"Looks like I'm just in time," Ja'ks, Wingleader for Daere's Beta Wing
quipped when he arrived at the door of T'rell, the Gamma Wingleader's office
door and saw him sitting behind his desk holding an upended cup of what had
been filled with coffee.

"Thought you could use one of these just about now," Ja'ks held up one of
the two cups he had brought with him from the dining hall after finishing
his lunch. 

He'd been talking with his sister, Jayleigh, and she had been telling him
about the new flight wing T'rell had come to her office and told her about.
He was interested in hearing more about it.

If it worked out well for Gamma Wing then he might like to set up one in
Beta Wing. 

The man behind the desk grinned, seeing the coffee, still hot as the steam
was rising up over the top of the cup in the other mans hands.

"Wingleader's baring coffee are always  welcome around here," he told the man. 

"Anyone baring coffee is welcome here," Ja'ks quipped coming into the room
and settling himself in the more comfortable of the two chairs siting in
front of T'rell's desk. 

"True," T'rell agreed, and pointed at a spot on the desk where Ja'ks should
deposit the cup. "So to what do I owe the honor of your company?"

"Came to hear more about this Elite Wing you want to start up in your Wing.
Jays was telling me a little about it at lunch just now and it sounded like
something I might like to do with Beta if it works out," Ja'ks told him,
stretching his long legs out before him and balancing the coffee cup in the
circle made from his two hands. "I may have a rider I'd like to go through
the training with you.... if you've the room."

"If you're talking about your Wing Second D'aivy, I'd say yes in an instant,
but I know how selfish you are about sharing him out with other Wings now
that you have him trained to do things your way," T'rell's eyes lit up in
knowing amusement. "But him training with us might do him some good."

"My... But you ARE behind on the gossip," Ja'ks teased. "Or you would have
known that D'vaiy asked for a transfer back to the Warren he was joined at,
because of sickness in his family. The new rider, D'Altar is my Wing Second
now. Good man."

Which for both men, meant that he was a good RIDER... one who could be
trusted to get the job done without having someone looking over his shoulder.

"He the guy who was with them at the battle before the Wings got there?"
T'rell asked trying to put a face to the name. 

Ja'ks nodded.

"Yeah I saw him with Sharees earlier today heading away from the Warren,"
T'rell said not knowing why the man across from him suddenly frowned. Ja'ks
didn't offer a reason, so T'rell didn't ask.

"I heard from the dragon pipe line that he's offered to teach... Mari how to
defend herself."

"Might be good for her," Ja'ks said raising his coffee cup up and taking a
sip. "Might be a good idea for most of the women around here to take some
kind of classes like that. Especially those who ride dragons and have to
visit the worst towns around here. I know Jays feels better knowing she can
take care of herself... those knives she wears aren't just for show
either... she can hit what she aims them at."

"I've seen her do it," T'rell quipped, but didn't mention when.

"Okay now, how's about telling me about this idea of yours?" Ja'ks said
taking another sip of his coffee.

((tag John..... :)

Sometime later, when T'rell had finally finished his explanation, Ja'ks was
thoughtful as he lifted his cup up and found it was empty. He hadn't
remembered emptying it.

"Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into this project of yours." He
commented. Setting the empty cup on the edge of the desk.

He was truly impressed, and knew given time T'rell would have the Wing shape
up and ready to fly. T'rell was big on keeping things in shape. Ja'ks had
heard enough complaints over sore unused muscles when the last hatchlings
had been going through one of T'rell's training programs and he didn't
suspect the man would let this new Elite Wing off any easier then the new
riders.

"I have," T'rell agreed, looking wishfully at his own empty cup. "I'll keep
you advised on how it's turning out as we get it going if you'd like."

"I would," Ja'ks said pulling his leg in and standing up. He leaned closer
and picked up the mug T'rell had place back on the desk. "My mother told me
I was to return this when we were finished or she'd come looking for me."

T'rell looked thoughtful. "I'm sure Realee meant for you to return it to
*me*... refilled that is."

"You're lucky you got that one. Don't get greedy now," Ja'ks returned and
with a mock salute left T'rell's office to go on about his own business. 

He was on his way home later that night when he happen to look up and saw a
familiar dragon land on the ledge of another riders. 

He had hoped the man had been starting to care about Jays, but now it seemed
Ja'ks *had* read D'Altar all wrong.

Jays didn't need another man in her life who went from bed to bed. She
needed someone who would stand beside her and be there for her. She was more
like their mother in that respect then most of the other female riders of
any dragon color.

Well it wasn't his business. Jays wouldn't thank him for interfering anyway,
so he lowered his eyes and continued on to where the big brown dragon,
Sprarroe was waiting to take him home.

<You're worrying about her again aren't you?> Sprarroe asked as they landed
on the ledge of their own apartment.

<<Do you blame me my friend?>> he asked, dismounting then coming to stand by
the brown's head. <<I mean I can see how lonely she is and I was hoping
D'Altar... She needs someone stable in her life after what happened.>>

Ja'ks liked Tair'n... He'd even liked Gerald... As Wingleader's, he had
respect for both men. Both had what it took to lead a fighting Wing... But
he had never felt either man was right for his sister. She needed someone
special who would see her as a woman... yet respect the position she held as
Warrenlady of Daere.  Someone who would consider her feeling and be there
for her when she needed support, but someone who wouldn't try to dominate her.

Not that either Tair'n or Gerald ever had, or would... but neither had ever
*really* known the Jayleigh who she kept hidden deep inside. Having sex with
someone doesn't mean you know that person... Ja'ks had found that out from
hard lessons learned a long time ago.  Sera had pulled a number on him that
he'd fallen for hook line and sinker. But in the end she'd finally shown her
true colors when he wouldn't fall for her charms any longer.

One reason he now had a rule against dating females in his own Wing. He had
her to thank for that.

But Jays... she was different. She needed one man in her life the way their
mother did with their father. She needed the same type of love, support,
give and taking of emotions that Realee and Jerlin had established between
them all the years they'd been together.

Sometimes Ja'ks wondered if his sister would ever find a man like that.
Maybe that's why he had so hoped when he saw the way D'Altar looked at
her... he might be that man... Ja'ks knew Jays liked him. He hadn't seen her
smile like that since before Gerald...

<<How could I have been so wrong about the man buddy?>>

<Maybe things aren't how you think.> came the dragons reply. <But then
again, I never could figure out you humans when it came to things like that.>

<<You're a big help,>> the rider quipped sarcastically and patted the brown
on the neck affectingly before heading on in and to bed.

[[ morning AFTER D'Alatar's second night with Sharees...]]

As was his habit, Ja'ks was up and in his office working, even before the
sun began to shine lighting up the skies above Daere.

He'd been going over the patrol schedules for the next week when the door
opened and Kayla walked in.

"Don't you know how to knock?" he asked sourly. He hadn't slept well the
night before and had spilled his first cup off coffee, causing him to have
to change and get a late start on his morning routines.

"Why... it's not like you would have had anyone in here with you Ja'ko doing
something your mother would be shocked by," she teased not to nicely as she
came on into the room and slumped down in the chair before his desk. She
draped one shapely leather clad leg over the side and made herself
comfortable. "Shame though... I know of ten females at lease who'd love to
find out just how comfortable that couch is over there with two people ..."

"Cut the crap Kayla," he growled, not wanting to be reminded that it *had*
been a long time since that couch *had* been used for anything more the
catching a short lonely nap on. "You didn't come here this early hoping to
catch me with my bare ass in the air or to discuss my love live so get to
the point."

"Did you ask T'rell about me joining this new wing of his?" she asked ,
getting right to the point just as he ordered. "You said you'd think about
it and let me know."

"You just asked me yesterday," he reminded her, thinking how sweet she used
to be before she'd gotten over Ari's death... or maybe this new harder
version of herself was because she hadn't gotten over his death as well as
she'd like for people to believe.

"Well that's long enough to think about it," her lips flatten for the
briefest of seconds then curved up in a knowing smile. Slowly she stood and
walked around behind him. Her hands settled on his wide shoulders and began
to rub them in a way she knew would turn most men on. Not Ja'ks though.
Nothing turned him on she was beginning to think. The man must be made of
stone. Not that she wanted to... turn him on... not really, but she did so
want to get some reaction out of him other then the caring over protective
big brother he seemed to adapt after Ari's death. She did so love to tease
this man. 

Bending closer, when he didn't react, her lips brushed softly against the
tip of his ear. "Or is it that you're finally admitting to yourself how much
you care and want me Ja'ko... and you just can't bare to let me go to
another man..."

His hands came up then to grab hers, stopping their motion and setting them
aside before she realized just what kind of effect her touch was causing his
body to feel. 

Damn it had been way too long... but not with this woman. He knew she didn't
want him any more then he wanted her..... except as a friend... She just
knew the best ways to get under his skin like any pesky little brat.

Still... he needed a woman... maybe a trip into town was called for..... later.

"I'd be better off if I did ask T'rell to take you on," he growled. "Maybe
he'd be able to teach you a few manners. But I'd hate to saddle him with an
undisciplined rider who can't follow orders and takes way to many chances.
Maybe he can get it through your thick head to listen before you get
yourself and your dragon killed."

"Allesha and I never take chances," she told him heatedly, stung by his
words. She was a good rider. She moved away from him, back around to the
front of the desk and slumped heavily back down into the chair she had
vacated only moments before. 

"We *always* know what we're doing and you know it!" she glared at him, blue
eyes flashing daggers when he merely smiled that *now child... you know
better then that* smile he used with her sometimes.

"Allesha and I are a DAMN GOOD pair and you know it Ja'ks!" she went on.
"You know that there's not another pair in your whole damn wing who are
faster and smarter then we are when it comes to thinking on our feet's. And
no one can get in and out of places unseen better then Allie or I can."

"I know that the two of you take to many damn chances and one day you might
not be quick enough or smart enough to get yourself out of something once
you've charged on in without thinking things through," his voice now rose in
anger.

Allesha and Kayla were a damn good team, but he couldn't help but feel she
had a death wish with all the chances they took. That scared him more then
anything. He knew how deeply she'd been effected when Ari had died, and now
it seemed like she didn't care much about living. If she hadn't joined with
Allesha... he didn't want to think about it, but it was there in his mind.

"I'm not trying to get myself killed if that's what you're thinking Ja'ks,"
she said finally. "I would never do that to Allesha you have to know that...
but I think we have something to offer this new Wing and we both want to
try. Please... give us the chance?"

Her head lifted, their eyes met and she didn't hide from him what was in her
heart. She really believed what she had just said and he could see it now.

"All right," he frowned, still not liking the idea much, but he was never
one to hold back a rider who tried to better themselves. "I'll talk to
T'rell... but no promises. Got it?"

She was up out of the chair in a shot, wrapping her arms around his neck and
dropping kisses all over his head.

"Thank you thank you thank you!!" she repeated between each kiss. "You won't
regret it Ja'ks I swear!!"

"I'd better not," he grumbled, trying to duck out of her over enthusiastic
grip. "Now get out of here and let me suffer my decision in peace! Don't you
have a patrol this morning... get to it."

Kayla, happier then she'd been in a long time stopped just short of the door
and turned to look back over her shoulder at him. Her lips now curved back
up in a teasing grin. 

"Do yourself a favor Ja'ko..." her head nodded in the direction of the
*couch*. "Pick someone and try out the couch... you won't regret that either."

"You offering," he countered wickedly, getting up out of his chair slowly
and started to walk towards her.

Kayla knowing she'd gone to far this time gave him a quick mock salute and
vanished out the door.

Ja'ks chuckled as he watched her hurried departure.

"Cheeky brat," he muttered retaking his seat. He'd talk to T'rell about her
joining his new wing just as he promised. But he'd also warn T'rell to keep
an eye on her. He wasn't so sure that the chances she was taking weren't
part of a death wish despite what she had told him. 

He just hoped he was doing the right thing for her.

An hour or so later he finally finished with his paper work and against his
better judgment, he headed in the direction of the hatching apartments where
T'rell seemed to have set up his office.

The Gamma Wingleader was still seated in the same chair he'd been in when
Ja'ks saw him last and he wondered if the man had ever left.

"What... no coffee?" T'rell frowned when he looked up to see who had knocked
on the door.

"What do I look like?" Ja'ks chuckled, easing himself into the same seat
he'd sat in the day before. "One of your searchlings you can order about
because they're scared of you?"

T'rell shrugged. "Hell I scared them all out of here weeks ago, remember? I
thought maybe Jayleigh sent you in because you were the only one would still
volunteer to come in here," he chuckled. 

"Not even for my dearly loved Warrenlady of a sister would I brave something
like that," Ja'ks quipped, enjoying the banter with the man. "But to get rid
of a spoiled, misbehaving brat who needs a lesson or two in obeying orders,
before I take my hand to her backside, I'd brave anything for one who could
teach her a lesson or two before she gets herself into trouble."

T'rell's eyes narrowed. "And just what spoiled, misbehaving brat did you
have in mind? That could describe most of the rider's in Beta."

"Only the ones who begged me to help them get away from your tyrantic ways
my friend," the Beta Wingleader countered. "I had to tell them yes because I
felt sorry for them... What is it that you do to these riders that sends
them running for the safety of another Wing?"

"I told them that if they worked hard, lived clean lives and ate their
veggies, they could one day be like Flerrion and me," the Gamma Wing leader
replied.

"Ahh..." Ja'ks nodded his head, barley able to hold back the chuckle
bubbling up inside him. "Well now that explains it... Here I was thinking
you threaten to invite them over my sister's apartment for a home cooked
meal if they didn't fly right."

T'rell cocked his head, "No Ja'ks, I've been threaten with that one
myself... and would never do it to anyone else. Not even someone I really
don't like. Well maybe Norin. No one else though."

Jays might like that idea, Ja'ks thought to himself.

"Yea the threats kept me in line a time or two too," Ja'ks gave a mock
shudder. "She may be my best loved sister, but even I'm not foolish enough
to sit at her table unless I know mother sent the food over. Though you
know... maybe we could use her cooking as a defense tool somehow."

T'rell let that one slide. "So what can I do you for... and who is this
rider you want to saddle me with?"

"Kayla's heard about this new wing you're putting together and had been
hounding me like mad to ask you if she can transfer in and join you," Ja'ks
said, finally getting to the point. "Now I know she's had a hard time since
Ari died... but she's been doing good work in practice and she and Alley
work well together... She's one of my best teams..." 

"But..." T'rell said slowly after the other man paused.

"But nothing really," Ja'ks frowned. "They are a good team and they do work
well together... and I could recommend them to you for admittance into this
new wing of yours... But on the other hand I'm a bit worried that she's
doing it to prove to everyone that she's over Ari..... and while it's nice
to see her happy again... Just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't
pull any stunts like we did when we were younger... Okay?"

"That's a tall order," T'rell sighed. "I pulled quite a few stuns that
nearly got me into real trouble with first my trainer then my Wingleader,
but I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks... I think," the talk dark headed man reached across the desk to
shake T'rell's hand. "I just hope I'm not letting you in for a headache
somewhere along the way by suggesting her."

"Well if she acts up there's still the threat of eating at Leigh's."

[[ somewhere near noon ]]

Later on he stopped by the dining hall for lunch before his patrol and saw
D'Altar right away in the company of Jason and Sharees. He and Jason seemed
to be having a few words and just when Ja'ks decided to break it up, they
settled down. But not before D'Altar caught him watching.

Earlier on his way to the hall, he'd seen the man with Mari, heading inside
her apartment, and that hadn't set to well with Ja'ks. Wasn't one woman
enough for the man? He knew the man saw him with Sharees and maybe he though
they'd better have a talk before things got out of hand. 

Moment's later D'Altar walked over to him.

"Perhaps you would like a talk with me?" D'Altar questioned.

"Perhaps I would," he replied flatly.

So the man was expecting him to say something. Ja'ks wasn't so sure he liked
that. He'd seen the man walking with Mari towards the Junior Queenrider's
apartment sometime after leaving T'rell's office that morning to go find
Kayla and give her the ... news, and the two of them seemed a bit to
friendly. He hadn't figured on being seen by them as well, but after D'Altar
knowing he had seen him with Sharees... maybe he should have expected the
man would want to talk.

"Let's go outside," he told the other man. "We can talk while we get ready
for patrol."

Had he been *that* wrong about the man?

Maybe he wasn't good enough for Jays. She'd been hurt enough over the last
year and didn't need someone like that in her life. Not a man who could go
from one woman to another in less then a day and not think something was
wrong with it.

Jays would never put up with that type of relationship again, and she really
hadn't been the type to play around even if she had been sleeping with both
Tair'n and Gerald. 

It had cost her though and in the end she had ended up lonely and
brokenhearted. If she hadn't had Jadain and Vena... Well... He didn't want
to ever see her hurt like that again.

When they got to their dragons, Ja'ks turned to face the man. "First it may
not be any of my business...But I feel I have to say it. I want you to
understand something. Jay's was hurt bad not to long ago by several men who
she loved... I won't go into the reasons other to say that if you're only
interested in a one nighter with a beautiful woman... Leave Jays alone," he
warned softly, not needing to sound angry to get his point across.

"Maybe I was wrong... but I had a feeling like you might want to get to know
her better... And I'm all for that... She could use a *friend*... But Jays
doesn't need another *sometimes* man in her life. She needs a mate to stand
beside her and support her but one who can remember that she's still a
woman. Just don't get involved with her if she's going to end up hurt in the
end... She barely got over it the last time and we need her here in this
Warren."

[[ tag Peter... Ja'ks isn't really angry with D'Altar... but he loves and
cares about his sister. He just doesn't want to see her get hurt again. ]]

=================  

Special thanks go out to John for helping with T'rell's part in this post :)

****Submitted by: *****

Ja'ks & Sprarroe (Beta Wingleader)
Kayla & Allesha  (Beta Wingrider)
Daere Warren

Aka
Barbara