Title: Crucible
Author: Demon28
Time Period: 4BBY to 6.75 ABY
Characters: Wedge, Hal Horn, Booster Terrik
Quotes from "Rogue Squadron" and "The Phantom Affair" by Michael Stackpole

Once again, a big thanks to CD and my husband Don for their encouragement.


On Talasea 6.75 ABY:

"But, Booster used to smuggle glit..."
"He also helped me track down the pirates who destroyed the fueling station and killed my parents--pirates who destroyed it while fleeing Corellian Security and who CorSec never caught."
"And that makes it all right?"
"No, Lieutenant, it just puts things in perspective."
*
*
"One more thing, sir."
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
"Back there you mentioned that Corellian Security never caught the pirates who destroyed the Gus Treta station and killed your parents. My father got that case and worked hard on it. He didn't give up, he just didn't have your connections on the other side of the law.....I think , if my father had known about Booster Terrik helping you find them, he'd cut him some slack and Booster wouldn't have done time in the spice mines."

Wedge walked away from Corran, leaving him to deal with Emtrey, the squadron M-3PO droid. He realized that he was clenching his hands into fists from the tension of speaking with Corran about the events of his parent's demise and the false allegations against Tycho. He forced himself to loosen his hands, the right one aching from remembrance of the damaged suffered after Endor. Corran's emotional defense of his father's investigation of the Gus Treta tragedy and his insistence of his father's sincerity and goodness always irritated Wedge. I was there, I saw how Inspector Horn handled the investigation of my parent�s death. If only Corran knew how much I want to shatter the foundations of the pedestal upon which he's put his father. But he couldn't do that, Corran seemed to be accepting him as a mentor. He didn't want his feelings for the father to come between the budding relationship he was building with Corran; a relationship that would benefit the squadron. My feelings about how the father handled the investigation, right or wrong, would only cause Corran to lose that trust in me . I can't let a man who is dead interfere with the running of this squadron. Corran still sees only in black and white with no gray in between, just like his father. Hal Horn was too fixated on capturing Booster and trying to find some way to blame my parents for their own deaths. He may have told his son he did everything he could but it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough! Wedge slowly turned back towards the base, his thoughts drifting back almost 10 years ago. Back to the crucible filled with fire, love and hate, rage and regret. The crucible which swallowed him and changed his life forever.


On Gus Treta, a orbital refueling station in the Corellian System. 4 BBY:

Captain Loka Hask looked up in irritation as one of his crew ran into the cockpit of his ship, the Buzzzer.
"Captain! The CorSec ship that has been dogging our trail is on it's way here. What are we going to do? We can't leave yet, we're still refueling!" the flustered crewman blurted out.
Hask narrowed his eyes, a malevolent glint in them.
"How much fuel have we taken on?" Hask asked, calculations running though his mind.
"We're about 3 quarters full. Why? What's that got to do with that kriffing CorSec ship!"
"That will be enough fuel." Hask replied. "Let's go now!"
"What! It'll take time to uncouple the fuel lines" yelled the crewman as panic filled his voice. "CorSec will be here before we can leave!"
Hask, ignoring the crewman's rant, turned to look out the cockpit window, a look of evil satisfaction on his face.
"Who said anything about uncoupling the lines? The fire and confusion will delay CorSec. Now secure the ship for take off!"
"Yes Sir!" replied the crewman as he ran out of the cockpit. I hope you know what you're doing, Hask he mumbled to himself or you'll get us all killed!

Thrusters firing, the pirate ship lifted off, spilling fuel and igniting a roaring inferno.


On board the Pulsar Skate inbound to Gus Treta:

Captain Booster Terrik grinned in amusement as his daughter, Mirax, and his best friend's son, Wedge Antilles, bounded into the cockpit.

"Are we almost there, Dad?" Mirax exclaimed. "I'm really looking forward to some Corellian Stew tonight like Veggie's Mom cooks."
"What, you don't like my cooking?� Booster grinned.
"Mom's cooking is way better than yours" Wedge laughed good naturedly. "But no one reheats prepared food like you do, Booster."
"It's that personal touch when you press the start button" Mirax laughed.

Moving over to the bridge window, Wedge pointed to Gus Treta growing larger in the viewport. "Look, Myra. We're almost there." We�re almost home, he thought, a smile on his face.

Their light hearted banter was broken by Booster's co-pilot, Polipe, who had been attempting to contact Gus Treta to advise them of their arrival.

"Cap, I think you need to listen to this. I'm getting some confusing com chatter from the station."

Wedge looked over at Polipe, apprehension settling in his gut as he sensed the tension filling the normally good natured alien's voice. Something is wrong, Wedge thought, as Booster moved over to the com, taking up a headset. His apprehension turned into an icy knot as he watched Booster listen to the com.

Booster was hearing shouts of fear and conflicting commands. Something about a fire in the fueling depot. He thought he heard Jagged's voice amidst the static of the com shouting out orders to evacuate. Chaos seemed to be overwhelming the station. Out of the corner of his eye, Booster saw Wedge hurrying over to the com station.

"Hold the boy back, Polipe!" he barked, his own apprehensions rising. No need for the boy to get more alarmed than he already is Booster thought to himself as he toggled the com switch, trying to reach his friend.

Wrapping his tentacles around Wedge, Polipe attempted to restrain him as ordered. Wedge began to struggle, fighting to get out of the grip Polipe had on him. I have to reach the com! I have to find out what is happening! Something bad�.Mom! Dad! A cold sweat broke out over his body, as fear took root in his mind.

"Let me go! I have to help them!", Wedge cried out.
"Polipe! Hold him still"
"I'm trying, Booster, I'm trying!� Polipe exclaimed as Wedge fought against his grip.
"We're doing all we can, Wedge. Be still", Booster commanded turning his attention back to the com.

Wedge, held tight in Polipe's grip, watched as Booster pressed the headset against his ear. Booster had a look of concern on his face that heightened the sense of dread filling Wedge's mind. I have to find out what is happening. I have to help!

"Jagged, can you hear me? What's going on? Jag, please come in." Booster almost pleaded.

With a twisting lunge Wedge freed himself from Polipe's tentacles, reached the comlink and grabbed a headset. His heart beating so fast he thought it would burst, he listened to his parent's attempt to save the station.

"Booster! I can hear you. Do you have Wedge with you?"
"He's right here. Jagged, are you alright? What's happening?"
His Mom's voice came though. "Some Bonestar pirates took off without uncoupling the fuel lines. The fuel was ignited by their thrusters. We're moving people into the station". Jagged cut in then "We've got to detach the fuel depot from the station. It's the only way to save the people, the station."

"No", Wedge whispered to himself. "You'll die! You'll leave me alone! Please, no"... then aloud with a howl of anguish he cried out.

"Mom! Dad! Don't do it!"

"We have to Veggies! The Station depends on it!"
"Hundreds of lives...we don't really have a choice!"

Clutching the headset tightly, Wedge could hear the roar of the flames and the hissing of the foam extinguisher as his parents fought to activate the lancing charges that would separate the depot.

"We are out of foam, Jagged!"
"Never mind, Zena, We did it!"

With a cold sense of dismay and helplessness, Wedge watched the flashes of the lancing charges exploding, sending the fueling depot into a spiraling trajectory towards Corellia's sun. His parents voices filtered though the static of the com, burning into his heart.

"Wedge? Do you hear me?"
"Yes."
"We love you, son"

With a blinding flash, the fuel depot exploded, brilliant colors of red and gold flaring out and dying, taking away Wedge's parents, his very way of life forever.

Wedge sagged against the transparisteel window of the cockpit, his hand held out against it as if he could reach out and bring his home back. Wedge felt Booster's strong arm around his shoulder providing quiet support. Mirax stood hugging herself in the cockpit doorway, grief threatening to overwhelm her. An unnatural silence filled the cockpit broken only by the quiet mutters of Polipe attempting to get through to station control, trying to get further information.

'There's nothing you could have done, son" Booster said softly.

Numbly, Wedge turned to Booster, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. His voice devoid of the emotions he held tightly within, he asked "You'll help me find the pirates who did this?" He swallowed hard as his voice threatened to break, "Help me please."

Booster nodded once. "Yes" was his simple and sincere reply.

Turning back to the window, Wedge's grief hardened into a cold rage as vengeful desire for retribution roared though his mind, loss and pain filling his heart. I will find the scum who killed Mom and Dad. Nothing will prevent me from taking revenge, he thought as he stared out at the remains of his home.
Nothing!


tbc

MORE!

Good to see this up. I really like the changes you've made. The conversation between Hask and the crewman is much clearer and the scene on the Skate is excellent.

You are a quick learner !

More please?

I really like the idea that Wedge's opinion of Hal is very different than Corran's. Aside from two of Zahn's short stories, we don't know anything about Hal that isn't colored by Corran's glowing praise for the man who can do no wrong. It definitly adds an interesting dynmaic to Wedge and Corran's relationship, since Wedge is the other man in Corran's life who can do no wrong.

Can't wait to see where you take this.

Yay, 'Nut ! Long time no see !

Durell: you asked for more, here it is....

CD: Thank You for all your help. I know I've made some mistakes in this second part, but I hope you'll point them out to help me improve. I really appreciate all your comments on the draft of this story.

Astronut: I've always felt that Wedge had strong feelings about Hal Horn. I hope I've presented one view as to how he got those feelings.

Part Two:

Later at Gus Treta:

Inspector Hal Horn looked at the begrimed concourse of the Gus Treta fueling station. It’s unfortunate that the Antilles couple died, thought Horn, but they had to know something like this would've happened as long as they continued to deal with the 'fringe' element.

Turning to his aide, he held out his hand for the data pad being offered. Scanning the information provided, he noted that there had been preliminary interviews conducted immediately following the disaster at the station, but little had been revealed that CorSec had not already known from monitoring the com channels coming from Gus Treta itself. There were, as usual, some conflicting views of what had actually taken place in the personal interviews, but Horn knew that eye-witness accounts were notoriously unreliable as they tended to see things from their own personal perspective. It appeared that the CorSec officer first on the scene had interviewed the young Antilles boy, but the son had arrived after the incident occurred, and had no information that was of any use to the investigation. Horn wasn’t quite satisfied by this, and was further intrigued by the fact that young Antilles had virtually disappeared after the interview. Could be shock and grief that caused the son to disappear, he thought as he made a note to find the young man.

"Any indication the Antilles’ knew the pirates?" Horn questioned his aide.
"No sir, but we're still collecting evidence."
“Do we know where their son was during this incident?" Horn asked.
"He apparently was returning home from school. The ship he arrived on was the Pulsar Skate."
"Terrik!" Horn exclaimed. He had been after Booster Terrik for years. Could Terrik been involved in this mess? he wondered. This could be my chance to put old Booster away for good. A quick arrest is good for CorSec and good for me.
"Where is Terrik now?" demanded Horn.
"We’re not sure. Somewhere on the station, sir. His ship returned about an hour ago. The reports indicate that it landed here just after the depot blew and then left. We have no idea where it was between that time and now. Do you want me to find out if the Antilles’ son returned with the Skate and get him for questioning?" inquired the aide.
"Yes, bring him to that office over there when you find him. I'll be over shortly to see what I can find out from him. And see if you can locate Terrik. I definitely want to talk to him, too."

As the aide moved away, Horn stood there tapping his stylus against the data pad. Young Antilles has made a serious mistake keeping company with Terrik. Maybe I can talk some sense into him, get him into one of the orphanages or work farms where he'll learn a useful trade. Inspector Horn looked back at his data pad, organizing his thoughts for the coming interview.


Wedge sat on the bunk in one of the small cabins on board the Pulsar Skate, knees drawn up, face buried in his arms. A few days ago, he had killed, something he had never thought he could do. Killed the pirates who had destroyed his life. Just weeks ago, he had been in school, dreaming of becoming an architect, or going to the Academy to become a pilot. Maybe even working beside his father on the station. He was numb, holding the tears in, trying to build a wall around his heart. A wall to keep away the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. Killing the pirates had not stopped or satisfied the feelings of pain and guilt at the death of his parents. Guilt for not being there, not being able to help. I should have been there! he wailed in his mind. Even if it meant he would’ve died with his parents. Pain over never being able to tell them again that he loved them filled his heart. He had no idea what he was going to do now; his life, his childhood, was in tatters, gone. Tears of frustration threatened to trickle down his face as he remembered the last few days.


True to his word, Booster used his contacts on and off the station to track down the pirates which Wedge’s mother, Zena, had spoken of during her last, all too brief conversation. He discovered that it had indeed not been an accident. The pirates had purposely set fire to the station as a diversion to avoid capture by the inbound CorSec ship. The information Booster had obtained gave them a ship’s name, the Buzzzer, and their likely destination. That had been all Wedge needed to hear. Taking Booster’s modified Z-95 Headhunter he had proceeded, with Booster in the Skate, to track the pirates to Jumus. The Buzzzer appeared stranded in space, crippled by parasites feeding on the spilt fuel.

As the Z-95 did not have very sophisticated scanners, Wedge asked “Any life signs, Booster?”
“Doesn’t look like anybody’s gotten off the ship, Wedge.” Booster had been anticipating Wedge’s response, but it still caused a sharp intake of breath.
“Good” was all Wedge said.
Booster made a half-hearted attempt to talk Wedge into waiting for CorSec to arrive but he knew it was no use. Wedge had been running on pure hate and rage since the death of his parents. Perhaps this is what is needed to defuse his desire for revenge and begin the healing process Booster thought.

Booster’s scanners showed Wedge’s weapons powering up and he could see from the plotted attack run that Wedge had no intention of delivering anything other that total destruction. Even if the pirates’ had a fully functional ship, the ferocity of Wedge’s attack would be nothing short of an extinction level event.

Booster waited and watched as Wedge had destroyed the pirates’ ship. After the shock wave of light had faded, he asked quietly, “Wedge?“
“I’m fine Booster. I’ll been back in formation shortly.“
Booster knew something was wrong from the tone of Wedge’s voice.
“Shavit, Wedge,“ he cried out, “Are you all right?“
There was a long pause before Wedge’s quiet voice came over the com.
“I thought it would feel better.”
“Keeping talking to me, son. You’ve opened a door you can’t ever close again. Talking helps. Believe me, I’ve been where you are.”
“It felt good, Booster, good. I knew I was killing the bastards that killed my parents, and it felt good. What does that make me?” Wedge exclaimed, pain lacing his voice.
“It makes you human, Wedge” Booster sent back, “but it doesn’t bring your parents back to life, does it?”
Booster could tell from Wedge’s reply that he was trying not to sob out loud.
“I’m still lost, Booster. Lost, orphaned and now a murderer. You’re right, I can never go back.”
“Come home, son,” Booster sighed, “We’ll work this out together.”

Booster thought that Wedge had closed the com when he received one last message before Wedge got back into formation.
“Myra doesn’t have to hear about this now, does she?”
Mildly relieved that Wedge had thoughts for others at a time like this, he replied “No, son, she certainly doesn’t.”


Huddled on the bunk in the Skate, Wedge knew that there had been no remorse or pity in his heart when he had destroyed that ship. No remorse at killing those who had killed his parents. He had felt no compassion for the pirates, rather had exulted over their deaths. But that exultation had faded quickly, leaving no relief to his pain. Instead his feelings of loss had intensified. Finally giving into his grief, Wedge let his tears flow freely attempting to wash away the pain.


Mirax heard the pounding of a fist against the side of the Skate. Walking to the ramp, she saw an officer of CorSec standing at the bottom of the ramp, looking bored. Her inherent distaste of CorSec showed in her greeting.

"A CorSec officer who knocks first? You must be new.” she dead panned.
"Is Wedge Antilles in there?"
"Who's asking?" she demanded.
"Don't get smart with me, little girl. We need to question him about this...problem" the CorSec officer blustered.
"Problem? Do you mean the death of his parents?"
"What's going on, Myra?” Wedge walked up beside her after having heard the commotion, running his hand through his hair and hastily wiping his eyes.
"This bantha brain wants to talk to you. You don't have to unless you want to, you know."
"S'kay, I'll go with him"
"Wedge...."
"Let Booster know where I've gone, OK?"
Mirax gently put her hand on Wedge's shoulder..."Alright. And Wedge…."
“Yes?”
“Watch your back.”
Wedge nodded and motioned for the officer to lead the way.


The CorSec officer led a still numb and slightly dazed Wedge to an office, shoved him in, and shut the door. With a start, Wedge suddenly realized that he was in father’s office. Panic, rage, and shock ran through his mind as he whirled to leave. He couldn’t stay here; too many memories. Memories of happy times and love. As he moved to the door, he saw the holo of his parents that his Dad had kept on his desk shoved to one side with a pile of old paperwork waiting to be disposed of. Grabbing it, he stuffed it into his jacket. With one last glance around the office, Wedge stepped outside gently closing the door behind him. Leaning against the wall, eyes closed, he thought I will get though this. He’d been around Booster long enough to know how to handle uncaring bureaucrats and fools, even if it kills you to restrain yourself from beating them to death with your bare hands. Surely that idiot CorSec officer didn’t know this was Dad’s office Wedge thought, glancing around looking for the officer who had brought him here. He saw him at the end of the corridor talking with the Inspector in charge of the investigation. With a sigh, he walked over to a bench and sat to await his summons to see Inspector Horn.


Dodging the CorSec officers that were swarming the station, Booster was seeing if he could start the process of securing the insurance that was due to Wedge on the death of his parents. He had not said anything about the insurance. He knew Wedge needed to move on it to secure the funds that were legally his, but Wedge didn’t seem like he could get much past one hour at a time. Booster knew it would take time, but he would look out for Jagged & Zena's son until Wedge got back on his feet. He owed them that much. They had never cared what he did for a living. They were his friends and had loved him and Mirax without reservation. Wedge was family. His responsibility…his son now.


“Inspector Horn. Inspector Horn!” An excited Corellian Security officer ran over to Horn. “We just got a report from one of our patrol ships. They’ve found debris near Jumus that resembles the Cindev IV ship that blew this station while fleeing from our patrol ships. As far as they can determine, the ship was attacked and their main weapons magazine exploded. There is no report of any survivors at this time, Sir.” Horn turned and stared over at the young man waiting for him. I wonder…. he mused. I think it is definitely time to question Wedge Antilles.

Wedge stood up warily as Horn approached him.
“I’m Inspector Horn. I’m in charge of the investigation into this tragedy. I have a few questions so I can close this case. Your parents, Jagged and Zena Antilles, ran the fueling depot, correct?”
“Yes.” Wedge replied sullenly.
“Where were you prior to the incident?”
“You call this” Wedge waved his arm around taking in the fire and smoke damaged remains of the station “an incident?”
“A tragic accident, yes. Now, where were you at that time?”, insisted Horn.
“I was coming home from school.”
Horn looked down at his data pad
“You attend school on Corellia for half a year and spend the rest of the year here at Gus Treta?”
“Yes” Wedge replied.
“Did your parents always associate with known criminals?”
“Criminals?” Wedge asked in disbelief. ”Always?”
“You’re staying with Booster Terrik. A known smuggler. Your parents allowed other undesirables to fuel at this station. Perhaps they were involved in activities that crossed the line of ….” This was too much for Wedge. He took a step forward, his hands curling into fists.
“I thought you were after the pirates that took off without uncoupling the fuel lines which caused the fire that killed my parents” Wedge exclaimed. “Not trying to convict Mom and Dad of guilt by association. They sold fuel. Ships need fuel. Are they to be blamed for the actions of renegades? Do you think they endanger the lives of all the people on this station for a few credits? You‘re insane!”

He definitely belongs in a home or work situation that will teach him the value of being a law abiding citizen, not defending criminals Horn thought as he stared into Wedge’s blazing eyes. I need to separate him from Terrik as soon as possible.

“I’m just trying to determine how this incident happened.” Horn calmly replied. “Your parents allowed known criminals to use their depot for fuel and supplies….”
“If CorSec,” Wedge spat the word out , “had been doing their job, my parents would still be alive!
“There is no need to get nasty, son. We’ve been tracking several pirate groups in this area. It was unfortunate that we got here too late to prevent this tragedy. Now. About Terrik. I understand you were with him at the time of the explosion and are staying with him now. Are you aware of any of his criminal activities and associates? Names and locations of any of his ‘friends‘? Do you have any knowledge of a ship that was destroyed out by Jumus?”

Wedge stared at Horn in amazement. Horn is trying to implicate Booster! First Mom and Dad, now Booster!

“This interview is over” Wedge slashed his hand down between himself and Horn. “I don’t have to stand here listening to you slander my family and try to frame my friends!” Wedge turned on his heel and stalked off down the corridor.

Hal Horn shook his head in frustration as he watched Wedge storm down the corridor. That young man is going to be trouble, I can feel it. He turned looking for his aide; he wanted to finish this investigation by talking with Booster Terrik. Any arrest would help him close this matter and take some heat off of CorSec.


Returning to the Skate, Wedge saw with relief that Booster had returned. “You need to leave, now” he exclaimed. “CorSec is asking questions about you.”
“I know” Booster replied. “Polipe heard some of them talking with the station managers. Have you got everything you need from your quarters? We‘re leaving now.”

There had been nothing in the quarters he had called home fit to take after the oily smoke had filtered into it. It had been cold and empty, not the warm and love filled home he remembered. Wedge fingered the holo in his jacket that he had rescued from his Dad’s office. This would have to suffice. Then what Booster had said filtered into his numb mind. “I can go with you and Myra?” he stammered. “I won’t be a burden to you? Or in your way?”
“Emperor’s Black Bones, boy, you’re family!” Booster exclaimed with a tinge of exasperation in his voice. “Of course you’re coming with us. I won’t leave you to the tender mercies of CorSec! Now get aboard, we’re leaving before they can stop us.”

Booster shook his head as he shoved Wedge toward the ramp to the Skate. Wedge was, for all intents and purposes, his son now. I may not show him how I feel, but he’ll always have a place in my heart Booster thought as he watched Wedge run up the ramp. I owe him my best, and he will get it. I will take care of both of them, Mirax and Wedge. With a determined look on his face, Booster strode up the ramp of the Pulsar Skate. His family’s future was unknown, waiting to be made.


On Talasea, Wedge pulled his mind back out of his reverie to the present. Booster had been true to his word, taking him in as family. He had helped Wedge buy his own ship and set him up running legitimate cargo. Wedge had taken some smuggling runs that Booster considered too small for a smuggler of his caliber; runs that had helped hone Wedge’s flying skills. Runs that eventually led him to smuggle supplies for the Rebellion and then to taking that final fateful step of joining the Rebellion himself. Wedge suddenly laughed out loud as a thought struck him. I wonder what Corran would do if he knew that I smuggled supplies for the Rebellion. He would probably still try to arrest me just on principle! Smiling to himself, Wedge moved off into the ground hugging fog towards the base, easy in his thoughts. Hal Horn would never be his favorite CorSec officer, if any of them would, but Corran was not totally his father. Who knew? Mirax and Corran could put aside their differences and become friends, maybe more than friends. They weren’t their fathers; they could overcome the enmity that had existed between Booster and Hal Horn. His “little” sister and CorSec; now that was a weird match. But they seem to be good for each other Wedge mused. Shrugging his shoulders and shaking off thoughts of the past, Wedge continued on his way back to the base slowly disappearing into the swirling fog.


He had been swallowed by the crucible on that terrible day and forever changed. The crucible had taken a naïve young man and forged him into a stronger and more resilient person. One who could survive the death of his family and the loss of friends. A man who would strive to do the right thing even in the face of adversity. The desire for vengeance that had tried to consume him and twist his very nature had burned out in the crucible. In the end it had been his parent’s love for him and the love of his friends that had pulled him back. Back to life. He could live with that, but his complete healing would be a long time coming.

Hoping his parents would be proud of him, Wedge disappeared into the fog of Talasea. There was a war to be fought. A war that had to be won.

fin

Nicely done!

I felt bad for young, angry Wedge during Horn's interogation but you did well showing that Horn had some good motivations, if questional priorities. Still doesn't stop me from wanting to join Booster in bashing him over the head.

I enjoyed the conversation between Mirax and her future father in law. Perhaps it's a good thing he's dead. :P

I like the changes you made to the scene where Wedge kills the pirates. You've filled that out more. The conversation between Booster and Wedge is excellent :
Wedge's line: I’m still lost, Booster. Lost, orphaned and now a murderer. You’re right, I can never go back.” is heartbreaking. It shows Wedge as far more vulnerable than we usually see him.

Well done. Can't wait to see what you write next.

Astronut: Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed this little story of mine. I did try to show one reason that Wedge didn't like CorSec, in particular Hal Horn. I'm sure that there are more reasons that could be expanded on. One note, however. The CorSec officer Mirax was speaking to was just a faceless officer sent to get Wedge, not Hal Horn. But I'm glad you like the way I protrayed Mirax.

CD: What can I say? You've been very supportive to a newbie who had never written anything outside of work commucations. As I once commented in a post here "Demon doesn't write." But I guess an old cat can learn new tricks. Once in awhile I seem to be able to come up with a nice turn of words to convey feelings. Thanks again for your support. I do have a story or two in the back of my mind that I might try to write. Watch your email for another request to review before I post!