Lexx frowned, then folded his arms and scowled.  He was worried, Chel noted, from his posture and the "sixth" sense she'd began to trust.

 "What's wrong?" she asked looking up from her bookplate.

 "Mischief has moved from her previous location," he answered as he studied the map before him.

 "Is that unusual?" Chel asked moving off the couch and stretching.

 "Yes and no," Lexx replied.  "Dice are like normal animals for the most part.  They move to find food and shelter, but they rarely travel this far."  Chel now stood beside him and he pointed at the map.  "We saw her here," he said indicating a region in Washington, "but now she's here."  His finger moved to indicate the mid-eastern section of Kansas.

 Lexx didn't look at her or ask for her opinion, but Chel knew he was waiting for her to say something.  The longer she was with him, the easier she found he was to read.  Adjusting her glasses, she leaned closer to the map, hoping to find some explanation other than the ones already running through her mind.  After a few minutes, she sighed and looked up at Lexx, whose golden eyes were hopeful.

 "Could we go down and look around?" she asked.

 Lexx nodded.  "But it's near a town, so we'll need to wait until twilight."

 Chel looked at her watch and smirked.  "We won't have to wait long.  The sun sets about five thirty in Kansas during October."

- - - - -- - -

 The door dropped them into a fairly well lit parking lot, but it was mostly deserted despite the early hour.  Lexx pulled his collar a little higher and looked around nervously.  A tiger roared and the pair jumped in surprise.

 "Where is everyone?" Lexx asked, half glad there was no one in sight, but worried where they might be if he couldn't see them.

"Some where else," Chel said.  "This place is closed," she said pointing to neon sign that was flashing "Closed."  Her smiled faded as she noticed the much larger sign declaring The Wild Life Refuge:  Dedicated to Saving the Wild Life.'  "It's a zoo," she said frowning.

"A zoo?" Lexx echoed in disbelief.  Could this day possibly get away worse, he thought.

"Yes, a zoo," Chel answered, misunderstanding his query.  "It's a place where..."

"I know what a zoo is," Lexx snapped in frustration.  "We might as well go back to the ship."

"Would you mind if I stayed here?" Chel asked.  "I have my remote.  Maybe I can find out something useful."

Lexx shrugged.  "If you want too."  He activated his own remote, reopening the shining portal, and nodded to her.  "Be careful.  See you later."  Then he stepped through the door and was gone.

Chel turned toward where she thought the road would be and started that direction.  She could see the lights of a town ahead and it didn't look that far away.  After a few minutes, she realized that it was much farther than she'd thought, but she kept walking.  A vehicle drove past her towards the town then turned off the road.  Minutes later, she heard another coming up on her, but this one was slowing down.  It pulled up next to her and she felt a wave of nervousness wash over her.

"Hey baby!  Going my way?" a deep male voice asked.

Chel refused the urge to even look at the man.  Maybe if she ignored him, he'd just go away.

"It's a little cold.  How bout I give ya a ride to town?" the guy asked trying again.  "A pretty lady like yourself shouldn't be out here in the dark alone.  Why don't you come with me?"

Get lost, Chel thought, but made no sign she'd heard him.

"Oh, come on, Chels," a higher pitched female voice whined.  "At least give me a dirty look!"

Chel stopped and looked into the truck.  Only one person ever called her "Chels".  "Tonya?  Is that you?" she asked surprised.

A laugh bubbled out of the truck and Tonya flipped on the cab light.  "In the flesh.  What's up?"

"Not much, just walking to town," Chel answered.  She paused.  "Does that offer of a ride still stand?  It is a little chilly."

Tonya laughed again and reached over to unlock the door.  "So what brings you to Tequila Heights, Chels?" she asked as her friend buckled her seatbelt.

Chel swallowed hard and pretended to adjust the belt, not sure what to say.  "I'm, uh, traveling with a friend," she said.  "He has some...business here."

"I see," Tonya replied raising an eyebrow in the dark, curious about what her friend was holding back.  "Why are you all the way out here, alone?"

"We were going to go to the refuge, but it was already closed.  He went back, but I wanted to go to town," Chel answered.  "I didn't realize how far away it was."

"So where are you staying?"

Chel's heart raced and she racked her brain for an answer that didn't sound like a complete lie.  She had implied they weren't staying in the town, but she had no idea what else was in the area.

Tonya pulled the truck over to the side of the rode, put it in park, and turned the cab light on again.  She turned to face Chel, her expression serious and worried.  "Chel, you don't have to explain it to me if you don't want to.  Just give me an honest answer," Tonya began.  "Are you in trouble?"

Almost without thinking about it, Chel answered.  "No."  She looked Tonya directly in the eye.  "He would never hurt me."

Tonya studied her for a long moment, then nodded.  "I believe you," she said.  "In that case, I have some more questions for you."  She turned out the light and put the truck in drive.  "First, have you had supper?"

"Yes."

"Do you have a specific place in town you would like to see?"

"Does Tequila Heights have a mall?" Chel asked.

A soft smile crossed Tonya's face.  "Yes, we have a mall," she replied.  "Next question.  Will you be in town tomorrow night?"

"I'm not sure," Chel answered thoughtfully.  "Why?"

"My housemates and I are having a Halloween party.  I was wondering if you would like to come?  Your mystery man would be invited too, of course," Tonya explained.  "It's a charity thing, but I could get you in free.  It promises to be lots of fun."

"I would love to come," Chel answered. "But I don't know if he would or not.  And I don't have a costume."

"We're going to the mall, aren't we?" Tonya replied with a grin.  "If you're truly interested in coming, I would be willing to buy you one."

"I couldn't let you do that," Chel protested.  "It wouldn't be fair to impose on you like that.  I mean college is expensive enough and the holidays are coming up soon.  I couldn't ask you to buy me an overpriced mall costume."

Tonya pulled into the parking lot and parked the truck.  Chel could tell that she was trying not to laugh, but she couldn't recall saying anything funny.  Giving Chel an amused look, Tonya stretched a stiff muscle in her arm.  "You didn't ask, Chels.  I offered," Tonya reminded her.  "Thanks for trying to help, but honestly it's no problem.  I've got more money than I know what to do with."  She paused and raised a hand to stop Chel's protest.  "I've got a great job that pays well and the house I live in gives us a large allowance."

Chel hesitated, biting her lip as she thought.  "Well, if you're sure it wouldn't inconvenience you," she started.

Tonya smirked.  "Trusted me it won't," she replied.

"Then I would love to come to your party," Chel concluded.

"Great," Tonya said.  "Then we'd better find you a costume.  And while we shop, you can tell me all about your friend."

- - - - - - - -

Lexx glanced up from the lit plate he was reading when the door open and Chel appeared.  She walked past the couch carrying a couple of plastic sacks and smiled at him.

"Made it to town I see," Lexx said eyeing the sacks.  "Have a good time?"

"Yes," Chel called as she walked into the bunkroom to put away the bags and her coat.  She reemerged still smiling.  "I met an old friend."

"Oh?" Lexx asked surprised and curious in spite of himself.

"Yeah.  She was driving down the road and recognized me, so she stopped and said hello.  When she realized I was headed to Tequila Heights, she gave me a ride to the mall," Chel said

"Tequila Heights?" Lexx repeated uncertainly.

"That was the town near the zoo," Chel explained.  "Tonya lives on the edge of town and goes college at the university there."  She paused unsure how to approach the next topic, then decided on the direct approach.  "She invited us to her Halloween party tomorrow night.  Do you want to go?"

Lexx blinked, clearly startled.  "She invited both of us?"  Chel nodded.  "But she doesn't even know me!" he protested in shock.

Chel shrugged.  "Tonya didn't want you to feel left out," she explained.

"Oh," Lexx replied.  "How did she even know about me?" he asked worriedly.

She blushed slightly.  "I told her," she replied, wincing at Lexx's shocked look.  "I had to.  She thought I was in some kind of trouble, so I told her I was with you.  I didn't tell her you're an alien or about the game.  Just your name, age, and that you are in town for business."

"Why did you tell her my age?" he asked with a frown.

"There will be alcohol served at the party, so she has to make sure anyone who wants to drink is of legal age."

"Oh," Lexx said, thinking he'd been saying that word a lot lately.  It was a reasonable request, he thought.  "So...ah...how are you going to get there?"

"I just have to go to the mall and get on the transport provided.  You won't come with me?" she asked trying to keep the plea out of her voice.

"Chel, I would stick out like a sore thumb.  Blue skin and wings don't exactly blend in very well here," he answered.

"Not normally, but this is a Halloween party.  Costumes are mandatory, Lexx.  No one will notice," she countered.

Lexx hesitated; it did sound like fun.  "Are you sure?" he asked worriedly.

"Positive," Chel answered, then grinned.  "And if someone says something, we'll just make them talk to Tonya.  She could BS a leopard out of its spots."

"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt," Lexx conceded.  "I still haven't figured out how to get Mischief out of the zoo."

- - - - - - --

Lexx fidgeted nervously while they waited for the transport, despite Chel's reassurances that everything would be all right.  Other people had started to show up and he tried not to stare at their costumes.  A couple of leather clad punk rockers stood next to them, the guy with a lime green Mohawk and the lady with a bright pink one. 

The "Maria Antoinette" holding her own head had puzzled him a few moments until he had realized there were two people under the costume.  The much taller husband was the "body" and peeked out of the bodice of the gown to see.  His wife was the "head" and the wide skirt of the dress hid them both.  Various other strange and fascinating creatures kept arriving all the time.  Witches, werewolves, vampires, angels, and Sci Fi show characters soon filled the loading area.  Chel pointed and name each species as they arrived, though sometimes she had to ask when she didn't recognize what an individual was supposed to be.

A school bus decorated with Halloween designs pulled up and the driver announced the first shuttle was ready.  Chel and Lexx followed the other partygoers on to the bus and she handed the driver the pass Tonya had given her to show in lieu of the fee.  The driver, dress as death, looked at it a moment then turned its hood towards their faces.

"Names?" he intoned in a theatrical rasp.

"Chelsea Reid and Shira Lexx," Chel answered nervously.  What would she do if the driver didn't except the pass?

"Okay," the cloak figure pronounced, then handed the pass back.  "Have a seat."

The seats filled quickly and soon the doors were shut.  Lexx looked out the window as the houses and buildings flew past, tense as he could be.  Hands clenched on his knees, he tried to keep his breathing even.  He felt a hand cover his own and he looked down, and then at Chel.  She smiled and gave his hand a gentle squeeze, and he felt his tension ease a bit.  The bus turned into a driveway, passed through the wrought iron gate in the thick limestone wall, and proceeded into the forest.

The trees had lost all their leaves, but the gnarly boughs were thick with spider webs, ghosts, goblins, and an array of other spooky decorations.  A collective gasp rose from the passengers as the trees parted, revealing the MacMickle Mansion.

Lanterns lit the driveway while carved jack o' lanterns leered from the porch.  Spider webs hung from various places on the porch and the limestone wall of the mansion.  Dry ice fog drifted along the ground and eerie music could be heard playing in the background.  The mansion was dark and foreboding, like a haunted house straight from the movies.

"Wow," Chel breathed as the group exited the bus.

"I thought you said your friend lived in a house," Lexx whispered.  "This is a mansion."

"Maybe they're renting it for the party," she replied.

Not a single light was on in the house and the door was shut.  One of the younger vampires stepped up onto the porch intending to see if the door was locked or if there was a note hidden in the darkness.

"Welcome to our humble abode," a voice intoned from the dark and the vampire jumped.  Alec smirked and stood from his seat on the porch swing.  Dressed all in black with a long cape, he looked like a real vampire.  Alec gave a sweeping bow and magically produced a clipboard from his cape.  "Please give me your names, then you make enter our lair," he said with just a dash of accent.  "Oh!  And a word of warning...  Please do not stray from the designated path.  Who knows what ghosts and ghouls may be creeping these halls tonight."

A soft laugh rose from the group and they lined up to enter the mansion.  Chel and Lexx stood towards the end of the line and watched other bus arrive.  The new arrivals joined the shortening line and new gasps of awe arose from them.  Alec glanced up from his clipboard and cast an approving nod at Lexx and Chel's costumes, then awaited their names.

"Chelsea Reid and Shira Lexx," Chel said clearly.

Alec flipped a few pages before he located their names.  "Okay, you may...Oh!  You're Tonya's friends, aren't you?"

"Yes", she answered.

"Pleasure to meet you," Alec said extending his hand.  "My name's Alec.  Tonya's my landlady."

"Nice to meet you, too," Chel replied shaking his hand.

Lexx just nodding and shook his hand. 

"See you two later," Alec said and they went inside.

The inside of the mansion was just as impressive as the outside.  False walls had been pull up to discourage wandering and gave the impression that the visitors had walked into an old temple or tomb.  Spider webs hung thickly, barely allowing the guests to slip through unmolested.  Torches were the only source of light, and there was just enough light to illuminate the passage without allowing the visitors to really get and good look at their surroundings.

Lexx could see quite well in the half-light and he marveled at the clever lighting.  No flame was present in the torches, but the illusion was quite impressive.  Even the stairs had received a make over, and now looked like carved granite instead of polished wood.  The group spoke in quiet whispers as though afraid of awakening a sleeping terror that dwelled in the dark.  At the head of the second flight of stairs was a wide, all be it poorly lit, place to stand and the stairs that continued up to the third floor were blocked.  The huge, ornately carved doors that glistened in the weak light were shut and the people wondered where to go now.  They waited patiently and soon the rest of the second group and the third group joined them on the landing.

The sheer number of people was bothering Lexx, but the creepy mansion wasn't helping his nerves much.  Chel pulled him over to the side, near one of the statues on pedestals that stood along the wall.  This one seemed to be of Greek origin, and featured a young woman and some kind of canine.  Though they'd only been waiting a few minutes, the group was becoming increasing restless and low murmurs began o spread through the crowd.

"Welcome ladies and gentle ghouls to Mac Mickle mansion," a clear voice called out.

Lexx and Chel jumped with the rest of the group at the unexpected voice.  They stared in shock and surprise as the "statue" that was now smiling broadly.

"Thank you for joining us here tonight," the woman continued.  "I am Tonya D___, the hostess of this fright fest."  She gave a slight bow.  "We have a wide variety of games, foods, music, and drinks for you to sample and enjoy.  If you have any questions or concerns, just look for the tree with skeletons in its branches.  I, or one of my roommates will be lurking beneath its haunted bough all night.  Well, enough talk."  Tonya paused and smirked.  "Let the party begin!" she called out, clapping her hands together sharply twice.
 
 Like magic, the door swung open allowing the group to pass into the grand ballroom, Tonya in the lead.  The room was decorated in the same theme as the rest of the house: spooky.  The large windows and ceiling had been covered with a dark cloth that was dotted with stars, giving the impression that the party had stepped outside again.  Large trees were scattered around the room, and it appeared a forest had grown up in front of the windows.  In front of that stand of trees, a long old style wooden bar had been constructed, fully stocked and staffed by a man dressed in the garb of a Middle Earth elf, complete with pointed ears.

 Jor'dan bowed slight to Tonya and she acknowledged the gesture with a smile.  She stepped off to the side to let the throng pass and absently petted the canine that was still at her side.  Glancing toward the skeleton tree, she noted the angel waiting beneath its spreading boughs.  Poopsie would head off any early questions while Tonya causally scanned the crowd for guns, bombs, or other threats.  While it was unlikely someone would try anything, it was better to be safe them sorry.  After the last people had trickled through the door, Tonya turned to head for the tree. 

 "Tonya, wait!"

 She paused as asked, turning towards the voice.  A smile lit her features as Chel hurried towards her.  The girl was dressed in a green pixie costume and it looked good with her flame colored hair and aqua eyes.  The smile didn't fade as Tonya's gaze fell upon Lexx, who was dressed in a long sleeved crimson shirt that was trimmed with gold and crimson pants.  His wings were folded tightly, lessening the chance someone would bump into them, and he warily watched the other guests.  Though Tonya didn't let her surprise show, she knew instantly the blue skin wasn't the product of any dye or makeup.  He followed Chel quickly, still uncertain, and only met Tonya's eyes for a second.

 "This is awesome, Tonya," Chel said.  "How did you manage to do all this?"

 "What?  This?" Tonya asked indicating the room with a wave of her hand.  She tried to look innocent, but then smirked.  "Lots of hard work went into it, but having nine housemates to work with you helps a lot."

 Chel jaw dropped slightly.  "Nine?!?  Isn't that a bit crowded?"

 Tonya chuckled.  "Hardly," she replied.  "This place is huge and we have plenty of room.  Reminded me later, and I'll give you a tour."

 "How can you afford this place?" Chel asked wide-eyed.

 "My great uncle left it to me," Tonya answered.  Her eyes flicked towards the sudden repetitive movement that had caught her eye.  She frowned slightly as she realized a masked wrestler was waving at her from across the room.  Blinking, she cocked her head as he tapped the side of his and then she realized it was Sebastian.  Then it dawned on her that she had yet to turn on her head set.  Flicking the switch, she pressed the COM button.  "Do you need something or are you just reminding me?" she asked still looking at the masked man.

 "Both.  T wants Bowie down at the haunted woods."

 "Roger that," Tonya answered, then looked down at the wolf beside her.  "T wants you," she said.  Bowie cocked his head then trotted out the still open doors.

 "He understands you?" Lexx asked.

 Tonya nodded. "For the most part."  His gaze met hers again and he blushed, trying to hide behind Chel without looking like her was doing so.  "You must be Shira Lexx," she said extending her hand with a smirk.  "Chels has told me..." Tonya paused.  "Practically nothing about you," she admitted with an apologetic smile.

 He shook her hand.  "Pleasure to meet you," he mumbled.

 "Bobbing for apples," Chel said quietly. 

Noticing her friend had started to eye the activities eagerly, trying to decide where to start, Tonya smiled.  Tonya knew it was about time for her to relieve Poopsie, and she could tell Lexx wasn't quite ready to join in the fun and games.  "Chels, why don't you go ahead and look around?  Lexx and I can go over to the question tree and talk while you explore.  Then he can join you later," Tonya suggested.

Chel hesitated and looked at Lexx who looked like he couldn't decide if this was a good idea or not.  "Alright," she answered knowing he was safe with Tonya, then took off for the games.

"Relax, Lexx," Tonya said.  "She'll be back."

He followed her over to the tree silently, dreading the conversation that was sure to follow.  Raising his eyes from the floor, he blinked and stared at the angel that was standing under the tree.  Her costume was stunning and looked like in had taking a lot of time and effort to make. 

"Poopsie, this is my friend, Shira Lexx.  Lexx, this is my friend and roommate, Poopsie," Tonya said.

Lexx shook the new girl's hand, taken aback to be introduce as Tonya's friend after just meeting her.  "Awesome costume, Lexx," Poopsie said.  "But what are you supposed to be?"

"Uh..." Lexx felt trapped.  He hadn't thought about it and now he couldn't think of anything.

"You said you were some kind of demon, didn't you?" Tonya asked giving him a look.

"Oh, yeah, a demon," he said, blushing and dropping his eyes.

"I see," Poopsie said trying to hide her smile behind her hand.  "So an angel meets a demon."

"Isn't that Alec?" Tonya asked pointing to the vampire lord who had just walked in.

"Nice to meet you, Lexx.  Talk to you later," Poopsie said before hurrying over to her dark lover.

Resettling his wings, Lexx sighed in relief, then remembered Tonya was still there when she spoke.  "You really should calm down," she said.  "It's easier to think when you're calm and it makes what you say more believable."

"Easy for you to say," he mumbled softly.

Tonya chuckled.  "So what brings you to Tequila Heights?"

"Business," he answered looking up at the skeletons in the branches above his head.

"How did you meet Chels?" Tonya asked.

Lexx thought about it for a moment.  "By accident.  She happened to have something I needed."  He turned to look at her.  "How do you meet her?"

Tonya blinked, startled.  She hadn't expected him to ask her any questions.  "Back in high school I attended a national Baptist youth conference and we were paired up as roommates for the week," she answered.  "Are you and Chels..."

"Just friends," Lexx replied quickly before she could even finish her sentence.  He realized belatedly that she could have finished it any number of ways and he blushed.

Tonya smiled softly.  "Hate to point it out, Lexx," she started, " but when you answer that quickly, it's pretty obvious you want it to be more."

The blush darkened and his head dropped a little.  "But it would never work out," he said so softly that a normal human couldn't have heard him.

She said closer and put a hand on his arm.  "Just give it time and don't doubt yourself."  She smiled.  "You'd make a cute couple."

Lexx shook his head.  "You don't understand.  It just wouldn't work out.  We're from different worlds."

Tonya chuckled softly.  "Don't be so sure.  Love can conquer all."  And before he could say anything else.  "Chels told me your 21.  When's your birthday?"

Lexx just looked at her for a moment.  "January 31," he replied finally.

She frowned and he wondered if he'd said something wrong.  "I'm sorry if I offended you..." he started.

Tonya shook her head and waved her hand dismissively.  "It's not your fault.  It's just that everyone who's my age always seems to be older than me.  I'm the youngest one in the house." 

"Chel is younger than both of us," he pointed out.

Tonya considered that a moment.  "I guess that's true, but it's not the same." She pretended to pout.

Lexx smiled at her inspite of himself and Tonya grinned.  "What?" he asked still smiling.

"I was trying to get you to smile and you just did," she said looking smug.

"You're strange," he said with a smirk, shaking his head.

"Compared to whom?" she teased back.

"Everyone," a blond woman replied as she walked up.  She looked like a real pirate right down to the sword.

"This coming from the girl who dresses as the same pirate every year," Tonya retorted.

"I don't not," Sally protested with a grin.  "I was an English pirate last year, and this year I'm a Spanish one."

Tonya rolled her eyes in mock exasperation.  "Whatever," she said smirking.  "Cap'n Sal, this is my friend Shira Lexx.  Lexx, this is Sally, another friend and roommate."

"Captain Sal," the blond corrected with a smirk shaking Lexx's hand.

"Excuse me, your majesty," Tonya replied with a slight bow.

"I am the pirate king," Sally admitted with a nod.

"And a glorious thing it is to be the pirate king," Tonya remarked.  The girls laughed and Lexx looked confused.  "Sorry, Lexx.  We do things like that a lot.  It's part of a song," Tonya explained.  "Well, I have to go make rounds and mingle with the others now.  Why don't you check out the buffet and I'll catch up to you later?"

"Alright," Lexx answered.  He headed toward the almost empty eating area wondering what bizarre Earth foods would be present.  Eyes widening in mute horror, Lexx froze and just stared at the table before him, jaw agape.

Bowls of eyeballs stared back at him, while hands floated in the punch bowl.  Other platters held chocolate cover insects, ladyfingers, worm infested dirt cups, and shriveled monkey paws.  He felt sick and took a step back.

"Try the ladyfingers.  They're very good," a man said coming up behind Lexx.  At the same time, Lexx 'heard' over his relay, Relax, Lexx.  None of the food is really what it looks like.

Lexx turned quickly to look at the man behind him.  He stared at him in surprise before closing the distance with a fierce hug.  "I thought you were dead," Lexx said.

"No, just retired," the man answered returning the hug.

"Retired?" Lexx asked stepping back an arms length to look at his friend.  "I didn't realize you were that old, Zarbon," he added playfully.  "You certainly don't look it."

"I'll have you know I'm third from being the oldest male in this house," Zarbon replied folding his arms.

Lexx couldn't quite tell if his friend was proud or displeased with that fact.  "So...what are you supposed to be anyway?" he asked changing the subject.

"Poseidon, Greek god of the Sea," Zarbon intoned holding his trident like a staff and striking a regal pose.  "Or Neptune, a Roman god with roughly the same powers," he added with a shrug.  "One of the few times my complexion has helped me on this planet.  This is what happens when you let your mate pick out your costume," Zarbon said with a rueful smile brushing back the emerald locks that had fallen over his shoulder.

"Looks good on you," Lexx replied.  "She did a good job."  Then Lexx's brain finally caught up with the conversation.  Mate?!? he asked over the relay.  When did that happen?

Zarbon pretended to study the assorted novelties on the table as he replied.  About 2 ¾ years ago.  He picked up an intriguing food item.  That's when we met actually.  My mother met her and approved the match in February 2002, so, according to my customs and laws we're mated.  He took a bite of the shriveled monkey paw and Lexx paled slightly.  We still haven't had a ceremony appropriate to her customs, but we agreed to wait until she finishes school.  His gaze turned to Lexx.  "These are really good.  You should try one.  It's just caramel, nuts, and chocolate."

Lexx slowly picked one up, looked at Zarbon, then closed his eyes and tentatively took a small bite.  He chewed thoughtfully for a moment.  "Not bad," he agreed.  "But it's very...rich?"  Zarbon nodded.  "So when do I get to meet her?"

"Who?" Zarbon asked tearing his eyes away from another disturbingly realistic dish.

"Your wife," Lexx replied, surprised the normally sharp mercenary had forgotten already.  Ex-mercenary, he corrected mentally.

Zarbon just looked at him for a moment.  "You already did," he replied after a moment.  Lexx blinked.  "You were talking to her until just a little while ago.  She was dressed much the same way I am."

Lexx's jaw dropped.  "Tonya?!?"  Zarbon smiled and nodded.  A slightly panicked look lit Lexx's face.  "Do you think she realized what I am?" he asked, his eyes wide with fear.

"What you are?" Zarbon asked raising an eyebrow in disbelief.  Then he sighed and put a hand on the younger man's shoulder.  "Lexx.  Taking a deep breath and calm down," he commanded.  "Tonya probably knew it the second you walked in, but she won't say or do anything about it unless you want her to."  Lexx looked doubtful.  "You're not the only one here with a secret," Zarbon gently reminded him.

Lexx frowned slightly, then nodded.  "You're right."

Zarbon put an arm around Lexx's shoulders.  "Of course I am," he replied leaning close.  "Now let me show you around my new kingdom," Zarbon said gesturing with the trident.

Lexx rolled his eyes in mock annoyance, but smiled and let Zarbon pull him into the crowd.

- -- - - - - - -

"Earth customs are weird," Lexx observed as another person was blindfolded.

The man in question was then spun around before being pointed at the target on the wall.  He stumbled forward and stuck the object in his hand on the wall.  Then, he pulled off the blindfold as the crowd clapped and he grinned.  He was the closest one to pinning on the jack-o-lantern's mouth so far.

"Technically it's a game, not a custom, but all customs are weird when viewed from the outside," Zarbon replied with a grin.

Suddenly a woman shrieked as a cold draft blew through the room.  "I knew this place was haunted," she declared in a high-pitched voice.  "Did you feel that ghostly presence just past us."

Several people snorted or rolled their eyes in disgust.  This was the fifth time she'd screamed and said that and most people had figure out it was just the staff coming and going through a currently hidden door.  That and/or they didn't care and were just tired of her horrible acting.

Zarbon suppressed a yell of his own as a cold, wet nose suddenly pressed against the back of his leg.  He did jump in surprise, then looked down.  "Oh, Bowie.  You startled me," Zarbon said.  Bowie just wagged his tail and grinned up at him, eyes filled with mischief.  "I suppose T sent you to tell me to get ready?" he asked though he knew the wolfish looking dog wouldn't answer.  "Alright."  Zarbon turned to Lexx.  "Care to come?"

"Where?"

"We're putting on a haunted house down in the woods.  I have to go out there now for my shift," Zarbon explained.  "We get to mildly frighten people who want to be scared."

Lexx shrugged and followed Zarbon back behind the trees and through a slit in the fabric hiding the windows.  They heard the woman's shriek again and Zarbon groaned low in his throat.

"And you say Earthlings aren't weird," Lexx commented quietly.

"I never said that.  I said all customs are weird when viewed from the outside," Zarbon corrected.  "Earthlings are weird.  There is no doubt about that."

They walked along the balcony to the French windows at the end.  Zarbon opened them and held them for Lexx and Bowie then shut them securely.  Picking up a costume from the bed, he glanced at Lexx.  "I have to change quick, then we'll go down to the woods," he informed Lexx.  He stepped into the bathroom and shut the door.

Lexx took the opportunity to look around the room, conscious the dog was watching his every move.  He studied the ceramic figurines, mostly felines or canine, that filled the shelves of one bookcase.  Then he turned his gaze to the next one filled with books on various subjects, mostly mysteries or nonfiction.  Casually, he walked across the room and stuck his head into the pillow filled study.  Turning back to look across the room, he was once again struck by the sheer size of the room. 

"I wonder if all the rooms are this big?" he asked aloud though he doubted Zarbon could hear his query.

"Just the ones on this floor," Bowie answered from his new position just a few feet away.  "The guys' rooms downstairs are about half this size."  He paused and scratched on itch with a hind leg.  "Though the kitchen and dining room are big too.  You should take Tonya up on her offer of a tour."

Lexx looked at the dog surprised, but not really shocked.  A lot of his dice talked, but he'd thought the normal Earth fauna was incapable of human speech.  He glanced at the bathroom door.  He knew Zarbon owned a set of dice, but Lexx couldn't recall the older man ever playing a game.  Zarbon hated the game almost as much as Lexx did.  But still...Lexx was certain about his knowledge of indigenous fauna, so what other possibilities were there?

He knelt and held a tentative hand out to the dog.  Bowie obligingly responded by sniffing his hand, then moving closer to be petted.  Lexx petted the dog and scratched him behind the ears, casually looking for the ring that would mark the animal as a dice, but he couldn't find one.  Frowning in concentration, Lexx sat back on his heels still petting the canine with one hand.  "What are you?" Lexx asked quietly.

"A dog," Bowie replied moving his head to let Lexx scratch under his chin.  "A mixed breed."

"But Earth dogs don't normally speak a human language," Lexx replied.  "Are you a dice?"

Bowie opened his brown eyes and cocked his head at Lexx questioningly.  "A dice?  Do you mean dice like what the girls use to play board games?"

"Uh..."

"You could compare them, Bowie," Zarbon answered.  He had heard everything said in the room and, having finished changing, decided to reenter the conversation.  Lexx jumped up flushing guiltily, then stared at Zarbon's new outfit.  Zarbon was now dressed much like Alec was, only the lining of his cape was crimson instead of black.  "The dice that Lexx speaks of are part of a game that multiple alien races play.  Some levels of the game are..."  Zarbon paused searching for the proper word.  "Tolerable.  Others..."  He looked down at Bowie.  "Do you remember that movie we watched where the rich men were hunting the homeless?"  Bowie nodded, then his eyes widened and he looked at Lexx.  Zarbon's gaze turned to Lexx.  "Bowie is a normal Earth dog as far as we can tell.  It is unusual that he can speak, but he's not the most unusual occupant of this house."  He turned toward the door.  "We should head down to the woods now."

- - - - - -- -

Chel had been enjoying herself when she suddenly realized she hadn't seen Lexx for a while.  In fact she hadn't seen him since she'd left him with Tonya.  She began to look for him, but the party was still going strong and there were way too many people to search affectively.  Tonya strolled passed and smiled at her, and Chel flagged her down.  She stopped and waited until Chel caught up with her.

"Have you seen Lexx recently?" Chel asked.

Tonya shook her head.  "Not for about an hour now.  He went with Zarbon down to the haunted woods walk."

"Zarbon?  Is that one of your housemates?" Chel asked worriedly.  "Are you sure that was a good idea?"

Tonya cocked her head and raised an eyebrow.  "Am I sure it was a good idea?"  She shrugged.  "They seemed to know each other fairly well, so I don't see what the harm could be.  Zarbon is my boyfriend and he'll keep Lexx out of trouble," Tonya answered.

"They know each other?" Chel asked surprised.

"Apparently," Tonya answered with another shrug.  "I was going down there now.  Would you like to come?"

Chel nodded and they slipped out the hidden door.  The woman shrieked yet again and Tonya let out an annoyed breath.  "That's it," she growled.  "She's off the list for next year's event.  I'm sick of her screaming!"

They soon reached the entrance of the haunted woods where Techno sat.  He was dressed as a cloaked figure, but whether he was Death, a dementor, or Charon, the ferryman of the river Styx, Tonya didn't know.  She was sure that none of those figures would have their feet up on the ticket/donation table and have their chair balanced back on only two legs.

"Last group just left," he informed the girls in a bored tone.  Tonya nodded and tossed a small wad of bills in his lap as she walked passed.  As they caught up to the group, Tonya turned her head slightly to catch the man's words as he informed those waiting ahead the last group was comprised of male teenagers and the two girls.  She smirked and wondered what horrors lay ahead.

The group turned a corner and a wolf stalked from the undergrowth, growling viciously.  With a snarl, he lunged at the group who ran screaming around the next bend.  Tonya glanced back at Bowie who had stopped and flashed him a thumbs up.  He tilted his head back and let out a very wolf like howl that was echoed from other parts of the woods.  A variety of monsters and fiends leapt from the bushes, dropped from the trees, or materialized out of thin air sending the group dashing down the trail in terror.

Finally it appeared they had made it past the last horror and the boys began to brag about how they had only been acting scared.  Furthermore, this had to be, hands down, the lamest haunted house they had ever been in, according to the now brave young men.  Chel just snickered at their lies, but stayed close to Tonya lest something else decided to come after them; who knows what might pop out next.  Tonya just smirked and looked unfazed by the boys' comments, thinking that the walk was going better than they had planned.  But she knew better than to let her guard down.  They had purposely placed a "dead" spot on the trail to lull the walkers into a false sense of security before springing one last scare on them.  She hadn't seen Zarbon or Lexx yet, so she knew this was the calm before the storm.  Her eyes carefully scanned the brush for any sign of movement.

* * * * * * *

Here they come, Lexx said grinning.  He couldn't believe how much fun he was having and he felt a little guilty for playing instead of thinking about how he could retrieve Mischief.  What's the plan?

Zarbon's eyes were firmly fixed on the group with a predatory stare, trying to determine the best place to strike.  His lips curled into a wicked smirk as he realized Tonya and Chel were at the back of the group and slightly lagging behind.  Tonya was probably trying to avoid the full impact of the final scare, not realizing she was presenting the perfect target.  You grab Chel so she doesn't bolt with the rest, Zarbon said over the relay as he started to move.

What are you going to do? Lexx asked curiously.

Zarbon gave him a fang revealing smile and a wink, but didn't answer.  They slipped into position silently and waited.  Zarbon stood invisible on the path while Lexx crouched on a tree branch above of the trail.  Waiting until the boys had passed, Zarbon held his breath until Tonya was in reach so he wouldn't give himself away.  The wind shifted suddenly, and Tonya's eyes widened instantly in shocked surprise.  Before she could react any further, Zarbon closed the distance between them, wrapping Tonya in his arms.

She yelped in surprise as he planned she would, and the boys paused to look back.  They stared at the caped, blue skinned man who held Tonya in his iron grip.  She struggled against him, desperately trying to free herself while trying to avoid looking into her attacker's eyes.  With one final, desperate shove, Tonya accidentally met his golden gaze.  Instantly, she relaxed in his embrace, her eyes growing distant and hazy, but still remaining locked with his.

Chel started to back away from the couple unsure if this was part of the show, or if her friend was truly in trouble.  She heard a soft thud behind her, and, before she could turn around, strong arms wrapped around her and lifted her off the ground.  The boys stared in horror at the blue men who held the girls captive, uncertain of what to do.

"Don't let her go," Zarbon commanded looking at Chel.  "She'll make a nice desert."  He winked at her, but could tell from the look on her face she wasn't sure how to take it.

Everyone's eyes widened as Zarbon dipped the completely calm goddess and took a moment to savory her scent before he sank his fangs into her tender neck.  Her body stiffened for a second, then she went completely limp and Chel gasped in fear.  Zarbon slurped noisily at he drank, but a slow drip of blood started to fall onto the path.

One of the boys grabbed a stick from the ground and charged towards the feeding vampire.  Zarbon raised his head and snarled at the boy, freezing him in his tracks.  Blood was smeared around his lips and chin, and now dripped faster from her throat to the dirt.   The boys screamed and took off down the trail as fast as they could, leaving Tonya and Chel to their fates.

Zarbon waited until he was sure they were gone and not intending to come back, then spit into the bushes.  Tonya didn't open her eyes, but she smirked and started to giggle.  Lexx raised an eyebrow in surprise while Chel just looked confused.

"Oh sure," Zarbon said looking down at his giggling victim.  "You didn't have to taste that awful concoction."  He spit again.  "It's too sweet."

Threading her arms around his neck, Tonya opening her eyes and smiled up at him.  "It was your idea, not mine," she teased.  She pulled him down for a quick kiss, then licked her lips.  "I think it tastes okay."  Her gaze lingered on his lips for a moment, then she sighed and met his eyes again.  "As much as I love this blatant display of your strength," she began, running her hands down his biceps.  "Maybe we should return to the house and our guests."  Her eyes flicked toward Lexx and Chel suggestively.

Zarbon turned his head to follow her gaze, and smiled ruefully at Lexx and Chel.  "You can let her go now, Lexx," Zarbon said, then turned his attention back to Tonya.  "Alright, but hold still first," he said shifting her weight slightly.  She raised an eyebrow, then he pulled out a red handkerchief.  "If you're wearing this again tomorrow, it wouldn't do to have bloodstains on it." 

He carefully wiped her neck, then undipped her and she returned the favor.  "Now I understand why you went for the other side this time," she said playfully.

"Other side?" Chel asked.

Tonya blushed, but decided to ignore the comment.  "Chels, this is my boyfriend, Zarbon.  Zarbon, this is my friend Chel."

Zarbon bowed deeply to Chel.  "It is a pleasure to finally meet you.  Tonya speaks fondly of you."

"And she told me that you already know Lexx," Chel said.  "Where did you meet him?"

Zarbon gave her a charming smile.  "Straight to the point.  Just as I expected."  He cast a glance around.  "Perhaps Tonya should give you a tour first, and then we can talk in a more private setting."

- -- - -- - -

"So there you have it: the MacMickle mansion and all its glory," Tonya said, then yawned and sat down on her couch.  "Though you really should come back in the spring when the garden's in bloom.  It's beyond beautiful."

"It's even bigger than I'd imagined," Chel said.  "I can't believe you don't get lost in this place."

"She has," Zarbon replied before Tonya could do more then open her mouth.

Tonya snorted and folded her arms to glare at her lover, but she didn't try to refute his statement.

Chel studied Zarbon for a movement, then decided to repeat her earlier question.  "So when did you meet Lexx?"

Zarbon smiled at her and nodded gesturing for Lexx and Chel to sit as well.  "It was a few years ago," he began.  "King Cold had decided to make his presence known in ADC space, which meant they started trying to interest us in playing their game.  What they didn't know is that we'd been in their territory for years and some of us were already playing."

Chel looked at him blankly.  "Us.  Them.  They.  We," Tonya said.  Her eyes were closed and she looked like she was trying to go to sleep.  She turned her head and looked at Zarbon through one eye.  "Are you being royal, military, or just plain vague?"

He looked at her for a long moment, then smiled at Chel apologetically.  "King Cold was my employer.  His forces try to kept peace through out the universe, but try not to meddle with the development of less advanced cultures and races."  Zarbon ignored Tonya's smirk.  "Therefore we'd been in the ADC territory without them knowing it for a very long time before King Cold felt they were developed enough to open communications."

"You're a mercenary?" Chel asked wide-eyed.

"I was," Zarbon replied.  "I've been retired for almost three years now."  He waited for her to say anything else then continued when she remained silent.  "I met Lexx at the ADC academy.  He was having some trouble with some older students and I helped him get things straightened out."

"Who's butt did you kick?" Tonya asked raising her head to look at him with a grin.

Zarbon looked hurt.  "No one's," he replied.  "I just informed them that they shouldn't pick on someone just because he's smaller than them and from a different race." 

"Then he blew a hole in the wall with his energy and they ran off faster than jumping to hyper drive," Lexx added.

Lexx and Tonya laughed, while Zarbon frowned at the both of them.  "How did you do that?" Chel asked in a small voice. 

"I just focus my energy, or as we call it, Ki," Zarbon said.  "It's rather hard to explain, but I can make projectiles, shields, heat sources, etc just by focusing my Ki."

Chel was silent for a long moment.  "So you were in the military?"

"Mmm, yes," Zarbon answered with a shrug.  "You could say that."

"But you didn't try to stop the ADC or help any of your people who are trapped by them?" she asked.

"As I said, King Cold would not allow us to interfere with a developing culture, no matter how wrong it might be.  Most of the troops, including myself, did boycott the ADC after we find out about the darker side of Alien Dice," Zarbon responded.

"But what about how the other Rishan are treated?  Couldn't you have found them jobs like yours?" Chel asked frowning.

"I'm not sure the Rishan would want a job like I held.  Nor am I sure they could carry out the duties in the same way," Zarbon replied.  Tonya noticed Lexx had paled slightly and was shaking.

"Don't you care that your race is treated so badly?  Or is it just that you made it and that's all that matters?" Chel demanded.

Lexx jumped up and ran from the room.  Zarbon and Chel started to rise, but a look from Tonya stopped them.  "You explain to her who you are," she ordered Zarbon.  "I'll find Lexx."

* * * * *

Lexx ran into the library feeling sick and worried.  He hadn't expected that Chel would get mad at Zarbon, or assume he was a Rishan.  Actually he hadn't even thought about it because he'd thought Zarbon was dead and certainly didn't expect to see him at a Halloween party.  Now Zarbon would be angry with him and he didn't want his friend to be mad.  He stared out the bay window at the sleeping garden, not really seeing the view before him.  Part of him wanted to use the remote, flee the house and never come back, but the other part knew that it wouldn't help the situation, so he just stood there.

About five minutes had passed when he heard the library door open again.  He didn't turn or even acknowledge the other person's presence, hoping they would take the hint and leave him alone.

"Are you okay, Lexx?" Tonya asked shutting the door behind her.  "We're a bit worried that you might not be feeling well."

Lexx hung his head in embarrassment.  He didn't know how to answer her question, but he knew that he couldn't look at her right now.  "I'm fine," he muttered.

The silence grew thick and he wished she would leave, speak, or just do something to break it.  "Something Chel said upset you."  Tonya watched the young man stiffened though he tried not to.  "What was it?"

"I don't want Zarbon to be angry with me," Lexx confessed.

"Why would he be angry with you?" she asked genuinely confused.

"Chel was implying that he is a Rishan," Lexx explained.

"He's not going to be angry over that," Tonya assured him.  "It takes a lot more than that to ruffled Zarbon's feathers."  She paused.  "Plus I can see why she would think such a thing.  I mean, I would have assumed that you were a Zydneian if your scent wasn't human."

 Lexx stiffened again.  "I'm not human," he said defensively.

"I can understand why you don't want to be classified as such," Tonya said lightly.  "We're a bit of a immature race that doesn't know it own limits."

Lexx shook his head.  "I've got blue skin, gold eyes and wings.  I'm not human."

Tonya sighed.  "Mere physical features.  What makes a human a human is on the inside."

"I'm NOT human."

Tonya's expression darkened.  "I wish you'd stop saying that," she said testily.

"Why?" Lexx asked petulantly.

"Because if you're not human, what chance do I have?" she asked quietly.

Lexx blinked at his reflection in the glass, then turned to look at Tonya.  His jaw dropped and he stared.  She was floating about three feet off the ground watching him, which was odd enough, but then there was her tail hanging down, the last foot or so lashing angrily.  He tore his eyes away from the furry appendage to meet her gaze and was startled again to see her eyes reflecting silver green in the moonlight.

"What are you?" he asked softly.

"Human, far as I know," she answered.  "But I've got a four foot long furry tail that likes to make me wonder.  I've also got super strength, the ability to fly, a metal skeleton, and heighten senses," Tonya added.  "My parents are normal as Earthlings can be and so is my brother."

Lexx was silent again for many minutes, thinking.  "I'm sorry," he said looking her in the eye.  "I..." He looked down and away.

"It's okay," Tonya answered.  "Shall we go see what their up to now?"

Lexx nodded.  "Worried about Chel?" he asked as they left the library.

"No.  Zarbon," she replied with a grin.

When they returned to Tonya's room, Chel and Zarbon were in the same positions, but now Chel looked nervous.  Zarbon's face was a mask of bored indifference, but Tonya could see the laughter he was suppressing in his eyes.  Chel jumped off the couch and was at Tonya's side in a heartbeat.

"He's an alien!" she whispered.

"I've noticed," Tonya said with a smirk.

"He's also a Prince!" Chel added in a whisper.

"Mmmhmm."  Tonya yawned and looked at her watch, frowning as she realized it was later than she'd thought.  "Sorry, guys, but I'm going to have to go to leave this tantalizing conversation.  I've got to be to work early in the morning."  She moved to gather her things for a quick shower.

"What time do you have to be out there?" Zarbon asked turning so he could watch her.

"Five thirty," she answered.  "I have to open, though Steve said he'd be there by six to help finish things up.  Are you going to come out tomorrow?"

Zarbon nodded.  "I let Steve talk me into helping pass out candy.  So that means I should ride out with you then, hmm?" he asked with a slight frown.

"Probably," Tonya replied trying not to smile.  "Then the two of you can finish decorating while I finish opening up the refuge."

"The Wildlife refuge?" Lexx asked.

"Yes," Tonya said with a nod.  "The one you and Chel tried to visit."

"You work there?" Lexx asked trying to keep his breathing even.  This could be the break he needed.  Tonya nodded.  "Have you seen a...a purple otter?"

"Mischief?" Tonya asked.  Lexx and Chel looked shocked that she knew the otter's name.  "That's what we decided to call her.  She's pure mischief."  Tonya looked sheepish.  "Well, truthfully, the others wanted to name her Tonya, but Charlene thought that might get to confusing."

Lexx hesitated, then took a deep breath.  "Is there anyway that I could get you to give her to me?  I would do anything you wanted me, too.  I need her to finish my game," he blurted out.

Tonya just looked at him blankly, then looked at Zarbon.  "Game?" she asked.  Then her eyes widened and she looked at Lexx again.  "Alien dice," she breathed.  Tonya looked down, her mind racing.  She stared at a spot on the carpet for several minutes, then nodded.  "I'll have to clear it with Charlene, but I think I can swing it.  I was the one who bought her after all."

“How do you know about alien dice?” Lexx asked.

“She probably read the files I have,” Zarbon replied looking at Tonya who tried to look innocent.  “She figured out how to run the computer in my pod and was poking through the programs and files.  But I thought I’d asked you to stop?”

“Is it my fault I’m a speed reader?” she questioned with a pout.  “Besides…I had already read all the files I’d wanted to by the time you realized I was poking around.”

“How did you get her?” Chel asked, changing the subject.

"Some guys caught her and where trying to sell her to the highest bidder," Tonya replied.  "I have contacts who inform me of such sales, and I made sure I was the one who bid the highest."  She cocked her head.  "I didn't buy her to put on display.  I just didn't want her to end up in the wrong hands."  A shudder ran though her body and Lexx knew to whom she was referring.

"May I come with you tomorrow?" Lexx asked.  "Or should I wait a few days?"

Tonya took and deep breath and let it out slowly.  "I think I can get it all arranged so you can take her tomorrow, but it would have to be after closing."

"That would be fine," Lexx said. 

"And you can sleep here tonight so you don't have to worry about someone seeing you coming or going," Zarbon added.

"Are you sure?  I wouldn't want to impose," Lexx said.

Tonya and Zarbon laughed.  "You won't.  Let me find you two rooms and so Tonya can get to bed."  He gave his lover a mischievous smile.  "She can be quite grumpy if she doesn't get enough sleep."

- - -- - - - - -

"What was that?" Chel asked.

Both of the men had instantly moved to protect Chel, and stared into the darkness trying to see the source of the noise they had just heard.  Tonya took a flashlight from the nearby supply closet.  "Stay here," she commanded, then melted into the darkness. 

Minutes passed, and the three of them strained their ears to hear what was going on.  Finally after about ten minutes, Tonya came back, but she looked distracted.  "What was it?" Zarbon asked.

"Houdini was out again," Tonya replied.

"Houdini?" Lexx asked.

"Male leopard, about three years old," Tonya answered, chewing her lip as she thought.

"A leopard is out?" Chel asked in surprised and fear.

"Was," Tonya corrected.  "I let him in with Shadow.  He wants to be with her constantly anymore, but there really isn't room in her enclosure for the two of them.  It's very strange," she said turning away.  She was speaking aloud, but it was more to herself than to the group, and she began to walk away.  "Leopards are normally shy and solitary animals.  And he keeps bringing her presents."

"Presents?" Zarbon asked.  "What does a leopard give as a present?"

Tonya didn't stop walking.  "Food and toys apparently.  He takes bits of his dinner to her and sometimes brings her one of his toys.  Normally he pokes them through the bars because her cage has a different style of lock that he can't work...yet."  She fell silent, frowning as she thought.

"What's wrong, angel?" Zarbon asked softly when they'd entered the milking parlor.  Chel and Lexx had opted to stay in the main walkway instead of coming into the room.

She stopped to look at him.  "He had six rabbits just lying on the ground in a pile by her enclosure.  That's the noise we heard, Houdini killing the last one.  But he didn't give them to her right away."  She paused.  "He actually brought me the one he just killed.  I just don't understand."

"Maybe he wanted to make sure it was okay for her to eat them," Zarbon suggested.  "He wouldn't want to make his lady sick with something she shouldn't be eating."

"Or he just wanted me to skin them," she replied.  "I wanted to check the meat a little better and we don't need someone to realize the meat the leopards are enjoying were fuzzy, little bunnies.  Plus one don't know if either of them has eaten something that was still in its skin."

"Don't worry about it so much, Koi," Zarbon said smiling at her.  "Love can make everyone act a little funny."

- - - - - - - -

"I talked to Charlene," Tonya said walking over to the group gathered on the bench.  They were now the last four people in the park.

"And?" Zarbon prompted.

"She said and I quote, What purple otter?'" Tonya said smiling.  "So she's all yours, Lexx.  Would you like me to gift wrap her or will you be taking her as is?"

"I need to catch her and tagged her as mine," Lexx answered, biting his lip.

"I could bring her over to the Lion's Den," Tonya offered.  "It's got construction walls up around it, but it's mostly done.  It will be Houdini and Shadow's new home when its finished."

"That sounds alright," Lexx agreed.

"Zarbon can take you there and I'll go get Mischief," she said.  Zarbon nodded.  "See you in a few."

Soon she was back with a large wooden box, and Lexx suddenly realized he didn't have any dice with him.  While he could catch Mischief himself, it would be better if he used one of his dice.  He reached into his pocket for the remote, but felt something else instead.  Withdrawn his hand, he was surprised to see Epsy's and Zeta's dice.  Smiling, he cast them both.

Tonya watched Lexx throw whatever he'd pulled out of his pocket, then stared in surprise as the dice turned into the two sallomandyrs.  "Whoa," Tonya breathed in wonder.  "I don't think I've ever seen anything like them.  The black and white one almost looks like a killer whale."

"According to Chel, she probably was," Lexx replied.  "This one is Zeta and this is Epsilon, but we call her Epsy."

Tonya had moved slowly moved closer, watching the two dice just as closely as they were watching her.  "Will they bite me?" she asked pausing as Zeta took a step forward.

"Zeta not bite," Zeta replied.  "Epsy not bite.  Epsy do licky-licky."  Zeta wrinkled his muzzled in distaste.

Tonya cocked her head and made an odd thrilling noise of surprise.  She looked at Lexx then back at the orange dinosaur like animal in front of her.  "Zeta, would you mind if I, umm." Tonya paused not sure how she wanted to finish her sentence.  "May I pet you?"

Zeta bobbed his head and crossed the distance between them in a few quick steps.  Slowly, Tonya raised her hand and gingerly touched the strange animal before her.  Zeta wagged his tail to encourage her and she petted him with a look of awe on her face.  Not to be left out, Epsy, bounded over to join in, giving Tonya a couple of licks on the face.  Tonya laughed and tried to push the over affectionate sallomandyr away.

Lexx watched them play a movement, then glanced at Zarbon who was now standing beside him.  Nothing really surprises her, does it? Lexx asked over the relay.

Zarbon smiled.  Not for long anyway.  It probably comes from the fact she's very curious, but science oriented.  Or it could be due to the fact she's so unusual herself, he replied.

"Well, I suppose we should get started," Lexx said and Zarbon nodded.  "Zeta, Epsy, come here."  The sallomandyr immediately obeyed, rushing to find out what Lexx wanted and to see if he had any food.  "Tonya, could you let Mischief out?"

Tonya carefully opened the box, then stepped back.  A minute passed then a lavender head poked out of the box and looked around.  The otter slowly slipped out of the box, carefully viewing her surroundings.  She spotted Tonya, and rose up on her hind legs as if considering something.  Suddenly she dashed forward and jumped up into Tonya's arms.  Tonya stiffened, half expecting to be bitten by the creature, but instead she got a whiskery otter kiss and nuzzle before Mischief jumped down.  She ran in that funny inchworm way otters have toward Lexx and he bent down to be closer to her level.  Mischief ran up to him and peaceable submitted to being tagged.

"Well that was anticlimactic," Zarbon said.

"She's probably glad to be back with Lexx and not stuck in some research facility or on display at a zoo," Tonya replied.

"Thank you, Tonya, for everything," Lexx said.

"You're welcome, Lexx.  Don't hesitant to call if you need anything.  I mean that," she said.  "And remember what I told you."

"I will," Lexx promised and pushed the remote, opening the shining portal.

Chel gave Tonya a hug.  "Don't be a stranger," Tonya said.  "You don't have much of an excuse not to drop by."

Chel laughed and disappeared through the doorway with the dice following her.  Lexx shook Zarbon's hand and gave him a hug.  Tonya was almost certain that something was being said between the men, but she couldn't here anything and neither's lips were moving.  Lexx turned to her, just looking at her for a moment, then he surprised her by giving her a hug as well. 

She returned it unhesitatingly.  "Good luck," she whispered.  He pulled away and smiled at her, then stepped through the door and was gone. 

The silence was comfortable and Zarbon slipped an arm around her shoulders.  "They'd made a cute couple," he said after a few moments. 

Tonya nodded.  "I think he's going to make it," she said looking up at the stars.  "I really do."

"So do I.  Especially now that she's with him," Zarbon said smiling.  His expression darkened.  "And if he doesn't..."

Tonya smirked and chuckled wickedly.  "The ADC better hope he does," she concluded.