We May Have All Come on Different Ships, But We're in the Same Boat Now (ZAY)

[Gar]

Ni draped one arm around Zay's back and brought her close, holding her as if this could somehow soak up all the negative emotions that she sensed in the clone. "I can imagine..." she answered hoarsely, "I felt the way he..." but she stopped herself, she didn't want to think about that.

The Zeltron took a deep breath. "You're not alone anymore, Miss Zay. You have a lot of friends now to protect you and help keep you alive," she explained, trying to steer the conversation towards more positive subjects, "Do you know how I met Gaddy Daddy? It was about a year ago, I was working at this hoity-toity dancing joint. One of the patrons tried to get fresh and physical with one of my colleagues--" Ni smiled brightly as she remembered, "Gaddy stood up for her! But everyone always underestimates him because, as you have seen, he is just so short and cute! The guy tried to pick a fight..." she beamed down at Zay and giggled, "It only took one second for that bastard to hit the floor! That is when the bouncers took notice. But I explained to them what had happened, and the sleazy patron was dragged out." She sighed, "That's my first and one of my most favorite memories of Gaddy. He is wise and caring and the most loyal person I know. When I'm with him I only feel afraid if he is in danger."

Ni idly rubbed Zay's shoulder as she carried on, her other hand counting down, "Then there is Little Flower--the one with the blindfold--" her smile softened and her tone became warm, "But other people call her Ashla. She is so sweet! She is probably the best sister you could hope for, if you decide to join this crazy family...And Boss Man!" she giggled mischievously, "The oldest Starchaser brother. He is the strong, silent type. Reliable in battle and even better in bed! His younger brother, Martyr Boy, can get pretty emotional at times but his heart is in the right place. He is fiercely faithful and caring..." Ni's expression suddenly brightened as she added, "Then, of course, we have Bugsie!" she paused a moment, her cheerful expression dimming slightly, "When I was...The night that--" she sighed, "He doesn't know how strong or brave he really is. He may act like a scaredy cat at times, but you can always count on him, Miss Zay. You're especially lucky to have a brother like him. As I said, if it wasn't for him looking into your situation, who knows what might have happened to you. I'd never have known about you!"

The Zeltron leaned back and gave Zay a brief, gentle squeeze of a hug. "Shy One--the one that gave you clothes--can be a bit of a puzzle sometimes, but she means well. And her fiance', Mr. Whiskey, is a quick thinker. Sometimes too quick," she giggles again, "but what he lacks in fighting power he makes up for in skill."

Ni pulled away and turned to face Zay, looking into her eyes intently, hopefully. "These are all the people that you can have by your side...I still believe that things can get better..." she leaned forward and softly kissed the clone on the forehead. "I'm sorry for being impatient and worrying you. Can you forgive me? May we start over and have breakfast together?" she pleaded.