The Short Fic Weekly Challenge Thread!

[Striges]

The Chiss tilted his head, eyes glittering speculatively. “She liked Balmorra, you know. I’ve never heard her speak so highly of a war zone before or since. All spillover glow from you, I suspect, but the fact remains, she loved her time there.”

 

Quinn wavered.

 

Wynston waited.

 

“We can leave Balmorra intact,” grumbled Quinn.

 

I like that their (Quinn's and Ruth's) memories of Balmorra are so vastly different because of their individual mindsets and emotions connected to it. And even if they weren't, that Wynston is clever enough to manipulate Quinn into thinking they were.

 

Sobrik is Burning... was this a quest title? I can't find it on Torhead but it sounds very familiar. It ought to be the title of a Balmorran Resistance anthem sung by a band-in-exile raising funds for the resistance, the Star Wars equivalent of U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday. Great phrase.

[alaurin]

Comments:

 

@Stirges: I loved Jurial's Parable. Such a creative way to explain Light vs Dark! Also, it was fun to read about the sabacc game and

Scorekeeper’s Herald appreciates challenge. Soft thing Doctor does not. Now he will. A good lesson for him I think.

I agree with Qyzen.

 

@Lesaberisa: hehe, poor Arys pronouncing the name wrong. I was a teacher for 5 years before staying home with my kids. I know I always dreaded the first day of school because there were always a few students' names that i would completely butcher!! Also,

....Doc, who had apparently been banned for life from the most posh day spa on Coruscant.

why doesn't that surprise me?!

 

@Yoshi: Good for Dha!!! I love the way he dealt with the Imperial lackeys!!!

 

@Bright: Nice job conveying Colran's anxieties over going to a new, unfamiliar place. Also, I agree with Stirges, Zauvien didn't approve of the way Colran healed so wouldn't try to teach him anything about it...not good! Also, many giggles with the Wynston/Quinn piece. I love their interactions!!

 

 

Replies:

 

@Stirges:

Alaurin: I like how being family is so central to Mallay and Bella and their adventures. All the way from the trenches on Ord Mantell to Nar Shaddaa’s arcades. Interesting to see them both falling for crewmembers and not really wanting to.

Thanks!! Family is of utmost importance to the Lauren girls and that will likely come through in most of their adventures.

 

@Lesaberisa:

I love the interweaving of the trooper and smuggler stories as well as the sisters working together

Thanks! All of the Lauren girls are close, but Bella and Mallay are closer than the rest.

 

@Bright: I always kinda liked Fuse and he has Mallay's shyness. Jorgan, on the other hand, was such a turd starting out!!! I really hated him, but he eventually grew on me. As for Lenn Teraan, he just seemed so snobbish that I didn't even want to use the flirt option with him with Bella. Also, that last part of your comment....it will come into play in the future!

 

 

Now for more fun with the Lauren girls, Lissa and Ros will be included this time as well. This happens soon after The Things You Find Yourself Getting Talked Into. It did turn out to be a little longer than I originally intended, but it was fun!

 

Title: Oh That Is Definitely Not Your Color!

Prompt: Mea Culpa

Character: Belladonya-Smuggler, Mallayse-Trooper, Allissya-JC, Roslynd-JK, and companions

Setting: XS Freighter, Carrick Station

Spoilers: none really, just who the companions are from JC/JK act 1 and Smuggler/Trooper act 2

 

 

Mallay and Elara were walking through Carrick Station to get to Bella’s ship for a girls’ night out. Havoc Squad and Bella's crew had just finished on Balmorra and both were at the fleet restocking supplies while awaiting their next destination. The guys were going to hang out on Bella’s ship and watch the Huttball championship. Bella had recently acquired some nice liquor and cigarras and Corso managed to convince her not to sell all of it.

 

Elara and Mallay were passing by a small caffa shop when two men started fighting nearby. One of the men was thrown into Mallay, knocking her into a drink server. Elara drew her weapon, but security was already taking care of the fighting men. She hurried over to Mallay, who was helping the server up, both of them covered in sticky drinks and pastries.

 

“Are you both alright?” Elara asked Mallay and the serving girl. Then one of the security guards that helped subdue the fighters came over to make sure everyone was okay and escorted the serving girl to her employer, promising to explain what had happened.

 

“Oh, damn, there's no way I can go out looking like this!” Mallay cried, feeling the sticky stuff in her hair. Then she looked at her messy clothing, “Stars, this outfit was brand new!”

 

“I think that's the elevator to Bella’s hanger,” Elara pointed, “let’s just get there quickly and you can get cleaned up.”

 

 

**********************

 

 

“So, did you do it?” Aric asked.

 

“Yeah, I slipped the hair dye into Risha’s shampoo when I took my shower. None of the girls had gotten ready yet, so we have her now!” Corso assured him.

 

“Good, maybe she will think twice before spying on men from now on,” Aric snorted, “I still can’t believe she managed to talk Mallay and Elara into spying on me. Elara hardly ever breaks any rules and Mallay gets embarrassed by just about any innuendo.”

 

“I've been waiting to get her back since Alderaan! I still look around to make sure there isn’t a camera anywhere when I go to shower and I make certain the door's locked!” Corso admitted, embarrassed by how paranoid the sneaky engineer had made him.

 

“We'll make sure to get a few Holo pics of her new hair color to remind her in case she needs it,” Aric assured the younger man with a broad grin.

 

Corso heard people coming into the hanger then and told Aric so he wouldn’t say anything about their prank on Risha. He looked around for Bowdar, spotting the Wookiee still on top of the ship, fixing the HoloVid satellite so they could watch the Huttball championship. A moment later, he barked a greeting and Corso spotted Mallay and Elara approaching. As they got closer, he was astonished at Mallay’s appearance.

 

“What in the void happened to you?!” he asked, trying not to laugh.

 

“Eh, a couple of drunks were fighting and knocked me into a serving girl who had a tray full of caffa and sticky pastries. Needless to say, I won’t be going out like this,” Mallay explained, picking sticky bits out of her hair.

 

“Sorry to hear that. I know Bella's finished getting ready and I think Risha should be soon, so hopefully the ‘fresher will be available shortly.” Corso told her.

 

“Thanks Corso,” Mallay replied, then noticed the Holo, “Hey, is that Aric on the Holo?”

 

“Yeah,” Corso handed her his Holo.

 

Aric saw Mallay come into view and he couldn’t stop himself from laughing, “Interesting look you have there,” he snickered.

 

“Yeah, thanks,” She retorted, rolling her eyes at him, “Hey, can you bring me a change of clothes when you and Tanno head over?”

 

“Sure, what do you need?”

 

“Everything! There should be a pair of pants and a shirt on my bed still. I was going to wear those and changed my mind at the last minute,” she told him, “Ugh, I even have caffa in my underwear!”

 

“I'm sure that's a sight to see,” he smirked, imagining her blush, then took it further, “so, you're asking me to go through your bras and panties….any particular color you want?”

 

Sure enough, Mallay was blushing, although it was difficult to see under all of the sticky chocolate and bits of pastry on her face.

 

Elara decided to chime in, “I'm sure any color will do, just get a matching set and make sure it won’t show through her shirt.”

 

“How in the void am I supposed to know that?!” Aric retorted.

 

Elara rolled her eyes, “Put the bra under the shirt and if you can see it through the shirt, get a lighter color!”

 

“There should be a small duffle at the bottom of the wardrobe cabinet. You can put my clothes in there. My boots should be fine once I clean them off, but I'll need some socks. Oh, and my makeup case!” Mallay told him, still blushing, “Hey, thanks for doing this!”

 

Mallay handed the Holo back to Corso and her and Elara boarded Bella’s ship.

 

“Stars Mallay!!!! You are looking…..edible. What in the void happened to you?!” Bella giggled when she saw her sister.

 

Mallay told the story again just as Risha was coming out of the crew quarters with Akaavi.

 

“Oh, girl, you can’t go out like that! I haven’t had the chance to shower yet, but you can go before me. Do you need some clothes?”

 

“Hello Akaavi! Thanks Risha, if I could borrow a robe, that'd be great,” Mallay answered, “Otherwise, Aric and Tanno are bringing a change of clothes for me and my makeup. Corso was talking to Aric outside when Elara and I arrived.”

 

“The shower is all yours, Mallay.” Bella told her sister, “If you want, just toss your stuff out the door and I'll get C2 to wash it…..don’t worry, he's good with delicate stuff.”

 

“Thanks Bella! Can you have him clean off my boots first? I should be able to wear them still.” Mallay smiled, then thought for a moment, “Hey, do you still use the same shampoo that I'm allergic to?”

 

“Oh damn, I do….sorry sis.”

 

Risha came out of the crew quarters. “You can just use mine, I have plenty. It’s the purple bottle.” Risha told Mallay as she handed her a bath robe.

 

“Thanks Risha, I'll hurry so you can get in and get ready.”

 

Mallay went in the refresher and peeled the sticky clothes off, tossing everything out the door. Then she went into the shower, turned it on, and started rinsing the sticky mess off. She found Risha’s shampoo, noticed it was the same brand she normally used, just a different scent, and started washing her hair. She had her eyes shut, otherwise she might have been alarmed by the color of the water rinsing off of her. She quickly finished washing, making sure the sticky mess was gone, then turned the water off. She grabbed a towel, wrapped her long hair in it, and stepped out of the shower. She took another towel, dried off and put the robe on. She found a hair brush, wiped the mirror off, and took the towel off of her head. She looked in the mirror to start brushing her hair and was shocked at her reflection.

 

Bella, Risha, and Elara were telling Akaavi what girls' night out entailed when they heard a scream coming from the refresher. They ran to see what was going on and were speechless when they found Mallay. Her very long hair, normally dark auburn, was now a bright pink!

 

“Oh Stars, Mallay, how did this happen?” Elara asked.

 

Risha went into the shower to see if anything was in there, she noticed a pink streak running from her shampoo bottle. Oh, that isn’t right, she thought, my shampoo is white, not pink. She grabbed the bottle and started pouring it into the sink.

 

“Here's the problem,” she explained, “Someone put something in my shampoo. It should be white, but as you can see…”

 

“It is bright pink!” Bella finished, “Who would do that?!”

 

“Corso!” Risha hissed.

 

“Corso?” Akaavi asked, surprised, “Are you sure? He doesn’t seem like he'd do something like this.”

 

“It had to be. He's showered with Bella,” Risha smirked, “and probably knows her scent well. He'd know which shampoo is hers. Since you don’t use shampoo, Akaavi, he'd know that the other woman’s shampoo was mine.”

 

“Why would he want to do that to you?” Akaavi wondered.

 

“Oh Risha, he was probably trying to get back at you for spying on him in the shower!” Bella deduced, and Risha, who'd been thinking the same thing, nodded.

 

Meanwhile, Mallay was crying openly, something she rarely did. Bella hugged her sister, “It’s alright, Mallay, we'll fix it!”

 

“How? My hair is bright pink!!! I can’t go out like this!!” she sobbed. Mallay was always self-conscious of her appearance, thinking she was ugly because she was thin, had scars, and the cybernetic on her face.

 

“Well, we can start by finding out just what it is that we're dealing with.” Risha replied, “I'm going to go find Farm Boy.”

 

“Hey Risha, don’t hurt him too much….at least until we find out what he did.” Bella called out as Risha headed for the ship’s exit.

 

Risha left the ship and found Corso and Bowdar talking with Aric and Havoc’s newest member, Tanno. Forex was looking over the ship.

 

“Corso Riggs!” she bellowed, startling him. She glared at him, “I hope you're happy. Your little prank backfired!”

 

“What’s going on?” Aric asked and Tanno nodded.

 

“Well, it appears that Farm Boy here decided to get even with me for spying on him. He put bright pink hair dye in my shampoo. Unfortunately for him, someone else used it!”

 

“Who used it?” Corso asked nervously, catching Aric's eye.

 

“Mallay used it and now she's in the refresher crying!” Risha spat at him. Then she noticed Aric’s face and glared at him, “You look a little guilty there, Jorgan, did you have anything to do with this?”

 

Aric sighed, “It was my idea and I got the hair dye for Corso. It isn’t permanent though.”

 

“That doesn’t matter, idiot!” Risha snapped, “It doesn’t just instantly go away. It just means that it'll wash out….eventually.”

 

“How long?” Corso asked.

 

"At least a month! I'm hoping we can get it out faster than that though. Luckily, I know a hairdresser that works here and I'm going to contact her to see what we can do.”

 

Forex had been listening to the conversation and cried out in outrage, “You're responsible for such a vicious attack on our glorious leader?!” The battle droid glared at both of them, “How could you commit such an atrocity?!”

 

Tanno shook his head and looked at his XO, “You know, you think I'm a jerk, and you might be a little right in that, but even I know better than to mess with a woman’s hair!”

 

“You both had better go inside and own up to what you did,” Risha told them, “and I'm going to need that dye bottle, Corso. I need to know what we're dealing with when I call my friend.”

 

Risha turned and went back into the ship, Tanno and Bowdar following her.

 

“I feel awful,” Corso muttered sadly, his nervous gaze darting to the ship.

 

Aric felt sick. He knew how Mallay felt about her appearance and having her hair turn pink wasn’t going to help. “So do I, Corso. I guess it wasn’t such a good idea after all.”

 

“Nope, but I went along with it and was just as excited as you were to get even with Risha.” Corso admitted, then sighed, “We'd better get in there.”

 

They went into the ship and immediately saw Elara and Akaavi glaring at them, Risha having filled everyone in on Aric's part in the prank.

 

“Really bad form you two!” Akaavi stated. “I don’t care about my appearance too much, but even I'd be upset if someone altered mine like that!”

 

Corso went to the crew quarters and got the empty dye bottle for Risha. She took it and left to contact her friend. Elara shook her head as she took the bag Aric had brought and went into the refresher to give it to Mallay. Bella came out and spotted Corso and Aric.

 

“My sister's in there crying,” Bella snapped at them, her dark green eyes flashing dangerously, “Do you know that I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen Mallay cry?!”

 

Aric and Corso couldn’t look at her, hanging their heads. Risha came out of the crew quarters and knocked on the refresher door.

 

“Mallay, I called my friend. She said that she can help somewhat, but it won’t all come out right away. She's holding a spot for you right now, so you need to get there as soon as possible.”

 

The door opened and Elara came out, followed by Mallay. Corso and Aric were horrified at what they'd done. Mallay’s beautiful hair was a bright pink and her eyes were red from crying.

 

“Oh, Mallay, I'm so….” Aric started hoarsely.

 

“NO!” Mallay cried, tears forming in her eyes, “I don’t want to hear it! I can’t even look at either of you right now, so please, both of you, just leave me alone.” Then her Holo chimed, “Oh great,” she sniffed, “Now I get to talk to General Garza looking like this!”

 

Mallay went over to the ship’s holo and plugged hers into it. General Garza’s image came up. “General Garza,” Mallay saluted, “we're on my sister’s ship right now.”

 

“I won’t say anything sensitive,” Garza started, then noticed Mallay’s pink hair, “Gracious, Captain, what happened to your hair?!”

 

“Lieutenant Jorgan and Corso Riggs happened!” Elara snapped, glaring at them. “They decided to get back at Risha, rightfully so I'll admit, and put hair dye in her shampoo. Unfortunately, Captain Lauren used it first.”

 

“Whatever would possess the two of you to think that it would be a good idea to mess with a woman’s hair?!” Garza glared at them. “Shame on both of you!” Then she looked back at Mallay, “Captain, Havoc Squad is needed on Quesh. I'll fill you in on the details when you get there. You don’t need to leave right away, but within the next twelve hours would be best." Then she gestured at Corso and Aric, "I'm so sorry about your hair and if something were to happen to Lieutenant Jorgan and Corso Riggs, I'm certain that we can make it look like an accident! Garza out.”

 

Bella found a hat for Mallay to help hide her hair. Then she and Mallay went to leave the ship only to find their younger twin sisters, Lissa and Ros, about to come in.

 

“Surprise!!” they shouted, Ros hugging Bella, then they noticed Mallay’s hair.

 

“Stars, Mallay, what happened?!” Lissa asked, shocked by it's now vivid pink color.

 

“Wow, I guess girls' night out took an interesting turn!” Ros exclaimed, “We’re both here before heading to Nar Shaddaa. We saw both of your ships on the docking log and contacted yours, Mallay. Your C2 unit told us you were all over here so Lissa, Kira, and I decided to crash your girls’ night out and brought Qyzen and TeeSeven over to hang out with the guys.”

 

“Go on in, you guys. Risha, Elara and Akaavi will fill you in on what happened. I'm taking Mallay to a hair dresser friend of Risha’s to see if she can fix her hair.” Bella explained.

 

Bella and Mallay left the hanger and Lissa, Ros, Kira, T7, and Forex all went into Bella’s ship. Elara explained what happened while everyone sat with drinks. Bowdar had put the Huttball match on in the rec room and Qyzen joined him, Forex, and Tanno to watch it. Corso and Aric felt too terrible to focus on it and were sitting in the galley with the girls.

 

“Hair dye, really?! That is pretty messed up! Way to kill girls’ night out you guys!” Kira glared at them.

 

Kira = right//Lieutenant Jorgan + Corso Riggs = bad men, T7 beeped angrly, then rolled off to join the guys watching Huttball.

 

“I think you both had better start thinking of ways to make up for this. Normally, this might be a little funny, but with Mallay it isn’t.” Ros explained, a twinkle in her silver eyes, “Her hair is the only thing that Mallay thinks is beautiful on herself and now its bright pink.”

 

Lissa sensed the strong emotions pouring off of both men and took pity. She closed her eyes and reached out with the Force. Corso felt awful because he truly loved Bella and had hurt her sister. He also genuinely liked Mallay and would never intentionally do anything to hurt her. Aric felt terrible that he hurt Mallay so badly. His feelings for her were very strong. The large Cathar was both angry at himself for what he’d done and worried that Mallay would hate him, knowing he deserved it. She opened her eyes and spoke up.

 

“What’s done is done and there's no reason to dwell on it. Let’s just try to enjoy spending time together. Mallay will be alright.” Then she sat down between Corso and Aric, once again reaching out with the force to try to calm them a little.

 

“Corso, Bella knows you didn’t mean to hurt her sister. Just try to make it up to them both and things will be right again.” Lissa said gently. Then she turned to Aric, “Mallay will be alright, she's an intelligent woman and she'll realize that you didn’t mean for that to happen. I don’t think she could ever hate you,” she smiled, then leaned in closer to whisper, “Quite the opposite in fact. I think her feelings for you are as strong as yours are for her.”

 

Lissa stood, leaving the men with their thoughts, and got a couple of beers out of the fridge, handing one to both Corso and Aric. “Now, both of you try to calm yourselves. Hopefully, you've learned a very valuable lesson. I'm sure we can all help you come up with ways to make it up to Mallay.” Then she turned to Risha and smirked, “and maybe you should stop trying to spy on men in the shower, Risha. I'm sure you can find plenty of eye candy on the HoloNet!”

 

“Oh, I can, but look at those two….you can’t blame a girl for trying!”

 

Ros grinned, letting her silver gaze travel over the guys, “You have a point, Risha.”

 

“Hey, I didn’t think Jedi were supposed to think like that!” Aric blurted out and Corso nodded, blushing a little.

 

“Umm, were not dead you know….besides, there’s nothing wrong with looking.” Kira shrugged and Ros and Lissa nodded.

 

Risha turned to Aric and Corso, “Come on boys, I'll take you shopping. I feel a little responsible for all of this so I'll help you make it up to Mallay and Bella. I know Bella loves liqueur filled chocolates and I'm sure we can find something Mallay likes.”

 

“Oh, I know,” Ros chimed in, jumping up, “Mallay loves pastries and I know her favorites. I'll help you pick out some.”

 

“Hey, Mallay broke her favorite hair comb that she used to secure her coil, maybe you can find her another one," Elara recalled, "I think the one she broke was silver with purple jewels in it.”

 

Aric hugged the medic and he and Corso left with Risha and Ros. Both men knew that they could never make up for what they’d done, but they desperately hoped to find something that would at least make Mallay willing to listen to their apology.

 

Edited January 12, 2014 by alaurin

[bright_ephemera]

@alaurin

Bella told her sister, “If you want, just toss your stuff out the door and I will get C2 to wash it…..don’t worry, he is good with delicate stuff.”

Bahahahaha! And M1-4X champions the right as always.

 

Quinn knows full well what Ruth thought of Balmorra. And is doubly irritated that Wynston knows it, too. The rotten place is better off burned. As for "Sobrik is burning," I hadn't seen it in that form before, but it really would lend itself to a slogan/song. I thought about rephrasing it a few ways but kept coming back to those words, so, there it goes.

[marissalf]

Comments:

 

 

Lesaberisa, Haha, poor Quorian. As someone whose name gets inexplicably butchered from time to time, I can relate, but I still got tickled every time Arys got it wrong. That last line was perfect.

 

Yoshi, Defying the Empire is risky indeed, but fitting for a bounty hunter who sort of does whatever they please anyway.

 

Striges, I’d imagine it would be sort of lonely for Jurial, who clearly enjoys the game, not being able to find someone to play with because of his extra abilities. I also liked that you have him giving in and calling Tharan by his name out loud but still calling him Doctor in the nonconversational parts, since that’s what Jurial’s comfortable with.

 

Bright, I’m still giggling about the Quinn fan club. I can just imagine how annoyed (or maybe some combination of annoyed and amused) Wynston might get at the ladies fawning over Quinn.

 

Alaurin, Bright pink dye as revenge for snooping? Those boys should know the last thing you want to mess with is a girl’s hair!

 

 

NotLP: Ceremony, with Kinka and Vector

No spoilers. Just over 1000 words

As far as timelines go, this is the latest entry for Kinka, happening a year or so after Anniversary.

 

Kinka didn’t know how long it took most people to plan a wedding, but considering the sheer number of details to figure out, getting everything set in under a month felt pretty impressive. The wedding itself would be simple — sunrise on Alderaan, a pretty dress, just her and Vector — it was everything else that took a great deal of wrangling. Sending the crew on leave proved the biggest challenge. Kinka had decided from the start not to tell them about the nuptials; she liked each of them in their own way, but she didn’t necessarily trust them to know just how close she was with Vector.

 

Naturally, Kaliyo was hardest to placate; the suggestion of a month’s leave for virtually no reason sounded too good not to question. But pointed in the right (read: boozy, chaotic) direction, she was eventually on board. The others were all too happy to get some time away, no matter what the cause.

 

“What about your family?” Vector had asked one afternoon. “Are you sure you don’t want to invite them?”

 

Kinka thought about how best to break the news to him. News that her mother would probably flip over her daughter marrying a man linked to a hivemind, someone she would dismiss as weak and alien. No, her mother would never approve, and Kinka didn’t want to expose the man she loved to that. “My family is complicated. Dad’s been gone a few years now, and I don’t really get along with my mother. Our relationship works best if we keep our visits a good four or fives years apart. I’ll send her a holovid later.”

 

Once all the pieces were in place, she and Vector set out for Alderaan. Kinka had insisted on following all the traditions she’d read about in Imperial Brides Monthly, which meant she and Vector made the trip to the site separately. Apparently, it was supposed to be bad luck to see each other beforehand, and with all they’d been through, Kinka wasn’t taking any chances where luck was concerned. The sun was just rising over the snowy peaks in the distance when she reached the destination, a lovely spot not far from the old Cortess grounds.

 

Vector stood alone among the grove of trees, stately and striking in his long white coat and polished black boots. Just above the crimson sash draped across his chest was a delicate arallute bloom he’d picked up on the way, another omen of good luck. He turned on his heel as his bride approached, a smile spreading wide as he caught sight of her in that long silk dress she’d been dying to wear. His eyes, sparkling and slate-colored, looked Kinka up and down with an expression that could only be described as adoring.

 

“You look lovely,” he whispered after brushing his lips against her cheek. There was no one else around for at least half a mile, but the occasion begged a sense of intimacy that his soft voice was more than able to accommodate.

 

When he pulled away, Kinka gazed up to look into his clear eyes. “You suppressed the bond with the hive.” The gesture was one she never tired of, though it was never necessary for her to feel intimate with him. By the time they’d gotten that close, it was already part of the package. She had come to the realization long ago that his differences were a big part of what made him the man she loved. “You know you didn’t have to do that.”

 

“Today is for us alone. I can’t think of a more human occasion than this, Kinka, and I wanted to experience it as a human.” He leaned down to bring his lips to hers, and for a time they were lost in each other’s company. A stirring of brush as someone approached pulled them from the moment. In their passion, they’d forgotten all about the woman performing their ceremony.

 

“Are you Gherra?” Kinka asked as the woman approached.

 

The old woman bowed her head. Her grizzled features made her appear at least 95 years old, but her voice was that of a much younger woman. “I am she,” she said. Her accent was one Kinka couldn’t place, but it was clear that Gherra was not native to Alderaan or any of the core worlds for that matter. Vector had only come to know of her through the hive. She had been remembered for her knowledge of the galaxy’s ancient cultures and traditions, insight not lost on a kind as ancient as the killiks. “What we do today is a binding,” she explained. “No records for Imperial or Republic eyes, but ceremony is legal and recognized in much of galaxy. Binding oath is an old tradition. Once made, it is said that only death can dissolve the union.”

 

Vector searched Kinka’s face for any trepidation. “It’s perfect,” she assured him.

 

Gherra pulled a length of green silk cord from the satchel slung across her frail body and held it up for them to see. “You know the vows, yes? Good, let’s proceed.”

 

The agent extended her hand and smiled up at Vector. For the longest time, marriage seemed like a dream only other people got to have. But now the nightmares had finally started to pass. It was their turn for happiness. The grin only grew as she began her vows. “I, Kinka Stormaggedon, bind myself to you, Vector Hyllus. Where there were two lives, the strands are now entwined as one.”

 

He took a step toward her, weaving his deft fingers between hers. “I, Vector Hyllus,” he began, reaching up with his free hand to caress her cheek, “bind myself to you, Kinka Stormaggedon. Where there were two lives, the strands are now entwined as one.”

 

Gherra took the cord and began to wrap it around their hands as they recited the rest of the oath that would bind their lives for eternity.

 

“I will honor you.”

 

“I will stand by you.”

 

“Always.”

 

“Forever.”

 

“Until the very end,” they said together.

 

[EverSteam]

Thanks for all of those comments my last post. I'm glad it was liked

As usual, I'm reading everything posted here and enjoying. Maybe one day I will do individual comments...

 

I know I briefly mentioned four parts but... for some reason the vague idea I had of including the Smuggler in my Bounty Hunter story has captivated me at the moment though am still writing the latter when I have the chance.

Audra will definitely appear with Gault in it later though her class line will be finished.

 

 

Just a note: the Chiss referred to is Damin (my IA) post meeting Leer (my BH) for the first time and before becoming an agent.

 

Sooo here's three pieces!

 

1. Prompt: NotLP - Discovery and As Time Goes By

Words: 980

Class: Smuggler (Audra)

No spoilers

To confuse everyone, it is set a week or so before the last post where Audra walked out on Corso.

 

Corso considers humming an old Mantallian song as he walks to his Captain's room with news of Bowdaar's success in a mission off world. The murmur of Risha's voice stops his thoughts and footsteps.

 

'I did some digging like you wanted, Captain.'

 

'And?' Audra prompts in a hushed and husky whisper like it is at night when she whispers to Corso. However, there's an anxiety in the single word that makes Corso edge closer to the doorway of Risha's room.

 

'There's legitimate matches for all of those ID's but no record extends past the age of nine. I also found another three similar,' Risha informs Audra.

 

'And my mother?' Audra asks in a strained voice.

 

Corso knows he shouldn't be standing in the dark listening to this. His father always told him to never eavesdrop on a private conversation no matter what and this isn't his business. After all, if Audra wanted him to know she would have told him. He should keep-

 

'She never existed,' Risha confirms.

 

Walk away now, Riggs, and forget everything, Corso says to himself. Walk away...

 

'There isn't a record I can find,' Risha continues. 'And with only the limited information you remember, I can only conclude that she might have been Republic military, diplomacy or SIS and not-'

 

'My mother,' Audra finishes for her again.

 

Walk on, Corso, just keep walking and they won't see you. You still remember how to walk don't you?

 

'Well, thanks for the try, Risha,' Audra says. He can hear movements and the creak of a bed. Corso slinks a little further back down the corridor. He honestly meant to leave it there but Risha made him stop again.

 

'That's not all, Captain,' Risha calls a little louder with hesitation. 'I also wanted to say something on a more... personal note.'

 

'Mmm?' Audra inquires with pseudo inattention and after years of being with her, it becomes the noise of 'no one will ever be listening to you as intently as I am now'.

 

'I'm happy you got away from there, Captain, and found your husband. From all reports, he was a good man.'

 

Humans live for a standard 100 years if war, famine or disease do not intervene. It would take most of - if not all - of that time for Corso to recognise and sort through the torrent of emotion that shot through him at hearing those two sympathetic sentences. But it's the same for everyone: emotions race through us but our temperament, our personality and our experiences decide which we will focus on and keep. To Corso's credit, the one he chose from many (anger, jealousy, confusion, fear, insecurity, defeat) was a gentle, sympathetic sadness for his Captain who stands in the light beyond the thick, metal wall.

 

'Surprisingly so in and out of bed,' she responds with a laugh and (Corso can only guess) a wink. Risha's expression is only up to Corso's old fashioned speculation.

 

'It doesn't really fit, does it?' Audra continues in a quieter, dejected tone that only makes Corso edge closer despite wanting to do everything but that.

 

'After all of that, it wouldn't have seemed out of place to find out he was an alcoholic or a gambler. But he was a good man until the end. He could have give Corso a run for his money, that's for sure,' Audra finishes with another laugh that is rough and unfinished compared to the rest of her expressions and tones.

 

'Corso is... sweet, Audra, and he might be the only second chance you get. Lots of people don't get that chance. There's nothing wrong in taking what you can when you can,' Risha bluntly counsels.

 

'It's too soon, Risha,' Audra angrily snaps.

 

'Almost six years, Captain. That's like six decades in this business. We won't all be on this ship forever and that might include the farm boy unless you tell him-'

 

'That I don't want him to go,' Audra finishes for her again.

 

Audra always seems to know what you're thinking and what you're going to say. It's not from frustrated impatience but more... an engaging eagerness to go and see and be everywhere that can't wait for the normal speed of communication to verify that you want to go with her.

 

'Look, I'm not going to say anymore. It's your business and I've said more than I want to already.'

 

'You really have, haven't you, you big old softy?'

 

'Old? I'm three years your junior, Audra no-name, and three pounds lighter.'

 

'Ooo, getting out the claws a bit there, Risha. It depends on what ID you look at, doesn't it?'

 

'Or the quality of your eye-sight,' Risha coolly taunts.

 

'Chancellor above, spare some part of me and smite this woman this instant,' Audra dramatically begs. 'Well that didn't work. I better run away while I still can.'

 

Move, Corso, or you'll be caught, he screams to himself. He hears Audra begin to turn on her ungainly crutches.

 

'Before you go, just one more thing: I'm all for your happiness and as long as the credits keep rolling in I won't stand in your way on anything but would you both keep it down? I am next door after all.'

 

'Not a chance,' Audra replies with a laugh and she quickly turns and hops away as fast as she can on her crutches. She doesn't see the orange armour and dread locks disappear around the other end of the corridor as she enters the room next door.

 

Audra sits awkwardly down on her bed and begins to clean her blasters. She hums a piece of quiet, melancholy music that a strange silver Chiss played in the early hours of the morning at a cantina in the heart of the Empire. She has always associated it with the sound of freedom and happiness. She'll never know how ironic that feeling is.

 

 

 

2. Prompt: Mea Culpa and NotLP - Confessions

Class: Smuggler (Audra)

Words: 600ish

No spoilers.

Directly after the one above.

 

Eventually, a guilty Corso comes and joins. She smiles at him and waves him over to sit next to her and undoubtedly assist her in the only task she can complete from her bed that isn't checking the supply levels and funds every half an hour.

 

'You weren't in here before, Captain. I came to deliver Bowdaar's report,' Corso begins. Ease into it, Corso. You can do it, he tells himself.

 

'Good man. Just tell me my favourite walking carpet is coming back to us.'

 

'Bowdaar was successful and should be on his way now,' Corso confirms.

 

'Purr-fect,' she mumbles as she scrubs at a persistent spot of dark something on Flashy. She's worried at that spot every day and it won't come off.

 

'I heard you talking to Risha before,' Corso begins.

 

Audra stops her scrubbing immediately and turns her head ever so slightly so she can glare at Corso carefully out of the corner of her eye. Come on, Riggs, don't gizka out now! he tells himself.

 

'Oh? And what did you hear?' she asks in a strange voice. If Corso heard it from anyone else, he might realise what the accent was.

 

'Everything, Captain. I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to,' Corso sincerely assures.

 

She makes herself smile and continues to clean her blaster.

 

'And?' she asks eventually.

 

'There isn't an 'and', Audra. I'm sorry. It wasn't the right the right thing to do.

 

'And?' she repeats with a larger smile.

 

'And I would like it if you forgave me, Captain. I swear I won't do it again,' Corso vows with a hand that holds a cloth to his chest.

 

'Maybe this time, Corso. But that's only if you do something for me,' she slyly conditions.

 

'Anything, Captain. I'm your man.'

 

'Good. I want a drink.'

 

'But I've told you-'

 

'One small drink won't make a difference, Riggs my boy,' she urges.

 

'Don't call me that, Captain,' Corso says with a frown. 'It makes you sound like my father and you're far too pretty to be him.'

 

Smooth, kid, Audra congratulates silently. She believes the genuine feelings behind his words and straight face make the line that would be sleazy and weak from a lesser man so very charming when it comes from him.

 

'And far too young and female I hope,' she teases with a wide grin.

 

Corso allows himself a chuckle as he nods and she can see the sweet thoughts in his mind of 'yes, you are. You're beautiful.'

 

'Come on, Corso, get the young, pretty cripple a drink,' she teases.

 

Corso hesitates one last time and then nods. When he leaves the room, Audra moves her hand under her pillow to feel the fragment of the past. When Corso returns, both hands are cleaning a knife and she's humming the same sad tune again.

 

Corso hands her the drink and she takes it one scull.

 

'Good man,' she approves with a nod. Corso joins her on the bed and carries on cleaning the blaster he had begun work on.

 

'So aren't you going to ask me anything?' she amusedly inquires after a long pause.

 

Corso nods and looks a little ashamed for a second. 'Who'd you ask her to research, Audra?'

 

'An old friend and my mother. They disappeared at the same time. Anything else?'

 

'Only one, Captain. Why Risha?'

 

'Who else?' she asks with an easy smile and a shrug. 'She's here, has connections and is as trustworthy as anyone that could do what I need,' she simply explains.

 

'Fair enough, then, Captain,' Corso agrees. They slip into silence again that is slightly uneasy.

 

'Remember how we talked about sharing her if we ever resort to cannibalism?' Audra asks after a pause.

 

'Yeah, Captain,' Corso wearily agrees.

 

'Well, I think it's time to go strand ourselves in the Dune Sea.'

 

Corso and Audra share a smile that turns to laughter when Risha shouts 'I heard that!'. Audra starts humming again and thinks of times long gone. Corso listens and wonders where she's been.

 

'So we're ok, Audra?' Corso asks hesitantly.

 

Audra smiles at him and moves a little closer. 'Of course, farm boy. We're always ok.'

 

 

 

3. Prompt: Mea Cupla

Class: Smuggler (Audra)

Words: 3,500

No spoilers.

Back to after Audra went out on Corso in the last post.

 

It never seems to be cold anymore, Corso thinks. He exhales his breath as if it's his last and then grips the edge of the bar to lean back and stare at the ceiling. The cooler must be broken because nothing in it is ever cold now. It's not hot or warm it's just... nothing. Something else to be fixed. Things have all been silently falling apart piece by unnoticeable piece since the Captain went out of action.

 

None of the crew seem to notice what she does. She's the only one that looks after this ship after she sent the droid packing after some incident involving the refresher that Corso still isn't sure about. Everyone one the ship is disconnected from it: they're here but their thoughts are in the past or the future that stems from old wounds they can't let go. They all drink together and get cheated out of their credits by their Captain four nights a week but in the end, they retreat to their rooms and they think of everything other than here. When they speak, everything is tainted of times long past and the present is only a temporary thing dedicated to achievement of far away goals.

 

Only Corso and Audra are really on the ship but they are in different times: Audra's in the past with ghosts that won't let her be and Corso is in the present. She hasn't moved on: she sleeps here and there (Corso being the most recent and longest there in five years), she fixes things, cleans, works and still has times for drinks and games but in the end, that hand always sneaks away from Corso's to be under her pillow. The end is what matters.

 

'No matter what I say or do, don't give up on me.'

 

Corso shakes his head and dread lock falls from place to hit his cheek with an unwelcome sting. He takes a hold of his glass again only to begin to pass it from hand to hand. It squeaks on the bar top at points and grinds in others but the liquid silently moves with the motions without complaint.

 

'Don't play with your liquor, Corso. Drink it or throw it but do both with respect and appreciation. Don't just toy with it.'

What about me, Captain? You're throwing me back and forth and there aint any respect in it, Corso silently reprimands.

 

'Don't give up on me. I'll be ready some day.'

 

A scream and a thud take Corso out of his thoughts. Corso strongly bats the glass but his other hand isn't there to catch it as he moves to run. It shatters on the ground and that wakes him up enough to put a name to the person that screamed and why his heart is hammering.

Audra!

 

Corso runs to the ships exit where he hadn't heard the ramp open and close. The rest of the crew are slowly waking but Akaavi emerges by his side in full armour and gun at the ready.

 

Corso skids to a stop at the corner, hitting the light switch as he stops. Corso supposes that the faltering he then felt as he stared down at Audra with confusion was more due to her still dry, unbloodied clothes than anything else. He had expected something not so clean in her appearance. She lies on the stairs in a jumble of limbs with her breath coming hard and fast as if she had been running, yet she still looks fresh and perfectly unaware of her unfaltering beauty.

 

Audra looks away from her leg and up to the two standing above her and smiles faintly.

 

'I forgot my wallet and tripped up the stairs. I told you we should leave the lights on.' She tilts her head and smirks a little when they don't reply or move. 'So would you mind giving me a hand or are you just going to go back to sleep?' Audra asks casually.

 

Akaavi makes a snort of derision and irritation before mumbling something in Mando as she heads back to her room. Corso goes down the few steps to Audra and helps her to her feet. When she's on them she tries to take a step by herself and falls again. Corso catches her and frowns.

 

'Maybe my leg was a little too delicate for a midnight sprint,' Audra comments with a laugh.

 

'I told you that you would hurt it, Captain,' Corso firmly reminds her.

 

Corso stoops awkwardly to slip his arm under her shoulders.

 

'Apologies, Doctor Riggs. I never took you as someone to kick a man when they're down,' she taunts with the smile that belies any intention to wound.

 

'You aint a man, Captain, and I wasn't. Merely sayin'.'

 

Audra takes a testing hop and nods approval of this method. They begin to make their slow way to her room at the pace of her rhythmic and resounding hopping.

 

'You shouldn't of run back for your wallet. Someone could have brought it to you,' Corso chides.

 

'Maybe but I think it's worth coming back for,' she comments in a voice more gentle and even than usual; her accent slipped.

 

Corso glances her and she blushes and looks away from him. Her fringe obeys her desire to hide from his even gaze by slipping free from her ear and sheltering her self-consciousness from his honest, bright scrutiny.

 

If Corso was spiteful or begrudging, he might retort that it's good that something is. But Corso isn't and he feels - hopes - that she really means something else. She couldn't of even reached half way to the closest cantina before turning back and money is something she never forgets.

 

Corso helps her to her room and waits while she unfastens her belt, throwing it into a particularly large pile of clothes against the far wall of her room. Corso takes her to the bed and lies her down gently. She lies on her back and winces as she straightens it. Corso feels her thigh and can feel the muscles twitching uncontrollably where her shot was. She gasps at his touch but she refuses to cuss at him. That isn't how apologies work.

 

'I think you've torn the muscles apart again, Captain. They might not heal right now,' Corso's informs with a focused frown.

 

'Great and I'm not even drunk this time. Though that can always change,' she purrs.

 

'Captain, you know that-'

 

'"Pain killers and alcohol doesn't mix". Fine, fine, fine,' she repeats with a waving hand that impatiently and dismissively as if her health and his concerns were nothing more than persistent flies on Tatooine.

 

She begins to unbutton her pants and struggles to pull them down. Her hiss is quiet and Corso doesn't quite notice. He can't leave and can't think of how to begin what he wants to say - or even what can be said.

 

'Would you mind helping me get out of these?' She exasperatedly growls eventually.

 

Corso ducks his head a little in an immediate apology and silently pulls down the pants easily that she was struggling with. On a final tug of the pants over her feet, her wallet falls to the ground with an innocent thud that carries a significance it isn't aware of.

 

'Guess it was by my side all along,' Audra casually comments as Corso picks the wallet up. She watches him guardedly, hoping that he will know what she is trying to say. 'Sometimes you miss what's in plain sight and under your nose. It's easy to take those things for granted.'

 

'I've never known you to miss anything, Captain,' Corso replies.

 

Corso's trying so very hard to not hope that it was him she came back to. His best is good enough to leave her feeling a passive aggression coming from him that isn't there and the feeling leaves her isolated and confused.

 

'Corso, I-' she stops and checks herself. 'Look, just-' she pauses again. 'I'm only going to say this once: you're worth more to me than I'm ready for.'

 

Her words only hang for a moment Corso can't quite grab because she hurries on.

 

'Would you mind opening my wallet for me?'

 

The farm boy follows her request and looks inside with the beginnings of a foolishly gleeful grin. Inside is a photo ID of her with her planet of residence being listed as 'Coruscant'. His eyes look and see her last name: 'Kale'. He didn't mean to look. It was just his eyes-

 

'And would you mind putting it back into the draw over there?'

 

'Sure, Captain,' Corso easily agrees as he stands up. Audra scrunches her eyes shut to hold back as scream of pain as the removal of his weight from the bed shifts her leg.

 

'But where's the key?'

 

She opens them when he speaks again and is relieved to see his eyes everywhere else but on her. Strongest woman he's ever met my ***, you little weak girl, she thinks with scorn and the echoes of masters that are lost in her childhood fears and a planet on the other side of the galaxy.

 

'Corso, have looked about this room recently?' She teases with a forced laugh. 'Does it look like I would know where one small key is? Just hit it twice in the top right corner and it will open.'

 

Corso does what she says and she feels that each hit is a hit to her terrified heart. She knows she can't go back from this but he is worth the risk. It's better if he knows now.

 

Corso sees another four wallets in the draw. All the wallets are identical to the one he holds and he places that one back into an empty space. Corso isn't sure why this has meant he has never been allowed to open it before. He never believed her ID's were real despite never seeing it before tonight.

 

'Would you mind taking the others out and bringing them here?'

 

Corso does as she asks (what else can he do?) and sits on the bed next to her.

 

'Would you mind looking at the places of residence and last names in each wallet?' she asks as gently as she can through gritted teeth, pain and anxious terror.

 

'Ok, Captain,' Corso warily replies. He rests three next to him and looks in the first one reading 'Nal Hutta' and 'Panta'. He places it in the space between them and looks through each: Audra Stone of Nar Shaddaa, Audra Berg of Telos and Audra O'Niel of Dromund Kaas.

 

'Well, my name and last residence is on one of those, Corso. 100 credits says you can't guess which,' she taunts in that gruff assured voice that lets you know you're only in for a losing battle and might as well give up now.

'It doesn't matter to me, Audra. I don't need to know that to know you,' Corso gallantly assures.

 

'Cute, Mantallian, but you might change your mind so let me, you know,' she says awkwardly with a shrug, 'try and do this whole apology and honesty-sharing thing that people go on about when people are, you know, close. I'm a little of practice,' she weakly ends. Her bold smile and loud accented voice shrinks to a smooth and vulnerable whisper from wavering lips.

 

She's about to cry, Corso realises in horror. He forgets her leg that throbs and his heart that aches from a rejection he can't remember as he stares into her reddening eyes. He takes her to his chest, shrouding her in his arms. He moves her bare legs gently over his lap. She bites her lips to stop any scream and instead it comes out as a whimper that breaks the last little bit of control she had been holding for fourteen years.

 

Each sob that shakes her lean, curvy frame makes his heart beat with stronger certainty that he will never want anything other than to be with the woman in his arms. Each tear strengthens his certainty that he could never love another and that nothing could weaken that.

 

'It isn't where you're from that defines you, Riggs my boy, it's what you do with the situation and opportunities that are given to you,' Corso remembers his father saying. No matter where Audra was from, it doesn't change the good she's done and doing.

 

Audra wraps her arms around him and can only think of how stupid and weak she is and how idiotically hopeful she is that nothing she says will change anything in the way she fears. Corso kisses her head every now and again as the tears don't stop. She has many years to make up for.

 

Each sob shakes Audra's body and her leg spreads pain through its length and only makes her cry that much harder. She wishes she could cry elegantly like some ladies but there isn't anything pretty about her when she does: her eyes are swollen and red which sets off the green of her iris; her chin forms small craters and her lips form an uncontrollable, shaky pout. Her nose runs with water that slips into her mouth and her cheeks flush red as she finds it hard to get enough air.

 

Eventually, she goes still and Corso thinks she might be asleep. He goes to move her to the bed beside him but she shakes her head and mumbles 'not yet, farm boy'. Corso only kisses Audra's head in response and holds her closer. She breathes in his heavy scent and kisses his neck, his ear and his cheek.

 

Audra doesn't go further and slinks back down into his shirt.

 

'You still haven't guessed. If you don't, I guess those credits are mine by default.'

 

Corso chuckles and she can hear the sound loud and reverberating in his chest as she lies her head there.

 

'I don't remember taking you on, Captain, but I wouldn't want to ever rob you off your fun.'

 

'Good man,' Audra approves. 'No one likes a spoil sport.'

 

She moves back in his arm so she can stare up at him. Her complexion is perfect again and her lips are set to their normal flawlessness as they wryly smile at him. Only her eyes remain a little red and her cheeks still slightly glisten with sticky, dried tears.

 

'Come on, Corso, it's guessing time.'

 

'Nal Hutta.'

 

'Wrong and ouch.'

 

'Telos.'

 

'Nope.'

 

'Coruscant.'

 

'Incorrect.'

 

'Nar Shaddaa.'

 

'Miss.'

 

'But that only leaves-'

 

'Dromund Kaas!' she victoriously announces.

 

'You're an Imperial, Captain?' Corso warily asks.

 

'Swing and a miss, Riggs my boy. I just lived there for ten or so years doing this and that.'

 

'You don't sound Imperial, Captain,' Corso comments with a little doubt.

 

'Thank you. I spent a long time making sure I didn't but I let slip every now and again,' she comments with another wave of her hand.

 

'Why are you here then, Audra?'

 

'Oh, a Chiss told me I should have a change of scenery one day so I decided to leave,' she too cheerfully responds. The walls are back up and at their strongest. 'I stopped over at a few planets for months making sure there was no one on my tail before looking for work for a day or two on Nar Shaddaa.'

 

Corso frowns and considers her words carefully. 'I knew you didn't have ties to the Republic before Dodona but I didn't know...' he trails off and she doesn't need to say anything for her words of that night to come to him. 'You don't know anything about me, kid.'

 

'I didn't want you to. Risha has threatened to tell you more than once if I didn't do certain favours every now and again for her.' Corso makes his equivalent of an inquisitive, suggesting look and Audra smiles. 'You know, some dealing this here, some force over there, a few credits under there.'

 

'So Risha knew?' Corso verifies. He remembers the conversation he vowed to forget. It might be the first thing since she got back that hasn't surprised him.

 

'She checked me out after we met,' Audra defends with a casual shrug.

 

'Why didn't you tell me, Captain?' Corso quietly asks.

 

'I didn't want to, you know...'

 

'Did you think it would change us?'

 

'In a way. Look, Corso, I'm trying to apologise and let you know that, you know, maybe I'm being a little serious about...' she hesitates and tries to think of a suitable word.

 

'Us?'

 

'Yeah, yeah. Don't wear the word out already,' she playfully scolds with a nudge or so.

 

'So what did you do there, Captain?'

 

'It wasn't like that, Corso. I never killed anyone or their families,' she soothes with a lie. Corso winces at her words and she touches his cheek softly with the back of her fingertips. The gentle brush says 'I'm sorry' and she continues on. 'My occupation was generally harmless to others.'

 

Corso waits in silence for her to say more. It would be a lie to say this didn't disturb him. She's right: he did think that he knew her. He always thought Nar Shaddaa or... somewhere Republic. Even after hearing her speak to Risha, he always thought it might be something different and he shouldn't worry. He trusted in a her that didn't exist.

 

'One step at a time, Riggs my boy, one step at a time. My thrilling, happy time on Dromund Kas is a tale for a different, unhappy night. Just trust me until then that I'm not one of them.'

 

Corso doesn't reply except for a soft kiss on the hand that has come to rest on his cheek again.

 

'Nothing's changed, Corso,' Audra tells him softly. 'I'm still the same woman you met. I was on an Imperial planet years ago but that isn't now or the future.'

 

He nods and kisses her forehead but doesn't stop frowning. 'Yeah, ok, Audra, but I just need to know... is that why you're doing this? Because you want to be part of the Republic and get revenge against the Empire?'

 

She laughs a little and kisses his cheek. 'It's far simpler than that, Corso.' She hesitates. It goes against her grain to talk like this. 'You once told me the Republic wasn't perfect but you'll fight for it anyway. I haven't seen the Republic as something I want to be a part of or seen any hope in it since it was the pipe dream of a nineteen year old girl. All governments will fail no matter how honourable and noble they start. It all comes down the individual to do anything good in this galaxy.'

 

'So is that it then, Captain? Is that why you keep heading straight for the war zones? Because you know you can make a difference?'

 

Corso's scared of the answer she might give him. 'I guess it's because I don't want to come back.'

 

Instead, she smiles and laughs with such happy self mockery and embarrassment.

 

'Do you really want to know, Corso?' He nods and she smiles a little more. 'It's because I find a lot of profit in helping others.'

 

'I don't believe that, Captain. You use your freedom to help society and I like that and all... but I've seen our repair bills and our short supplies because you keep givin' them out.'

 

'Does that make you angry with me?' she asks slyly.

 

'No, Captain, quite the opposite. It makes me proud. But you can't be in these jobs for credits because there isn't a profit.'

 

Audra smiles at him in a way he can't decipher. 'None that you can see.'

 

'I don't understand, Captain.'

 

''I'd do a lot worse than smuggle spice if-'' she quotes.

 

''It would put a smile on your face,'' Corso finishes for her. 'I still would, Audra. Now more than ever. But I don't see-'

 

'Maybe you're not the only one that does things to make someone smile,' she calmly cuts in.

 

She gently kisses his cheek.

 

'Think about it, farm boy,' she whispers before sliding off his lap and moving down the bed. 'Now why don't you be a good first mate and getting your Captain some pain killers? Just because I'm not screaming like a stuck mynock doesn't mean that my blasted leg doesn't feel like a gamoreans sitting on it.'

 

Corso chuckles and kisses her hand. He slides off the bed and heads to the medbay. He doesn't notice Risha standing in the doorway of the next room where she had stayed and listened after being woken up by Audra's scream. She smiles a little and shakes her head at the older woman.

 

'That's a little better, Captain,' she thinks with chuckle as she closes her rooms door.

 

When Corso comes back to Audra with new kolto patches and pain killers, she has fallen either asleep or unconscious. He kneels down next to her and begins to treat her leg. When he's done, Corso pulls the blanket over her half naked body and lies next to her. To his surprise, she moves immediately to sleep in his arms for the first time since they've shared a bed. He smiles to the early mornings darkness and thinks that his dad is right. He has nothing to fear from the woman in his arms.

 

But for three more months, a question will nag at him when he's alone: what were you doing there, Audra?

 

 

Edited June 21, 2013 by EverSteam

[Adwynyth]

Damn allergies. *sniff*

[sthrift]

First I'll say this: I'm enjoying reading the stories here I forget to write my own. Good stuff folks.

Looking through the past topics I found one that actually went on with my ex and my favorite Bama shirt. Something about fashion and my "Christian" shirt becasue it was so holey.

 

A little over 600 words, no spoilers.

 

 

Voslic strolled from the refresher and headed toward his stateroom. It was secret thrill for him to have the ship to himself, if only for a few hours. After a two stressful weeks on Belsavis, the first Republic station he could get them to, he docked. General Garza had called and stood them down for seventy-two hours. Once docked, Voslic released the entire crew on liberty. Even Elara to his mild disappointment had opted to get off the boat for a while.

 

Voslic knew it would be a miracle if they got the full seventy-two. They never did. The unit would be called as soon as the next Imperial intent was discovered. Being the commanding officer, the troops came first. So he begged off claiming paperwork and requisition forms to be sent. Aric seemed relieved when the Skipper ordered him off the boat.

 

And there was that restraining bolt that command insisted he place on Garand. He stepped into the armory and found a restraining bolt. He smiled at what he had started calling M1-4X. The Blastec 850-M1 Garand is a blaster he had grown up with on Corellia. The battle droid could take a beating, throw some serious firepower down range, and was reliable as all hell. And the droid had begun to develop a personality. He looked at the restraining bolt for a second then thought to hell with it and threw the bolt back in the drawer he had found it in.

 

He continued on into his stateroom and opened a drawer. He pulled out a pair of scarlet and gold running shorts and slipped them on. He then grabbed his favorite t-shirt, his first “Republic Naval Academy” shirt. The shirt had started life a medium gray with the academy logo and his last name on the chest in scarlet and “MARINES” stenciled on the back, also in scarlet.

 

Now the shirt was nearly white. The logo and lettering was so faint now that it was hard to read. It also had more holes in it than a piece of Byss cheese. That didn’t deter the big Marine from wearing the shirt as much as possible when he was on down time. It was him and it was comfortable. He grabbed a bottle of Corellian whiskey and strolled out to the crew common area, poured himself a drink and made himself comfortable. He put his feet up and took a sip from his glass, enjoying the quiet.

 

The airlock opening jarred him back to the present. He focused on the ladderwell and watch as a blond head appeared coming up. Elara turned and started toward the stateroom she now shared with Voslic when she noticed him. She smiled and her eyes grew bright as she looked at him. And turned into an exasperated grimace after she took in what he was wearing.

 

Voslic noted the look. “What?”

 

Elara clenched her teeth. “That shirt.”

 

“uh..what about it?” Voslic asked genuinely confused.

 

“Voslic, it looks like it lost a fight with a pack of womp rats. Years ago, I might add. I have told you that maybe you should think about letting it go.”

 

“Wait, you mean throw it away?”

 

“Yes throw it away.” She nearly screamed. “I have tried twice already and the…” Her eyes got big as she realized what she said.

 

“So that’s what happened to it. I was blaming Cresh (Alpha numeric for the letter C from the Aurek-Besh) for it winding up in the compacter and not the washer.”

 

“Voslic, you may not like to think about it, but you are a Marine major. What kind of image does that portray?”

 

“One of comfort?”

 

“Voslic, I’m serious.”

 

Voslic considered his lady for a long moment. Finally he stood and wrapped the young blond in his arms. She snuggled into his chest and held him tightly. “OK, if it means that much to you, I’ll throw it away.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yep. First thing in the morning.”

 

[alaurin]

Comments/Replies:

 

 

@Bright: TeeHee, I was hoping someone would appreciate that line! Also, an attack on one of the Republic's finest was not going to go unnoticed by M1-4X, even if it was from a squadmate!

 

@Marissalf: The simple ceremony was very beautiful. I loved their words to one another. They are so obviously in love!

Alaurin, Bright pink dye as revenge for snooping? Those boys should know the last thing you want to mess with is a girl’s hair!

Well, in their defense, Risha was trying to get pictures of them naked, but yeah, they went a tad too far on that one.

 

@EverSteam: I am glad to finally see some hope for Corso and Audra. I felt bad for Corso when he was listening in on Risha and Audra....can't imagine how that must have felt!

 

@sthrift: Sorry, but I have to side with the ex and Elara on that one. My husband has a Cubs shirt that is little better than a rag, yet he refuses to get rid of it!!

 

 

Now, since this weeks' featured NotLP is Hidden Talents, I have one for Bella!

 

Title: Artistic Expression

Prompt: Hidden Talents

Character: Belladonya-smuggler

Setting: XS Freighter, sometime after Bella finally admits she loves Corso.

Spoilers: no class spoilers, minor ones for my fanfic.

 

 

Corso and Bella had fallen asleep in each other’s arms, sheets tangled around them. Corso woke a few hours later, Bella still snuggled up to him, her thick auburn hair spilling onto his chest. He moved carefully, trying not to wake her, and reached for the water pitcher. He found it empty and decided to get up and fill it, knowing Bella usually woke up thirsty. He slowly got out of bed, not wanting to wake Bella, but was unsuccessful. He felt her hand touch his arm and got that little thrill that he did anytime she touched him.

 

“Sorry hon, didn’t mean to wake you. I was just going to fill the water pitcher.”

 

Bella yawned, rubbing her eyes, “It’s alright, darlin’, I happen to like waking up to see that gorgeous bronze body of yours. I also love the wonderful, sweet, thoughtful man inside.” She smiled, gazing at that glorious body, muscles bunching and moving as he pulled his sleep pants on.

 

Corso leaned over and kissed her, “I love fallin’ asleep with the love of my life, who happens to be a very beautiful, wonderful woman, in my arms. I hated getting up, but the pitcher was empty and I know you like to have a drink of water when you wake.” He looked around, “Do you see my shirt anywhere?”

 

Bella giggled, “You afraid Risha is out there waiting with a Holo camera?”

 

“You never know with her.”

 

“Nah, I think she learned her lesson after the hair dye incident.” Bella assured him, “Did you check under the bed?”

 

“You know, I still feel awful about that. Aric does too.” He admitted as he crouched down and reached under the bed. He felt his shirt and started pulling it out from under the bed when he realized it was caught on something. He pulled a little harder and a large satchel came out with his shirt.

 

“What’s this?” he asked Bella as he held the satchel up.

 

“Oh, I forgot that I slid that under there the other day.” She blushed a little, a shock to see since that rarely happened.

 

Corso smiled, “There must be something good in there to make you blush like that.” He told her as he pulled his shirt on.

 

“It’s silly, really. I like to draw and I keep my drawings and materials in there.”

 

“What is so silly about that? I would love to see them!” Corso told her, hoping she would share her drawings with him.

 

“I don’t know, Corso. No one’s ever seen them.”

 

“Please, Bella?! It is obviously something important to you and I would love for you to share your art with me.” He pleaded.

 

“Oh, alright,” she gave in, then admitted, “I haven’t shown them to anyone before because I was too nervous that people wouldn’t like them.” She took the large drawing pad out of the satchel and handed it to Corso.

 

He opened it to the first drawing. It was of a man and woman sitting on a bench under a large tree. The man had his arm around the woman who was leaning on him. There was so much love shining on their faces as they gazed at one another. The drawing had been done in color and Corso recognized Bella’s mother right away, having met her a few times. He assumed the man was Bella’s father, and he noticed that he had the same coloring, eyes, and hair as Bella. It was a beautiful picture, Bella was an extremely talented artist. He looked up to see her smiling.

 

“This was my first drawing. My parents had given me this satchel and the drawing materials for my sixteenth birthday, but I hadn’t had the time to use them until spring.” She smiled, “My parents were always so in love, even after eighteen years of marriage and five children. They were never afraid to show their feelings for one another, no matter where they were or who was around.” Bella sighed sadly, “I did this drawing just a few weeks before Dad was killed.”

 

“You were very lucky to have grown up with such a loving family.” Corso told her and she nodded.

 

He moved on to the next drawing. It was a black and white charcoal drawing of a young man. He had dark hair, light colored eyes, and a handsome face. Corso thought his expression looked a little smug, but you could tell that the artist had been in love with the subject. He looked at Bella, wondering who this man was.

 

She sighed, “That was Jackson. It was done a few days before he revealed who he really was.” Bella shook her head. “I think he was my first real crush. I thought I was so in love with him and you can tell in this picture. Stars, I was so stupid back then! Part of me wanted to burn this drawing, but then I decided to keep it as a reminder not to blindly trust a pretty face.”

 

“You weren’t stupid, Bella. You were a normal sixteen year old girl, who was a little boy crazy from what I hear.” Corso grinned at her, then he thought for a moment. “These had to have been done before your house on Telos was destroyed. How did you manage to save this?”

 

“My drawing materials were not in the house. They were on this ship. The night before Mallay’s fifteenth birthday, I snuck out to be with Jackson. That was when we slept together, him being my first. I had brought my drawing stuff with me, wanting to show Jackson the drawing I had done of him. We never got to that though and I had forgotten my satchel when I left.”

 

Corso looked at the bed, “You mean…”

 

“No, not on this bed.” Bella assured him softly, “I never slept in this room again until much later. The memories were too shameful for me to deal with. I slept in the crew quarters when I had to and when I finally started making deliveries further away that brought in a bigger payout, I saved up. The first thing I did when I had enough credits was to remove any trace of Jackson from this ship, starting with this room. I completely gutted it, picking out my own things and leaving absolutely no trace of Jackson. Then I finally started sleeping in here.”

 

Corso put his arm around her then and gave her a squeeze. “I hate that man for what he did to you, but I am glad you kept his ship, otherwise, I might have never met the most extraordinary woman in the galaxy!”

 

He turned to the next drawing, sadness showing his face. It was another black and white drawing, this time it was of Mallay. It had obviously been done shortly after the explosion while she was recovering. Her expression was so sad and lonely, and there was a hint of anger in her eyes. Even in the absence of color, her scars stood out vividly. Her hair must have just started growing back because it was as short as a military buzz cut. He thought of how long and thick her hair was now and felt bad for what it must have been like for her to be so scarred and unable to hide it. Bella’s eyes were glittering with tears when he looked up at her.

 

“Oh, Corso, she was so sad and angry after the explosion. We worried that she would never be the same. She was always shy, but a very generous, loving, and funny person. It hurt us so bad to see her that way. It took her a while to get past all of that anger and she still thinks she is hideously ugly.”

 

“Well, she couldn’t be more wrong about that and I get the feeling that Aric will be able to convince her that she is a very beautiful woman.” Corso admitted. He really cared for Bella’s family, especially Mallay, who he had gotten to know well since leaving Ord Mantell.

 

The next drawing was done in color. It was of a male Twi’lek, blue skin, violet eyes, and a gentile, kindly face. He was obviously a Jedi from the robes he was wearing. The artist knew him well and there was a sense of peace that came through in the picture.

 

“That is Master Ny’laan. He is the Jedi who healed Mallay after we escaped and landed on Coruscant. A few months after we had settled on Dantooine, he came to visit us on the twins’ birthday. He had volunteered to transfer to the Temple there to become an instructor. He is truly a wonderful soul, finding happiness in simple things. He always loved visiting our family and still does. He told me once that being around a family that loved one another so openly and unconditionally was enough to take away the dark things he’d seen in his travel. It was Master Ny’laan that got Mallay and I to confront our emotions and get all of our guilt, anger, and resentment out.” She smiled at the memory, “Mallay and I had quite the fight that day, but he was right, it needed to come out and we were so much happier afterwards. We talked through our feelings and were closer than ever after that.”

 

Corso smiled when he saw the next drawing, another done in color. It was of Lissa and Ros as children, both of them with long, white blond hair and silver eyes. Even without the size difference, Ros being built more like Bella and her mother whereas Lissa was smaller like Mallay, one could tell who each girl was. Lissa was calmly sitting on the grass, surrounded by wild flowers, quietly enjoying the beauty around her. Ros was an energetic sprite, a mischievous look on her face as she was skipping around her sister. There was so much simple joy coming from that picture that it could put a smile on anyone’s face.

 

“That was about a month before they left for the Jedi Temple to begin their training. Lissa was so aware of everything around her and found such pleasure in being surrounded by nature. She was also very sensitive to emotions and did anything she could to ensure all around here were happy.” Then Bella giggled, eyes dancing, “Ros, on the other hand, could never sit still. She is like Mallay in that, but she has my penchant for getting into trouble and pulling pranks. It was rare for her to go a day without laughing.”

 

The next drawing was also in color and Corso laughed when he saw it. It was a picture of Kit, sprawled out on a blanket in the grass. She had such a contented expression on her face, completely unconcerned about where she was.

 

“That girl could sleep anywhere. She loved to fall asleep on a blanket in the warm sun. She loved being outdoors any time of year.” Bella sighed again, “She was only four when Dad died and has little memory of him. It was nice though, she remained cheerful when we settled into our new home and that helped us when we were feeling sad.”

 

Next was a black and white drawing of a very pregnant Sidra. She had a hand on her extended belly, her long hair hanging to her waist as she looked up at the sky with a serene expression on her face.

 

“Mom was sad that Dad would be unable to know their son, but she knew he was always with us all in spirit.”

 

Corso turned the page to find a black and white drawing of Sidra holding baby Jonah, tears in her eyes, but the smile on her face indicated they were happy ones.

 

"A baby brother at last," Bella whispered.

 

Corso smiled again when he turned the page. That drawing was of the Lauren family’s neighbor, Derek, lifting his little niece, Zaryn, into the air. He had met them both once when Bella had made a stop on Dantooine to visit her family. There was so much happiness on the large Zabrak’s face as he looked up at his giggling niece, whose own face was radiating joy at the simple pleasure of being tossed into the air by her uncle. It was such a beautiful moment and Bella had captured it well.

 

“I will never forget the day Derek came to our house after he had gotten the news that his older brother and his wife had been killed.” Bella recalled, “He was so sad and so scared. He was the only surviving family member for his six year old niece. Derek had never married had no experience with children. He had only met his niece twice, having been been stationed at a military base far from his family.” Bella smiled then, “Mom, Mallay, and I scrambled to the rescue, finding clothes and helping him get a room ready for a six year old girl. When she arrived, she was terrified and that big man cried as he scooped her up in his arms, promising to do whatever it took to put a smile on her face.” Bella stroked Corso’s handsome face then, “He kinda reminds me of you sometimes. You both have that kind gentle soul inside.”

 

Corso didn’t recognize the elderly couple in the next drawing. It was in color, the man and his wife walking through an orchard of Muja fruit trees. The couple was so obviously happy and in love, holding hands and clearly enjoying the vivid splendor around them. The drawing had to have been done around harvest time since the reddish-orange fruit on the trees looked ready to be picked. The artist captured the colors well.

 

“That was Mr. and Mrs. Mirren,” Bella explained, “Their orchard bordered our farm and Derek’s land. We had only been on Dantooine a couple of days when Josef and Helena came over with a basket of fruit and muffins. Josef told Mom that if she wanted to get any crops in that season, she would need to get started immediately. He gave her the names of farmhands that she could hire if she needed. Helena told Mom to call on her if there was ever anything she needed. They were wonderful neighbors, and Mallay and I helped out with their orchard a lot after Josef broke his hip. Mallay learned to bake from Helena and loved that orchard. I think she worked more in the orchard than she did on our farm! That is probably why Mr. and Mrs. Mirren left it to her when they passed away last year.” Bella sighed, wiping a tear from her eye. “They passed away within days of each other.”

 

The next drawing was breathtakingly beautiful. It was of a large, lovely bird flying out of flames. The long feathers of the bird were brilliant, swirling hues of blue, red, and purple. The drawing looked a little familiar to Corso.

 

“I get the feeling that I have seen this before, but I can’t recall where.” He admitted, puzzled. “It is beautiful though! What kind of bird is that?”

 

“This is the only drawing that I have shown anyone. It is a mythical bird, a Phoenix. Legend has it that when a Phoenix dies, it goes up in flames and is reborn from the ashes.” Bella giggled, “I think there are very few men in this galaxy who have seen that particular Phoenix in its entirety before, but I would bet my best blaster that Aric Jorgan is one of them.”

 

“Awww, Bella, don’t keep me in suspense, where have I seen that before?!” Corso pleaded.

 

Bella finally relented, laughing, “It is the tattoo on Mallay’s back. You can see parts of it when she is wearing tank tops. I designed it using her favorite colors, trying to make patterns that would blend in with her scars. We had it done on Nar Shaddaa just before she went into the military.”

 

They were at the last drawing then, a black and white sketch. Again, the artist must have been in love with the subject because that love definitely came through. There was a childlike joy shining on the man’s face as if he had just been given the toy he had always wanted. Corso easily recognized the man in the sketch and smiled.

 

“When did you do this?” he asked her.

 

“Just after I had given Torchy back to you.” She answered, “If you recall, I left the room pretty quickly after. The look on your face was so enduring that I just had to capture it so I came in here and did a quick sketch.”

 

Corso closed the tablet and carefully put it back in the satchel and placing it back under the bed. “You are a wonderful artist, Bella and do such a wonderful job at capturing expressions and feelings in your drawings. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with me. You definitely should share it with others though.”

 

“I just might, now that I have finally had the courage to share it once. Thank you for talking me into it. Now, I think there is another work of art that I would like to see,” Bella told him as she started pulling his shirt off.

 

“What about the water?” Corso asked, a little distracted by her hands running over his chest.

 

“I am not that thirsty,” she whispered as she pulled him to her for a kiss. The water was quickly forgotten as they succumbed once again to the passion they had for each other.

 

 

Note:

 

 

I have no idea if the myth of the Phoenix exists in the Star Wars universe, but for my stories it does.

 

Also, Muja fruit is a real fruit in the Star Wars universe and information can be found here.

 

Derek, Zaryn, and the Mirrens will be introduced soon in my fanfic.

 

**Edit: eeek, I forgot the baby Jonah drawing!!! I am a bad Mommy!

Edited June 21, 2013 by alaurin

[bright_ephemera]

Eee, I like coming home to find more stories.

 

@marissalf I love that Kinka and Vector can find such traditional things to do in what must needs be a very small, secretive ceremony.

 

@Eversteam, very sweet sequence. My cynical side naturally latched on to this:

He trusted in a her that didn't exist.

Riggs and the fem!Smuggler in a nutshell.

 

@sthrift, Voslic, no! Don't do it! That shirt's got identity! Then again, I have been the wife trying to get rid of ratty relics, so...I can see both sides.

 

@alaurin There's a solidity to art on the page that sets it entirely apart from holopics as a way of keeping memories. It's sweet to see everything Bella has captured.

[Striges]

Comments:

 

Alaurin: Ouch, I’m not sure who ends up feeling worse here, Mallay or Corso and Aric. When practical jokes backfire, they backfire hard.

“Oh, alright,” she gave in, then admitted, “I haven’t shown them to anyone before because I was too nervous that people wouldn’t like them.”

I think everyone in this thread, lurkers included, understands.

 

Marissalf: The handfasting ceremony was beautiful.

She had come to the realization long ago that his differences were a big part of what made him the man she loved.

is perfect, especially as regards Vector. (On an unrelated note: “Stormageddon”...do I detect a fellow Whovian?)

 

Voslic considered his lady for a long moment. Finally he stood and wrapped the young blond in his arms. She snuggled into his chest and held him tightly. “OK, if it means that much to you, I’ll throw it away.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yep. First thing in the morning.”

Riiiight. It’s going in the bottom of the drawer and we know it. I like little details such as Voslic’s favorite shirt. They make a character more real. More like an actual person. Not everything about a character has to be a vital story point; sometimes he just likes his sacred (holey) shirt.

 

Everstream: The progression was nicely done. From Corso embarrassed about eavesdropping, then worried about how Audra will react, to the tables turning and Audra worried about how he’d react.

 

Replies:

 

Eee, Consular companions! And Jurial, trying not to enjoy it too much...it's bad to get the ego bound up in these things, at least if you're a Jedi.

I know, hardly anyone write Consulars. I don’t expect sabacc is one of those things Jedi are supposed to like. In the same breath, though, there seem to be a lot of things Jedi aren’t supposed to like.

 

@Stirges: I loved Jurial's Parable. Such a creative way to explain Light vs Dark! Also, it was fun to read about the sabacc game and I agree with Qyzen.

 

Thank you. I decided against a turn-by-turn description of the game, both for space and flow. I read a published book with an intricate description of a sabacc game early on, and it turned me off of the story completely.

 

And @ Bright: I’m still unhappy with “Jedi” and “Sith” in the parable’s last paragraph, darn it.

 

Striges, I’d imagine it would be sort of lonely for Jurial, who clearly enjoys the game, not being able to find someone to play with because of his extra abilities. I also liked that you have him giving in and calling Tharan by his name out loud but still calling him Doctor in the nonconversational parts, since that’s what Jurial’s comfortable with.

 

Glad you caught that. Jurial learned sabacc as a way to deal with his emotions after the attack on the Temple on Coruscant. “If the Force controls everything, why do bad things happen to good people” kind of thing. As such, the part of the game he appreciates is its randomness. I imagine he has friends on Tython who play, but it’s hard to convince non-Jedi that he won’t use the Force to either read his opponent or influence the cards.

[bright_ephemera]

Mea Culpa: Upbringing and Comeuppance for Vierce. Part of it is set during Act 2, after the incident about Moff Brannick and the resulting positive conversation, before he notices the attraction thing. Part of it is not set there. 500 words, no game spoilers.

 

 

 

Mama wrenched at my ear as she dragged me into the living room, where Kirsk at the far corner of the couch was sulking.

 

“Now,” prompted Mama. “You owe Kirsk an apology.”

 

*

 

“Sergeant Dorne?” I didn’t want to do this, but by all rules of decency I owed it to her. I gestured toward the briefing room. “Can we talk?”

 

“Yes, sir,” she said with that briskness that, I had come to realize, covered a serious apprehension. It didn’t do much to put me at ease, but I guess my ease wasn’t the point.

 

*

 

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, and tried to wriggle away.

 

*

 

Now or never. “I owe you an apology.”

 

*

 

Mama’s grip held firm. “Sorry for what?”

 

“Sorry I broke your speeder,” I said. Kirsk watched me with unfriendly eyes. I rolled my shoulders and wished I was elsewhere.

 

*

 

Dorne started. “That’s not necessary, sir.”

 

I shook my head. “No, it is. This has been going on long enough.”

 

*

 

Mama wouldn’t give up. “That was his favorite toy, wasn’t it? It was important to him.”

 

“I know,” I whined. Mama glared down at me. “Sorry, Kirsk. I know you really liked it.”

 

*

 

“I haven’t been fair to you, ever since you came on board. You’ve been nothing but good for this outfit and I’ve done nothing but try to chase you out.” I took a deep breath. Was it warm in here? “I was out of line, and I’m sorry.”

 

*

 

“Now. Why did it happen, and will you let it happen again?”

 

“I got mad,” I said. “I won’t do it again.”

 

*

 

Dorne stayed quiet. Well, stars knew there was more for me to say. I rubbed at the hopeless knots at the back of my neck. “I passed judgment too fast, and without really looking. You belong here on your own merits. I won’t forget that.”

 

*

 

“There,” said Mama. “Kirsk, what do you have to say?”

 

Kirsk uncurled from the couch and glared at me. “You’re still a big jerk,” he said, and ran off.

 

*

 

I held my breath.

 

*

 

“Now, then,” said Mama, finally letting go of my ear. “He’ll calm down. You just remember, it’s no good getting into fights, especially not with your own friends.”

 

*

 

Dorne looked up at me as if she were seeing me for the first time. She was looking at me, not just in my direction, and I never knew the difference until that moment. “Apology accepted, sir.” I couldn’t place the tone of her voice. I hoped it was good.

 

“We good to go, then?” I croaked.

 

She nodded smartly. “Lead the way.”

 

Sooner or later my ears would stop burning. For now there was nothing to do but keep going, and hope that the pain would lead to better things.

 

 

[Mrtwo]

Read the note before opening this V

 

Prompt: New Beginnings

 

They were contradictions that contrasted, but even so, the hulking Rattataki with the grace of a schoolteacher and the scrawny Coruscanti Sullustan accompanying him drew no stares from the diverse populace of Tatooine. Slaves, children, and slave children scuttled about unimportantly while hardened criminals strode purposefully through and around them and the spice addicts stumbled around.

 

Kouhun blinked against the sand that the constantly present hot breeze blew everywhere. Rizantos fared worse with his large wet eyes; Kouhun pitied him, one of the only reasons he hadn’t ditched him with the credits. They stood at the top of the steps to the spaceport, taking in Tatooine.

 

Empty cargo carriers and deactivated lifter droids situated near the bottom of the stairs indicated a large moving had occurred recently. Grabbing a passing security guard, Kouhun asked about it.

 

“Yeah, that mess over there is Czerka’s work. Enlisted most of my shift to help them get their junk off this rock and then paid us their minimum wage.”

 

“I assume that wasn’t much?”

 

“I would’ve made more doing my real job.”

 

“You mean standing there and staring at people leaving the spaceport?” Rizz interjected rudely.

 

The officer appeared to get angry for a second but then his eyes took on a different shade.

 

“That reminds me, I forgot to charge you two the customs tax. That’ll be two thousand credits, each.”

 

Kouhun stared at Rizz in his peripheral vision as they proceeded down the spaceport stairs and into the thin throng of people. Most of them avoided eye contact, and those who didn’t quickly glanced away.

Sometimes even giving someone a wrong look on this planet was enough for them to pull a piece and shoot you just for fun.

 

“We can still probably find an okay flat to stay in.” Rizz said, trying to rectify his blunder.

 

Kouhun didn’t respond as they continued walked aimlessly.

 

“Look, I’ll go find us a cheap place while you look for a job.” Rizz suggested, stopping Kouhun and pointing towards a nearby cantina.

 

“Fine.” The Rattataki said simply and altered his course to head towards the cantina.

 

There was no guard at the door. A wave of music and the assorted voices and noises of an uncountable number of species hit him as he descended down the stairs to the main level. New smells and tastes also invaded his senses; Kouhun was almost certain he would get permanent lung damage just from inhaling the air in this place, let alone eating something.

 

As was outside, most of the denizens innocent and criminal alike in the cantina avoided the hulking alien for their own safety. A Jawa sitting at the bar quickly skirted away as he approached the bar counter.

 

The bartender was a bored-looking male Devaronian. Kouhun had taught one of those before and it always confounded him as to how they told each other apart, looking so similar.

 

“I am looking for work.” Kouhun stated.

 

“Is that so?” The demon-like alien replied in a flat tone.

 

“Quite.” Kouhun replied sharply, irritated with the lack of attention he seemed to warrant.

 

“Alright friend, calm down.” The Devaronian replied, his eyes lightening up a bit in alarm and automatically searching for an escape route from his own bar.

 

Noticing the action, Kouhun softened his tone. “I’m just looking for a job for my friend and me.”

 

The Devaronian stopped to think for a moment, a clearly feigned action.

 

“Well, the mayor is looking for some knuckleheads to do a couple of odd-jobs for him. I suggest swinging by his office.” he finally drawled out.

 

“Thank you.” Kouhun dropped ten of their remaining credits on the counter and turned to the exit, seeking to escape the claustrophobic atmosphere of the bar.

 

Now to find Rizantos.

 

 

Hey guys, long time no see.

I got a 462 thing with the prompt of Catching Up. I put my last one up there in the quotes so you can get a refresher on what's what since it's been a while. I have a lot of catching up to do myself with all the cool stuff you guys wrote.

 

 

“I need you to capture Rizantos Terso.”

 

The black armored Cathar bounty hunter cocked her head in annoyance at the statement.

 

“I specialize in elimination, lady, find someone else.” She replied flatly, and turned to leave the damp Coruscant alley in which they were transacting their deal.

 

“I can pay one million credits.” The silky smooth female voice said monotonously.

 

The armored figure paused mid-step and turned around to face her contractor, whose face was hidden by a cloak.

 

“Cripes, what did he do to you?” the bounty hunter asked in a stunned voice, forgetting her professionalism in her surprise.

 

“That is the business of the Black Sun. Do you accept the contract or not, Juliet?”

 

The hunter known as Juliet seemed to think for a moment.

 

“I can do it if you’re paying that much.”

 

“Excellent.” The cloaked female smiled a smile that stretched from ear to ear, and Juliet suddenly wished she were somewhere else.

 

“Any idea of where I can start looking for him?” Juliet asked, eager to get away.

 

“Nar Shaadaa was his last known location. It was intended that he die in the slave pits of the lower city, but a rogue element disrupted that plan.”

 

“Will this rogue element be a problem?”

 

The cloaked figure paused for a moment and then answered.

 

“I don’t think so.”

 

“Do you want me to kill him?” the Cathar asked matter-of-factly.

 

“If he gets in the way, yes.”

 

“We are done here then.” Juliet said.

 

Both woman turned and left on opposite sides of the alley, with no evidence left of the fateful pact that had just been made.

 

 

 

Kouhun and Rizantos Terso sat in a booth in a bar on Tatooine, facing each other from opposite ends of the table.

 

“Gods, I couldn’t wait until our shift was over. If I have to clean the table where those Toydarians always play strip pazaak one more time...” Rizz complained, punctuating his statement with a distressed sound.

 

“Perhaps if you had not got us jobs in a filthy brothel, you would not have that problem.” Kouhun replied, having little pity left for the sad Sullustan considering he had to perform the same grueling tasks.

 

“So you were all rich and fancy before you were at the slave pits?” Rizz inquired annoyingly. He had not failed to ask about Kouhun’s past at least once a day since they had met.

 

“No, I told you, I was a travelling ship merchant and I got intercepted by an Imperial patrol.” The Rattataki repeated his well-rehearsed lie for the umpteenth time.

 

“I’m sure.” Rizz said skeptically, being experienced in spotting liars.

 

“Well, what did you do before the slave pits?” Kouhun asked, irritated.

 

Rizz looked around furtively, and hesitated before speaking.

 

“Well, I kind of got into some trouble with the Black Sun.”

 

[Lesaberisa]

So many comments, so little time

 

 

@Yoshi My imperial characters (except my SW, who is crazy-evil ) are all similarly independent-minded, it's a fun way to approach them rather than making them boot-lickers

 

@ Bright (too many, grr): Colran's paragraph of questions made me smile, I always love seeing your Quinn in action (since mine, regrettably, will have a different role to play). And lastly, you know (or should know!) that I adore your Vierce/Elara pieces and I just loved that one, especially the interplay with the forced apology to Kirsk (I wonder how many times he has had to apologize )

 

@ Striges: Yes, your other thread. As you can tell, my subtle jokes are sometimes too subtle for my own good Everyone's said what I was thinking about your Consular piece, though I would add that seeing "The Doctor" made me dream of a Doctor Who/Star Wars crossover.

 

@ Alaurin: The shenanigans (sp?) always make me laugh. Not a good thing when I'm at work though I must admit that it's nice to have someone demonize poor C2-N2 even more than me. Also looking forward to seeing more sisterly/familial adventures

 

@ marissalf: I just got to the start of my Vector romance on my agent so I'm just going to say it was very hard to avoid making incriminating noises to go with my stupid grin which, as I mention above, is bad for the office

 

@ Eversteam: Ditto to your pieces, and I have to add it's always nice to see happy pieces (I type this as I also work on my grim Inquisitor story, hypocrite that I am )

 

@ sthrift: I'm with Bright on this, although I try to be understanding, unless the shirt is really disgustingl or something. Luckily, my trooper's lucky shirt is in better condition

 

@Mrtwo: Welcome back! Now I need to go back and read more old posts to catch up though!

 

 

Character: Veresia (Inq)

Prompt: Mea Culpa

Notes: No Inquisitor spoilers, some Ayrs/Veresia!Verse spoilers. Set in between Voss and Corellia.

 

Meta notes:

My Veresia separate topic should be up sometime tonight as well, and this will be cross-posted there when that thread catches up chronologically. I've switched to the first person for her stories because, frankly, I was having a hard enough time outlining some stuff without having to spend even more time making sure I wasn't messing up the PoV and what not.

 

 

 

"My dearest brother, I -" I frowned at the holo-terminal, as if the machine could recognize the gesture. "No, delete that, it's far too formal and awkward. Discard the entire message"

 

The system beeped a confirmation, erasing my forty-fourth attempt at formulating the proper communication. Five hours of my life wasted, with nothing at all to show for it.

 

Had you just spoken with him on Voss, none of this would have been necessary.

 

I hadn't, though, and the moment had slipped away. I had thought it would be for the best. I was not the girl he remembered from years ago. We had both changed, we were both very different people now...in ways both good and bad. He seemed stronger, somehow, more complete. He had radiated happiness, too.

 

Ayrs had never been able to feel the Force, but that day in Voss-Ka I had never felt his presence burning so brightly, or warmly. I could not be sure why, but I strongly suspected it had something to do with the woman who had been exchanging loving glances with him when they thought no one was watching.

 

Realistically speaking, he did not need to learn that his long-missing sister was now a lord of the Sith. That was burden enough for me, let alone for a man who was now a paragon for the Republic. He did not need the headache, the distraction, the heartache. Perhaps it would be for the best that the little girl he had known and loved stayed dead on Ithaca. He would not recognize the woman she had become, would not love her.

 

No doubt, he would be disturbed to learn that she had found her own place in the Empire he hated, had gone against their father's teachings and had no interest in abandoning those who fought with her so she could hide in the Jedi Order. That I had done more than tiptoe along the boundary of light and dark in seeking vengeance. There was no need to hurt him by letting him know.

 

"Delete entire holo-record folder entitled 'Ayrs." Another pair of beeps and the matter was resolved. "Delete any remnants from the system."

 

Yes, this is for the best. For both of us. Clearly. Veresia Martell is dead, that is all he needs to know.

 

Tears began blurring the room around me.

 

No, no, I want him to know. I want to look him in the eyes, hug him like I did when we were young.

 

I wiped away my tears, and pointedly ignored Andronikos' failed attempt to inquire about my status from outside my quarters. He meant well, but he was not the man I needed to speak to. Or the one I need with me right now.

 

I turned back to the terminal and reactivated the recorder.

 

"Ayrs - I do not know how else to say this but I am your sister, Veresia. I am alive and as well as could be expected. I realize this must come as a great shock to you - I know it was for me. I have been aware of your status with the Republic military for some time and, given my status within the Empire, judged it prudent to find an appropriate time to contact you."

 

I paused, mulling over the words and feeling a growing pressure on my chest.

 

"I apologize for not greeting you in person when we were together in Voss-Ka, I was -." Something caught in my throat. "I was too afraid to say anything. Too scared you would rather I was dead than the p-person I have b-become. I want-ted to say something s-s-so badly." I was losing focus, losing control. " I want my brother back. I want my family back. I want things to be like they used to be, I w-w-want..." I had to stop, had to re-evaluate how I was approaching this. It was time to regroup. "End recording".

 

Weak, foolish, scared little girl. Too afraid to even talk to your own brother because you are afraid. You dream of toppling the Sith but cannot even do this much. Oh, Ayrs, I'm so sorry.

 

"Delete that. Delete everything."

 

I sat back down on my bed and crawled under the covers, breathing heavily. Then, because it had always made me feel better as a little girl, I curled into a ball and cried myself to sleep

 

 

 

Characters: Amitia (JK)/Olympia (JC)

Prompt: Mea Culpa

Notes: The conclusion of the TOR Cadbury Egg Arc

 

 

No escape, nowhere to run, no options. I was trapped, like a rat before the rancor..

 

Ami was looking at me with a murderous glare. She knew. I could only hope that throwing myself at her feet and begging for mercy would spare me her wrath. I began blubbering.

 

"I am so sorry about reprogramming your droid and stealing your cream-filled chocolate eggs. I'm so sorry. So so sorry. Almost as sorry as I am that I let Tharan onto my ship." I winced and looked at her impassive face through the narrowed slits of my eyes.

 

She harumphed.

 

"You're my best friend and I don't want this to come between us, even though I know that what I did was a heinous crime that even a Sith lord would not dare attempt."

 

Ami tapped her foot.

 

"Not to mention the Jedi Code has a special exception for acting while enraged in such cases. I humbly beg your forgiveness, so we can watch the Game of Sith season finale in peace, without Scourge looking like he is sizing me up to be a trophy."

 

At long last, a smile broke out on Ami's face, and she moved forward and enveloped me in a hug.

 

"Don't worry, Pia, I forgive you." She took a breath, then whispered into my ear, "You do it again, and you won't be watching Game of Sith, you'll be living it."

 

She stepped back and flashed a toothy smile.

 

 

Character: Ayrs (trooper)

Prompt: Mea Culpa

Notes: Act 3

 

 

"And then I said, 'you definitely got the looks of Havoc. You look like Tanno Vik." Aric cracked up at his own joke, so I did the same to be polite. Stars, I'm never getting him this drunk again.

 

We made our way up the ramp and into the main cabin of our home-away-from-home.

 

"Say, Cap'n. Weren't you gonna watch a vid with the L T?" He looked at me with an odd expression on his face that made me feel slightly queasy.

 

I waved his concern away. "I'm only a few minutes late and I ain't even completely drunk, everything's fine and -"

 

There she was, wearing my old Huttball jersey and regulation shorts. Her outfit wasn't enough to hide the expression on her face. Oh, kark me. Furrowed brows. Blazing green eyes. Firmly set jaw. The Look.

 

"I'm sorry, Elara, I - err - we were just catching up on old times. I'm so sorry, there aren't enough words in all the languages in the galaxy to express it, not even Huttese."

 

Her mouth twitched.

 

"I don't think they have a word for sorry in Huttese," Aric noted unhelpfully.

 

Elara hmphed, a sign even a drunken Aric could recognize. He fled with alarming speed, leaving me all alone, a nerf in the headlights.

 

"No doubt, I will find some way for you to repay me for your tardiness. Unfortunately, the vid was a timed broadcast, so we will have to find some other way to spend our time." Her voice seemed suspiciously light and teasing.

 

"Oh really?"

 

"Indeed. Though, now that you mention it..." She pressed her body against me and grabbed the collar of my shirt with a sudden fierceness. "I'd rather not talk right now."

 

Edited June 21, 2013 by Lesaberisa

[Striges]

Posting quick before the prompt changes!

 

Prompt: Mea Culpa

 

Character: Jurial (JC), Tharan Cedrax

 

Occurs right after the last story. No spoilers.

 

 

Our roles are reversed this time. I knock lightly on the doorframe to the room the Doctor repurposed as a medbay. He sits with his back to the door, sipping a beverage I suspect is not medicinal. Holiday hovers over him. "Tharan?" I begin.

 

He hooks an arm over the back of his chair, “Oh. It’s you, Master Jedi. Come to claim your prize already?” Chagrin colors his reply. A sour, smoky hue.

 

Holiday swats through his shoulder, “Tharan! Be nice.”

 

The Doctor sighs, “I’ll be nice.” he says.

 

Holiday smiles at him, a smile she has never shown me, “I’ll just leave you two alone, then,” she says and vanishes. I wonder sometimes whether her apparent sentience is real or exceptional programming. Right now I believe it is real.

 

I take a deep breath. Being a Jedi does not make this conversation any easier. “Tharan, I believe I owe you an apology.”

 

Brightness bubbles up, almost a sense of vindication, “Oh? How so?” he asks, turning to face me.

 

I step inside, fighting the urge to pace the narrow room, “I have played sabacc before.”

 

A wry look crosses his face, “Yes, I suspected as much.”

 

“I enjoy the game very much, Tharan,” I say, my words spilling out, “My first Master taught me to play. But I rarely get the opportunity anymore. I was so pleased when you suggested it. I...did try to tell you, but you seemed so happy to have someone to teach I thought it would do no harm.”

 

The Doctor is stiff in his seat, his drink seemingly forgotten, “I see,” he says.

 

I take a step to the right and make myself stop. I do not need to walk right now. “You wanted to play for entertainment. I enjoyed our game--”

 

“Of course you did,” the Doctor snaps.

 

I wince. “You are a very skilled player, Tharan. I lost myself in the game. As there were no credits changing hands I had no need to worry about who was winning. Stopping, before either I or my opponent lost too much. I could play for pure pleasure. I am sorry you did not enjoy our game. Especially as it was your idea. I did not intend to mislead you and for that I am also sorry.”

 

The Doctor sets his drink down on the console beside him and turns all the way around, “Just that?” he asks, “No manipulation? Jedi mind tricks? Using the Force to influence the cards?”

 

“No, no, of course not, Tharan,” I object, “I understand you might think so. I could, but that defeats the purpose of playing. Where is skill and chance if I remove chance and replace unfair advantage for skill?”

 

“You played fair?”

 

“Apart from letting you think I was a novice, yes of course,” I answer. “There is such beauty in the chaos of the cards. The interplay of luck and mastery, of risk and certainty.”

 

“Yes,” Tharan grumbles, “I know all about balancing risk and certainty, Master Jedi.”

 

Bitterness poisons his emotions. It is not all my fault, but it is worse for my actions. “I hope we might play again sometime. Perhaps for no wagers at all?”

 

The Doctor’s lip twitches, “Perhaps,” he answers.

 

For the first time I realize he gains a different pleasure from sabacc than I do. Winning is the important thing, skill triumphant, randomness the enemy. He hoped to control the game from the start. I turn to leave, “Thank you, Tharan. Another time, then.”

 

He reaches for his drink, “Another time, Jurial,” he says.

 

I exit to the corridor. I think it is unlikely we will play again, truly a shame. This is why deception hurts. The Doctor would not tell me the true reason he wished to play. Hoping to make him happy, I let him think I was new to the game. In the end, we both lost something more valuable than credits.

 

[Euphrosyne]

This isn't quite a "prank" or "joke", but it's close enough.

 

Prompt: April Fool! (NotLP)

Title: The Fiddle Game

Characters: Skani, Alypia

Class Spoilers: Smuggler (Chapter II), Sith Warrior (Chapter I) (extremely minor)

 

 

So.

 

We are in a fine restaurant in one of Nar Shaddaa's many upscale casinos, and, dining there, we find a Mon Calamari. He is shabbily dressed, but it is a genteel sort of shabby; he's certainly not a beggar, but he is somewhat down on his luck.

 

When the time comes to settle his bill - a hundred credits or so - he makes a great show of searching for his credit chit, his bland expression slowly metamorphosing into dismay on its way to outright panic. Utterly embarrassed, he asks that the wait staff allow him to speak to the owner.

 

This worthy, an overweight human with prominent implants and even more prominent facial hair, appears soon enough, and the Mon Cal blubbers an explanation, asserting that he clearly must have left his chit at one of the tables, or forgotten to retrieve it from a friend's room; it'd just be the work of a few minutes to get the chit and pay the bill. And in order to make certain that it is no imposition on his host, stammers the fishman, he'll leave this old family heirloom behind: an elaborate bracelet on his left wrist, clearly an antique, his only valuable possession, which should certainly be adequate security for the meal.

 

The host agrees to this exchange, and our Mon Cal departs, less his heirloom, in search of the lost credit chit. And it is at this point that a little Lethan Twi'lek woman, attired in a snazzy business dress, enters the conversation. She has just finished her own meal, and all the while was observing the exchange. So she sidles up to the proprietor and asks a simple question: could she perhaps inspect the trinket the other patron left behind?

 

Well, why not? And as soon as her eyes alight on the bracelet, she lets out a squeak of excitement - indeed, is hard put to restrain herself from a shout of joy. She strokes it lovingly, examining every intricate design, murmuring reverentially all the while: about how unbelievable it is that she's finally found one, about how descriptions never really do the things justice.

 

Our implanted human friend is astonished to find her handing him an embossed flimsiplast card, proclaiming her to be a dealer in rare antiquities - and this, claims our Twi'lek, is one of the rarest of all. It is in fact a lanvarok, remarkably well-preserved, easily thousands of years old. She herself would shell out half a million credits for it; buyers 'a bit Spinward of here' with skin as red as hers - an unsubtle wink - would easily pay triple that and more.

 

With a start, though, she checks her chrono, and flinches. For her shuttle is to depart from Deucalon Spaceport in only ten minutes, and she has no time to spare to wait for the Mon Cal. With no small amount of urgency she presses her card into the proprietor's hand once again, urging him to please relay it to the benighted fishman, for both his benefit and hers. And then she hurriedly rushes away.

 

Yet the Mon Cal does not return for some hours, and all the while our worthy host is gazing at the lanvarok that has so improbably fallen into his possession. All casinos on Nar Shaddaa are run by the Hutt crime syndicates, of course, and this man is a lieutenant in one of these; his natural cupidity overtakes any instinct as a host that he might have had for his customer's well-being.

 

And then the bracelet's owner finally does return, clutching a credit chit with barely enough to cover his tab, and he timorously asks for his heirloom back. So the restaurant's owner returns it to him, but before the other leaves, he inquires, ever so delicately, as to the price of a trinket such as that one - a fine anniversary gift for a wife that the owner, naturally, does not have.

 

Our fishman is taken aback. He could never part with his family heirloom, not for five thousand credits; it's all that remains of his poor dear mother. But five thousand is a drop in the bucket for a man who expects to make a hundred times that and more, so he drives the price higher, insisting that he really is taken with it, that he knows his wife would love such a piece, she'd wear it every day. And he knows that the Mon Cal is far too down on his luck to refuse the money for long.

 

Eventually they settle up on fifty thousand credits, and the Mon Cal's eyes are alight at having come into such good fortune. He cannot stop singing the praises of the restaurant's owner - such a good-hearted man to have done him a turn like this. And before he hands over the bracelet for the final time, he implores the man to take excellent care of his heirloom: his wife is such a very lucky woman.

 

---

 

"And that, Jaesa, is where we entered the story."

 

The apprentice giggles. "So, how much was the fake lanvarok really worth, anyway?"

 

"What, that piece of garbage?" snorts the Sith. "Ten credits from a vendor in the street. If that. I really wish I could've seen the grifters do it; they must've been true artists. Oh well."

 

"Is it really hard to find a real lanvarok?"

 

Lady Alypia grimaces. "Oh, yes. They just don't make them anymore; it's a lost art. Not that I'd actually want to use one, of course, but just having one in a collection would be worth half a million to me, easy. Probably more for somebody like Saki or Lady Acina. This Twi'lek knew her stuff."

 

"Well," says Jaesa, "we're out the price of a trip to Nar Shaddaa, but at least we got a good story out of it."

 

"And we can go shopping on the Promenade. Unless you feel like wasting money here at the Star Cluster. Make some of those Hutts their money back from the con."

 

"Yeah, no. I only gamble with my life, never my money."

 

"Hey, that's my line!" grumbles Aly mock-indignantly.

 

The apprentice grins impishly. "Maybe you're just rubbing off on me."

 

"Oh, you," says the Sith wryly. Then her own smile turns devilish. "Wanna skip the shopping?"

 

"Thought you'd never ask."

 

 

This grift, which is better known as the Fiddle Game - using a string instrument instead of a lanvarok - has shown up everywhere in pop culture, from Sanford and Son to American Gods. I particularly liked Mr. Wednesday's description of it in the latter work, which was definitely an influence on this one. Although "ten credits from a vendor in the street" comes from Rene Belloq in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

 

It is a two-man con, and the two men here are the Alyverse's previously-unintroduced Smuggler, the Twi'lek Skani, and Guss Tuno. Because, honestly, Corso and Bowdaar would be useless for a confidence trick, Akaavi would consider it dishonorable, and Risha would say it's beneath her, because she's such a princess about that nonsense. Also, because Guss is awesome.

 

Edited June 21, 2013 by Euphrosyne

[sthrift]

Wow, no love for the religious shirts. Gotcha. Note to self, keep your rotten fashoin sense to yourself. Naw, kidding yall. Thanks for the comments.

 

And I'll apologize yall, I'm usually a more linear writer meaning my writing would follow time lines and all that. But my writing here so far is jumping all over the place. Bear with me, I'll get it straight....eventually.

 

this latest is about my BH. Slight spoiler I think as far as BH story line and companions. About 1300 words.

 

 

 

It should have been an easy gig. Especially for the bounty hunter that was well on their way to winning the Great Hunt. The set up was easy. Two sets of eyes on the exit to the space port and a shooter on the roof across the way. The two sets of eyes would act as back-up in case the primary, the shooter, missed or did not finish the target. The possibility of two or three other hostiles made it dicey but if the shooter did his work, well they would just finish their drinks and melt away in the confusion.

 

Dolstine tried to relax as she sipped her drink on the patio outside the space port at Anchorhead. She watched the Republic troops and officers pass back and forth around her and Mako. She leaned back a little further in her chair and stretched her long legs out under the table, kicking Mako lightly as she did. Mako’s wide eyed expression shifted to look at Dolstine.

 

“Calm yourself Mako.” She said softly.

 

“Easy for you to say. You’re the steely eyed killer here.” Mako shot back. She took a deep breath and shook her head. “Sorry Dolstine, I didn’t mean it like that.”

 

“Hey, and just what do you think I am? Chopped nerf?” A plaintive voice squawked in their ear.

 

Dolstine put her glass to her lips. She glanced at the roof where Gault was waiting. “Shut up Gualt. Your unproven so far is what you are and if you become a liability I’ll come up there and throw you off that roof myself.”

 

Mako snickered looked at Dolstine and mouthed “Would you really?”

 

Dolstine shook her head and replied “He don’t know that.”

 

Dolstine settled in to wait. Her mind wondered back to how they got here. They had wrapped things up her on Tatooine fairly quickly and she had decided to pick up a side job if there was a good one to be had. What Mako had turned up was too good to pass on. It could also be too good to be true. The bounty Mako had found was an anonymous posting on the net for a Jarhead. Some poor Marine Lieutenant had irritated somebody in a bad way.

The contract stipulated dead only and the number of credits being offered was high considering the rank of the individual. The amount of the contract would be good enough for some planetary governors. That had made her suspicious and she put Mako on to tracking the posting back to see if she could find anything.

 

What she had found was that whoever this young Marine was, he was good. He and his special forces group had dismantled a group called the Justicars on Coruscant. They did not take too kindly to his interference and what was left of the group had put everything they had left into taking out this one man.

 

They did not give a name, as apparently they did not learn his identity at the time. All they had given for identity was a vid capture of the team in action. Fortunately it was in color so that they could at least make out the uniform color and team insignia. Mako had traced that to Havoc squad but no info was given as the unit had been disbanded on Ord Mantel several months prior to the video capture. The team wore full helmets so visual recognition was out. Last intel put the squad leaving Taris for Tatooine.

 

The arrival of a ship into the port startled her back to the present. She looked up to see a BT-7 Thunderclap arrive. Her breathing quickened as she knew that the Thunderclap was favored by Republic SpecOps groups. She tapped the table to make sure that Mako knew to be alert. The time was quickly approaching.

She took another sip of her drink and asked Gault if he was ready. “I’ve been ready for the last hour and a half.” He replied snottily

 

“Shut up and keep your eyes open.”

 

She really didn’t mean to snap at the guy. Everyone’s nerves were a bit on edge. They were in the middle of a Republic friendly port and were preparing to kill a Republic Marine. To get there they had had to infiltrate using ID chips they had thrown together at the last moment. Dolstine wasn’t armed or armored except for a small hold out hand blaster. Her armor would have given them away before they got within five klicks of the target area. It was bad enough with her cybernetic implants. Mako was similarly armed. The heaviest weapon on the ground for them was Gault’s sniper rifle.

 

Movement by the front entrance drew Dolstine’s attention. She watched as two Marines emerged from the entrance to the port. Her right eye enhanced the scene. “No,” she thought, “that’s probably his team but one is female and the Cathar is too short.” She breathed deeply. “This is it. Gault be ready. Target is a big guy.”

 

She was surprised that Gault didn’t try one of his snappy comebacks. Instead his reply was one of concentration and calm. “Ready here, no visual on the target.”

 

“Stand-by.” She watched as the two Marines stopped and turned like they were waiting for someone. “Let me know when you have the target and a clean shot.”

 

“Roger.”

 

Time seemed to slow. Her breathing deepened and a calm fell over her. At last, her target emerged from the port entrance. She could see him plainly. He was in the open. Republic Marine armor, heavy weapon attached to carry points on his combat harness. No helmet. Face clear.

 

“I’ve got a clear shot.”

 

Her breath caught in her chest.

 

“I say again, I have a clear shot. Clear to engage?”

 

Her eyes grew big in shock and amazement.

 

Mako leaned across the table. “Dolstine, he has the shot.” She said urgently. “Dolstine?”

 

Dolstine had to choke back the bile that threatened to rise from her stomach.

 

“Target is on the move, if I don’t engage now he’s gone.”

 

Finally Dolstine got herself together. “Stand down Gault. Exfiltrate as planned. We’ll pick you up at point Besh.”

 

Mako stood and moved close to Dolstine. “We took the bounty,” She whispered urgently. “To not fulfill the contract is black mark we’ll play hell doing away with.”

 

“Go to the speeder, pick up Gault and wait there for two hours. If I’m not back by then, enjoy your new ship.”

 

Dolstine spun and hurried toward an alleyway across the street, pulling the local robes tighter around her as she went. Mako stood staring at her receding back until Dolstine disappeared into the alley. She stood there, shocked for a few minutes until a young Republic trooper walked up and asked if she was ok. Her heart almost stopped, but she was able to tell the man she was fine. She almost turned down his offer of a drink, but she decided what the hell. She needed a stiff drink right now and regardless of the uniform, he wasn’t bad to look at.

 

Four hours later, nearly three thrusters to the wind and more relaxed than she had been in months (thanks to an obliging young trooper) Mako swerved into the rendezvous point. Dark had settled and she had nearly side swiped a rock pillar before bringing the speeder under control and stopping next to the awaiting Dolstine and Gault.

 

Dolstine walked over to the driver compartment. “Move over, you’re drunk.”

 

“Yes ma’am, oh great bounty hunter ma’am.” Mako sneered as she moved over out of the driver seat. “Would you care to tell me what the hell happened back there?” She asked as she settled into the passenger seat.

 

“I’d like to know something about that myself, seeing as it seems I’ve hooked up with a bounty hunter that doesn’t take bounties.”

 

Dolstine Halyard’s shoulders slumped as she stared at a faraway star.

 

“That was my brother.”

 

 

 

 

Told yall the Halyard family dinner would be "interesting".

 

Edited June 22, 2013 by sthrift

[bright_ephemera]

Avoiding BH because I'm one of those brats who worries about spoilers for ages after things come out. But, anyway...

 

@Mrtwo, welcome back! Something tells me Kouhun would be a lot happier finding some Tatooine brats to teach math to.

 

@Lesaberisa, oh, Veresia. It would be so tremendously important for Ayrs to hear it, but...the message is a risk in itself. As for Ami, I probably shouldn't like her more for that sting at the end, but oh, I liked it.

 

As for Kirsk, I imagine that getting forcibly marched down the hall and/or street to deliver an apology was a weekly occurrence at least. Mama Savins did her utmost to raise her boys right, but it wasn't an easy job.

 

Your comment about Striges' piece has me imagining Tharan "The Doctor" Cedrax attempting to explain a big bowl of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff to the Luminatus Club.

 

"I don't think they have a word for sorry in Huttese," Aric noted unhelpfully.

*giggles madly*

 

@Striges, pity it's considered gauche to tell your friend "I'd like to beat somebody at something. Here, let me teach you that something!" They would've missed the game entirely if Tharan had just come out with it.

 

@Euphrosyne, I love that con. I mean, that was a very bad thing Skani did. Dishonest and all. Tsk, tsk. (I love smugglers.) (Triple bonus points for quoting Belloq!)

[bright_ephemera]

Week of 6/21/2013

Animal Kingdom - Animals are all over in Star Wars, be they beasts of burden, metal-devouring parasites, mounts, showcase pets or underfoot vermin. Write about the animals your character has encountered.

 

And, as ever,

Night of the Living Prompt: Keep on using any prompt you like! Check out the list at http://www.swtor.com/community/showpost.php?p=5223753&postcount=1675.

This week's featured NotLP:

Confessions - Everybody has things they don't like to admit. Sometimes it's big, sometimes it's just something small. Sometimes it's nice to finally let it out. What does your character need to admit - and to who?

[Striges]

Comments:

 

Bright: The juxtaposition of Vierce’s forced apology to his brother and his genuine one to Elara was brilliant. In particular, the part where he remembers Kirsk not really accepting the apology, and he’s holding his breath waiting for Elara’s reaction. Well done.

 

MrTwo: Welcome back! Rizz and Kouhun are always fun to read. I liked how Juliet’s contact glossed over the “rogue element” protecting Rizz. Then Rizz almost embarrassed to admit he might be a bigger bit of trouble than Kouhun already thinks he is. Also: Toydarian strip pazaak sounds nasty but it made me smile anyway.

 

Lesabreisa: All three shorts were very nice. Cadbury eggs are serious business; I giggled at a drunken Aric deserting his CO. Veresia’s comment “You dream of toppling the Sith but you cannot do even this much” is the heart of her piece.

 

Euphrosyne: Guss pulls a con, a real con, without messing it up. Awesome! I enjoyed this story a lot.

 

sthrift: The Halyard family must have weapons checks at reunions. I like how you had Gault settle down and get serious for the job. Dolstine’s shock upon discovering her target’s identity was palpable.

 

Replies:

@ Striges: Yes, your other thread. As you can tell, my subtle jokes are sometimes too subtle for my own good Everyone's said what I was thinking about your Consular piece, though I would add that seeing "The Doctor" made me dream of a Doctor Who/Star Wars crossover.

I was writing the followup piece when I had the same thought. It probably didn’t help I was watching really old Doctor Who episodes at the time. Cue Doctor Who theme music, the time vortex, and the Millenium Falcon (this piece of junk is bigger on the inside!) replacing the Tardis in the opening sequence.

 

@Striges, pity it's considered gauche to tell your friend "I'd like to beat somebody at something. Here, let me teach you that something!" They would've missed the game entirely if Tharan had just come out with it.

I imagined Tharan approached the game like an adult teaching chess to a child, then discovering the child is a chess prodigy. He expected to let Jurial win a little bit but ultimately triumph without hardly working at it. If he hadn’t been so intent on railroading Jurial into playing in the beginning, they might have had a decent game.

[marissalf]

(On an unrelated note: “Stormageddon”...do I detect a fellow Whovian?)

Indeed I was looking for a good legacy name, and that sounds like the kind of overly dramatic name a sith might come up with, haha!

[Lady-Jean]

So...question. Is this a strictly do the prompt of the week or can I start at the top of the prompt list and catch up?

[bright_ephemera]

So...question. Is this a strictly do the prompt of the week or can I start at the top of the prompt list and catch up?

 

Start with any prompt you like! You don't have to do them in order, either, once you've started.

[Lady-Jean]

Okay, here goes.

 

Maldecka the Kid #1

abt. 600 words in 30 min.

_____________________________

 

Culture Shock - The galaxy is a big place, and it's home to a wide variety of different cultures and species. It's not easy working with someone who may look similar to you, but comes from a radically different culture - not to mention being friends or even spouses with them

 

_____________________________

 

 

 

Maldecka wrinkled her nose as the warriors ran about yelling. She didn't think it so odd that a ship was coming out of the sky. Ships came to their village all the time and that never prompted so much effort. Stepping back to avoid being trampled by a passing warrior she sighed. Oh to be ten years older so she could join her brothers on the defensive walls. But the age limit was set to fifteen for a reason, because adults always seem to have a reason.

 

Suddenly all the yelling stopped, and a hush fell over the village. Maldecka stood in the silence for about thirty seconds before deciding that the age limit was silly and she wanted to go see what had everyone so upset.

 

Creeping forward Maldecka tried to walk the way her brothers had taught her, quietly and lightly, to avoid making noise.

 

Upon reaching the gate Maldecka saw the strongest warriors forming a half circle around two tall beings. Maldecka gasped. She had never seen Zabrak like them before. They had no horns, or tattoos, or even hair! And their skin! It was bright blue!

 

Maldecka frowned, because it was possible they shaved there hair or had it all tucked into the two long dangly bits hanging off their heads. But STILL! If someone is blue then they're dead!

 

Jumping back Maldecka realized that must have been why the Warriors were so upset, the DEAD HAD COME TO LIFE! Clenching a fist Maldecka calmed herself. She wanted to be a warrior, and warrior's do not bow to fear, they conquer it.

 

With sudden surety in the rightness of this, Maldecka strode forward until she was right between two of the biggest warriors and took a deep breath.

 

"I’M NOT SCARED OF YOU, YOU DEAD ZABRAKS!!!"

 

Maldecka blinked, she hadn't expected her declaration to make everyone look at her.

 

The shorter blue Zabrak crossed his arms and looked annoyed, "I'm not a Zabrak, I'm a Twelik. And I'm certainly not dead."

 

The taller one put her hand out to push the shorter one back, "I apologize for my padawan. As I said, we sensed a strong force presence here. We wanted to offer that individual the opportunity to train as a Jedi."

 

The Chief stepped forward, "Why should we give up a powerful warrior to be trained by peacenik Jedi?"

 

The taller one tilted her head, "We do strive for peace that is true. And yet, we are all trained to fight. Is this greeting not enough to prove even you respect what two Jedi can do?"

 

Maldecka did a double take when the Twelik claimed to be trained to fight. They had no armor or weapons! Or even decent clothes; they were wearing long flowing robes. A true warrior wore armor that wouldn't get caught on everything they pass.

 

The Chief scowled at the Tweliks, "Well, today's your lucky day. This girl here is the only force sensitive child in this village. Ask her if she wants to be a Jedi."

 

Maldecka tried to stand taller as both of the Tweliks turned back to her.

 

"Really? Her? The one that bellows insults? Can't we just go home Master?"

 

"Padawan, we need to talk about your sensitivity to other cultures. Child, what is your name?"

 

Maldecka planted her fists on her hip, "I am Malecka of the Sunset Tribe! I do not fear you!"

 

The taller one smiled sadly and Maldecka wondered if the Twelik could tell that she was afraid.

 

"I would like to invite you to train as a Jedi. What is your answer Maldecka of the Sunset Tribe?"

 

Maldecka hesitated, it was clear this Jedi training would involve leaving the village, leaving her brothers. She could feel the fear of not having them around uncoiling in her gut.

 

Forcing a confident grin onto her face Maldecka looked her fear in the eye, "I accept. When do we start?"

 

Edited June 22, 2013 by Lady-Jean

[Lady-Jean]

These are just too much fun.

 

Maldecka the Kid #2

Abt 1000 words written in an hour.

 

Allies - When something huge is going down, or just when you need a hand, who can you call that you know is going to have your back? Whether it's someone completely unlikely or exactly what you'd expect, who can you ultimately always rely on?

________________________________________________

 

 

Maldecka's nose itched. It was very hard to focus on the meditation she was supposed to be doing when her nose decided to make itself know.

 

Maldecka scrunched her face up. As she did she heard a giggle next to her. Kally, Maldecka's best friend since she arrived here four months ago, was always better at meditating. Connecting with the force just came more naturally to her.

 

Maldecka cracked one eye open to see Kally had been giggling at Maldecka's attempts to settle her nose.

 

Master Sellanni stood at the front of the class, "Alright, that's enough. You may come out of your mediation now. I believe most of you are headed to Knight Zarro's class next, yes?"

 

The a gaggle of fifteen some initiates jumped to their feet and left the room just shy of sprinting. Maldecka was pleased to see she was toward the front of the group, that meant she would be up front in the next class!

 

"Kally, we'll be in the front today! Kally?" Glancing around it was easy to see Kally got stuck in the back.

 

Maldecka slowed until she was beside Kally, "What happened? I though you were right beside me?"

 

Kally frowned and shoved Maldecka, "Mally, why didn't you stay up there?! You could have saved me a spot in the front. Now we'll both be in the back."

 

Maldecka frowned at the little jab of hurt in her heart. But there was no time to dwell on it, because they had reached the dojo where Knight Zarro taught them basic katas.

 

Kally had managed to snag a spot more toward the middle of the group. Maldecka was stuck in the far back corner. Normally this class made her happy. It was combatives and she was good at it. But the sting of hurt from Kally's actions kept creeping into her mind.

 

Glancing up Maldecka realized Zarro had been addressing the whole group but had not taken his bright yellow eyes off her. Maldecka grit her teeth and focused on the warm-ups. It wouldn't do to anger the only Cathar in the building.

 

Maldecka put up with Kally's cold shoulder routine for the rest of the day. Finally, as it was nearing lights out Maldecka cornered Kally.

 

"I'm sorry okay. What can I do to make it up to you?"

 

Kally beamed at Maldecka, "I thought you'd never ask. You know that cake they had at dinner? We're going to eat the leftovers."

 

Maldecka glanced around to be sure they weren't overheard, "Kally, you're not allowed to have cake, remember? You got in trouble and..."

 

"That's why we're going after lights out." Kally quickly interrupted.

 

Maldecka frowned knowing her hesitation was plane as day to someone as strong in the force as Kally.

 

Kally draped her arm across Maldecka's shoulders, "Come on Mally, we're friends. Would I get you in trouble?"

 

One dusty crawl through the vents and Maldecka was already regretting agreeing to this.

 

Kally had stopped at a vent panel. Crawling up to her Maldecka realized they were looking at the kitchen. The empty kitchen.

 

Kally reached out and moved that panel with the force. They both dropped down and started looking around for where the cakes were stored.

 

Maldecka was poking around the pantry when Kally called her over.

 

"It's got to be in here." Kally whispered as they stood in front of the walk in cooler.

 

Maldecka tried the handle of the big metal door and found she couldn't budge it. Kally motioned Maldecka back and held up one hand.

 

Slowly the door pulled open as Kally manipulated the force around it.

 

"Well, go grab some cake Mally!" Kally ordered.

 

Maldecka crept into the cold and spotted the leftovers of the cake. She would need to climb to reach it. Just as she reached the shelf with the cake on it the main doors to the kitchen slammed open and a loud, angry voice said, "HEY!"

 

Startled, Maldecka leaned to far back and the whole shelf tipped over. Pinned down and covered in leftovers Maldecka looked to the open door.

 

"Help me Kally!"

 

Kally stood there in shock, framed by the open door. She turned on her heel and took off running, letting the heavy door close behind her.

 

"Kally? KALLY!" Maldecka shouted louder as the cold started to get to her.

 

She could hear feet moving about the kitchen. Maldecka tried to lift the shelves off herself but she was completely trapped.

 

The cooler door was suddenly yanked open and Knight Zarro stepped in, filling the space with his presence. As he saw Maldecka, his eyes widened. Maldecka looked down, ashamed.

 

To her surprise the shelves where quickly lifted off and Zarro had picked her up off the floor.

 

"Anything broken?" He rumbled.

 

"No sir." Maldecka replied more out of shock than anything.

 

"Good, hold on."

 

With that Zarro sprinted from the kitchen, willing the force to amplify the strength and speed of his body. A confident turn and three powerful leaps later Zarro had them on the roof of the building, the stars spinning above them.

 

Gently he set Maldecka down and sighed. Maldecka remained still, not really sure what was going on.

 

Zarro seemed to have made up his mind. He sat on the edge of the roof and patted the spot next to him, "You're still in trouble, but I think you need a moment to collect your thoughts."

 

Maldecka quietly sat with him and the two of them looked out at the stars.

 

"She left me behind."

 

"That she did Maldecka."

 

"She said good friends don't get each other in trouble."

 

"Ah, I know for a fact she's wrong. Why me and Orgus used to always get in trouble on late night snacks raids."

 

Maldecka giggled, "I can't picture you every in trouble, Knight Zarro."

 

"Oh, I wasn't always the upright Jedi I am now."

 

Maldecka stilled her giggles, "I'm going to have to explain what happened, and who was involved, aren’t I."

 

Zarro peered at a constellation above them, "Under the circumstances, your accomplice will not benefit from protection from punishment."

 

Maldecka wrapped her arms around her knees, "Knight Zarro? Thanks for helping me back there."

 

Zarro grinned, "That's what Jedi do kid. That's just what we do."

 

[YoshiRaphElan]

Prompt - Animal Kingdom

Title - Gettin' Nerfed

Class - Jedi Knight

No spoilers

 

 

Aaran was hiking down the trail from his mountain home when the sun came up. He smiled at the chilly morning breeze, enjoying the relative cool before the hot summer day began. Leaning on the walking stick he'd carved with the vibroblade given to him by Sergeant Rusk on his eighteenth birthday, he sighed contentedly.

 

Temperature = pleasant // Aaran = seems happy

 

Aaran grinned over at Tate and nodded. "Yes, it's very beautiful out," he said.

 

Tate beeped happily. Suddenly, there was a low growl nearby. He turned and saw a manka cat coming slowly out of the trees. Aaran reached cautiously down to his belt, touching his lightsaber hilt. The manka looked hungry, but Aaran didn't particularly want to harm the animal. He had only killed manka cats or Kath hounds when they threatened citizens and travelers.

 

"Tate," he said quietly, "back down the hill. Hurry."

 

Tate began backing down the trail, and quickly reached the trail. Aaran followed slowly, the manka following him. He was just considering using the Force to put it to sleep when he heard a sharp bray. A nerf shot out of the field nearby and trampled the manka. The cat yelped in surprise and rolled over before running back into the trees. Aaran glanced at the nerf in surprise.

 

"Um...thank you?" he said.

 

The nerf brayed once, turned, and walked off. Aaran laughed to himself and walked down the trail, a swing in his step once again.

 

 

 

In my headcanon Aaran was out in the fields one day and saw a nerf giving birth. He helped her along and the baby was born safely. Years later, here's the baby returning the favor.