the feel of your skin is positively addictive.”
        Throwing her head back at the exquisite feel of Janice’s hands
caressing her back Mel smiled. “It’s clear to me which one of us
descended from a bard.”
        Janice grinned and rolled Mel over noting that her feet only
reached as far down as Mel’s mid-calf. “Are you saying you have latent
warlord tendencies Melinda Pappas?”
        “Well you don’t want to get on my bad side. Oh my!” Mel glanced up
and for the first time since they returned to the boat, noticed the
mirror positioned above the bed. Janice followed her gaze.
        “Nice view.” She chuckled, noting how wide her companion’s eyes
had grown. Mel gazed in rapt fascination at the sleek body entwined
with hers. Strawberry blond tresses lay strewn across her torso as
Janice kissed her way downward. The feel of moist, warm lips across her
flesh was sublime. It was only after abstract these observations that
she realized where Janice was headed.
        “What…what are you doing?” She asked, surprised.
        “Is there a problem, Mel?” Janice asked gently without the
slightest trace of reproach in her voice.
        “It looked like you were going to… uh… kiss me…” Mel shook her
head embarrassed. Surely she was mistaken.
        “There.” Janice finished for her, drawing gentle fingers across
Mel’s soaked labia. “I was hoping to, but I won’t if you don’t want me
to.” Mel moaned at the contact as desire surged through her being.
Still caressing with slow strokes, Janice drew herself up Mel’s body to
gaze into her eyes. “Mel,” she whispered softly, “remember how my
tongue felt inside your mouth?” Mel nodded quickly, her hips arching at
the gentle strokes she continued to receive. “Well, imagine it here.”
To make her point, Janice shifted her finger to caress a slippery, hard
bundle of nerves.
        “Oh god.” Mel groaned at the exquisite touch.
        “I thought you’d see it my way.” Janice smiled but added, “But if
you want me to stop, just say so, okay?”
        Mel nodded again, gazing one again up at the mirror, ready for
anything. Mesmerized by the sight of Janice’s body moving so intimately
against her own, she watched in rapt fascination as Janice gently
stroked her thighs, urging them apart, then lowered her face to her
center. Mel’s head snapped to the side and she moaned into the pillow
to muffle the sound. Janice raised her head and watched her partner for
a moment. When Mel realized the delicious contact was gone she peered
down at Janice.
        “I’m fine,” Mel said in a rush. “Oh god, please don’t stop. It’s
incredible.”
        “I’m glad you think so.” Janice smiled. “But you don’t have to
worry about keeping quiet. If you want to yell, then yell.”
        Frowning Mel shot back, “I hate to be the one to tell you, but
we’re on a crowded smuggling ship. This isn’t the back forty.”
        Janice giggled and eased a hand up Mel’s sleek body to fondle a
grateful breast. “The other part of my trade. I made Aires get everyone
above deck. They’re having a loud party up there, and will be until
sunrise. No one is below decks but us. I’m sorry, but it’s all the
privacy I could arrange.”
        Mel laughed and reached down to tousle the smaller woman’s hair.
“You traded a speed boat for two baths and some privacy.” She stated.
        “And the beef bone for Argo, it’ll keep her busy for hours.”
        “Is there anything you didn’t think of Janice Covington?”
        Janice grinned wickedly. “Yes. How to keep one stunningly
beautiful woman from talking so much. Are you sure you’re not related
to the one named ‘Gabby’?” Janice placed a wet kiss on the inside of
Mel’s thigh, sending a shudder through the body beneath her. She paused
to inhale the sweet, musky fragrance of her lover, imprinting every
detail she could into her memory. Slowly she drew her hands back down,
and gently parting soft folds lowered her lips once more.
        Mel groaned again, freely this time, as a skillful tongue sought
out her depths. In moments she felt as though she were flying, spinning
out of control on wave after wave of heady ecstacy. Her body began to
shudder, hips bucking of their own accord. She cried out, the wave of
her climax crashing down on her. She couldn’t speak, she couldn’t move;
she was unable to do anything but enjoy the sensations thrumming
through her body and soul. When the tremors stopped, Janice slowly
withdrew. Cupping a firm hand to Mel’s center she moved to rest her
head on a heaving breast.
        As Mel fought to get her breathing under control, she wrapped her
arms around the woman resting on her chest. Still gazing at the mirror
above she noted how perfect the two of them looked lying together, legs
entwined. “I don’t know what to say.” Mel finally said.
        “You don’t have to say anything Mel.” Janice murmured, warm breath
caressing Mel’s chest.
        “Is it always that incredible?” She wondered aloud. “I mean I
can’t believe I haven’t heard something. Someone should have told me.”
        Janice laughed, propping herself up on an elbow as she slowly
began to move her other hand. “I guess you haven’t been hanging out
with the right people,” she said, as Mel closed her eyes in pleasure
once more.
        “Guess not.” She sighed as Janice’s fingers picked up a rhythm
that matched the throbbing of her pulse. With a careful touch she
caressed the base of her lover’s opening, teasing the hungry flesh.
“Yeeeessss,” she panted as Janice’s fingers teased deeper.
        “This might hurt a little.” Janice warned, “I don’t have…”
        “Do it.” Mel groaned, desperate to uncover every sublime sensation
for herself.
        Straddling Mel’s thigh, Janice positioned herself so she could
have the most control with her hand. Carefully, she began to push
deeper, using her thumb to caress an engorged clitoris once more. As
her partner’s panting became louder her own self control began to slip.
Driven by the urgency in Mel’s voice she pressed harder, rewarded by
ardent groans. With a final push she broke through the thin membrane as
muscles convulsed around her fingers. Another wave of orgasm surged
through Mel’s body. She was sure she’d never recover. No one could
possibly feel that good and survive.
        Blue eyes blinked open to see radiant green watching her with
interest. “You are so beautiful.” Janice whispered, tenderly moving a
stray strand of hair from the corner of Mel’s mouth.
        “You are so magnificent.” Mel whispered back. “Beautiful and
magnificent.” There was something there in Janice’s expression. The
vibrancy of her eyes, the flush to her cheeks. Once more, Mel was aware
of the power they shared over each other. “Show me.” She whispered.
        Janice blinked. “Show you what?” She asked, genuinely confused.
        Mel dropped her voice even lower. “Show me how to make you feel as
exquisite as I’m feeling right now. I want to make love to you Janice
Covington, teach me how.”
        Janice’s eyes flared in passion, her lover’s words surging into
her heart like a bullet. Mel moved to give Janice room to lay down. As
she did, she touched one of Mel’s hands holding it in her own. After
studying it for several moments she gazed into Mel’s eyes as she put
the hand to her breast, encouraging the exploration of her body. Mel
smiled, watching the smaller hand guiding hers, the pads of Janice’s
fingers warm against her skin.
        As Janice’s eyes captured her image in the mirror above she sighed
happily. The sight of the statuesque woman touching her, loving her,
was almost enough to send her over the edge. The dark tresses that
spilled against her skin tickled a trail down her abdomen as Mel moved
lower. Janice was in heaven. The powerful throbbing of her own heart
matched the aching need at her core as she guided Mel’s hand to her
center.
        “Nice.” Mel murmured to herself as her fingers slid into warm
wetness. A tremor shuddered through Janice’s body at the sound, a small
precursor to the powerful wave that was building. “You’re so soft.” Mel
whispered, and Janice closed her eyes, focusing all awareness on the
arresting voice and sensations rushing through her. Another shudder and
Janice realized that too soon it would all be over. The passion that
had been building since first meeting Melinda Pappas was destined to be
her undoing. Her eyes shot open at the sensation of a warm mouth and

tongue joining seeking fingers, picking up the rhythm of her bucking
hips, driving her forward.
        “God, yes Mel.” Janice panted, awed by the sight in the mirror of
the dark crown of hair moving with each exquisite touch. She gazed down
her body only to find azure eyes watching her, visible just above red
gold curls. The sight, of Mel performing such an intimate act almost
undid her. It was however, when Mel thrust two fingers deep inside
Janice’s opening and clasped her lips on the hard knot of nerves,
drawing it into her mouth, that Janice’s world spun out of control.
“Mel…lin…DA” Janice groaned as wave after pleasurable wave of sensation
crashed through her. Mel held her with her hand and lips until the
passionate spasms subsided. Finally, she gently withdrew and curled up
alongside Janice’s body.
        “God woman.” Janice stammered when she could finally speak.
“You’re… you’re…”
        “A quick study?” Mel offered with a giggle.
        “Among other things,” Janice murmured into the raven hair resting
on her chest. “Is…everything okay?” She finally asked minutes later
when her breathing returned to normal.
        Mel looked up and smiled, blissful contentment evident in her
features. “Very okay Janice Covington, and thank you for asking.”
        “Glad to hear it.”
        Mel traced random patterns on the abdomen in front of her, noting
the thin sheen of sweat that covered Janice’s body as well as her own.
“How long is everyone going to be above deck?” She asked casually.
        “Until dawn.” Janice replied.
        “I’m glad to hear it,” Mel smiled. “It’d be a shame to trade
something as valuable as a speed boat and not make the most of it.”
        “I couldn’t agree more Melinda Pappas.” Janice grinned, green eyes
flashing with passion once more.

…The summer Gabrielle broke her leg was a pivotal one in our lives. We
had been in the mountains of Parnasus, assisting a small village in
their relocation when it became clear a nearby volcano was getting
ready to erupt. We were almost done when a earthquake hit and destroyed
what was left of the village. Gabrielle had been inside the main lodge
at the time, her leg broken by a falling ceiling beam. We were
fortunate that the break was a clean one. The two bones of her lower
leg did not splinter, and I was able to set them in perfect alignment.
We had been there for a couple of days recuperating when a messenger
arrived.
        Hercules had sent word from Thebes. The gods were at work, Ares
gathering his forces preparing for a bloodbath. I was torn. I knew I
had to go help, but every fiber of my being yearned to stay with
Gabrielle. She was my heart, my soul and my life, and she knew it. It
was her suggestion that since Poteidaia was on the way to Thebes I
could drop her off there. I could continue on to help Herc and she
could recover in the company of her family. At the time, it seemed like
the perfect solution. Looking back I guess it still was, although there
was a time when I’d have given anything to undo that decision. I know
more now, and as Gabrielle has told me on numerous occasions, more good
came from that decision than ill.
        So it was that it was Argo’s turn to carry Gabrielle in a travois
as we slowly made our way down the mountain. We reached Potedia in
three days. For once the fates seemed to be with us. There were no
storms, no wandering marauders, no random thugs. It was a blissfully
uneventful three days. I stayed the night with Gabrielle in her family
home. Lila had taken over their childhood room, so I worked hard with
everyone else to convert a large pantry into a suitable room for my
bard. She was pleased with the results. To be honest, it was nicer than
Lila’s room, and that night we quietly made love, christening her new
bed. “There, you see Xena.” Gabrielle whispered as I rested my head on
her thigh, “my leg doesn’t hurt at all now.”
        “That’s because all the blood has rushed from your brain.” I
replied as I gave her sweetness one more kiss before stretching out
beside her.
        “Possibly.” She agreed trailing a finger down my sweat soaked
neck. “How long do you think you will be?” she asked softly.
        “I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “Ares is unpredictable. I’ll
leave at first light and get back as soon as I possibly can.”
        Gabrielle smiled, giving me a sight I’d carry in my minds eye all
the way to Thebes. “I know you will Xena.”
        It actually took me a little less than two weeks to get back to
Potedia. The ride to Thebes was quick, and within days Hercules and I
were able to deduce Ares’ plans and lay them to waste. Hercules is a
smart man and a good one, but he just doesn’t have the understanding of
military strategy that I do. I was grateful that he realized it and
sent for me as soon as he did. Hundreds of lives were saved; the
suffering and pain of even more avoided. It wasn’t hard to see through
Ares plans, it was the same goal as always: to get me back into his
fold and torture his half-brother in the process. And once again it was
Ares who went back to Mount Olympus empty handed.
        I arrived back in Potedia around mid-morning. I noticed
immediately that the eyes that greeted me were cold. No one said
anything. I was puzzled by the attitude of the villagers and sought out
Gabrielle’s family. Gabrielle was alone in her room. Everyone else was
gone. My voice caught in my throat when she looked at me. Something had
happened, something terrible. I wanted to rush to her but she kept me
at a distance with her gaze. “What happened?” I whispered.
        She just shook her head. “Xena, I want to leave. Now.” I nodded.
Her expression made it very clear that disagreement on that count would
be a big mistake.
        “But your leg?” I asked.
        “Take me to Amphoplis,” she said, “I’ll finish recovering at your
mother’s.” She looked at me shyly for a moment. “If you think she’ll
let me?”
        “Of course she will Gabrielle.” I said. “You know she thinks of
you as another daughter anyway.” Gabrielle nodded, and that was all
that was said.
        When we were ready to leave I felt a bit nervous. Her family
hadn’t shown up, and I felt bad leaving without saying goodbye. I said
as much to Gabrielle.
        “The others will tell them I’m gone.” She replied, nodding to the
curious looks aimed in our direction. “That’s all they need to know.
I’ve already said my goodbyes to my father. He’s the only one who’d be
interested anyway.”
        “Gabrielle, can you tell me what happened?” I finally asked,
feeling helpless.
        She shook her head, “Not here Xena. Give me some time when we get
to Amphoplis, but not here.”
        I nodded, what else could I do?
        The journey to Amphoplis was uneventful. As I suspected my mother
was overjoyed to see Gabrielle. She was happy to see me too, but
Gabrielle had found a special place in my mother’s heart. I suspect it
was a chance for my mother to envision a daughter untainted by violence
and bloodshed. Since I was determined to stick around until Gabrielle’s
leg recovered, I made myself useful around the tavern. The roof needed
mending, wood needed chopping, and an assortment of tables and chairs
were in need of repair. When I changed Gabrielle’s splint for the first
time, I noticed some severe bruising. I asked her about it. She shook
her head and said she’d fallen out of bed. I suspected she was lying,
but didn’t want to press the issue. The bones were still in alignment,
and although it would be painful, and had set her back in her healing,
she was essentially fine. I would press the issue later, when she was
less fragile, if she neglected to tell me the truth before. My mother
insisted on moving into my old room in the loft so Gabrielle and I
could share her’s downstairs. Gabrielle was still unable to manage
stairs, and mother had made it clear to me that she was aware of the
nature of our relationship.
        “I’m glad you’ve settled down Xena.” She said one morning over
breakfast, while Gabrielle was bathing.
        “Settled?” I asked, “I wouldn’t exactly call my life settled.”
        Mother smiled, “I mean Gabrielle.” She replied, “trust me, that’s
more settled then I ever hoped you be. Although a long time ago I
fantasized about grandchildren…”
        I forced a smile on my face. I had not told her about Solon, and
didn’t know if I’d ever have the courage to do so. What good was
knowing about a grandson when he could never know his grandmother?
        A couple of days later, I came in from chores to get some water. I
noticed mother and Gabrielle at the table, talking. The tavern was
closed; they were the only ones inside. As soon as I entered, mother
squeezed Gabrielle’s shoulder and left. “Xena,” Gabrielle whispered,
“we need to talk.”
        I nodded and sat down across from her. “Before I tell you Xena,
you must promise me that you won’t go crazy. I don’t want you to do
anything. I will handle this how I choose to handle this.”
        “Why don’t you just tell me.” I urged.
        “No.’’ She was adamant. “I want your word that you won’t do
anything, and I mean anything without talking it over with me first.”
        “Very well,” I said, “you have my word.”
        She nodded. She was silent a few moments, clearly putting her
thoughts in order, choosing her words. My apprehension grew; something
very serious had happened.
        “When we arrived in Poteidaia,” she began, “most of the villagers
were out on a hunt.”
        “Right,” I confirmed. “We saw a heard of deer not far from the
village on our way in.”
        She nodded. “The hunters returned two days after you left. It was
a very successful hunt. It is a village tradition that when a big hunt
is that successful, a lot of celebrating goes on.” I nodded. We had a
similar custom in Amphipolis.
        “Okay.” She said, shifting to another part of her story. “I don’t
know if you know this, but Perdicus has a brother. A younger brother.”
I shook my head, I didn’t know. “His name is Erasmus. Lila mentioned
her betrothed…”
        “Right. She said something about it while we were fixing up your
room. She didn’t say his name, so can I assume it’s Erasmus?”
        “Yes.” Gabrielle confirmed, tears starting to well up in her eyes.
“The night of the hunt celebration Erasmus came to my room.” My blood
went cold. “He,” she shrugged, “raped me.”
        “What?!” I lept to my feet, warlord fury coursing through my
veins. Gabrielle stilled me with a look and reluctantly I sat back
down.
        “He was drunk, completely. He was so… so… angry. He blamed me for
Perdicus’ death, and said some equally unkind things. My staff was by
the door, he grabbed it and hit me with it once, at my broken leg. I’m
sorry Xena,” she said, “there was no point in struggling or fighting.
If I would have fought back I’d have had to kill him, hurting him would
only have made him angrier. As for struggling… he was looking for an
excuse to hurt me, any excuse. I’m sorry Xena, I chose not to fight.”
        I stared at her wide-eyed. With what she just told me, she was
worried how I’d feel? “He should die,” I finally said.
        “No Xena.” She replied fiercely. “He was right. If I hadn’t
married Perdicus, he would still be alive.”
        “That’s not true Gabrielle.” I said quietly, “He threw down his
sword in the middle of a battle. If you hadn’t married him, he’d be
dead by some sword other than Callisto’s. Gabrielle,” I urged gently,
“if you didn’t travel with me, if you weren’t my soul, Perdicus would
still be alive. It was Callisto’s hate for me, it had very little to do
with you.”
        Gabrielle took a deep breath. “Regardless of why, Perdicus is dead
and Erasmus hadn’t let go of his grief. He took it out on me, now it’s
over and done with.”
        “Did you tell someone?” I asked.
        She laughed bitterly. “Yeah, I told my mother, my father and my
sister. My father was the only one who believed me, finally convinced
by the bruise on my leg when he changed the dressings of my splint.
Mother and Lila accused me of trying to destroy Lila’s chances at
happiness. They said some things even more unkind then Erasmus had.”
        “About me?” I offered.
        She shook her head, leveling blazing green eyes at me. “No Xena,
about us. Xena, I love you above all others, I would go to Tarterus and
back for you, and you know it. My family does not understand it. Your
mother does, so does your brother. They are my family now.”
        “I’m going back there.” I said, starting to get up again.
        “You’ll do no such thing.” She said evenly, “Xena, think I’m
pregnant. If I’m going to have a child I want you here, not rotting in
some jail, arrested for murder.”
        “Oh, Gabrielle, I’m so sorry.” I said, turning back around. “I
might be able to…”
        “No.” She said quietly. “I’ve been thinking about it. Trust me,
the thought crossed my mind, but if I am pregnant, I will keep the
baby. It isn’t the child’s fault how it got here, after all. Besides, I
think we would make good parents.”
        I sat back down. This was too much too fast. “Parents?” I mumbled,
stunned.
        Gabrielle smiled, “Funny, I think that was the expression my
father wore when he found out about Lila.”
        That was the first of several conversations on the subject. It
took time, Gabrielle talking about her experience in varying degrees of
detail, until it was finally out of her system. The wound had been
lanced and drained, now it just needed to heal. There would be a scar,
and I always regretted that, but Gabrielle and I moved on. I waited
until she was ready, until she approached me in bed before attempting
to make love. When she did, I tried with every fiber of my being to
erase the cruelty that she’d suffered. While nothing could really erase
it, I think she appreciated my efforts.
        As The Fates would have it, she was with child. My mother couldn’t
have been happier. Somehow, we all saw the pregnancy as a completely
separate issue from how she got in that condition. It was necessary, in
all fairness to the unborn child, to separate it from it’s conception.
Gabrielle was genuinely happy during her pregnancy. I think because she
got to order me around mercilessly. I was hard at work building an
addition to the tavern that would serve as our home. Mother and I were
adjusting to being around each other again, and thanks to Gabrielle,
she truly liked the person I had become.
        My nervousness grew as her time approached. Mother teased me
often, telling me that I acted like a nervous father. I didn’t have the
heart to tell her my concern was from having gone through the
experience myself. Still, I suspected bearing a child alone in the
woods was a bit more stressful than surrounded by loved ones.
        One morning, as Gabrielle and I lay in an exhausted heap together,
I heard a commotion outside. A centaur had come to Amphipolis looking
for me. Gabrielle and I talked to him alone, and my heart broke. A fire
had broken out in their village. Solon, attempting to save others, had
been trapped by burning debris and lay dying at his uncle’s house. I
had been sent for to say good-bye to my son. I spun at the sound of a
anguished gasp. Mother had overheard the conversation from where she
stood in the doorway. I explained the whole story to her, right there
and then, about Solon’s birth and my reunion with him ten years later.
Gods, that was eight years ago. Solon was a man now.
        “You have to go to him.” Mother and Gabrielle said in unison.
        “But the baby…” I protested.
        “Gabrielle will be fine.” Mother assured me. “Remember Xena, I’ve
had three. We have a skilled healer nearby if there is any trouble. She
will be fine.”
        “You have to do this Xena,” Gabrielle implored. “You won’t be able
to live with yourself if you don’t.”
        It was with a heavy heart that I set out for the centaur village.
I pushed Argo as hard as I dared, respectful of her gaining years. It
took me three days to arrive. I was escorted to the room where my son
lay dying, my eyes welling with tears as I saw his pained face. He was
indeed a man now. He’d grown tall and strong. He was handsome, and I
suppose looked more like me than his father, although his hair had
stayed light. But I knew his eyes, they were mine. He smiled when he
saw me in the doorway. “I sent for you Xena,” he whispered.
        “I’m here.” I said taking his hand as I sat on a chair by the bed.
His back had been broken and his skin had been badly burned in places.
Inwardly I screamed in frustration because there was nothing I could do
to save my son.
        “I have a favor to ask of you. The wall that fell on me, I tried
to save my wife, but I was not able to. I did save our daughter though.
I want her to go with you.” He gasped, struggling against unseen
forces, then continued. “I want you to raise her.”
        “What?” I objected. “She should be here with your family.”
        He shook his head. “She should be with her family. Her name is
Xena, after her grandmother.”
        I could do nothing but stare in disbelief. Solon knew. He laughed
at my expression. “Of course I knew,” he said. “But uncle Kaleipus
didn’t tell me. Look at my eyes Xena. There is only one other person
with eyes this color, well two now. I asked uncle when I suspected, and
he doesn’t lie very well. Still, he tried to protect you by protecting
me from the truth.”
        “Solon, I’m so sorry.” I began.
        “I know mother. I know why you did what you did. I know who you
were, and who you became. What you did you did for me. And while I was
very angry at first, now as a father I understand. Please mother, I’m
dying. Promise me you’ll raise Xena and love her so I can cross over in
peace.”
        I nodded. “I’ll love her as I’ve always loved my son,” I
whispered.
        Solon sent for little Xena. It was then I did the one thing for
him I could. I pinched several nerves on his neck. He was no longer in
pain, but he didn’t have much time. His body was giving up. I couldn’t
believe my eyes, Xena was indeed my descendant. The hair, the eyes, the
defiant glare. At two years old, she looked like a much shorter version
of me. Solon smiled as climbed up onto his chest, no longer in any
pain. She listened with all the maturity she could muster as he
explained he was going away to join her mother and that she needed to
go with me. She cried, but when Solon did cross over and I opened my
arms to her, she went to them willingly.
        We left for home the next day. She’d already lost so much, I
couldn’t imagine how she’d ever pull through. But she did. I explained
where we were going, who we would see, where she would live. She wasn’t
afraid of Argo, and for me that was a good sign. She rode well, and by
the end of the week we were home.
        Sure enough, Gabrielle had given birth. Xena and I entered our
bedroom to see Gabrielle cradling a beautiful baby. “Xena,” Gabrielle
said, and we both turned our heads, “meet Lyceus.” I cried at that,
much to the confusion of little Xena, who answered to Xe more often
than not. She called me Na and both of us were usually called our full
name when we were in trouble.
        My mother was positively beaming. I guess for her it was like
watching Lyceus and me all over again, except that this time there was
no Cortese, no warlord, no redemption. Toris was a good uncle, when he
was around, and was fond of both children. Since Lyceus took to calling
Gabrielle Mama, so did Xena. Since Xena called me Na or NaNa, Lyceus
did too.
        When they were old enough, they traveled with us. I slowly
extracted myself from the ‘hero business’. I could do more good raising
healthy, bright children then I could traveling and handling petty
disputes, so I stayed home more and more. When we did journey though,
few negative comments were ever directed at my family. I certainly
never heard anyone complain more than once, and they always apologized.
        Gabrielle and I were very proud of our children. They were a
source of constant joy for us, and there was never a dull moment.
Lyceus was a charmer, able to talk his way out of almost anything. Xena
was a hot head, and had inherited my tendency for direct confrontation.
The village soon learned that they were an unstoppable team. They were
also an anchor for us when life began to take it’s toll. Argo was the
first of our family to depart, followed many years later by mother.
        By then, Xe and Ly had grown and moved on with families of their
own. They visited often and in time we had our own grandchildren and
great-grandchildren to spoil. They were there for Gabrielle after I
died. I had broken my neck in a riding accident long after I should
have known not to get on a horse. I think Gabrielle understood though.
I would never have been able to wait for my body to slowly wither.
Gabrielle and I were reunited sooner than I expected, our bodies
resting side by side in the family crypt. Over the years, we were
joined by several others before our children and their children had
scattered to the winds weaving their lives in a rich tapestry. When all
is said and done, I would not have changed a single thing…

Chapter 7: Playing House

        Janice Covington smiled to herself as she drove the brand new pick
up truck toward home. Argo sat in the passenger seat, head out the
window, still amazed by all the new smells of the region. Home. Janice
still had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Everything
that had happened in the six weeks since her return from Leesto’s
island all seemed too good to be true. But there it was as she rounded
a now familiar bend in the road. On Franklin street the imposing white
mansion, itself a spared relic from the civil war, loomed into view.
She parked the car outside the front door as Argo leapt from the
passenger window and bounded up the steps to the front door.
        Once inside, Janice quickly removed her high heels and pillbox
shaped hat. The new dress code was the only nightmarish quality to the
new direction her life had taken. The house was warm and inviting, most
of the moving boxes having been unpacked. Aside from her books, Janice
didn’t own much in the way of material possessions. Some research
equipment and artifacts from previous digs waited patiently for their
unpacking. Until a room in the sprawling mansion was set aside as a
study, they were best left in the moving crates. Janice gazed around
the entryway. The grand works of art and furnishings were still taking
some getting used to. It was not hard to believe Melinda Pappas grew up
surrounded by such finery, but to be pampered and adventurous was an
unusual combination. “Well, did you get it?” Mel called from the second
floor as she hurried down the stairs to join her love.
        “Of course I got it.” Janice smiled back. “You are looking at the
newest faculty member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill.”
        “Oh, that’s wonderful Janice!” Mel declared, kissing her soundly,
then quickly breaking away to look around the room.
        “Honestly Mel,” Janice laughed, “kissing isn’t something ‘Dora
hasn’t seen us do before. Not by a long shot,” she added under her
breath, “I wouldn’t worry about it.”
        “Yes, well,” Mel replied primly as she headed for the stairs,
“come upstairs. There is something I want to show you.”
        Janice followed, grinning from ear to ear. “Is it something I’ve
seen before?” She asked hopefully.
        Mel glanced back, her own eyes smiling with promise. “As a matter
of fact, no.” With a wink she added, “But later, yes. So what will you
be teaching?”
        “I love it when you say yes.” Janice sighed and followed Mel up
the stairs. “Starting in the fall I’ll be teaching Pre-Myceanian
Culture and Customs, Advanced Archeology and a special lecture series
on Xena, once we’ve analyzed the scrolls that is. It’s going to be a
busy summer.” They stopped at a door at the far end of the elegant
hallway. “What, I actually get to enter the mysterious room that has
been off limits since my arrival?”
        “Off limits my eye.” Mel objected. “You’ve been fixated with
exploring every facet of the bedroom since you got here.”
        “Only when you’re in it.”
        Mel ignored the comment and opened the heavy wooden door. Beyond
was a large room, comfortably decorated in warm tones of mahogany and
leather. A study with two great desks were positioned face to face at
one end of the room. A fire place and comfortable couches dominating
the other. Book cases recessed in the wall rose to the ceiling near the
desks, filled with the books from Janice’s former home. Several large
windows were behind one of the desks, on the far side from the fire
place looking behind the huge house in to the expansive fields beyond.
Peach trees dotted the landscape with a spectacular view of the
horizon. Bright flowers sat poised in an elegant vase on a small table
in front of the fire place, adding color to the warm coziness of the
room.
        “It’s incredible,” Janice gasped, stepping inside. “Did you do
this?” She breathed recognizing the familiar book spines instantly.
        “Well, ‘Dora helped, but I had to do something to keep my mind off
my loneliness while you were interviewing at the University.” Mel
beamed. Janice was as pleasantly surprised as she hoped she’d be.
        As Janice moved to the book case. Something caught her eye on the
far desk. A hat rested over a coiled bullwhip. “What’s this?” She
asked, moving to the desk and picking up the hat.
        “Try it on.” Mel suggested, grinning from ear to ear. Janice
complied, beaming as the hat covered her head with the feel of a custom
fit. “I was hoping it’d fit,” Mel explained. “See, daddy ordered a
couple of hats from this European hat maker. It was an extravagant gift
when mama was still around. Anyway, of the three he received, one was
too small. Daddy never threw anything away, so it’s been waiting for
you in this study ever since.”
        Janice grinned too overcome with happiness and emotion to speak.
“And the whip?” she finally asked, picking up the expertly made
bullwhip. It was well worn but in excellent condition.
        “A gift from me and Xena to you. A little ‘welcome home’
something.”
        “Mel, you are the best!” Janice exclaimed, her voice tight with
emotion as she moved to take the statuesque woman in her arms once
more.
        “Well you did seem rather attached to your hat,” Mel said when
their kiss broke.
        Janice grinned. “Yeah, I won it in a poker game with a former
colleague. It belonged to Henry Jones Junior; Indy, when I was able to
call him a friend.”
        “You’re no longer friends?” Mel asked.
        Janice shook her head, still grinning. “Nope. He caught me with
the daughter of his mentor.” She paused for a moment thinking, “Marion…
Marion Ravenwood, that was her name. He was pretty pissed I’d… um.”
Janice looked up to see Mel arching her eyebrow knowingly. “Well, you
get the picture. He also taught me how to use a bullwhip.” She
finished, hoping to redirect the conversation.
        Mel just smiled. Janice’s passionate nature was one of the reasons
she loved her. “You are incorrigible you know. Is there any end to the
trouble you can get yourself into?”
        “Well I’ve got a specific partner in crime these days…” Janice
voice dropped off as Mel turned to gaze out the large window. “What is
it? What did I say?” Janice asked, worried.
        “It isn’t you Janice.” Mel smiled. “I’m just having some trouble
adjusting to… this.” She finished.
        “What about… this?” Janice asked, joining Mel by the window,
standing close but not touching.
        “I think I should say something to ‘Dora, explain our situation.
But I’m not quite sure what to say.”
        Janice paused a moment, her brow furrowed in thought. “Mel,” she
began gently, “I’ve been here a total of three days. In that time ‘Dora
has walked in on us making love a total of four times. While I think it
surprised her the first two, I think she’s gotten over it and has
realized that knocking on a door and entering without waiting for an
answer first is not a good idea.”
        Mel’s cheeks flushed crimson at the memory. It was true that
Janice appeared much less embarrassed by the situation. Walking in on
others, or being walked in on were not new experiences for her. In fact
the archeologist had seemed perfectly content readjusting a sheet and
answering whatever question ‘Dora had interrupted them to ask. “I hope
you aren’t thinking of letting her go?” Janice asked. Since meeting the
formidable black woman three days prior, an understanding had been
forged between the two. Without words, they had agreed to be partners
in the task of looking out for Mel and seeing that she was happy.
        “I would never do that,” Mel replied. “Pandora started working for
my father when I was just a baby, before mother left. She was little
more than a child herself at the time. Still, she’s always been the
closest thing I’ve had to a mother.” Mel turned, her eyes brimming with
unshed tears. “Janice, I’m afraid she’s going to leave me. Leave us.”
        Janice shook her head. “Don’t be silly Mel. Pandora isn’t stupid.
She’s got a good thing, working for you. The housework is light; you
never make a mess. She’s only has to cook for two, her children are
welcome in your home, as are their friends after school, and she’s well
paid. You told me yourself that her husband hasn’t been able to work
since that accident on the railroad. Why would she give all this up?
Just because her employer has a female lover?”
        “You’ve said yourself that people have a problem with it. What if
‘Dora thinks her children shouldn’t come ‘round? How many times have
you been called names or threatened? On that ship… Silvus…” Mel asked,
searching the shorter woman’s face.
        “Forget Silvus, Mel.” Janice countered. “The man is an idiot. As
for ‘Dora’s kids… shit Mel, you are the sweetest, most generous person
I’ve ever met. ‘Sides, Pandora’s youngest, Thea, is crazy about Argo.
Wild horses won’t keep her out of your orchard playing tag with Argo.”
Wrapping her arm’s around Mel, she murmured into the taller woman’s
shoulder. “If you’re that concerned, why don’t you just talk to ‘Dora.
Let her tell you you’re overreacting if you won’t listen to me. I love
you Mel. I don’t want that to be something that makes you sad.”
        Returning Janice’s warm embrace Mel was afraid she might start
crying. “I love you too Janice, and it doesn’t make me sad. It’s just
so complicated. I mean, what about the University?”
        “What about them?” Janice asked, pressing her lips to an exposed
collar bone.
        “What will they think?”
        “About me living in the home of Melinda Pappas?” Janice asked
stepping away from Mel to look her in the face once more. “I suspect a
number of eligible bachelors will be very disappointed, and possibly
make some crass remarks. I also know that the board of directors will
do everything possible to accommodate my abrasive personality because
they want to impress you. They know it was you who paid off Sal Monious
since he didn’t get any artifacts for his museum. They are ecstatic to
have Argo’s saddle in their museum’s collection. They are willing to
finance future expeditions for us and will patiently wait for me to
transcribe the Xena Scrolls and publish my findings. Mel, they are more
than happy to overlook what I do in bed. They have too much at stake to
pretend otherwise. Hell, they even said Argo was welcome on campus and
asked if you’d consider joining me at the faculty mixer. They want your
money Mel. I’m sorry, but get used to them bending over backwards to
impress you, they’re going to be at it for a long time.”
        Mel shrugged, it was nothing new. She’d learned to spot long ago
when people were only interested in her finances. Suddenly a new fear
crept to mind, “You don’t think that’s why they hired you ?”
        Janice shook her head. “I’m not that insecure about my work. I
know my research is worth it’s weight in gold. They want hard cash and
credible research. I’m sure they just find the fact that I’m crazy in
love with you, a bonus.”
        The discussion came to an abrupt end when a crisp knock sounded at
the door. “Come in,” both women replied in unison. Several more moments
passed before the door slowly opened.
        “I’m not interrupting anything?” Pandora asked, her eyes still
averted as she entered the study.
        “Honestly ‘Dora, we’re not going to do it in here.” Janice quipped
under her breath, “yet.”
        “Janice!” Mel protested, cheeks flaming once more.
        Pandora laughed. The more she got to know the outspoken
archeologist the more she liked her. “With a wolf like you Miz
Covington, ya never know.” She replied.
        “Wolf?” Janice repeated, beaming, “I like the sound of that.”
        “You would.” Mel added, then turned to face the newcomer. “‘Dora,
there is something I’d like to explain about Janice and myself. About
the nature of our relationship…”
        Pandora was a large woman, fifteen years older than Mel, although
she didn’t seem it. Her eyes shown with youthful mischief, her body
having aged more from giving birth to six children. She shook her head,
smiling with her white teeth shining in bright contrast to her dark
skin. “I’m not blind Miz Pappas. It’s clear to me how y’all feel about
each other.”
        Mel blushed. This was not getting any easier. “Yes, but I’m
concerned you…” She floundered, not quite knowing what to say.
        “What Mel is trying to say,” Janice interjected, “is that she’s
concerned you might feel differently about her, knowing about me, well
us.”
        The smile faded from Pandora’s face as she studied the taller
woman. “Is that what you think Miz Pappas?” she softly asked. Mel
nodded. “Well then, I didn’t teach you as well as I thought I did.” She
finished sadly.
        “It isn’t that ‘Dora…” Mel tried to explain.
        “Don’t tell me what it is or it isn’t Melinda Pappas. I’ve taken
care of you since before I had any babies of my own, and I’ve treated
y’all the same. Your daddy was a good man, he taught me a lot, things
I’ve tried to teach all my babies. Your daddy never judged anyone by
anything other than their deeds. He traveled the world over, and knew
people of every stripe. He treated them all with equal respect no
matter if they ate monkey for breakfast or wore a lamp shade on their
head for a hat. Miz Pappas, honey, love is love. It ain’t a bad thing,
can’t be. When all the hate is gone from the world, then maybe we can
get picky about love, but not ‘till then. Frankly, I don’t care what
the two of you do in bed, or the bathtub,” she added wryly. “Although I
wouldn’t mind my husband being a fly on the wall, I reckon y’all could
teach him a thing or two.” She finished with a wink at Janice.
        “Six kids ‘Dora, I don’t think he needs any help.” Janice
observed.
        “I’m not complaining, mind you.” ‘Dora explained, “it’s just that
y’all carry on so it sound like y’all havin’ sucha good time.”
        “Does that mean you won’t be leaving?” Mel asked hopefully.
        “Leave? Never child, not as long as y’all have me. ‘Sides, now
with Miz Wolf in residence, I gots someone to pick up after.”
        Relieved, all three women shared a laugh. “What did you want to
see us about?” Janice asked, “or was it just to see what we were up
to?”
        ‘Dora slapped playfully at Janice’s arm, muttering “Damn wolf”
under her breath. “I was cleaning the black tuxedo jacket, when I found
these in the pocket.” She held out her hand, and resting in her large
palm were the matching necklaces from the auction.
        “That’s right.” Janice exclaimed, “I saw Xena put them in her
pocket when we were in Leesto’s study. With everything that happened, I
forgot all about them.”
        Mel took the necklaces from Pandora, studying the intricate
detail. The housekeeper was about to leave when Mel looked up as she
reached the door. “‘Dora, have you seen Argo’s pack?”
        “Yes ma’am, it’s in the barn with a few boxes still needin’ to be
unpacked.”
        “Could you get it for me?”
        Pandora withdrew with a smile, and quietly closed the study door
behind her.
        “What was that about?” Janice asked, looking at the artifacts
resting in her lover’s elegant fingers.
        “I brought a couple of things with me when I went to your house. I
put them in Argo’s pack and forgot all about them. I think it’s time I
showed you now though.” She looked back at the necklaces. “What should
we do with them?” She asked.
        “Keep them? Wear them? I don’t know,” Janice shrugged.
        “I don’t think we should wear them unless it’s a special
occasion.” Mel considered. “But, the staff and breastplate, I’m sure
they’d want us to hold on to them. What about the scrolls, do you plan
to keep them?”
        Janice shook her head, “I’d like to send them back to Jack
Kleinman in New Jersey, when we’re done transcribing them. Leesto might
still be interested, and I’m sure Jack will be clueless enough to stash
them in an attic somewhere and forget about them. If they’re in a
museum, Leesto will have a goal. If she can’t find them…”
        Pandora returned to the study carrying Argo’s small pack. She
handed it to Mel who rummaged through it’s contents, withdrawing a
small pouch and a scroll case. “What’s this?” Janice asked when she was
handed the velvet pouch.
        “A little something I had made when I parted ways with you in
Macedonia. I said I had to get some things in order. I had these made
while I was up to it.”
        Opening the pouch Janice spilled the contents into her hand. Two
tiny circles, silver inlaid with gold, each on a thin chain rested in
her palm. “Tiny chakrams!” Janice exclaimed.
        Mel nodded, “yes one side of each has a pattern from Xena’s
chakram, the other side is smooth.”
        “Two halves of the whole.” Janice observed as Mel smiled.
        “Pick one.” She said. Janice made a grand show of closing her eyes
and blindly selecting one of the necklaces. Her fingers touched on the
necklace with the square pattern as Mel nodded her approval. “Most
fitting.” She decided, slipping the chain around Janice’s neck and
hooking the delicate clasp. Janice returned the favor and in moments
both women were sporting similar, but not identical, necklaces.
        “And you had these made before…” Janice observed.
        “I guess I had my hopes up on some level.” Mel confided. “I’m glad
it worked out this way.”
        “And what is this?” Janice asked as she picked up the scroll case.
        “When Jack drove off in Macedonia, this scroll fell out of the
bag. I’ve already translated it, it wasn’t written by Gabrielle. I
think this is the only scroll written by Xena.”
        “You are amazing Mel” Janice beamed. “This is going to be an
incredible summer. Translating the scrolls, doing research for our next
dig…”
        Mel joined in her lover’s happiness. Our next dig, I like the
sound of that.”
        “Of course Mel, we’re partners, in every way. I wouldn’t dream of
an expedition without you. You’re as indispensable as Argo!” Mel
smiled, knowing she was just paid the highest of compliments. “As long
as we’re upstairs,” Janice continued, “wasn’t there something else you
wanted to show me?”
        “‘Dora is right Janice, you are a wolf.”
        They headed back down the hall toward the bedroom when Pandora
intercepted them. “Oh no you don’t.” She warned, “Miz Covington has a
guest, y’all can ‘take a nap’ later.” She said with a conspirital nod
toward the bedroom.
        “A guest?” Janice asked, surprised. “Who?”
        ‘Dora smiled. “A woman. From the university, long red hair and
mighty pretty. She talks funny though. Still, I’d keep an eye on my
wolf if I was you Miz Pappas.”
        Janice laughed, “Pandora, a smart woman like you deserves a
raise.”
        “I won’t argue with that.” She agreed. “‘Specially if I’m going to
look after that horse you insist on calling a dog. Thank the lord
she’ll be with y’all at the university.”
        “Did you catch our guests name?” Mel asked.
        Pandora nodded, “Said her name was Doctor Fiona Cyrene. I showed
her into the living room. If y’all can postpone your ‘nap’ I’ll bring
some iced tea.”
        Janice quickly looked down at her bare feet and uncomfortable
skirt. “Shit, I gotta change clothes. Can you keep her busy for a few
minutes while I change?” she implored.
        Mel smiled. “Red head?” she asked Pandora. “Sounds like my cup of
tea. Take your time Janice,” she teased as she headed down the elegant
stairs.
        “Christ, I’ve created a monster.” Janice muttered as she dashed
for the bedroom door.
        “You’ve created something Miz Covington.” Pandora agreed watching
Mel descend the stairs.

        Janice entered the living room a short time later, dressed in a
casual pant suit. To her surprise, it was vacant. Pandora arrived just
after her, carrying a large glass of iced tea. “Miz Pappas and Doctor
Cyrene are out back.” ‘Dora said, then added in a hushed voice, “I’d
watch that one if I were you Miz Covington. She’s got hungry eyes like
you. Not quite as love struck when she looks as Melinda, but there is
an interest there, same as you.”
        “Interest in Mel?” Janice wondered aloud, accepting the offered
glass.
        “In all women.” Pandora replied.
        “Another wolf?” Janice asked.
        “Yes ma’am.”
        “I’d best get to guarding the sheep then hadn’t I?” Janice smiled
as she headed for the back.
        Pandora shook her head. “She only has eyes for her wolf Miz
Covington.” She said before Janice was out of ear shot.

        Janice quietly walked the length of the porch attached to the back
of the huge house. Mel and their guest were engaged in conversation at
the far end, looking off towards the peach trees. Argo sat with them
until she saw her mistress approach, then quickly bounded over to
receive some attention behind the ears. “Janice,” Mel said warmly as
she approached, “I’d like you to meet Doctor Fiona Cyrene, your new
officemate.”
        Janice and Fiona shook hands warmly. “Doctor Cyrene, the Irish
archeologist?” Janice asked.
        “One and the same, Doctor Covington, but I’d thank you to call me
Fi, all my friends do.” Fioana smiled, which set her freckles dancing
across her cheeks. She was the same height as Janice with slightly
shorter hair. It was wavy and deep red which Janice noticed kept Mel’s
attention riveted. Appearing several years older than Mel, she spoke
with a thick irish brouge, her blue-gray eyes sparkling.
        Janice smiled .“Only if you call me Janice.”
        “Very well Janice. Melinda was just showing me the orchard. You’ve
a lovely home here.” Fiona smiled at Mel as well as Janice as she
spoke. Her words could be taken a number of ways, but Janice agreed
with Pandora, this woman was a charmer.
        “Yes, yes I do.” Janice agreed, smiling at Mel. “Shall we go
inside?” She suggested, leading the way to the living room.
        “I heard you were interviewing at the university. I was on campus
this morning and found out just after you’d left that you accepted the
position.” Fiona explained as they entered the grand living room. “It
will be nice to have another ‘foreigner’ in the department.”
        Janice laughed. “You’re right, I’ve been introduced as the ‘yankee
professor’ more than once today.”
        “Yes, were your research on Xena not so outstanding, you’d find
your office in the basement. As it is, you’ll be rooming with the other
archeologist no one can understand instead. Is this Xena’s?” Fiona
asked as she walked to the brick fireplace. Mounted above were the
bronze breastplate and a restored fighting staff.
        “Yes,” Mel explained, joining the archeologist, “the breastplate
was Xena’s and the staff belonged to Gabrielle.”
        “Gabrielle the bard?” Fiona asked.
        “You’ve heard of her.” Janice’s eyes widened in appreciation. She
was impressed.
        “Oh, yes. My… research assistant is quite the follower of your
research Janice.” Janice watched the irish woman’s eyes quickly take in
the chakram necklaces that she and Mel were wearing. “She said she
spoke to you after your lecture at Stanford.”
        “Really.” Janice replied, surprised and a little concerned as she
watched Mel’s eyes narrow.
        Fioana nodded, “Yes, her name is Flora Gates.”
        “Really!” Mel said brightening.
        “Yes,” Fiona smiled at Mel, confidant that they were speaking the
same unspoken language. “She just got her degree. I was quite impressed
by her thesis. She’s been doing some research for me since she arrived
six weeks ago.”
        “Does she live on campus?” Mel asked, quite delighted Flora Gates
was out of circulation.
        Fiona shook her head shyly, “We share a house near the
University.”
        “Well then, you will have to bring her ‘round for dinner some
evening. Wouldn’t that be nice Janice?”
        Janice smiled, Mel was indeed getting the hang of it. “Yes that
would be nice.”
        “So,” Fiona asked as she took a seat on one of the comfortable
living room couches, “now that you’ve recovered the scrolls, what’s
next?”
        Shrugging Janice sipped her tea. “This summer we will be going
through the scrolls, translating them. I think the next task would be
to find the lost city of Amphipolis. I’d like to see for myself where
Xena came from.”
        “Did she die there?” Fi asked, eyes sparkling with interest.
        Mel nodded, “I think so. I believe one of the scrolls was written
by Xena. It suggests as much.”
        “You’re a Xena expert as well Melinda?” The Irish archeologist
asked, intrigued.
        Janice grinned, “Mel is quite the expert on ancient syntax. She
also has some unique insight when it comes to interpreting artifacts.
While it isn’t the most scientific of methods, I don’t think she’s been
wrong yet.”
        “So you’re… partners then?” Fiona asked, worried she might have
mistakenly read too much into their relationship, as she gazed at Mel
once more.
        “Oh yes!” Mel stated emphatically, smiling at Janice. “As a matter
of fact I just found out that I’m as helpful on an expedition as the
dog.”
        Janice blushed, “I meant that in a nice way Mel.”
        Fiona laughed as she stood up. “Well I really should be going. I
had strict instructions not to overstay my welcome. It was very nice
meeting you both. I look forward to that dinner, and will be seeing you
on campus Janice.”
        Janice smiled shaking the older woman’s hand warmly. “I look
forward to it Fi.”

        Later that night Janice lay awake watching clouds move in front of
the moon outside the bedroom window. Mel was curled up at her side,
dark tresses spilling over her shoulder, warm breath against her
breast. Argo lay on the floor next to the bed sleeping soundly. She
thought briefly about her father, and how his life’s work sat secure on
two desks in their study. She didn’t have to wonder if he would have
been proud, she knew he was. She did wonder though if he knew or
suspected, he was the descendant of Gabrielle. The Bard. It probably
wouldn’t have made much difference to him if he’d known, she decided.
It did make a difference to her though. Xena’s words at the auction
about the necklaces haunted her. Even though the deed had been done
centuries ago, someone had disturbed the final rest of the Warrior
Princess and her love. That angered Janice, and she was determined to
find out who and why. Not so she could set things right, but to at
least understand what had happened.
        Melinda sighed in her sleep shifting the course of the
archeologist’s thoughts. For so long her family had consisted of one
dog and a few poker buddies, the dog being the only one she could
trust. That had changed so dramatically in the space of a few weeks.
The mere sight of Melinda made her heart sing, the presence of Pandora
and her children were immeasurably comforting. She had a place she
belonged to now, and while she still thought about the adventure of
travel, the thought of home and hearth had even more appeal.
        Janice looked down as she felt Mel’s breathing shift and her
lover’s eyes open. Mel smiled as she drew a warm hand up Janice’s nude
torso, stopping as it cupped around a soft breast. “Can’t sleep?” she
inquired sleepily.
        “I’m too happy.” Janice admitted. “I don’t want to miss a second
of holding you.” Janice snuggled Mel tighter, tracing lazy patterns
across her lover’s exquisite back with a gentle finger. “What woke you
up?” she finally asked.
        Mel shrugged, her own hands beginning casual exploration. “I don’t
know. It’s odd though, I wasn’t dreaming. Do you realize I haven’t had
any dreams about Xena since aboard the The Gauntlet?”
        As Mel propped herself up on her elbows, Janice considered her
words. She had heard about the vivid nature of her lover’s dreams and
having seen the possessions for herself, was hoping the details they
provided would aid in her research. If she could prove her findings
scientifically at a later date, how she got the ideas in the first
place wouldn’t be an issue. “Maybe Xena told you all you needed to
know. Or perhaps she’s taking a break.”
        Shaking her head, Mel smiled as Janice’s body twitched, tickled by
her long hair. “I don’t think so. I think she’s gone. Still, I don’t
mind. I mean, I’ll miss her and all, but she deserves the rest.”
        “Mighty generous of you Mel.” Janice quipped.
        “I can be merciful.” Mel smiled, “Still there is someone else I
can think of who doesn’t deserve any rest at all.” Azure eyes burned
with need as she leaned down for a soulful kiss. The kiss was followed
by another, then more until the moon was no longer visible in the
bedroom window.
        Finally collapsing in happy exhaustion Janice rested her head
against Mel’s breast. She smiled as her lover’s breathing slowed then
deepened with blissful sleep. Knowing she was headed there herself, she
was lulled to sleep by the now familiar heartbeat and breathing that
thrummed in harmony with her own.

…I didn’t take the task of documenting Xena’s deeds lightly. I well
knew that the world would have been happy to keep alive the memory of
the old Xena, people are so fond of villains. But Xena changed, and
like it or not, the world would have to change too. From that day a
once-warlord saved a group of girls from Poteidaia I knew on some level
it was my destiny to be with her. Later, I realized it was to preserve
her deeds for posterity. Later still, I realized it was to be her
friend. To teach her things she’d never had time or the luxury of
adolescence to learn. With all she’d been through, all she’d done, Xena
did not know how to love, really love without reservation. I taught her
that. What I didn’t expect though, was that she’d teach me the same
lesson. It was after a well lived life with my warrior princess that I
realized where our legacy really lay. The written word would take hold
in local folk lore or it wouldn’t. The only history I could be certain
of passing down was to our children. Even so, I guess it didn’t really
matter. Xena never really cared what strangers thought of her. I knew
the truth, as did everyone else who loved her, and was loved by her in
return. When the time finally came for me to put down my pen for the
last time, I looked forward with girlish giddiness to the reunion that
would await me on the other side. I was not disappointed. How could I
be. I knew I was her soul and she was mine, there is simply no end to
love like that.
        But I’m getting ahead of myself. It all started that day Draco’s
men arrived. I’d gone with Lila and the others to the stream to do
laundry...


the end.