Deception in the Ranks: The Fallout of Operation Landslide

[alaurin]

Hopefully no one's getting too tired of this yet. This next part was originally posted 8/24/2014 in the SFC thread for the Allies, Affection, and Alternate Perspectives prompts.

 

 

No Rest for the Wicked

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for Trooper Act 3, specifically the A-99 mission just after Belsavis, and a minor companion romance spoiler for Elara Dorne.

 

“Can’t sleep either, huh?” the tall Zabrak asked quietly as he entered the rec room.

 

“Every time I close my eyes, I hear her voice, then I’m too pissed to sleep,” Aric answered, flipping through the channels on the HoloNet as his CO sat.

 

“Same here……it’s never easy when its someone you know personally, but we’ll get that bastard,” Zev promised, “He’s gonna pay for putting all those lives at risk as well for Jaxo.”

 

“I’ll look forward to that,” Aric nodded, “How you holding up? Does Dorne know about your history with her?”

 

“I talked to her about it after we got the assignment,” Zev answered, “I mean, it was only the one time more than a year ago and neither of us intended it to go anywhere, but I still felt Elara should know. Especially if Ava started hitting on me.”

 

“Yeah, that could’ve been bad,” Aric agreed, the ghost of a smile crossing his tired features.

 

“Let’s just say Elara was less than thrilled to be meeting her after that,” Zev sighed, “but she understood that it was before I’d even met her and that it wasn’t serious. Now I think she’s worried that I’m not handling Ava’s death well because of our prior relationship…..if you could even call it that.”

 

“Are you?”

 

“Honestly,” Zev replied, running his fingers over his bald head, massaging his cranial horns as he encountered them, “and this probably sounds a bit callous, but no. Ava was barely a friend and we’d only worked together those couple of times on Coruscant. We slept together once and she wanted to again a few months back, but I already had feelings for Elara at that point so I turned her down. We haven’t had any contact since then. I’m not sure how I feel though, we shared a night together, but it wasn’t anything more than that for me…….geez, I sound like Jax used to.”

 

“No, I get it,” Aric nodded, “I was there, remember? She was coming on pretty strong and I can’t blame you for taking her up on it. It doesn’t make you callous, just a normal guy in that situation.”

 

“Like you, I’m angry at Rakton for trying to kill all those people just to take out Havoc. All those lives meant nothing to him and while sacrificing one life to save three hundred was the logical choice, it was still one too many to lose and he will pay for Ava’s sacrifice.”

 

“You did what you had to do and deep down you know it was the right thing,” Aric told him, “and to be honest, it was unfair of her to lay that guilt trip on you……”

 

“Don’t go there, Aric,” Zev snapped, then instantly felt bad, “Sorry….it’s just that she was a good soldier who didn’t want to die. She’s not like this cranky old stubborn Cathar I know who got himself shot all to hell because he wanted to keep our medic from getting gunned down back on the Gauntlet.”

 

“None of us wants to die, but if you’re afraid to…..well, you shouldn’t be in the military,” Aric countered, “and I’m not that old. Besides, you’re one to talk. Weren’t you the one who ran into sniper fire to get to Dek during Operation Landslide?”

 

“It’s one thing to be willing to die, it’s another thing when you’re actually faced with it,” Zev sighed, “Elara’s been part of Havoc almost as long as we have, so it was natural for you to put yourself in harm’s way for her. Dek’s my cousin and we practically grew up together, so of course I was going to do everything I could to save him. You and I are cut from the same cloth, Aric. I think Dek and I learned to walk at a march and it wouldn’t surprise me if you came out of the womb barking orders. But not everyone’s like us and maybe that was the first time Ava was faced with death. Sadly, it was her last and that’s where my guilt lies……she died and it was my call. I was just as responsible for her death as Rakton and that’s going to haunt me for a long time.”

 

“You’re wrong,” Aric shook his head, “Would you rather have three hundred lives on your conscience?! Rakton is the one who fired on that prison and Jaxo’s blood is on his hands, not yours.” Then Aric sat back, rubbing his temples for a moment, “but I understand how you’re feeling because in a way, I’ve been there.”

 

“That’s right…….Natalia,” Zev mused, remembering Aric’s past with their contact, “Now I know why this is bothering you so much. It’s bringing out some bad memories for you.”

 

“I hear Jaxo pleading for her life, then I start picturing myself back on Ord, holding Natalia as she bled out on the ground,” Aric admitted, “I put her there. I wasn’t holding the blade that sliced her open, but it’s my fault she was there…..all because she got snotty when I busted her for breaking curfew. Instead of putting her on latrine duty or laundry detail, I assign her to night patrols. She didn’t belong there…..hell, she didn’t belong on Ord, period!”

 

“And you were trying to help her in the best way you could,” Zev told him, “You said so yourself, you put her with people you knew could help her learn to be better in combat and while I can completely understand why someone would get snotty with you, she did break rules and it warranted punishment. It’s better than letting it slide like I did with Private Bradley. That’s one of my biggest regrets and while I was new to a leadership role at the time, I should’ve cracked down on him from the start. That’s one of the reasons I made you my XO, Aric. My biggest weakness as a leader is my difficulty with disciplining subordinates and I needed someone who’s not afraid to bust chops when I’m not able to.”

 

“You’re right, I couldn’t let it go unanswered and I’ve never hesitated to crack down on that kind of stuff, but there are several punishments I could’ve chosen from,” Aric sighed, “and I wish I had. Gods, it’s no wonder I was so hated back then. Do you know she actually defended me to some of the other new troops once? In fact, other than the curfew incident, she was always nice to me.”

 

“Gee, that’s hard to picture……she seemed so intelligent when we met her,” Zev snickered, grinning at Aric’s middle finger salute, “Tell me about her back then.”

 

“Well, she wasn’t on Ord long, but personality wise, she’s pretty much the same as we saw back at Club Paradise. She wasn’t a flirt though, so that’s new, but she was always very open and easygoing, made friends easily……hell, I even liked her.”

 

“Wow,” Zev choked, “I didn’t think you liked anyone on Ord, which is why your cranky a*s was so unpopular……you didn’t exactly hide it. Wait a minute……did you like her?”

 

“No,” Aric shook his head, “I mean she was cute in a way and I’ve always appreciated busty women, but I had that career mentality back then and avoided intimacy with military girls. There was this sweet little barmaid at the cantina that I used to get with every once in a while……”

 

“You mean to tell me a woman actually wanted your surly hide?” a gravelly voice called out from the doorway, “Did you have to pay her?”

 

“One of these days, I’m going to shove my assault cannon up your a*s, Vik,” Aric growled at the Weequay.

 

“Come on, guys,” Zev groaned, closing his eyes as he leaned back in the chair, “Try and get along for a day or two, alright? Remember, you have to act like you can actually stand to be around each other when you go get the drop tomorrow.”

 

“I’ll behave,” Vik promised, taking a seat on the couch opposite Zev, “and Jorgan’s going to be too focused on our hot little dancer to give me a second thought.”

 

“Wait a minute,” Zev’s eyes popped open as something occurred to him and he turned towards his XO, “You didn’t think about Natalia that way back on Ord, but she’s in your head now, isn’t she? That’s why you’ve been associating Ava’s death with what happened on Ord three years ago……you’ve got feelings for her!”

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Aric muttered, avoiding eye contact as he felt the tips of his ears burning.

 

“Aric Jorgan, you are probably the worst liar I’ve ever seen,” Elara sighed from the doorway, “and having served in the Imperial military, I saw a fair share of truth skirting. What is it with men and emotions anyways?”

 

“We basically suck at them,” Zev looked sheepish as Elara sat next to him, “but we eventually get it right.”

 

“Yeah, after nearly a year,” Elara rolled her eyes, “I’m not so sure about him though.”

 

“As much fun as this is,” Aric muttered his annoyance as he stood, “I think I’m going back to bed.”

 

“Wait,” Zev called out, “Look, I know some of us have been teasing you about what happened at the Club, but you’re my friend Aric, and I’m being serious when I say I’ve never once seen you as happy as you were when you caught back up to us. Its fine if you don’t want to tell us what happened back at that suite when the two of you were alone, but it’s obvious you feel something for that girl and I’m here if you need to talk about it.”

 

After a silent moment, Aric sank back into the chair, “I just don’t know what to think. Everything’s so confusing. I can’t stop thinking about her and it’s all mixed up. Back on Ord, I admired her tenacity. She never once complained when it was painfully obvious she wasn’t suited to an infantry role. She gave it her all and never quit. I respected her intelligence and ease with it. She once beat General Vander at chess and he was a master at the game, not to mention that she regularly took her peers for several credits a week on sabacc night.” He sighed, “And like everyone else, I was drawn to her open and friendly nature despite my penchant for being what you refer to as an ornery bastard.”

 

“Like I said before, that drill sergeant mentality isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” Zev told him, “You just need to learn to let go of that persona and let yourself have a good time once in a while. Why do you think we volunteered you for that lap dance?”

 

“Because that a*shole thought it would be funny,” Aric snorted, pointing at their explosives expert.

 

“Nah,” Vik shook his head, “I thought your reaction to finding out would be hilarious, but if there was ever anyone who needed to get drunk and let a woman work you over, it was you.”

 

“I can’t argue with that,” Zev agreed, ignoring the glare Aric shot him, “So we’ve established that you held Natalia in high regard back then even though you never let it show to anyone……probably not even yourself, but what about now?”

 

“Well, she still seems to possess those same qualities, but now they’re mixed in with that erotic little vixen who made me feel things, do things I would’ve never considered before. Her scent, that sultry voice, the way she felt, that teasing smile……its burned into my memory,” Aric growled in frustration, “Dammit, she’s turned me inside out and I haven’t a karking clue to what I should do about it. And if that’s not enough, anytime I start to dwell on that, thoughts of Ord creep back in the mix and I relive the fear and guilt that tore at me as I watched her fading in my arms. It took me months to get past that and I’m not sure I ever did. General Vander finally made me take some leave time and go off planet for a couple of weeks. I eventually was able to move on after I found out she was going to be alright and was being reassigned.”

 

“That’s understandable,” Zev nodded, “But it sounds like you managed to work through it, so what’s eating you up now? Why are you so hesitant?”

 

“What if she blames me for Ord still? What if she hates me? You heard her back at the party, she said I was an arrogant bastard. I know she did what she did at the party because of her cover…….but later, what if she just got caught up in the heat of the moment when I went back for my wallet?”

 

“Welcome to the club,” Tanno chuckled, “Women been confusing the hell out of me since I was old enough to get a…..”

 

“Please don’t finish that statement,” Elara interrupted, a pained expression on her face, “because I can do without that visual.” Then she turned to the Cathar and her tone softened, “Aric, it’s obvious you care about her and despite this unusual situation, it still works the same, but you need to sort it out for yourself. Find a way to talk to her and see if your feelings are one sided or not and go from there.”

 

“But why now? I’m still essentially the same person, okay, maybe a little less of an ******e, and maybe not as uptight, but I didn’t feel this pull towards her three years ago. Is it because she looks different? She was a little chubby back then, but not unattractive. I’d never really paid attention to her looks back then, but now……”

 

“Can’t exactly ignore that bod when it’s practically naked and wiggling in your lap,” Tanno chuckled.

 

“Nice, Vik,” Zev shook his head, “and don’t get upset, Elara, but he does have a point. Knowing how rigid Aric was back then, unless Natalia regularly pranced around Fort Garnik in the buff, he probably wouldn’t have noticed her looks or done anything about it if he had.”

 

“So because she flaunts a bod that men fantasize about, and she didn’t back then, I’m suddenly attracted to her when I wasn’t before?” Aric summed up, blanching at how bad that sounded, “If that’s the case, than it makes me a real pr*ck and she deserves better than that.”

 

“It’s not that exactly,” Zev began, trying to find the right words, “It’s like you said, she was friendly and outgoing back then, but not the flirt we saw three weeks ago. That’s probably related to her own self-perception.”

 

“She lost weight, toned up, and gained confidence in her looks,” Elara nodded her agreement, “and as a result, became outgoing on a whole other level. That could very well be what’s helping to draw your attention, not just her looks now, but the feminine confidence that comes with them.”

 

“And you’ve mellowed out a little since I met you on Balmorra,” Tanno added, “You might be more receptive to the idea now.”

 

“Perhaps it is Jorgan’s path,” Yuun suggested from the doorway, “Jorgan wasn’t ready for Agent when she was Sergeant. Sergeant wasn’t ready either, still had to find own path. Sergeant now Agent, has grown, changed, different yet same. Jorgan has grown, changed, different yet same. Paths cross again, maybe sign Agent and Jorgan are ready to walk same path.”

 

“That actually makes sense,” Zev pondered, “Think about it Aric, a lot has happened to both of you these past three years. Maybe you’re not so career minded now and the brush with death you took last month would be enough to make anyone rethink a few things. I think Elara’s got the right idea about what you should do. See if you can find a way to talk to her tomorrow, at least you should be able to get an idea if she’s interested.”

 

Aric bowed his head, reflecting on that for a moment, and realized they were all making some sense. He also had to admit that he would like to at least take her out and maybe get to really know her since he never really got the chance on Ord. He looked up at four sets of eyes staring expectantly at him, “Do we have our next assignment yet?”

 

“Thinking about taking her out?” Zev grinned, then went on after a sheepish Aric nodded, “Well, Garza mentioned Voss, but that she was still working on getting us clearance to operate there. Apparently it’s a delicate situation and the Republic ambassadors are worried too much of a military presence might cause a problem with negotiations. Luckily, Voss is only about twenty hours travel from Nar Shaddaa, but I really can’t say how much time we’ll have.”

 

“So talk fast or you might not have time to see any action……”

 

“It’s astonishing you’re still single,” Elara shook her head at the Weequay.

 

*****

 

“How come you’re still here?” the petite pink Twi’lek asked her friend, “I thought you were the early shift today.”

 

“I was,” Natalia answered, picking at her plate, “but Brie got that flu that’s going around, so I agreed to take the first half of her shift and Jilli’s coming in early for the second.”

 

“Awwww, dammit,” Rose swore, “I let her share my sandwich yesterday! Now I’m probably going to get that crap and I can’t afford to take a day off.”

 

“You know I’ll lend you credits if you’re short,” Jake offered.

 

“Same here,” Natalia agreed, noticing that the brawny bouncer’s warm brown eyes lingered on the Twi’lek before turning to his burger.

 

Natalia, Rose, and Jake were sitting at a table, enjoying an early dinner break together as the club shut down for the two hour cleaning shift before prime time hit. Natalia was only half paying attention to her friends, her mind on other things. In the forefront was her most recent party and the wealth of information she’d gotten. It was almost worth having to get that prig off during the show. Sure, he was all charming on the exterior as he was in the public eye, but once the party was in the private suite, his true self reared its slimy head. To him, she was there for his entertainment and he fully intended to get his fill, despite her gently reiterating the rules to him more than once. At one point during a routine check in, Jake looked ready to bust the man’s head open and even one of his own hired goons had to tell the Senator to back off a little. Natalia wasn’t new to men pulling that crap, she’d had her fair share of sleazy customers during her weeks at that dive joint she started out in. While he certainly wasn’t the first man to feel entitled to let his hands wander further than she wanted, this time it really bothered her and for the first time since her early days, Nataila had to fight to control her revulsion and the instinctive desire to snap Bradley’s neck.

 

One of the first lessons Jonas had driven into her during field training was detachment. Emotions and personal feelings had a tendency to be a hindrance in their line of work so keeping yourself detached was key and with the exception of her friendship with Jake and Rose, Natalia had done well with that……..until three weeks ago when her old crush reentered her life. After the brief intimate moments they shared, she found herself compromised. It had become increasingly harder to remain neutral when dancing ever since, something that was crucial for anyone in that profession, and potentially dangerous for her to let slip. She couldn’t help it though, she let it become personal the moment she began her dance for Aric Jorgan.

 

That was another issue altogether and a very difficult one that was tying her in knots. Those old feelings had resurfaced and were rapidly surpassing the crush it had once been, due in large part to what she’d done to him during the show and what he did to her after the party. She tried to be logical about it, knowing he was likely acting on the desire she’d worked up in him and nothing more. He’d never given her a second thought or glance during her time on Ord and she couldn’t blame him for that. Despite her easygoing, friendly nature that made her well liked, she hadn’t exactly been attractive back then. Sure, she always had a cute face, but she’d been quite chubby and most of those military alpha types weren’t into pudgy girls. It also didn’t help that her clothing trended more towards the conservative and comfortably functional versus the eye catching, figure hugging, revealing stuff she wore now.

 

Her time in the SIS had changed her drastically, both inside and out. The physical therapy and later training melted away the fat and replacing it with muscle. A couple of the female agents taught her about fashion, hairstyling, and makeup. With a trimmer figure, Natalia discovered an appreciation for stylish clothes and gained a boost in her self-confidence. With time, she became adept at using her appearance to her advantage, adding that skill to her already impressive repertoire of reading and assessing people. Once brought out of her shell, Natalia’s charming nature made her a natural at flirting and by the time she took that first undercover gig, she could nearly rival Jonas on that front. However, unlike her roguish superior, she rarely indulged in physical intimacy since she still felt a little awkward about it, a throwback to those chubby years. Although that didn’t seem to be an issue three weeks ago, she mused, that tingling heat spreading through her body with the memories.

 

For the first time, Natalia was discombobulated over a man. Sure, her schoolgirl type fixation on Aric had occupied her thoughts on Ord and was part of the reason she got so mouthy with him when he busted her for being out past curfew, but at least then she knew it was one sided. Now, she didn’t know what to think. She had no idea what he felt about her, if anything other than the guilt he still seemed to carry over assigning her to a night watch post that got raided by Seps. He blamed himself for her nearly being killed that night, something he’d whispered over and over in apology when he held her as they waited for a med evac that fateful night. It’s one of the few things she remembered clearly and one of the rare times she’d ever seen him show any real emotion at all…….until that party.

 

Her biggest dilemma was that she had no way of knowing if that recent and very positive attention he showed her was for her ‘Naula’ persona or her real self, the same girl who had a crush on him, the same girl she essentially still was inside……just in a slightly different package. You need to forget it and get your head screwed on right, she mentally chided herself as she absently swirled her straw, Aric Jorgan is a distraction you can ill afford right now. You’ve got more pressing things to deal with so you can get back to your normal life.

 

“Someone’s pining,” Rose teased, then patted her friend on the shoulder, “I’m sorry, Naula. I thought he’d have visited by now.”

 

“Who?” Jake’s brow furrowed.

 

“That guy from the bachelor party a few weeks back……you know, the one she gave the happy ending dance to.”

 

“The Cathar that came back for his wallet, right?” Jake mused, chuckling when he saw the blush creeping up Naula’s cheeks, “No reason to be embarrassed……you’re not the first dancer to have a little fun in the suite after a party and he seemed like a decent guy.”

 

“Jake’s right,” Rose chirped, “In fact, I think you were the only one who hadn’t banged a client after a party.”

 

“Rose!”

 

“What? It’s true! I know I did before I had to quit dancing and Jilli does it all the time, not that I can blame her…..those dances can make the girls just as h*rny as the guys,” Rose grinned, “and after what you did to him, I’m not surprised you were all hot and bothered. I’d have totally taken a piece of that action.”

 

“Were you raised by sailors or something?”

 

“I just tell it like it is,” Rose shrugged, “anyways, just move on. If he hasn’t tried to contact you or visit, he’s probably not interested in anything more.”

 

“Nah,” Jake countered, seeing the sad look on Naula’s face, “I think he was interested, but probably hasn’t been able to get here. The guy’s Spec Forces and they don’t exactly get leisure time at will.”

 

“How do you know he’s Spec Forces?”

 

“You must’ve popped a button on his shirt during that last dance and I noticed his dog tags when he came back to look for his wallet,” Jake explained, “I saw him limping a little and asked him about it on the way upstairs. Told him I’d always wanted to go into the military, but ended up having to take care of my brother and sister after Mom died. We talked for a couple of minutes before he went into the suite.”

 

“Ooooooo,” Rose bounced excitedly in the chair, her lekku swaying as she grabbed Naula’s hand, “I’ll bet he’ll come here next time he’s on leave. Maybe he’s been pining for you too! How often do they get leave time?”

 

“Well, my brother gets a weekend every month, but he’s still in training at the Academy,” Jake answered, “but with Spec Forces, I don’t think it’s scheduled…..probably between missions if there’s time.”

 

“Oh…..maybe he’s doing something dangerous and heroic like going behind enemy lines to save the galaxy,” Rose’s face lit up as her vivid imagination took over, “Or he could be doing a daring rescue……”

 

“You’re such a nut,” Natalia rolled her eyes as Jake chuckled. She felt an acute pang of sadness as a downside to getting back to her real life registered……she was going to miss her friends here at the club.

 

******

 

Six hours later, a tired Natalia was more than ready for her shift to end and felt relieved when she saw Jilli come in. Her feet were killing her and she was starving since she’d eaten little while pondering her feelings for Aric. She was also eager for this whole assignment to be finished truth be told. She was tired of being treated like a piece of furniture no matter how good the pay or all the scumbags they’d brought down. She was finding it harder and harder to deal with sleazy rich men trying to cop an extra feel as they tipped her and she didn’t think she could make it through any more parties. Hopefully this would be it though. That prig Senator finally brought out the missing piece of the equation, Colonel Robert Wilks. Bradley recently made contact with the man responsible for putting the final nail in the coffins of Jax, Dek, and Zev’s careers and set up a meeting to arrange a payout finally. There would be no payout, however, the Senator was cleaning house and intended to take the Colonel out. As far as Natalia knew, Wilks had no clue that he was walking into a trap.

 

“Oh, Naula,” Rose called out in a sing-song voice, “You’ve been requested for a private.”

 

“Damn,” Natalia cursed under her breath, “Jilli just walked in to relieve me.”

 

“Trust me,” Rose grinned, her lavender eyes sparkling, “You really want to do this one.”

 

“I do?” Natalia rolled her eyes, “and why’s that?”

 

“Because it’s for a certain Cathar someone’s been daydreaming about these past three weeks,” Rose giggled, shoving her friend towards the dressing room, “Now change quickly, and go get him girl!”

 

After the fastest costume change she could manage, Natalia had the datastick safely hidden on her and was heading for one of the small private rooms. She rolled her eyes as Jake and Rose gave her a thumbs up, then took a deep breath to calm her nervous excitement as she entered the room.

 

“Well, well boys,” Natalia purred as she hopped up on the platform, slowly turning to wink at both of them, “You lucked out and just caught me before I left. My shift ended a few minutes ago.”

 

“Sorry about that,” Tanno told her, “We can come back another time…..”

 

“Don’t be silly,” Natalia assured them as she slid off the platform, turning on the music as she did so, “I’m tickled you boys requested me and it’s no problem at all. I’ll get extra pay and it’s always fun to dance for repeat customers.”

 

“You sure?” Aric asked, noticing her eyes looked fatigued as she settled on his lap, “I hate to keep you here if you’re tired.”

 

“Aren’t you sweet,” Natalia drawled in her husky voice, smiling at him, “and really, I don’t mind at all.” She leaned closer to whisper as she palmed the datastick she’d hidden in her metal band of her brassier, “Its good you’re here……I just did a party a couple days ago for our friends and the good Senator.”

 

Aric tensed and met her eye just as her hand drifted down his abdomen and Natalia was quick to reassure him, “Relax darlin’ its fine.”

 

Aric understood what she meant and sat back in the chair, catching his confused companion’s eye to let him know she’d told him something big. He was focused on that and was shocked to feel bold fingers slowly make their way across his lap before slipping into his pocket. He shut his eyes as a groan escaped his throat, earning a husky laugh from the temptress in his lap. His dazed brain caught on a second later when he felt something in his pocket after her hand left it.

 

Insisting that they didn’t want to keep her too long since her shift was over, Aric and Tanno left a short time later. They were just about to go out the door when the pink Twi’lek hostess stopped them. With a knowing wink at Aric and an impish smirk, she whispered that the dancers exit out through the back alley and Naula would probably be leaving soon. Aric thanked her as Vik shot him a wolfish grin. Once out the door, Aric handed Vik the datastick and went to wait for Natalia in the back alley, ignoring the teasing guffaws the Weequay let out as he left.

 

As Rose predicted, a short time later, Natalia left out the back door dressed in simple jeans and a tank top, her damp strawberry blond locks tumbling down her back in thick waves. She gave a wistful sigh, already missing Aric and once again wishing her assignment was over so she could do something about these renewed feelings she had for him, even if it was one sided. At least then she’d know and the logical part of her brain would begin the process of moving on. He did seem happy to see you, though, she mused and for once her rational side allowed the hopeless romantic that small victory uncontested. Quiet footsteps caught her attention and she reached for the blade she always kept tucked in her boot.

 

“I know I probably deserve it after everything that happened in the past,” a familiar voice called out softly as he stepped out of the shadows, “but do you really want to use that on me?”

 

Natalia couldn’t help the smile that formed, her heart was soaring at the fact he’d remembered her words and stuck around to wait for her. “No,” she whispered, unable to stop the smile curving her lips.

 

“Good,” he murmured, cupping her face in those warm velvety hands, “Because I’ve been waiting weeks to do this.” Then his mouth captured hers in a gentle kiss that spoke volumes.

 

The pleasured sigh that parted her lips was all the encouragement Aric needed and his other arm wrapped around her waist to draw her closer as he dipped his tongue inside. With a throaty moan, Natalia’s eyes closed as she returned his kiss, slipping her arms around his neck as he gently nipped her lower lip, causing her knees to feel weak. For several moments, both were completely oblivious to everything but each other as they made out with near reckless abandon in the alleyway, the occasional husky whisper the only sounds heard as hands roamed and mouths explored, satisfying an intense need that had been brewing in both of them for the past three weeks. It was only when he felt her nimble fingers make their way under his shirt and up his back that some form of sanity returned. With a reluctant sigh, Aric pulled away a little, touching his forehead to hers as their heavy lidded gazes met.

 

“I swear, I meant to do this right,” he admitted, his voice thick as they both worked to catch their breaths, “I wanted to ask you out……on a date. Instead I ended up acting like a h*rny teenager and tried to ravage you in the back alley.”

 

“Did you hear me complaining?” Natalia gave a husky laugh.

 

“No,” Aric chuckled, a sly grin crossing his face as he recalled some of the noises she’d been making, “but I sorta wanted to get to know you……again. Kark, this is so frustrating.”

 

“Tell you what,” Natalia suggested, knowing what he meant and feeling the same way, “How about you take me to a movie at the CinaPlex and walk me back to my apartment after. We can speak freely there…..that is if you want to and have the time.”

 

“We don’t have official orders yet, so as far as I know, I have the time,” Aric smiled, offering her his arm, “and I’d very much like that.”

 

“Me too,” she agreed as she took it.

 

*****

 

Zev glanced at the chrono for the tenth time in as many minutes, in utter shock that his extremely punctual second in command wasn’t there yet. He’d sent Jorgan a message late last night that they got their orders and needed to leave planet by eight hundred in order to arrive on Voss early enough to avoid the morning rush of arrivals and make their meeting with Garza’s contact on time. It was now fifteen minutes before they needed to go and Havoc’s XO was still absent with not so much as a word, something the notoriously demanding Captain would’ve taken anyone else’s head off for.

 

“Do you think something happened to him?” Elara asked, sensing his worry.

 

“I’m sure I’d have heard about it if something had,” Zev sighed, smiling as he looked to see if anyone was around before stealing a quick, yet thorough kiss from the beautiful medic. A moment later, he pulled away, checking the chrono again, “Never thought I’d have to reprimand Aric Jorgan for being late.”

 

“Its not like him at all, that’s for sure,” Elara agreed, frowning.

 

The door to the ship opening caught their attention and Zev was ready to let his tardy XO have it when the man in question came up the stairs, then his jaw dropped when he got a good look at him. Aric’s shirt was untucked, wide open, and missing most of its buttons. His pants were riding uncharacteristically low on his hips, most likely due not having a belt on, and he was actually whistling a lighthearted tune. If it weren’t for the dog tags resting on his furred chest, Zev would’ve swore that Aric Jorgan had an evil twin out there.

 

"Well look what the Kath hound dragged in," Tanno chuckled as he came out of the crew quarters, Yuun right behind him, “It’s about damn time……usually me that’s got the boss pacing and you trying to take my head off after.” Then his sharp blue eyes narrowed as he spotted a smear of pink on the tawny fur under Aric’s ear, “Is that lipstick on your neck?”

 

“Probably,” Aric shrugged, “I’m sure it’s not the only spot.”

 

"What happened to your shirt?" Zev finally managed to speak, unused to seeing the Cathar so blasé about anything.

 

“Things got a little heated that first time and the buttons were taking too long.”

 

Yuun chirped something about Jorgan finally finding Agent’s path, then the Gand went upstairs to begin getting the ship’s systems ready for takeoff. Elara was still staring, dumbfounded that Aric was so unconcerned about walking around with his bare chest showing when he couldn’t even look at her for a month after what they dubbed ‘the towel incident’ occurred. Then she noticed his pants were riding low enough to show the waistband of his boxers, something he often grumbled his annoyance about whenever they saw teenagers on the street boasting that style of dress, and she couldn’t resist taking a rare dig, “Never thought I’d see the day you accepted the boxer displaying fashion trend, Captain.”

 

"Couldn’t find my belt this morning.”

 

"Did you even sleep?" Zev smirked.

 

Aric flashed them a wicked grin, “Not really.”

 

“Well come on, Romeo,” Zev clapped the Cathar on the back, “Let’s get this bus into space and you can go back to bed.”

 

“Sure thing,” Aric nodded, “Nice hickey by the way. Good to see you and Elara used your time alone wisely. I was getting tired of her sending us out to do paperwork.”

 

“Caught on to that did you?” Zev shot him a sideways glance as Elara blushed, but just as they turned to head to the cockpit, Zev’s comlink rang. He saw who it was from and rushed over to the ship’s Holoterminal to plug it in.

 

“Balkar,” Zev nodded as the agent’s image appeared, “Something happen?”

 

“We have a problem,” Jonas replied, his tone grim as the rest of Havoc gathered around the terminal, “After you called me with last night’s information, I put a watch on Wilks.”

 

“And?”

 

“He’s dropped off the grid.”

 

 

Author’s Note: (Same Trooper Spoilers)

 

I liked Ava Jaxo, but it really bugged me that she was willing to let 300 people die to save herself. I didn’t like seeing that side to her.

 

Edited February 8, 2015 by alaurin

[frauzet]

I am still here and refreshing my memory. But I think I know how you feel, probably not much different than me

I say don't worry too much. In the end it will be nice to have the whole story sorted into one thread.

 

Trooper spoiler

 

Regarding Jaxo I have a bit of a problem with the ingame events. Apart from hating the decision, I found her behaviour not credible. She wouldn't be in this line of work if she was a coward. It doesn't fit the Jaxo I saw earlier. The whole thing reeked of just being fabricated for this awful decision, especially for a male trooper who had an affair with her. My headcanon atm is she has some kind of phobia, caused by her parents dying in a fire or some such. I haven't worked this out yet.

 

[alaurin]

Comment: (same Trooper spoilers from the previous story)

 

@frauzet: I like your cannon reasoning for Jaxo's behavior. Having played both genders, I'll admit it was harder from the male Trooper's perspective because of the shared intimacy, but it was still a terrible decision to make. It did strike me as a little out of character even if they did hint at it subtly when you visit her after Quesh (2nd hookup or girls night out depending on the Trooper's gender).

 

Now for the next part, taking place roughly a week later.

 

 

Taking Out the Trash

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for BH Voss

 

“By the stars this is heavy,” the tall Devaronian complained, his arms straining to hold his portion of the massive bundle. He knew he was going to be feeling the aches and pains for the next day.

 

“Hey, I’m by myself on this end,” Dekkyn snapped, the burly Zabrak pausing as he felt his grip slip a little, “and did you really have to take off half his head?!”

 

“I think it actually improved his looks,” Gault smirked.

 

“Smell is horrible,” the blond Mandalorian grunted, “Darworir.”

 

“Now that’s not my fault,” Gault snorted, “You’re the one who roasted him with a flamethrower!”

 

“Aruetii. Had it coming,” Torian defended himself.

 

“And you’re one to complain about smell, Torian,” Dek gritted, catching another whiff as he tried to get a better grip, “or did you forget about making me smear rakghoul piss all over myself back on Taris?!”

 

“Urine smelled better,” Torian shot back, “Still don’t know why can’t leave him on the path.”

 

“Can’t afford the attention it’d likely draw from a multitude of sources,” Dekkyn explained again, “Otherwise I would have. But the last thing we need is the Voss getting upset over a ditched body, blaming me since he was supposedly a part of my crew, then complaining to the Imperials…….”

 

“Who aren’t exactly thrilled with us,” Gault continued, “Dek’s right, as disgusting as dragging dung for brains’s smelly carcass to the foot of the mountain is, it’s a whole lot better than pissing off the Imperials. Trust me, one target on your back is plenty to deal with, but Dek…..and us by association, has several already. No need to add one more.”

 

“I still can’t believe that innkeeper bought your story, Gault,” Dek shook his head as they carefully made their way down the narrow path, “I gotta say, that was pretty smooth talking.”

 

“Hey, what can I say,” Gault drawled, a sly look on his face, “I have experience at fabricating cover stories and making hasty exits.”

 

“Con artist one-oh-one?” Dek snickered, grimacing as the corpse slid closer to his chest, “I don’t think I’ve ever handled anything this nasty……not even when I was put on laundry detail in the military. The Voss must not have a very keen sense of smell.”

 

“Oy, how much further?” Torian choked, gagging at the stench coming from their burden as it shifted again.

 

“Just got to get out of Voss-Ka’s limits,” Gault answered, “So not too much further. Figured we could plant it near that cave the Exchange was operating out of. That way, if he’s ever found, most would assume he was with them.”

 

“Hopefully Mako has the ship’s registry changed by the time we get there because I want to get the void out of here and warn Jax and Zev that Manson Securities knows they’re headed for Nar Shaddaa,” Dek muttered, cursing the Houk once again as the image of his disgusting hands around Mako’s slender throat surfaced again, never really far from his thoughts.

 

Dek and his crew, minus Blizz, had been staying in Voss-Ka while the little Jawa made some much needed repairs to their ship. Since Blizz was rarely quiet while working, Dek decided to put them all up in a small inn so they could actually sleep and the Jawa could work undisturbed.

 

They’d just finished capturing their target and Dek, Torian, and Gault got General Redrish, now frozen in carbonite back to Voss-Ka. They met Blizz at the shuttle to the orbital station, the Jawa promising to get the ship ready for takeoff as soon as their carbonite cargo was secured. As soon as everyone was packed and ready, they'd be taking their frozen target to Nar Shaddaa……part of Balkar’s plan to get Dek in close enough to Darth Torman to take him out. After leaving the Jawa with the carbonite slab, the three men then headed back to the inn to help Mako and Skadge haul their belongings back to the ship, the latter proving to be useful in hauling the larger trunks holding their weapons and armor.

 

However, when they entered the room, there was a shocking surprise waiting for them. Their most recent and very dubious addition had Mako by the throat. Reacting purely on a primal instinct to keep his woman safe, Dek charged in, and aided by the element of surprise, forced Skadge to release Mako as the Zabrak tackled him to the ground. Gault rushed in and scooped up the barely conscious Mako, carrying her safely away from the brawl on the floor. Skadge wasn’t one to go down easily though, and had the upper hand quickly despite Dekkyn’s more muscular build. Skadge slammed Dek’s head to the ground hard enough for black spots to cloud his vision. Slightly dazed, Dek wasn’t able to dodge fast enough and felt a sharp blade slice into his side. He brought one arm up as the blade arced back for his throat, his other arm going for his blaster. The vibroknife never finished its strike, however, and Skadge let out a painful roar as flames enveloped him seconds before a large staff struck the Houk hard enough to knock him off of Dek.

 

Skadge tried to stand, his shouts growing louder as the flames continued to lick his body. Once again, Dek reached for his blaster to permanently silence the disgusting blob before his shouts attracted too much attention. Unfortunately, his blaster had been knocked out of his holster when he initially tackled Skadge, but the shrieks halted a second later when a series of rifle shots echoed through the room.

 

Dek and Torian’s gazes shot to the Devaronian holding a smoking sniper rifle just as they heard a knock on the door. Dek quickly kicked the rug to cover up what was left of Skadge’s head and Gault set his rifle against the wall before opening the door. The frowning innkeeper demanded to know what was going on and without missing a beat, their resident grifter’s silver tongue began weaving a clever tale. Gault explained that their former crewmate had too much to drink that afternoon and started roughing up their medic when she tried to get him to sleep it off. He went on to further explain that their medic was also Dek’s soon to be wife and he wasn’t happy to find Skadge hurting her. The resulting scuffle caused the racket and he admitted to firing a blaster to break them up.

 

Apologizing profusely, the Devaronian slipped the doubtful innkeeper several credsticks and assured him they’d be escorting the unconscious Houk to his Exchange buddies at the foot of the mountain outside of Voss-Ka’s limits. Mollified by the generous payment, the innkeeper told Gault it would be prudent if they took the back exit in order to avoid being seen and even directed them to a pathway on the outskirts of the city that would take them down the mountain by speeder.

 

Once the innkeeper left, Dek hurried over to pale and visibly shaken Mako who was sitting on the sofa. He sat next to her, pulling her into his lap so he could hold her tight. He needed to feel her in his arms, a ward against the emotional turmoil raging inside him after coming so close to losing her. She was content to stay there, sipping the water Gault handed her for a few moments before her hoarse whisper of a voice began to tell them what happened.

 

As it turned out, Mako had finished packing her and Dek’s things and had come into the main room of the suite to stack their bags by the door. She heard Skadge talking to someone in the other room and decided to see what he was up to. He was talking to one of the guys from Manson Strategies on his comlink, telling them Dekkyn was getting ready to leave Voss for Nar Shaddaa. He also informed the man that both Jax and Zev were en route as well. Mako charged up her blaster and shot the comlink out of Skadge’s beefy hand, then shot him with her taser.

 

However, Mako’s stun device wasn’t enough for the enormous Houk and he overpowered her easily, laughing the whole time. He said he’d overheard Dek on the Holo before they arrived on Voss and knew everything. Since Dek already told him he’d take him as far as Nar Shaddaa and he’d be on his own, Skadge felt no qualms about betraying him to Manson Strategies, especially after the nice payout they offered if he’d keep them posted on Dek’s movements and let them know when he would be returning to Nar Shaddaa.

 

Dek had called Blizz and as soon as the Jawa arrived with the ship’s protocol droid, they loaded their bags and trunks to a speeder, then Mako accompanied Blizz and TwoVee to the shuttle that would take them to the orbital station. Once at the station, Mako would slice into one of the terminals there and change the ship’s registry again to reflect Gellar Roing as the owner.

 

Torian, Gault, and Dek loaded Skadge’s corpse onto one of the remaining speeders, securing it well before Dek climbed on. Torian and Gault followed on the last speeder as they made their descent down the back trail. However, the steep terrain and Skadge’s weight proved too much for Dek’s speeder by the half point and they were forced to carry the corpulent Houk the rest of the way.

 

“Even shaken, Mako’s pretty quick at slicing and manipulating data,” Gault assured the brooding Zabrak, noting the worry in his voice, “I just wish we could’ve wasted this moron back on the ship because it would’ve been soooooo much easier to space him.”

 

“I wish I would’ve never agreed to let him on board in the first place,” Dek sighed, “I knew it was a mistake, but he did help somewhat and I didn’t see the harm in giving him a lift to Nar Shaddaa since we were supposed to be heading there to see if there was a drop from Agent Bryce.”

 

“Well, you didn’t exactly count on getting sidetracked by Torian getting abducted,” Gault pointed out.

 

“Hut’uun! Cowardly bastards,” Torian muttered, a scowl marring his youthful face, “No honor. Disgusted they bested me.”

 

“No one would’ve been able to take on that many opponents ambushing you,” Dek argued, “Don’t be hard on yourself and in the end, we made them pay for that mistake.”

 

“Kinda like we did with Fatty here,” Gault smirked, “Ugh, I’m going to need a scalding hot shower before I feel clean after this. I suppose we should be thankful he was standing on the rug when I shot him.”

 

“Thank the stars for small favors,” Dek looked towards the sky, “I’m just glad we got back to the room before he…..” Dekkyn shook his head, unable to finish the statement.

 

“Hey, she’s fine,” Gault assured his shaken friend, knowing how much the little slicer meant to him, “Don’t let that slip of a girl fool you……Mako’s a tough cookie.”

 

“I know,” Dek agreed, the ghost of a smile on his face as he recalled more than one dressing down she’d given him over the past year for numerous atrocities like forgetting to put the toilet seat down, shouting at the Huttball refs on the HoloVid loud enough to wake her up, purposely putting himself in the line of fire to protect her when she was quite proficient at using a taser device to stun anyone stupid enough to come at her.

 

“I see a good spot,” Torian called out, “Nexu den.”

 

Dek gave an involuntary shudder, unable to suppress the memories from surfacing. Swallowing hard, he nodded, “That’ll have to do. The sun’s starting to set and I don’t want to miss the last shuttle to the orbital station.”

 

A couple of hours later, their ship was in orbit en route to Nar Shaddaa. Dek had contacted Zev and Jax to fill them in on what happened and warn them that their enemy knew where they were headed. Luckily, Zev was able to use his Spec Forces status to ensure that his landing would be classified and untraceable. Jax had enough pull with the Underworld at that point to see to it his landing would also be kept private. Dek was the only one who would be in danger on that front, but since Mako had successfully changed the ship’s registry, it shouldn’t be an issue.

 

Once he’d signed off with Jax and Zev, Dek plotted their course and put the ship into hyperspace. While Dek was busy with that, the others were taking turns in the refresher and searching through Skadge’s pathetically few belongings. Gault found a datapad with shockingly detailed notes, surprised the Houk was capable of that kind of shrewd intelligence. Luckily he’d known nothing about their SIS contact so Natalia’s cover was still intact. Dek put the datapad in his backpack to hand over to Jonas when they met the agent to deliver General Redrish. They divvied up the credits Skadge had and Torian stored the weapons and armor with the rest of their arsenal. TwoVee was already in the process of fumigating Skadge’s mattress, the protocol droid wondering if the Houk had even used the sonic since boarding the ship back on Belsavis.

 

With everything settled, Dek put the ship’s systems into a sleep cycle and they all went to bed. However, Dekkyn couldn’t sleep, feeling the guilt and anger slicing through him every time he glanced over at the tiny young woman next to him and spotted the vivid ring of bruises marring her neck. He’d come so close to losing her without ever telling her how much he loved her. He hadn’t hidden his feelings from her since that first time they’d given into them back on Hoth, but he had yet to actually speak the words out loud. He’d never been very good at talking to women, or anyone really. It usually took him a while to open up to people, a quality he’d inherited from his father, but like his father, he’d fallen hard for a woman and wanted her to know it.

 

He couldn’t help but smile when those doe eyes fluttered open, but it froze when she swallowed and winced at the discomfort. The guilt tore at him again and he was ashamed that he was the reason the woman he loved had been hurt.

 

“Don’t, Dek,” Mako murmured, caressing his tattooed cheek, hating the guilt he wore on his face, “None of this is your fault.”

 

“I just hate seeing you in danger because of my past,” Dek murmured, bowing his head

 

“I’m the one that went poking around where I didn’t belong,” Mako pointed out, lifting his chin so his sad green eyes met hers, “and as for Skadge, well, I should’ve waited for backup before confronting him.”

 

“I should’ve left his sorry a** back on Belsavis.”

 

“You did what you thought was right at the time and had no way of knowing he’d stab you in the back,” Mako argued, “Despite that strong, silent, and brooding exterior, you have the biggest heart inside and that’s what drew me in despite the reservations I had over getting involved with my partner.”

 

“Do you have any regrets about that, Mako?” Dek whispered, his voice a little shaky.

 

Mako smiled as she brushed his lips with hers, “Not a single one.”

 

“Good…….because I love you,” Dek told her, his heart racing, “I have for a while now, but……”

 

“But you’re not so good with the whole talking and confessing emotions thing,” Mako grinned, “I know that, and I was pretty sure you felt that way. I love you too, Dekkyn.”

 

He felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest and he pulled her close, content to hold her in his arms. However, Mako had other ideas since they were both awake and despite Dek’s concerns that she needed to rest, they spent a good portion of the sleep cycle making love, the shy Zabrak much better at expressing his feelings physically than with words.

 

 

Author’s Note:

 

This is my second story involving an untimely exit by everyone’s favorite Houk. Katrynka also unburdened herself of Skadge in this story.

 

Mando’a translations from mandoa.org

 

Aruetii=Traitor

 

Daworir=stink/reek

 

Hut’uun-=coward, worst possible insult for a Mandalorian

 

[alaurin]

Apologies for posting a third installment, but I'm eager to get this thread to current point so I can start posting the new stuff. This next part was originally posted 10/14/2014 in the SFC thread for the Bad Timing and Serendipity prompts.

 

 

The Calm Before the Storm

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for Trooper Voss

 

“I still can’t believe after all this time….” Zev shook his head as he grabbed a couple of beers out of the conservator, “I mean, what are the odds?”

 

“Honestly,” Aric replied, accepting one of the bottles from his CO, “I never thought we’d see that karking thing again.”

 

“At least its back with the Republic,” Zev sighed, sinking into the couch across from the cortosis clad Jorgan and taking a long pull from his beer.

 

Both men decided to have a celebratory drink after leaving Voss, so once they got the ship into hyperspace and set course for Nar Shaddaa, Aric, Tanno, and Zev stripped off their plating and headed into the ship’s combined recand galley area while Elara got the first shower and Yuun tended to Forex.

 

“What’s with you two and that thing anyways?” Tanno asked, “I mean I wouldn’t mind seeing what that baby can do, but you two act like it’s some lost treasure.”

 

“My career got flushed down the fresher because of that thing,” Aric growled, taking a healthy swig, “or so I thought at the time.”

 

“Ha! I’m the one who helped those bastards find it!” Zev snorted, then he and Aric went on to explain about Ord Mantell and the Havoc traitors to Vik.

 

“Man,” the Weequay shook his head after they finished the story, downing the last of his beer, “That must’ve been a tense trip back to Coruscant. Honestly though, I can’t picture you as a desk jockey, Jorgan. You seem to be quite attached to that assault cannon and I gotta say, you know how to do some serious damage with it.”

 

“It seems like ages ago,” Aric admitted, “I thought a command post was everything I wanted, but now…….I’m not sure I’d ever go back to one.”

 

“What a long strange trip it’s been though, huh?” Zev grinned, clapping his XO on the shoulder as he got up to grab them another round from the conservator, “They’ve all been dealt with, Havoc is stronger than ever, we learned to work together, you figured out how to loosen up……”

 

“You finally managed to effectively talk to a woman without making an *** out of yourself……”

 

“Hey, I could always talk to women,” Zev defended himself, “It was Dek that had trouble in that area.”

 

“Oh, come on,” Aric retorted, “I was there when you met Elara, remember?”

 

“Well, she was different,” Zev grinned sheepishly, “Man, I had it bad right away for her, didn’t I?”

 

“That you did,” Aric snickered, “and it was both painful and amusing to watch.”

 

“Well, if it was anything like you at that bachelor party…..”

 

“Kiss my a**, Vik.”

 

“Speaking of women and bachelor parties,” Zev shot his XO a sly look, “Does your new girlfriend know you’re going to be on planet soon?”

 

“I’m not sure if you can call her my girlfriend,” Aric shrugged, “we never really came out and put a label on things……”

 

“You told us you have feelings for her,” Zev raised a brow at the Cathar, “and I’m assuming that’s still the case and you shared that with her at some point during your hot date.”

 

“Yeah,” Aric admitted, unable to keep the smile from crossing his face as he recalled how much fun they’d had going out despite the limitations of keeping up her cover and how good it felt to get everything off his chest once they’d gotten back to her apartment.

 

“And despite the fact that she seems mentally sound,” Tanno chuckled, “She seems to dig you.”

 

“Plus you’ve slept together,” Zev added.

 

“There wasn’t much sleeping,” Aric shot back, a wicked gleam in his eyes as some very pleasant memories came to surface.

 

“Let’s not forget the messages,” Zev teased, feeling truly happy for his friend, “Seems like every time I turned around, you were messing around on your datapad or on sitting at a Holoterminal.”

 

“Oh you missed a good one a couple of days ago, boss,” Tanno grinned, “She sent a rather risqué message wearing nothing but a……”

 

“Dammit, Vik,” Aric growled, “I thought you were out when I checked that!”

 

“I forgot my keycard and heard you talking when I came back for it,” Tanno shrugged, “I was curious so I peaked in your room…..and I gotta tell you, when a woman takes the time to send you a message like that, she’s definitely your girl!”

 

“I have to side with Vik on this one,” Zev confirmed, “So, I’ll ask again, does your girlfriend know we’re on the way?”

 

Aric nodded, a sheepish look on his face, “I called her a little while ago and told her. She’ll still have a few hours left on her shift by the time we get there, but we’re going to try and do something after……just depends on how much time we have.”

 

“Garza hasn’t contacted me yet with our next assignment, so you should have plenty of time for a decent date,” Zev flashed him a knowing smirk, “and whatever that leads to…….just keep your comlink with you and try to recall where your clothes are in case you need to get back here quickly.”

 

“And might I suggest wearing a shirt without buttons,” Elara commented wryly from the doorway, her damp hair pulled back in a loose ponytail, “She seems to have an issue with them where you are concerned.”

 

“I think you’ve been a bad influence on her,” Aric snorted at his CO as their medic sat next to him, “She never used to be the snarky type.”

 

“No,” Elara shot back as the ship’s Holo went off, “I just don’t feel like hearing SeeTwo complaining about the mending again.”

 

“Sewing small shirt buttons is not an easy task for me,” the protocol droid defended himself as he entered the room, “Master Zevryn, there’s a priority call coming in from your cousin.”

 

Puzzled, Zev got up and went out to the large terminal, immediately connecting the call. He was startled at the strained look on the other Zabrak’s face, “Dekkyn, what’s going on?!”

 

“Trouble……I’ll explain as soon as Jax connects,” Dek replied grimly as Mako appeared beside him.

 

“Hey man, what’s going on?!” Jax growled a moment later when he appeared clad in a bath towel wrapped around his waist, his grey fur and black mane dripping.

 

“Seriously, Jax?!” Zev snickered, “Put some clothes on for kark’s sake……I didn’t need to see that much of you!”

 

“Not my fault. Risha banged on the fresher door and said I had an urgent call from Dek just as I was getting out of the shower. I figured it was an emergency, so rushed out,” then Jax flashed him a feral grin, winking at the blonde standing behind the tall Zabrak, “You’re just worried Elara’s going to take one look at this bod and wonder what she’s doing with you when she could be with a real man. But don’t worry, I’ll keep my best asset covered so her and Mako don’t swoon.”

 

“More like be scarred for life,” Zev retorted, then he remembered the worried look on his cousin’s face, “Speaking of worrying, what’s up, Dek?”

 

“We’ve got a problem,” Dek began, going on to explain what happened with Skadge, then apologizing for even letting that bastard on his ship, “I should’ve just left him on Belsavis. Now they know we’re after Wilks and that we’re meeting on Nar Shaddaa. They’re also aware we know they’re after us, but don’t know how we found out.”

 

“It’s not your fault, Dekkyn. Under that brawny thuggish exterior, you’re just a big softie,” Mako patted his shoulder, “and I wouldn’t want you any other way.”

 

“How did this even come about?” Zev asked, “You aren’t exactly the chatty type cuz, and it was pretty obvious that you never intended for Skadge to become a permanent crew member.”

 

“No……I never put my trust in that scumbag and certainly never told him anything about our situation, but he was a sneaky, sleazy schemer and I don’t exactly hide my stress well. He must’ve picked up on it and started paying attention to see if there was anything he could exploit……sorta reminds me of Gault a little in that way.”

 

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t just hear you compare me to that revolting blob,” Gault muttered dryly, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall, “Besides, I’d know better than to make a call from a room I was sharing with the very people I was double crossing to the individual I was selling them out to. I’ll bet the idiot didn’t even bother to shut the door.”

 

“He didn’t,” Mako shook her head, “I just walked right in.”

 

“See!” Gault snorted, “He’s not that crafty……just greedy and very lucky.”

 

“Not so lucky anymore though,” Jax observed darkly, “Can’t say I’m upset about his demise. I’m just sorry Mako got hurt.”

 

“Thanks,”Mako smiled weakly, her voice still hoarse, “but I’ll be alright. I’m just glad I caught him before it was too late.”

 

“Do they know about Natalia?” Aric asked, fear spiking through him at the very thought, “Is she safe?”

 

“Skadge only overheard a couple of important conversations,” Dek answered, “So as far as I can tell from his notes, they don’t know about her or that we’ve been working with Balkar. It looks like he made contact with Manson Strategies shortly after we arrived on Voss. He must’ve overheard us talking after we found out Wilks dropped off the grid. I’ve went over that conversation several times in my head and I’m pretty sure we never mentioned Balkar by name or Natalia at all.”

 

“Well, now that they’re aware we know about them, they bound to look at all possible connections. One of us should contact Balkar,” Jax suggested.

 

“Agreed,” Zev nodded, “and I’ll give him a call when we’re finished. Aric, you might want to call your girlfriend again.”

 

“I’ll try,” he replied, ignoring the snickers, “but she’s still at work and I really don’t want to send this kind of info in a message.”

 

“What are we going to do when we arrive on Nar Shaddaa?” Risha asked, “I’m sure they’ll be watching for us now that they know we’re coming.”

 

“I thought about that already,” Dek answered, “and I had Mako slice into the ship registry on the orbital station and change the owner to one of Gault’s aliases.”

 

“I can pull rank and request a military hanger if there’s one available, but I don’t think these guys are stupid enough to attack a Republic Spec Forces ship.”

 

“You never know,” Jax countered, “With one of their informants dead and knowing we are hunting down Wilks, they could be getting desperate. I have a couple of people at the spaceport I can ask a favor from in order to keep my identity under wraps. I’ll just show up as a courier for Rendia Freight.”

 

“Dummy corporation?” Dek raised a brow.

 

"Sort of……used to be the name of Viidu’s warehouse back on Ord. After Syreena offed him, the warehouse got taken over and renamed. So I re-established the name for my own purposes and make use of it whenever I need to cover my tracks or don’t want my personal name involved in a deal.”

 

“Thought I recognized that name,” Aric mused.

 

“Even so, I don’t think any of us should stick around any longer than necessary,” Dek warned, “We should be fine once we leave since Skadge isn’t around to tell them where we’re going anymore.”

 

“Agreed,” Jax and Zev echoed, the latter turning towards his XO with an apologetic look on his face once they ended the call, “Sorry man, but I think your date night is going to be a bust.”

 

“I figured as much,” Aric told him, “maybe I’ll pop over to at least see her while you guys are meeting with Balkar.”

 

“As soon as I can manage it, I’ll get you a shore leave so you can spend some time with her……maybe once she’s extracted.”

 

“Thanks,” Aric nodded as he headed for the crew quarters, “Guess I’d better try and call her with this latest development.”

 

Zev watched the Cathar leave, his stooped shoulders giving away the disappointment he tried to hide. Zev followed a moment later, deciding to grab a shower while Tanno searched the HoloVid for the latest sports scores. He felt bad that his friend wouldn’t get to spend the evening with Natalia. Despite all the teasing and resulting grumbling ever since that ‘bachelor party,’ Zev noticed a slight change in his XO. There was a spark to Aric that hadn’t been there before, even more so after he and Vik took that last drop from Natalia, and Zev was happy for his friend. That’s why he hated cutting their time planetside so short. He sighed as he turned the shower on, feeling guilty that Aric wouldn’t get his date, but it was too risky now……for several reasons.

 

The truth was that he wouldn’t put it past any of those men to be watching for a way to get to him and after finding out about the danger to Jax’s friend Zara, Zev and Jax warned their families. Dek’s parents had both passed on and he was an only child, so his only remaining family was Zev and his parents, both of which would be hard to get to. Jax’s parents traveled between Coruscant and Cathar since his mother and one of his littermates, Sienna were both ambassador’s for the new Republic settlements on their recovering homeworld. They were always surrounded by a contingent of security teams which were all aware of the potential threat. Jax’s other littermate, Syarra, was a Knight in the Jedi Order and an unlikely target since she traveled with a crew that was guaranteed to draw attention if attacked.

 

Zev’s main concern at this point was for his squad. Havoc was like another family to the Zabrak, any of which could be used against him……and a man newly involved with a woman wasn’t going to be watching over his shoulder when he was focusing on his beautiful date. Despite that, however, Aric wasn’t his biggest worry. Zev had seen his XO in combat to know that even with a distraction, Aric wouldn’t be an easy one to take, but still saw no reason to chance it by sticking around Nar Shaddaa any longer than it took to meet with Balkar. No, it was Elara he was worried about. So far they’d been taking things slow, sneaking in moments here and there, and keeping it to themselves for the most part. The rest of the squad was aware since it wasn’t easy hide in such close proximity, but despite that, Elara preferred to keep things professional while others were around.

 

However, while they weren’t exactly going around flaunting their relationship, they did sneak in a moment here and there and if those men had spies out there keeping tabs…….void knows what they might’ve seen. Zev tried to force his weary mind to think back over the past couple of weeks and remember those stolen moments. He grinned as he finished washing, thinking of his clever medic and all the ways they managed to sneak in some heated moments during that time. Thanks to Aric’s snarky comment the morning after that last drop, the paperwork ruse wasn’t plausible anymore, but it was worth it seeing his uncharacteristically disheveled XO truly happy for once. Besides, they’d managed to find other ways to ditch the rest of the squad and enjoy some private time here and there. The grin broadened as he recalled the timely elevator malfunction on the Orbital Station over Voss. He still wasn’t sure who was more embarrassed when the door opened, but both Elara and Corso were as red as he’d ever seen them and Jax’s face wore a smart *** smirk every time he glanced at the Cathar for the rest of the day.

 

The hot water was beginning to make him feel sluggish, so Zev turned off the shower and quickly dried off. Then he grabbed one of the fluffy bath robes out of the cabinet, put it on, and stepped out of the fresher to find Tanno waiting for his turn. He shot the frowning Weequay a pointed look, “How much you out this time?”

 

“Broke even,” Tanno grunted, shrugging, “Woulda changed my picks if I’d known about Bodrick’s injury, but was a last minute substitute and we were out hunting down that bomb you and Jorgan have a hard on for.”

 

“Which is exactly why I wasn’t betting this week,” Zev shook his head, giving his explosives expert a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, “Kinda hard to keep tabs on sporting news on a planet like Voss.”

 

“Yeah, I know…..won’t make that mistake again,” Tanno sighed before trudging into the fresher.

 

Zev went into his quarters to contact Balkar, emerging a few minutes later in a pair of shorts and t-shirt after leaving the agent a secure message when he didn’t answer. He noticed the rec room was dark and figured the rest must’ve gone until he heard the chime of a comlink followed by Aric’s voice. Wanting to make sure their contact was safe, Zev went to the doorway.

 

“I was hoping you’d get my message,” Aric smiled at Natalia’s scantily clad form, “I felt bad bothering you at work, but something’s come up……”

 

“Hang on a sec,” Natalia interrupted as her head turned, “Come on guys…….can’t a girl get some privacy?!”

 

“You’re working the wrong biz if you want privacy,” Rose’s snarky voice shot back as the petite Twi’lek’s image appeared, “Heya Aric! I hear you’re gonna be planetside soon……”

 

“Ooooo…….is Naula talking to her boyfriend?!” another female voice called out and a second later, a humanoid female appeared, a Zeltron Aric guessed from the pink tinge of her Holo image, “So you’re the guy that finally got our sweet little Naula to make it with a guest after a party……very nice!”

 

“Jilli!” Natalia hissed, rolling her eyes before turning back to him, “Aric, I’m so sorry……I’ll call you back in a minute. Apparently I have to lock myself in the toilet to make a call without people making smarta** comments.”

 

“Now that was entertaining,” Zev chuckled from the doorway when Natalia’s image disappeared.

 

“Glad you enjoyed yourself,” Aric sighed as he sunk back into the chair, his tone lacking its usual sarcastic bite and once again Zev felt guilty.

 

“I’m really sorry you have to cancel your date, Aric,” he murmured remorsefully as he bowed his head, “I could tell how much you were looking forward to some time with her.”

 

“It’s not your fault, Zev,” Aric assured his friend, “You guys made the right call in keeping our time planetside short. Hopefully this’ll all be over soon and I’ll take you up on that shore leave offer.”

 

“Whatever it takes, I’ll make it happen,” Zev promised as Aric’s comlink went off again, “I’m going…..I heard more than enough already.”

 

Zev chuckled at Aric’s middle finger salute, then headed for his quarters to get some much needed sleep since Elara had already gone to bed, hoping he’d actually be able to with all the turbulent thoughts and worries whirling around in his head. Even if they kept their stop on Nar Shaddaa brief, there was a storm on the horizon and it was headed right for them.

 

[alaurin]

Note: I'd forgotten to add in a story, Worth the Risk, so I added it in with A Needle in a Haystack since it occurs just prior to that story. Apologies for any confusion.

 

 

Now for the next part. This was originally posted 10/16/2014 in the SFC thread for the Affection and Words of Wisdom prompts.

 

 

Healing the Inner Scars

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for Trooper Voss and companion spoilers for Elara Dorne

Content Warning: There's a risqué bit towards the end.....nothing too descriptive, but definitely worth a warning. I've written worse though. .

 

A couple hours and a lot of tossing and turning later, an exhausted Zev was wide awake due to the multitude of worries over this latest development plaguing him, triggering some of those dormant memories of the past to surface. Every time he fell asleep, his mind replayed that fateful day in some form or other and a couple of times, his old squad was replaced with his current one. After waking in a cold sweat having seen Elara’s broken body lying next to Jax instead of Raney, Zev finally gave up and got out of bed, quietly going into the rec room and turning the lights on to their dimmest setting. He slipped on an earbud, pairing it with the HoloVid before turning it on and found an old action movie he liked. It wasn’t the best film, but enough to distract him from his turbulent thoughts and a few minutes later he was so engrossed in it that he nearly leapt out of his skin when he felt a small hand on his shoulder.

 

“I’m sorry, sir,” Elara murmured softly, stifling a laugh at his reaction, “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

 

It’s alright, Elara,” Zev grinned sheepishly as she sat next to him, “and I thought we agreed none of the ‘sir’ stuff when we’re alone.”

 

“We did……just habit whenever I know the rest of the squad is around.”

 

“They are,” he smiled as he drew her closer, “but judging from the snores I heard when I came in here, they’re not going to hear us.”

 

Zev loved when she had her hair down and couldn’t resist running his fingers through those thick blond locks before leaning over to kiss her. He knew she was always hesitant to do anything when the others were around, so he kept himself in control and let her lead things, feeling a warmth stirring inside as he remembered the last time they were sitting on a sofa kissing like this……a small tea house on Voss-Ka he’d taken her to knowing how much she missed tea. They were sitting in a back corner table enjoying the quaint little shop, and figuring they had some semblance of privacy, Elara had shown her thanks for the lovely surprise with a very thorough kiss that led to several more. Much to Elara’s embarrassment, they’d been interrupted by the throat clearing of their server as he set their tea tray down. He felt guilty for letting things get that far, then he noticed they weren’t the only couple engaging in a romantic moment, something he pointed out to his blushing medic once the server left. She was relieved to see another couple of offworlders sneaking in a private moment a few tables away and managed to relax again.

 

Suddenly Zev’s heart began to race as he recalled something else from that blissfully lazy afternoon. They walked out of the tea shop hand in hand and he’d been unable to resist stealing a kiss as they exited the building, much to the amusement of his cousin, Dek, who’d been passing by with a couple of his crew…..one of which was Skadge. Zev stiffened, knowing it was highly likely that Manson Strategies now knew about his relationship with Elara, and pulled back as his fears returned to settle cold in his gut.

 

“What is it?” Elara whispered.

 

“Back on Voss-Ka……the tea house,” Zev sighed.

 

“What about it?” Elara asked, feeling her cheeks heat up with the memory of how forward she’d been.

 

“Skadge saw me kissing you when we left……remember, we ran into Dek and his crew,” Zev grasped her hands in his own large ones, as his dark tan skin paled visibly, “Oh, Elara…..I’m so sorry. He probably told those men about us…..I’ve put you in danger!”

 

“It’s not your fault, Zev,” Elara gently chided, her delicate hand pulling out from his to caress his tattooed cheek.

 

Shaking his head, he stood and began to pace, running his hands along his horned head in his frustration, “If something happens to you because if all this, I’ll never forgive myself.”

 

“Zevryn Varlok,” Elara replied as she stood up and blocked his progress, using that commanding tone that never failed to get results when she was tending to injured on a battlefield, “You will not do this to yourself! We’re soldiers…..we risk our lives quite frequently. We’re all in danger by the simple nature of our jobs.”

 

“It’s not the same, Elara,” Zev argued, his old fears clawing at him as images from his past entered his mind. J’ada lying dead on the ground, a single shot through the throat a raw contrast against her pale blue skin. Raney, broken and unmoving, pale eyes staring vacantly at the sky, Jax next to her with half his face nearly torn off. Quiet little Erin trying to get to them, falling to the ground half way as a shot rent through the air. His cousin going after her, only to be felled by multiple shots……then on the ground, blood pouring out of his chest where a sniper shot tore through it. His own hands covered in Dek’s blood as he frantically tried to staunch the flow. Then white hot pain across his back seconds before the blackness came. Not just soldiers, friends, family, people he cared about……like Elara, Aric, Tanno, and Yuun, “I can’t let that happen again.”

 

That last strangled whisper tore at the nurturing part of her and she felt the sting of tears as she realized how deep those inner scars from Zev’s past really were. She reached up and grasped his face between her hands, forcing those pained green eyes to look into hers, “None of that was your fault, Zev. The sole blame lies on a stubborn young man who disobeyed his commanding officer,” before he could argue, she went on, “No, you weren’t hard on him, but you were new to a leadership position and he was old enough to know better. He put you all in danger by refusing to abort his task and in my opinion, should’ve never been in Spec Forces in the first place. Instead of accepting his son’s mistake and shortcomings, his rich father decided to cover it up and shove off the blame on you, Dekkyn, and Jaxzin.”

 

“I wish we would’ve just left it alone at that,” Zev admitted, finally feeling some of the panic dulling with her calming influence, “I’ve managed to carve out a successful career despite the fallout, and both Dek and Jax are doing alright.”

 

“But why should you have to live with that false stain on your record?”

 

“Because unless we can find those lost recordings or Colonel Wilks surfaces, the only thing we’re doing is painting a target on our backs and the backs of anyone we care about.”

 

“Well then, we’d better press on and keep searching,” Elara nodded as if they were discussing an ordinary mission, “but I refuse to allow you to feel responsible for the actions of a corrupt Senator and his crooked Czerka friend. As for us being in danger, we’re all aware of it and are preparing accordingly. We have a reasonable plan of action and their informant is out of the picture. Once you meet with Agent Balkar and we all leave Nar Shaddaa, Manson Strategies won’t be able to keep tabs on our movements. If it makes you feel better, the rest of us can stay on the ship……I think you should take someone with you though, maybe Captain Jorgan or Sergeant Vik.”

 

“I’ll take Aric with me and we can pop over to Club Paradise so he can at least see Natalia for a few minutes,” Zev sighed, “I owe him that much.”

 

“He understands,” Elara squeezed his hand, pulling at him to follow her, “And I think it was very considerate of you to offer him shore leave as soon as she’s extracted. Now as your medic, I’m ordering you to go to bed and get some sleep.”

 

“I’m not sure if I can sleep,” he admitted, rubbing his neck to try and ease the tension as he allowed Elara to lead him to his quarters.

 

“That’s why I’m coming with you.”

 

“Are you sure, Elara?” Zev whispered as they entered the small room, his heart beating faster once again, this time not out of fear, but with the thought of her in his quarters…..in his bed. He paused just inside and turned to look at her. Thanks to his XO’s previous command experience, he was very adept at paperwork, so Elara’s ruse had only bought them some very steamy make-out sessions since Aric’s smug a** always managed to return before they could get any further, “I know you worry about what the others will think…..”

 

“Well, I think you need me more than I need to be proper,” she smiled, “and besides, I really don’t think we’re fooling anyone at this point. It was more of making an effort than anything else.”

 

“I do need you…..need to know you’re safe…..need to feel you next to me, even if it’s just to sleep.”

 

“I never said you needed to go to sleep right away,” Elara murmured, blushing at her boldness, “Just that you needed to sleep. We do have roughly twelve hours before we drop out of hyperspace……”

 

Zev needed no further encouragement and crushed his mouth to hers. The residual fears from his nightmares and his current worries left him emotionally raw and drove him to an almost primal urgency as he backed her up to the bed. Her gasp of surprise stilled him for a moment, and he broke the kiss, feeling guilty until she reached up and dragged him back down to her. Their heated gazes met for a second and seeing the certainty in hers, claimed her mouth again as his hands made their way under her nightshirt. The sliver of control he had over himself was significantly reduced when he discovered no bra hindering his progress and the husky little moan that came from her undid him completely.

 

That first time was intense and explosive as they quickly shed their clothing, Zev desperately needing to feel connected to his woman and Elara encouraged that, a wanton part of her thrilled with the untamed wildness unleashed in the man she’d fallen in love with. Neither gave thought to who might hear their pleasured cries for once and a short time later, both were gasping for breath, spent for the time being. Feeling calmer having burned away the restless anxiety, Zev turned to smile at the woman he’d come to love over the past year and felt ashamed when he saw some of the marks their frantic lovemaking had left on her.

 

“Stars, Elara, I’m so sorry,” he murmured, concern etched on his face he ran his thumb along her slightly passion bruised lip, “I didn’t mean to act like some rutting animal…..are you alright?! Did I hurt you?”

 

“Do you hear me complaining at all?” she grinned, looking like an erotic temptress with that blonde hair fanned out around her, “and no, you didn’t hurt me at all…..well, maybe a little soreness, but in a good way.”

 

“I feel bad that our first time was so wild and out of control like that…..can you forgive me?”

 

“Did you ever consider that being a little wild and out of control was just what I’d like?”

 

“Really?”

 

“Really,” Elara flashed him a sly grin as then those smoldering dark green eyes traveled down his long, heavily muscled frame, “but if you’d like to go for something a little slower, I won’t say no….”

 

Eager to make up for his gross lack of finesse earlier, Zev did just that, and they took their time, exploring one another, gentle caresses and tender kisses seeking out pleasure spots as they slowly made love again, their passions driven only by the desire to physically express their love and affection for one another. Afterwards, Zev held her close, pulling the blanket over them both as he felt the chilly air pr*ckling her skin.

 

He nuzzled her neck, placing feathery kisses along the soft skin, and unable to keep it to himself anymore, he whispered softly in her ear, “I love you, Elara.”

 

She turned towards him, her heart leaping with joy as she gazed into those bright green eyes and saw her feelings reflected in their depths, “I love you too, Zevryn.”

 

He kissed her then, a sweet promise before she rolled back to her side and snuggled up to him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close as they both drifted off to a deep, contented slumber.

 

*****

 

Several hours later, a distant alarm was just beginning to register to Havoc’s CO when a loud pounding on the door brought him fully awake. Elara started to stir next to him when the knock came again. He slid out of bed as Elara opened her eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks with the realization that the others must know where she slept. Zev smiled reassuringly at her as he quickly pulled on his shorts and went to the door.

 

“Sorry to….uh…..wake you,” Aric began as soon as the door opened, “but Balkar’s on the Holo.”

 

“Something happen?” Zev asked, seeing the anxiety on his XO’s face.

 

“I don’t know,” Aric shook his head, swallowing hard, “He just said there’s a situation at the club and told me to find you while he gets the others on the Holo.”

 

[alaurin]

This next part occurs roughly the same time as the previous. It was posted 10/19/2014 in the SFC thread for the Another Day on the Job prompt.

 

 

Ready

 

Content warning: There's a steamy bit below......nothing too descriptive though, I swear!

 

“Stupid little punk,” the curvy little dancer muttered grumpily, frowning at her reflection before tipping her head up to put soothing drops in her irritated eyes. Natalia hated showering with her contacts in, but hadn’t wanted to remove them with Rose in the room. “I shoulda planted my foot in his nuts,” she grumbled as she dabbed at the excess tears, then began applying her makeup. Her shift had only started an hour ago and already it was looking to be a long night.

 

Fifteen minutes into her shift, a spoiled trust fund brat and his arrogant friends came into the club. Since it was early in the day, there were fewer dancers and Natalia had the misfortune of having them in her area. Apparently it was the kid’s birthday and now that he was old enough to get into establishments like Club Paradise, he was ready to party. They’d only been seated a few minutes when birthday brat waved her over with a credstick. Since she had no reason not to go over, she forced herself to smile as she sashayed to their table, stepping up to the pole and dancing for a moment before making her way over to the little snot, who immediately took that as his leave to reach his nasty hand into her g-string. Fighting back the urge to plant one of her narrow heels in his face, she slid away, shaking her head at him.

 

Birthday boy didn’t want to take no for an answer and grabbed her by the ankle, knocking a couple of drinks over in his clumsy haste. He jerked Natalia back towards him, the now slippery surface causing her to slip and fall and she landed on her butt hard enough to knock the wind out of her, much to the amusement of his friends. Rose was passing by the table as it happened and hollered for Jake as one of birthday boy’s friends decided to cop a feel from the ‘uppity dancer.’ Birthday boy spotted the pretty pink Twi’lek and decided he wanted some entertainment from her as well, pulling her into his lap just as Jake arrived at the table.

 

Now mix in roughly two hundred ten pounds of heavily muscled and very angry bouncer, who just happens to harbor serious feelings for the snarky Twi’lek, with a group of snotty rich kids and their sense of self entitlement and the result is a one hell of an explosive situation. Needless to say, birthday boy and friends were going to spend some quality time in a holding cell after being tended to by a medic, and the club had to lock its doors for half an hour to clean up the mess.

 

Once Jake and the other bouncer, Ryan, had the situation under control, Rose and Natalia went back to the dressing room to clean up. Rose’s uniform had been torn and Natalia needed a shower since she was a sticky mess, not to mention her favorite costume was ruined. She’d spent a lot of time getting ready earlier since Aric was going to pop in to see her during Havoc’s now very brief stopover and was pissed that she had to redo everything, knowing she wouldn’t have much time. A big part of her bad mood was frustration that the date she’d been looking forward to was now out of the question. She understood why Aric’s time would be cut short and was touched that they’d made the effort to warn her of the possible danger Dekkyn’s treacherous crew member put her in, but she was still disappointed. Aric had promised to call once they landed so she could arrange to have her break when he got there and they could least get to spend a little time together……as long as no other idiots caused a problem.

 

“Stars, I’m so ready to be done with this assignment,” she muttered without thinking as she began plaiting her damp strawberry blond locks. Then her eyes widened as she cursed her carelessness and she looked around to see if anyone heard that. Way to go idiot, she mentally chided herself, relieved that she was alone in the room. But that little slip was yet another reminder that she’d been undercover too long. The stress was getting to her and it was starting to hinder her focus and objectivity. Every day it was getting harder and harder to put up with grabby customers and she really had to fight the instinct to kick the crap out of that rich kid earlier.

 

That was the problem with being undercover for an extended period of time. Those that were placed amongst the enemy had it the worst, many times having to stand by and watch atrocities being planned and committed, unable to do anything for risk of breaking cover. Natalia felt bad for those agents, many of which needed months of therapy after being extracted and a few never went undercover again. Other agents had a hard time separating their undercover persona from their real self after a while and a few ended up trying to live out their cover identity instead of returning to their former life. Some agents are the opposite, missing their normal life and routine so much that they begin make careless mistakes, such as contacting an old friend, visiting their home, forgetting to keep up their new physical appearance. These brief ‘returns to reality’ were like revisiting an old childhood security blanket, but very dangerous and had resulted in a few agents being killed.

 

So far, Natalia hadn’t put herself at risk, other than her visit to Zara which she’d been extremely cautious in doing, but she missed her normal life and wanted to get back to it. She truly wanted to help Dek, Zev, and Jax, even more so after meeting them that first time and finding out the truth of that failed mission. She hated corrupt politicians and greedy corporate executives willing to do anything for a healthy bottom line, regardless of how lives were affected. She’d seen plenty of both growing up on Corellia and was all too happy to put Senator Bradley, Karen Mills, and their hired lackeys out of commission. So she agreed to stay in place and help the guys by spying on Manson Strategies’ employees, who’d begun to frequent Club Paradise. Her efforts had been fruitful in that she’d gathered a lot of information and was able to warn them Mako was a target, got Zara to safety before they snatched her to use as bait for Jax, and found out Bradley was going to take out his old military buddy and fellow conspirator, Colonel Robert Wilks.

 

Unfortunately, things had come to a screeching halt progress wise. Wilks had dropped off the grid and the trail was cold. Bradley was still determined to take him out by setting up a meeting he never intended to show for. The Senator’s hired help would show up instead, wait for Wilks to get impatient and leave, then they’d follow him, eliminating the officer discretely in some dark alley when the opportunity presented itself. Natalia got the feeling it would be a spur of the moment thing that Bradley would set up whenever Wilks finally surfaced so she made sure to take the late afternoon/evening shifts on a daily basis since that was typically when those men visited the club. It had been almost a week with no sign of the Colonel, no word about him from Bradley’s men, and the tension was starting to build. She was on full alert at all times, and unable to sleep well as a result, making her cranky and less tolerant of the Club’s more exuberant clientele. It was past time for her to come out and she prayed for a breakthrough soon.

 

She knew she’d never be the same person she was before beginning this assignment a year ago. Besides a relaxed sense of modesty, she’d also gained a major boost in her self-confidence with her Naula persona. She was one of the top dancers in the club, often requested for parties and private dances, second only to Jilli, and let’s face it, she snorted, its kinda hard to compete with a Zeltron. However, despite her new found sexual appeal and ease with men, she was ready to get back to her normal routine. Ready to wear normal clothing instead of skimpy dancer costumes. Ready to wear her comfortable letheris boots instead of narrow heels that even after all this time, still killed her feet by the end of a shift. Ready to go back to her comfortable flat instead of the dinky apartment with its noisy neighbors. Ready to go out on a date without worrying about keeping her cover…..not that her date with Aric had gone badly, quite the opposite in fact, but she was simply ready to be Natalia again.

 

She sat back in the cushy chair, closing her eyes as she took a deep breath to try and calm herself before having to return to her shift. A gentle sigh escaped her as she pictured bright green eyes, tawny fur, and a bod she couldn’t wait to see again. That sexy bedroom voice echoed in her mind as she recalled their last time together. She started to relax, berry pink glossed lips curving in a smile as she thought of their date last week. He’d been every bit the considerate gentleman after their impulsive bit of necking in the back alley.

 

Like any first date first date, they’d been able to get to know one another and even found quite a few common interests. They both enjoyed action, suspense movies and shared a love of comic books, something they discovered when they passed by a shop on the way to the Cinaplex. Aric even had a first edition print of ‘Captain Coruscant: Origin of a Hero’ and promised to show it to her the first chance he got. He took her to a small café near the Cinaplex and they had a light dinner before their movie started. Then at the Cinaplex, he bought her popcorn and they held hands through most of the movie. The whole time, he’d been careful not to mention anything from their shared past and other than a couple of near slipups, he’d remembered to address her as Naula.

 

That had been the hardest part for both of them…….not touching on that shared past until they were back to her apartment. She could tell he had something on his mind and she had her own concerns as well, the biggest being that she wasn’t quite the same person he knew back on Ord, and her worry he’d have a hard time with the fact she’d been working in a gentleman’s club for the past year. However, she finally felt confident enough to share her feelings with him, both past and present.

 

Aric had taken the lead on that, grasping her hands as soon as the door shut and telling her how relieved he’d been that she agreed to go out with him. That had taken her by surprise until he went on to admit he’d been thinking about her for the past three weeks and was worried she hated him for everything that went down on Ord. She’d immediately eased his mind, assuring her former commander that she’d never hated him before confessing her own concerns. He easily dismissed the first one, saying she wasn’t the only one who’d changed since her time on Ord, he looked a little sheepish as he admitted feeling a little jealous about other males touching her, but he understood it was just a job to her. She’d given him a more physical reassurance on that front, wrapping her arms around his neck as she leaned up on her tiptoes to brush his mouth with hers.

 

With the memories of the bachelor party and what happened after, and the lingering effect from their little make out session in the alley, that kiss rapidly turned into much more and mere moments later, they were tearing at clothes as they made their way to her bedroom. The memory of that fiery passion made her blood heat up and a quiet laugh escaped her as she remembered finding another button on the floor just this morning. She felt a little guilty for ruining his shirt, but she couldn’t wait to run her hands along the velvety soft fur that covered the corded muscles of his abdomen again. He’d also been eager to remove the barriers of their clothing, accidently tearing her delicate tank top in his haste to get his hands on her skin, but halted when one of his fingertips encountered the long, thin scar that ran from just above her navel to her right hip. He stopped then, those bright green eyes shining as they looked into hers.

 

 

“I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am for this…..for being such a jerk…….for nearly getting you killed,” he told her, his husky voice full of remorse. Then opened up to reveal how guilty he’d felt for months afterward, the doubts he’d had after, how General Vander had to send him off the planet for a few weeks….. “How can you not hate me?!”

 

She knew right then it was time for her to confess everything, “I could never hate you, Aric,” she finally replied, her heart racing, “I…..I had…..” she took a deep breath and took the plunge, “I had the biggest crush on you back then. That’s why I got snotty with you that night I broke curfew. I was so frustrated that you’d occupied so much of my thoughts and I was just another dumb grunt to you.”

 

“You weren’t a dumb grunt,” he shook his head and she could see the guilt written across his handsome face, “I liked you……everyone liked you. I was wrong to treat people the way I did……I had my reasons, but I can see now that it wasn’t worth it. I wronged you and so many other good soldiers just to make sure a few cocky idiots stayed in line.”

 

“You were in command of an entire infantry unit……you did what you had to in order to keep your unit performing as they should. I knew that and I know you were trying to help me with that patrol detail. The guys told me and I worked hard to improve at the physical stuff…..it just wasn’t my strong suit.”

 

“I relived that night so many times,” Aric whispered, looking down to where her scar was concealed with the tattoo, “I kept seeing you lying there, bleeding out, dying and it was all my fault.”

 

“I never felt that way at all,” she assured him, wiping at the dampness around his eyes, “You saved my life, stayed with me, holding me until the evac arrived. It was then I realized how much you cared for the troops that served under your command and why you were so rough on us. You didn’t want anything to happen to any of us and it tore at you when it did. How could I possibly hate a man like that?”

 

That seemed to free him from the demons that had haunted him all this time and with a groan, captured her mouth again as his hands resumed their journey across her bare skin. They made love slowly, tenderly, both wanting to savor every moment of their all too brief time together as they poured their very souls into one another with every touch, every caress, every kiss, until he finally joined them at last.

 

 

A dreamy smile lit up her face as a blush crept up her cheeks with the blissful memory of that night. She was thrilled what a thorough and very considerate lover she’d discovered in that formerly gruff, uptight officer. They didn’t sleep much, cuddling, talking, and making love through the night instead before reluctantly parting early the next morning when he had to get back to Havoc’s ship. Not an hour after he’d left, her datapad beeped and she felt a flutter in her heart as she remembered the sweet message he sent her once he was in orbit.

 

“Whoo-hoo, Rose to Naula, come in Naula,” a cheeky voice sang out, ending in a giggle before it went on, “Oh, you’ve got it really bad, girl.”

 

“So?” Natalia shot back, unable to contain the smirk, “Back to work?”

 

“Yup,” Rose confirmed, “Mess is cleaned up and rich boy was hauled out by Cartel Security.”

 

“You alright?”

 

“Yeah, I’m more worried about Jake.”

 

“His hand broken?”

 

“Nah, scans just show bruising,” Rose sighed, “But he seemed really upset.”

 

“Of course he was upset,” Natalia replied, following her friend out of the dressing room, “That guy was groping at you despite your obvious attempts to push him away.”

 

“He hasn’t gotten that angry when guys have tried that crap on you or the other dancers,” Rose countered.

 

“Maybe there’s a reason……ever consider that?” Natalia smirked, shaking her head at how completely clueless the other woman was about the fact their bouncer was smitten with her.

 

“Urgh, we’ll have to discuss this later……we got a new customer,” Rose gestured towards the entrance, “Hostess duty calls. Hrmmm, must be a first timer, he looks nervous.”

 

“Oh, that’ll be fun,” Natalia giggled, then her heart stopped when she spotted the man. The tall, middle aged, and slightly balding Human was dressed in plain clothes, but she would recognize that face anywhere after studying his file this past month. Even out of uniform and seemingly at unease, the officer still held the commanding presence he was known for. Colonel Robert Wilks had surfaced at last.

 

 

Author's Note:

 

I borrowed Captain Coruscant from someone on this thread, Yoshi I think, and made up the title of the comic book.

 

Edited October 27, 2015 by alaurin

[alaurin]

I'm almost to the new stuff, I promise! This next part was originally posted in the SFC thread 10/19/2014 for the Out of Time and Snatched from the Jaws of Defeat prompts.

 

 

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

 

 

 

“The guy looks a bit stiff to enjoy a place like this,” Rose observed, not missing the look of disdain on the tall Human’s features, “Wonder if he’s lost….”

 

The hostess’ snarky comment snapped Natalia out of her initial shock and her training took over, first thing, get him out of sight. Her eyes darted around the room, still blissfully empty save for the customers who’d been there before the skirmish. Thinking fast, Natalia grabbed Rose’s arm stopping her as the Twi’lek started towards the entrance.

 

“Rose, I need you to take that man to one of the back rooms right now,” Natalia ordered, “His name is Robert Wilks. Just tell him his friend ordered it and will be here shortly……then forget you ever heard that name!”

 

“But…..how do you…..”

 

“Please,” Natalia pleaded with her confused friend, knowing time was of the essence, “I promise I’ll explain what I can later, just do it…..and hurry!”

 

“I’m gonna hold you to that,” Rose nodded, then headed for the nervous man as Natalia turned back to where they'd just come from.

 

Natalia raced back to the dressing room, grabbed her comlink, and locked herself in the fresher. She quickly put in Agent Balkar’s frequency and a moment later his image popped up.

 

“Talk to me,” Jonas demanded, knowing something crucial must’ve happened for Natalia to risk calling him directly.

 

“Wilks is here!” Natalia hissed, “I’m going to hide him as best I can, but I’m willing to bet Bradley’s men will be here any moment so you need to get someone here pronto.”

 

“Dammit,” Jonas cursed, “All my field agents are out on assignment and the only people available are either too green or too recognizable. I don’t want to risk exposing your cover.”

 

“Well you’d better think of something because I don’t know how long I can keep him safe here and I’m certain he’s a dead man once he leaves the club,” Natalia told him. “Luckily he showed up before Bradley’s people, so hopefully they’re unaware he’s here yet. He’s safely stashed in one of the lap dance rooms and I’m taking him a disguise that will hide his identity for now.”

 

“What do you mean for now?”

 

“A few months back, some young Sith had a little consensual fun with one of our dancers after a party and left his outer robe. It has a hood that will cover most of his face and I’ll put him in the back corner where most of our Sith clients like to sit. Fortunately, the regulars usually don’t show up until later in the evening, so he shouldn’t be discovered, but all the same….”

 

“Probably best to get him out of there as soon as possible,” Jonas finished, “I know Dek, Zev, and Jax are en route to Nar Shaddaa…..let me call and see how far out they are.”

 

“I don’t think sending any of them is a good idea,” Natalia pointed out, “Those men planned to follow Wilks when he left and ambush him in a dark alley. They’re prepared for a fight and you can bet they’ll know something’s up if one of their prime targets shows up and leaves with a mysterious figure that’s in the club at the same time as Wilks was supposed to be.”

 

“I know, but one of them might have a contact on planet that can help us. Otherwise, I’ll come myself if I have to.”

 

“Hopefully it won’t come to that,” Natalia sighed, “But regardless of who comes, make sure they aren’t a recognizable tie to Dek, Zev, or Jax. Those men have done their homework.”

 

“Noted,” Jonas nodded, then smiled at her, “You hang tight, we’ll think of something and once the good Colonel is safe, I’m pulling you.”

 

“I won’t fight you on that,” Natalia replied, “I’d better go…..just hurry.”

 

She disconnected, and put her comlink back in her locker, grabbing a small ion spike out of her bag and tucking it in her belt before closing it. Then she went over to the closet where they keep props and stuff left behind. She snatched the long, black robe off a hanger and stuffed it in an old backpack, then dug around in the prop bin until she felt a cool metal cylinder. She grinned triumphantly at the fake saber hilt and tossed it in the bag, then rushed out the door. She caught Rose’s eye and the Twi’lek nodded, holding up four fingers. Natalia mouthed ‘thank you’ and headed for private room number four.

 

“What’s going on?!” Wilks demanded as soon as she entered the room, “I’m supposed to be meeting someone……”

 

“I know that,” Natalia interrupted quietly, tossing the bag down on the chair across from the officer, “and trust me, it’s not who you’re expecting.” Without further word, she took the spike from her belt, went into the corner and zapped the camera with it. Disrupting the camera feed was risky since it would be noticed right away, but she was banking on the maintenance crew still being on break after the scuffle earlier.

 

Wilks glared at her suspiciously, but his sense of self-preservation won out and he wisely waited for her to finish before speaking up. “What are you talking about?”

 

“I’m telling you that Senator Bradley has no intention of showing up here,” Natalia explained, “but his hired and very deadly goons will be along any moment.”

 

“How do you know this?” Wilks barked, an edge of panic to his voice, “How do you know me?”

 

“No time for that……and please try to remember we’re not on a military base. Let’s stick to quiet, indoor voices, huh?” Natalia shook her head as she dug the robe and hilt out of the bag she brought in, “put these on….”

 

“No!” Wilks crossed his arms, “I demand to know what’s going on……your boss is going to hear about this!”

 

Natalia grabbed his arm as he turned to leave, “Unless you want tomorrow’s headlines to read ‘High ranking Republic Officer found dead in back alley of top end gentlemen’s club,’ you’ll shut up and do what I say,” she hissed, jerking her head at the door, “See those men that just sat down? They’re Bradley’s hit men.”

 

“Are you sure?” Wilks whispered, sinking into a padded chair after spotting the men through the tiny darkened window, “I know Ed’s been up to something and they look like the sort he’d hire, but why me? Why now?”

 

“Because you’re a loose end,” Natalia told him, feeling a little sorry for the shaken man, “You know too much and you haven’t exactly been playing smart by demanding further payment for your part in Operation Landslide’s cover-up.”

 

“HA!” Wilks snorted, “I never got any payment…..I just wanted what they’d promised me in the first place!”

 

“Why did you wait so long to do anything about it?” Natalia raised a cool brow at him.

 

“Ed and Karen kept saying they had to be careful and insisted they’d make good on their promises when things died down,” Wilks admitted, “So I waited……and waited……and waited……but I wanted to return to the Core Worlds and retire.” He bowed his head in defeat, “I should’ve never agreed to help them in the first place. I knew it was wrong……those men were good soldiers and didn’t deserve to have their reputations tainted.”

 

“Well, you can start making amends now,” Natalia suggested gently, some of the frost leaving her tone, “First though, we need to get you out of here without attracting those goons’ attention. Put that robe on, fasten your belt around it, and pull the hood over your head. Hurry because someone’s bound to notice the monitors are off any minute,” she warned as she hopped up on the platform, hitting the music switch as she did, and began to dance, “Good, now hook that saber hilt to your belt…..don’t worry, it’s just a prop. As soon as they discover the issue with the monitors, maintenance is going to come knocking and we’ll have to leave the room. When you exit, turn to the right and go sit in the back corner booth……it’s where our usual Sith clients sit. A waitress will bring you a drink, accept it without speaking and keep the hood on.”

 

“That won’t be suspicious?!”

 

“Nope,” Natalia grinned, “That’s what most of ‘em do. Sure, we have the occasional one that makes a ruckus, but for the most part, our Sith regulars are decent clients. They keep to themselves and just want to watch the girls in privacy. I’ll try to dance in your section until you’re extracted, but if I’m asked for a lap dance, I gotta leave. I know this coming at you fast, you got any questions before we’re interrupted?”

 

“You probably won’t answer this, but who are you exactly?”

 

“You can refer to me as Naula for now,” Natalia replied, “but I’m an undercover SIS agent way overdue to be pulled from this assignment. I’m risking a lot by telling you that much so please respect that and don’t ask anymore until you’re with my superiors.”

 

“I understand,” Wilks nodded, “and thank you.”

 

“You can thank me by coming clean about Bradley, Mills, and the truth about what happened during Operation Landslide once you’re safe,” Natalia whispered and a moment later, a knock sounded at the door.

 

[alaurin]

This next part was originally posted 10/28/2014 in the SFC thread for the Allies and Mix it Up prompts. It also features Ka'van who is Kitar's JC.

 

 

Calling in a Favor

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for Smuggler Voss, minor mention of JC Act 3 (post Belsavis mission), and hints at a companion conversation with Akaavi Spar

 

Zev wasn’t the only one having a difficult time sleeping and for once, it wasn’t the old nightmares keeping the Cathar awake. Dek’s call earlier had shaken Jax more than he’d let on. He trusted his crew, even Guss, and wasn’t concerned about a betrayal from any of them. Like his old friend, he was worried about their safety, especially Risha and Corso.

 

A smile eased the tense look on his face as his gaze traveled to the woman sleeping next to him. Ever since that first time they’d gotten together a couple of months back, she’d spent most nights in his quarters and Jax found that he didn’t need Ka’van’s gift very often when she did. Occasionally he’d have a nightmare, but Risha had become very adept at calming him with her soothing touch that often led to more once his terror was subsided. But those nimble fingers running through his mane wasn’t going to ease his stress when it was their owner he was afraid for.

 

Corso was another possible target if Manson Strategies decided to risk going after one of his crew. Over the past year, the two men had bonded and Jax thought of him more as a younger brother now. Corso was good in a fight and there wasn’t anyone Jax could think of that knew weapons better besides Aric Jorgan, but the young Mantellian was notoriously trusting to a fault, especially where women were concerned. Luring Corso out would be easy for those men if they’d done their homework on Jax’s crew. All it would take is a simple bait setup and thanks to Skadge, those men knew Jax was headed for Nar Shaddaa. While he might be able to keep his landing quiet, they would probably still have feelers out to see if any of them made an appearance. Then it was a matter of Corso being alone…..simply shopping in one of the several munition warehouses on the Hutt moon. The goons hire a woman, stage a mugging in a nearby alley, and Corso would be there in a heartbeat.

 

Jax knew warning his friend would be pointless because he didn’t have it in him to ignore a damsel in distress and Jax wouldn’t want him to. However, he could at least make sure Corso was aware of that possibility and maybe get Akaavi to tag along. He might not agree with the Mandalorian’s views about the majority of his crew, but he had to respect her skill and instincts. She’d likely grumble about Corso’s naiveté, but she wouldn’t let him fall into a trap.

 

After an hour of staring at the ceiling, trying not disturb his bed partner, Jax carefully slid his large frame from under the covers and pulled on a pair of shorts as he stood. He snatched the t-shirt off the floor and quietly crept out of his quarters to see if Akaavi was still awake, knowing he’d feel better once she agreed to look after their slightly gullible crewmate.

 

*****

 

Roughly eighteen hours later, the freighter was an hour from its destination and her Captain was in the rec area voicing his concerns over recent developments with his crew when the Holo went off again, the ringtone alone letting them know it was an urgent call.

 

“What’s going on?” Jax asked, bracing himself for bad news as Balkar’s image came up, followed by other familiar faces as both Dek’s and Zev’s ships connected.

 

“I just got a call from Agent Bryce…..Wilks is at the club,” Jonas explained, “She has him hidden but needs him extracted immediately since Bradley’s men are expected any time.”

 

“I’m still forty-five minutes out,” Jax told him.

 

“And I think we’re about fifteen behind you,” Zev nodded gravely.

 

“I know we’re further away than that,” Dek replied, his head turning to look over his shoulder.

 

“Hour and a half,” Mako’s voice called out, “and that’s pushing the fuel cells to the limit.”

 

“Dammit,” Jonas cursed, “The only available field agents I have that can get there before that are too green and if I go, there’s a good chance Agent Bryce’s cover will be blown wide open......something I’d like to avoid if at all possible.”

 

“Wait a sec,” Jax snapped his fingers as an idea occurred to him, “I might know someone. I’m pretty sure Ka’van is on Nar Shaddaa right now. He left Voss a couple of days ago and I recall him mentioning something about taking a brief hiatus while his squatters met with the Council and Nadia made arrangements for her father.”

 

“You think he’d be willing to help?” Zev shot Jax a dubious look, knowing the Jedi wasn’t the nicest member of the Order.

 

“After all the stuff he’s dragged me into, he owes me a favor,” Jax snorted, an involuntary shiver travelling down his spine as he recalled the rakghoul caverns on Tatooine.

 

“Actually, a Jedi would be perfect,” Jonas looked thoughtful, “Natalia said she was going to disguise the Colonel as a force user. Apparently the Sith regulars like to keep to themselves and stick to a quiet corner to watch. That’s where she stashed our man since the other customers typically leave them alone.”

 

“I’ll contact him right now,” Jax replied, stepping away from the ship’s Holoterminal to use his comlink. He decided to duck into his quarters to make the call while the others kept talking, and a moment later Ka’van’s image appeared.

 

“Captain Roark!” the ginger haired Human called out jovially, “How’s Voss treating you?”

 

“Got the dirt on those creatures and made a pretty good business arrangement with the Exchange rep, Scratch, and the Gormak liaison after taking out Jela’s little operation. I’m actually headed towards Nar Shaddaa right now,” Jax answered, then noticed the other man was in a bath robe, “Geez, you’re not dressed yet! Isn’t it late in the afternoon there?”

 

“It is indeed, but my schedule’s been a bit off and I stayed out late last night,” Ka’van smirked, “So you’re headed here, huh? We should hit the casino’s later.”

 

“I didn’t think the Order approved of gambling, Master Jedi,” Jax shook his head, wondering how in the void Ka’van was a member of the Order…..he made Syarra look like their poster child. Then his features sobered as he went on, “Actually, this isn’t a social call, Ka’van…….I need your help.”

 

“Name it, my friend,” Ka’van nodded, noting the use of his name and the mischievous twinkle left those deep blue eyes, replaced with concern.

 

“Remember how I told you about those guys after me, Dek, and Zev?”

 

“Yeah, Dek’s girl stumbled across something and it got their attention. You brought in Zev’s buddy and that led you to an undercover contact who agreed to help you out," Ka’van summed up, letting out a wistful sigh as he ran his fingers though his shoulder length hair, “Stars, I wish I’d been on planet for that party.”

 

“Sorry about that, but it was a last minute thing,” Jax grinned, knowing Ka’van didn’t think much of the Order’s strict policy on intimate relations. As a result, he didn’t exactly practice abstinence and appreciated women of all types.

 

“I know,” Ka’van grumbled, “So, I take it something’s come up and you’re not just rubbing in that night of debauchery I missed out on.”

 

“It has,” Jax confirmed, then went on to explain the current situation with Wilks.

 

“And you need me to go get him out of there,” Ka’van predicted once Jax finished.

 

“Yes, but you have to make it look natural……like you’re just meeting a friend and are leaving together. There’s a lot at stake with this guy and our contact is putting herself at risk to keep him safe.”

 

“Say no more,” Ka’van held up his hand, “I’ll just get dressed and head over there immediately. Just tell me what I’m going into.”

 

“Apparently she’s got him disguised as a force user and sitting in the back corner where their Sith clients congregate,” Jax informed him, bracing himself for the possible negative reaction to the next part, “So you’ll need to try and blend in, which means wearing your robes……..and I’m really sorry, but you’ll need to wear a hood as well. These guys have done their homework on me, Dek, and Zev and probably know who you are and what you look like.”

 

“Way to kill it for me,” Ka’van muttered, less than thrilled about the clothing limitations, “There goes my chances at having a little fun while I’m there.”

 

“Eh, you never know……some of those girls might be in to that,” Jax shrugged, “and I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

 

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Ka’van muttered, crossing his arms, “So, I’m going to the club, Wilks is in the back corner disguised as a force user. I sit with him, watch the ladies, make chit chat for a bit, then head out.”

 

“Pretty much,” Jax nodded, “I’m not sure if we’ll be able to let our contact know who’s coming to get him since we’re trying to keep her cover intact, but she’s pretty hard to miss. She’s Human, average height…..maybe slightly under,” the Cathar looked around and lowered his voice, “nice curvy little body, a tattoo wrapping around her right side from navel to hip…..some kind of bird or dragon, I can’t quite recall now, long hair about the same color as yours actually.”

 

“Does she have a name?” Ka’van asked, an eager smile crossing his handsome face.

 

“She’s going by Naula right now……just don’t get too carried away while you’re there, alright,” Jax rolled his eyes, “I’ll take you back another time and buy you an hour in one of the private rooms with as many dancers as you want, I promise.”

 

“Stars, I should start calling you Captain Buzzkill,” Ka’van remarked dryly, “But seriously Jax, don’t worry, I’ll get your man out of there safely…….you have my word on that.”

 

“Thanks, Ka’van,” Jaz replied, relief visible on his face, “Hopefully this whole mess will be over with soon and I’ll make sure you’re set for life on Shento cigars, Alderaanian Ale, and Corellian whiskey.”

 

“You had me at the hour of private time with the dancers,” Ka’van grinned, “But I’m definitely in now.”

 

“We should be landing by the time you leave the club with Wilks, so just bring him to the spaceport and look for Rendia Freight……that’s what I’m landing under.”

 

“Got it,” Ka’van bowed, “See you soon, my friend.”

 

As soon as he disconnected the call, Jax returned to the ship’s Holo where the others were still in conversation.

 

“I don’t get it…….why the cloak and dagger stuff still?” Corso was asking, “I mean if Wilks can testify about what happened, why can’t you just go get him, Agent Balkar?”

 

“Because we want to try and keep Natalia’s cover intact,” Jonas explained.

 

“Is that really important?”

 

“You saw the names of those people she’s busted during her stint at Club Paradise,” Jax elaborated for his still confused mercenary crewmate, “If any of those people find out who was responsible…..”

 

“She’ll have a price on her head that’ll make Dek’s look like pocket change,” Gault finished, an involuntary shudder running down his spine.

 

“Were you able to reach Master Ka’van?” Zev asked.

 

“He said he’d do it,” Jax nodded, “He wasn’t happy about having to go to a strip club looking like a Jedi, but he said he’d head out as he got dressed. I told him to bring Wilks to the spaceport and look for my hanger……figure we’d be landing by the time he’s able to there, stay long enough to ward off any suspicion, and get Wilks out.”

 

“What about Natalia?” Dek asked, “Is there a way to let her know who’s coming?”

 

“Have Aric call her,” Tanno chuckled, a wicked gleam in his eyes, “No one’s gonna think anything of her getting a call from her boyfriend.”

 

“That’s a good idea,” Zev pointed out, snickering his scowling XO, “Oh, relax, Jorgan…….weren’t you supposed to call her once we landed anyways?”

 

“I was,” Aric conceded, “but she probably won’t have her comlink nearby and void knows when she’ll check it if she’s busy keeping an eye on Wilks.”

 

“Call the club directly then, and leave her a message,” Jonas suggested, pausing as he thought for a moment, “I know…….tell her you’re an hour away, but found out that an old Jedi friend is on planet and plans to wait for you at the club. Knowing how thorough she is about digging into backgrounds, that should be enough to clue her in on who’s coming.”

 

“I’ll go call now,” Aric nodded, then disappeared from sight.

 

“Alright guys, we’ve done everything we can,” Jonas sighed, looking grim, “It’s all up to Master Ka’van now.”

 

“He might be an a**hole at times, but he’s a friend,” Jax assured them, “If he said he’ll get Wilks out of there safely, it’ll happen.”

 

“Contact me as soon as they get to your hanger,” Jonas instructed, “I’m working on an exit plan for Natalia and once Wilks is safe, she’s coming out.”

 

 

Author’s Note:

 

Shento cigars, Alderaanian Ale, and Corellian Whiskey can all be found on Wookieepedia.

 

Edited February 11, 2015 by alaurin

[alaurin]

This next part was posted 10/30/2014 in the SFC thread for the Discovery and Out of Time prompts. It also features Ka'van who is Kitar's JC, but I have her permission to use him. Also, there are no spoilers that I can think of, but I'm still using the Spoiler tags to be consistent and save space.

 

 

New Revelations

 

 

The tall ginger haired Human disconnected the call and went to the wardrobe, “If Jax’s furry hide thinks I’m going to wear brown Jedi robes, he has another one coming.”

 

Something didn’t seem quite right to the Jedi, but he shrugged it off in order to focus his attention on the task of dressing himself appropriately. Ka’van considered his friend’s briefing for a moment as he pondered his now limited choices. Wilks is disguised in hooded robes, tucked where the Sith clients usually sit…….those men probably know who I am and what I look like…….kark, this really sucks!

 

“No way around it,” the Jedi let out an exasperated sigh, resigning himself to the inevitable, “I’m going to the top end gentlemen’s club on Nar Shaddaa and am stuck wearing hooded robes.” He began looking through the robes hanging up in the back, frowning as he considered each. After a few minutes he found a set that would do……at least it was in his preferred color of black and the hood was large enough that the top half of his face would be concealed. He’d fit in with any Sith clientele there as long as he did a little mental preparation before going in.

 

Ka’van still felt off as he dressed, a nagging feeling insisting that things weren’t going to be as simple as his spacer friend thought. Not that Ka’van was afraid of a fight, but he knew Colonel Wilks was key to clearing Jax’s military records, something that meant a lot the Cathar, and the officer needed to be alive in order to do so. Deciding to err on the side of caution, Ka’van grabbed his comlink off the nightstand and called Qyzen to back him up.

 

A few minutes later, Ka’van was seated in his favorite chair in front of the hearth. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, opening up his mind as he began channeling the Force. His large frame was still and relaxed as the smoky darkness built around him. A few minutes later, he stopped, opening up his mind and allowing the heady warmth to be absorbed within him. He was careful to cut it off before letting too much in, then stood, checking his reflection in the small decorative mirror above the hearth. Satisfied with the deep blue eyes looking back at him, he raised his hood over his head, then left the apartment.

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

“Welcome to Club Paradise, gentlemen,” the hostess, a pretty rose colored Twi’lek greeted them, then nodded at Ka’van, “Oh, Jilli’s going to be happy to see you. She’s really into tall, dark, and mysterious types.”

 

“I’ll just have to keep an eye out for her then,” Ka’van flashed her a wicked smirk, inwardly cursing Jax for insisting he behave himself this evening. Although there’s no reason I can’t return once the good Colonel is safe.

 

“She’s on break right now, but hard to miss since she’s the only Zeltron working here. I’m sure she’d be pleased to dance for you.”

 

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Ka’van nodded, then he and Qyzen entered the main room.

 

“Soft things, pretty to look at, but no good for mate,” Qyzen observed as they walked in, “Weak hunters.”

 

“Trust me, my friend,” Ka’van snorted, taking in the beautiful, scantily clad dancers as he looked around for their contact, “I’m sure these lovely ladies are skilled hunters……just with a different sort of prey.”

 

Well now, she is quite the little temptress, Ka’van mused, those blue eyes spotting a dancer that fit Jax’s description entertaining at the back corner table, her lone client a medium built robed figure. He reached out with the force while he watched the curvy Human, her long, thick ginger plait swaying with her provocative movements. A glint caught his attention and he noticed a pink jewel dangling tantalizingly against her abdomen from the tiny golden ring piercing her navel. The tattoo Jax mentioned curving around the right side. An appreciative smile quirked his lips as he let his gaze remain on those suggestive hips for a moment before traveling up her slender waist towards firm and generous breasts barely covered by a scrap of hot pink lace. Perhaps once this is all over with, I’ll return and get to know her better.

 

He detected a small spike in the force coming from the corner as he approached the table, but other than the agent, there was only one other individual, a medium built robed figure that he assumed was Wilks. He reached out further, gently probing their minds and found the source.

 

“Ah…..someone has a secret,” Ka’van mused, his smug tone hinting at his surprise as he made his presence known in her mind.

 

“Not exactly a secret, Master Jedi,” Natalia replied, at ease with mental conversation. She gave Wilks a brief nod as Ka’van sat in the chair next to him, then went on, “It’s simply not something I regularly advertise. I’m not strong enough to warrant training, but I can sense sensitivity in others……as well as type. My superiors know and that’s why I’ll never go undercover as an Imperial.”

 

“A wise decision knowing Sith views on force sensitives. I doubt you’d survive Korriban. I am curious as to how you avoided their attention working here though.”

 

“Most people coming to this joint aren’t exactly focused on looking for force sensitives and I’ve gotten proficient in masking it when I need to.....Ka’van.”

 

Feeling Wilks’ tension next to him, Ka’van whispered a brief introduction, explaining that Jax sent him before turning his attention back to the intriguing agent, “Given your familiarity with my name, I take it you were expecting me, then?” Ka’van questioned, catching her eye as she came around again, “Jaxzin wasn’t sure if they’d be able to get word to you.”

 

“I received a cryptic message that told me enough,” Natalia acknowledged, a taunting smile curving those lush, berry pink glossed lips, “I’ve done my homework on each of them, their families, their friends……everything Manson Strategies knows, I know…..and then some.”

 

“Why spend time doing that?”

 

“After finding out they intended to use Zara as bait, I wanted to make sure I knew anything or anyone they could exploit. You however, interested me on a personal level.”

 

“Really? I’m flattered such a lovely young woman found me worth looking into.”

 

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, bud…..it wasn’t for that reason. Like you, I too was a foundling. From Corellia. Never knew my real parents and because I wasn’t an easy baby, never formally adopted. I grew up in an orphanage. So I felt a kinship when I saw you were an orphan as well and poked around a little further to see if you’d been luckier than I was.”

 

“By all means, do tell,” Ka’van returned, curious at what she’d learned about him. He wasn’t too concerned since his background was all but blank for all but his adopted family.

 

“Ah……it might not be as secure as you’d like to think. I’ll admit, the files were hard to come by, and left me rather curious myself…….a force sensitive foundling from Imperial occupied Balmorra. Sent off to the Jedi by a mysterious benefactor…….and a generous one at that,” Natalia prodded as she hooked a shapely leg around the pole before leaning back towards the Trandoshan, favoring him with a teasing wink, “Care to share more? Or talk about the darkness that resides inside you?”

 

“I felt it prudent to appear as a Sith since that’s how you hid our friend and opened myself up to the dark side of the force to throw off suspicion in case any real Sith were present,” Ka’van deflected, beginning to feel a little uneasy at the Agent’s line of questioning. He needed to divert her attention, and fast, before she picked up on his annoyance or discomfort. After all, she was important to Jax and clearing his past, but his family ties were best left in the dark for the time being and he didn’t want to resort to anything drastic to keep it that way.

 

Through their connection, he picked up on some of her background thoughts and feelings, and he had to admit, her mind was fascinating. She soaked up information like a sponge, storing everything neatly in different compartments. Not only that, her force sensitivity enabled her to easily focus her attention on multiple things at once. Even now as they carried on their mental conversation, she was aware of his presence, conscious of her environment, rapidly running multiple scenarios in case a real Sith showed up, or those men caught on, or Wilks got too antsy…..all while playing the part of the seductive vixen known as Naula, favoring customers with a teasing wink, a flirtatious smile, or a moment of personal attention while receiving a tip. It made her a natural at her job with the SIS, but combined with her slicing skills and voracious curiosity, it also made her a potential threat if he couldn’t put a lid on the latter where his family was concerned. After a brief moment, Ka’van found something to exploit in order to put her focus elsewhere. He pulled out a credstick and held it up.

 

“You may have called up the darkness to ward off any suspicion,” Natalia countered, sauntering over when she spotted the credstick, “but we both know it wasn’t exactly a challenge for you. No, the darkness is always there with you……at home inside. I just wonder if it was inherited or learned. If it was learned, does this mean your mysterious benefactor was a……..”

 

“I hardly think my origins are relevant to the matter at hand,” Ka’van interrupted, mixing in a force compulsion with his words. He was careful not to push too hard with her mind since it worked differently than a force blind and he didn’t want to inadvertently wipe out any of her training or cover information, but strong enough to redirect her attention. Then to further distract her, he tucked a very generous tip into that tiny hot pink g-string.

 

“Oh, hey!” her husky voice exclaimed as those brown eyes widened with her shock as one of those large hands wandered a little too far in when he tipped her. “Watch it, Master Jedi,” Natalia rebuked, losing her train of thought as she returned to the center of the table, “You’re getting a little too frisky.”

 

“Just trying to blend in,” Ka’van shot back, wisely heading her warning since neither of them wanted to draw any unnecessary attention. He was relieved that her mind seemed to have forgotten what she’d been hinting at a moment before, but he knew it was only temporary and that he’d have to pay her a much more personal visit in the near future in order to ensure she dug no further into his background.

 

“Oh, the tip is appreciated, but I’m seeing someone and he’s the only one who gets in my panties, buster!”

 

“Don’t I at least deserve a kiss for rescuing the lovely lady in distress? That always seems to work for Captain Roark.”

 

“Well, technically its Wilks that you’re rescuing, so feel free to hit him up for that kiss.”

 

“I get the feeling he’s a little too uptight for my tastes.”

 

Natalia couldn’t help but giggle at that thought, the tension of the day leaving her a little and she returned to the Jedi, favoring him with a broad grin as she brushed a brief kiss on his chiseled cheek.

 

“Now that’s more like it,” Ka’van teased, wanting to keep the mood light and playful now that she was warming up to him.

 

“Sorry about being so snotty earlier,” Natalia gave a mental sigh, “It’s just been a rough day and my shift’s not even half over yet. And to be honest, I’m well beyond ready to be finished with this assignment.”

 

Ka’van easily picked up on her stress of these past few weeks, the mental fatigue of being undercover for such a long time, and her eagerness to return to her normal life so she could explore her renewed feelings for an old crush from the past. He also detected a more physical fatigue, the aches and pains that accompanied a shift dancing in less than comfortable shoes as well as her bruised backside and stiff back which resulted from her jarring fall earlier. Still detecting no other force users in the club, Ka’van bowed his head, closing his eyes as he directed a healing wave of force energy towards her, easing her sore back and derrière.

 

“It can’t be easy doing what you do,” Ka’van admitted truthfully, admiring her inner strength and that feisty spirit.

 

“It’s not, but I don’t mind for the most part……okay, I could do without the occasional groping client, but other than that, this assignment hasn’t been too bad. I’m just ready to be myself again…….stars, I can’t believe I’m talking to you like this. I’m normally better at keeping it to myself than this.”

 

“You don’t often get the chance to let it all out without anyone overhearing though……and I promise I won’t breathe a word of your chattiness to anyone.”

 

“Thanks, Master Jedi,” Natalia winked at him, “I’d better move over to the next dance table now that more people are coming in.”

 

“I’ll stick around for a bit longer, then Qyzen and I will get the Colonel to safety.”

 

A little while later, the tall robed Human stood, the other robed figure and the Trandoshan following his lead and the trio headed towards the exit, weaving their way through the now crowded club. On the way out, Ka’van passed by the Senator’s cronies and caught their thoughts as the dancers shifted and Natalia hopped up on their table. Ka’van easily picked up their thoughts as he passed by…..anger that Wilks hadn’t shown and grim resolve to move on to their secondary target. He continued monitoring their thoughts and much to his surprise, he discovered Natalia was the new target a few seconds later.

 

He paused, pretending to watch the sultry beauty work her magic for Bradley’s hired men as he probed into the nearest one’s mind. He was relieved to find that they were still unaware of who she really was, but apparently they intended to use her as bait for someone. He retreated from the man’s mind before he could be detected, than reached back out to the agent to warn her of this new danger.

 

“You’ve got trouble. The Senator’s men are after you now.”

 

“Why?! Oh-no…..do they know who I am?!”

 

“Not that I could detect. They still think of you as Naula, but plan to use you as bait. I didn’t want to push too hard and risk being made, so that’s all I know.”

 

“It’s enough…….thank you.”

 

“What can I do?” Ka’van asked, impressed with her poise and control.

 

“Get Wilks out of here,” she insisted, “I’ll keep an eye on our friends and get a message out to Balkar as soon as I get a chance. My shift’s not over for another four hours and I highly doubt they’ll try anything in here.”

 

“All the same, I think Qyzen and I will return once Wilks is safe with Jaxzin,” Ka’van promised as they walked towards the exit, “Watch yourself until then.”

 

“I will.”

 

“Keep your hood up and head bowed,” Ka’van quietly instructed the Colonel as soon as they left the club, “I don’t want to risk anyone recognizing you until we’re in Jax’s hanger.”

 

“Understood……and thank you for coming. It’s more than I deserve after what I did.”

 

“You’d do better to thank that young lady if you ever see her again,” Ka’van replied, then turned to Qyzen, “Speaking of the lovely dancer, I want you to return to the club as soon as we get to the spaceport. I caught their thoughts as we passed them on our way out and they’re targeting her.”

 

“They know who she really is?”

 

“Not that I could pick up on, but I’d feel better if someone’s there watching her back. I’ll join you once he’s safe.”

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

Less than an hour later, Natalia finally got a brief break. On her way to the dressing room, she noticed that the men appeared to be content to stick around for the next set since they ordered drinks. She discretely waved Jake over, needing someone she could trust to make contact with Jonas in case something happened to her. Unfortunately, Rose also decided to join and Natalia knew she would have to deal with her friend’s questions about her earlier behavior.

 

“I’ve been waiting for you to go on break,” Rose hissed, “So what gives with that guy?!”

 

“Shhhh,” Natalia cut her off as they entered the empty room. After locking the door behind them, she turned to her two friends, “Look, there’s stuff going on that I can’t tell you about……not entirely. Let’s just say I’m doing a favor for an old friend in the SIS……”

 

“You’re playing spook?!” Rose cried.

 

“Shut up!” Natalia ordered, rounding on the Twi’lek, “Don’t speak of that again…..or mention that man’s name. I mean it. The people after him are extremely dangerous and I don’t want either of you put at risk. Unfortunately, those same men are after me now.”

 

“Why?” Jake asked, concern in his voice, “Did they find out you helped that guy escape?”

 

“No, but apparently they discovered my connection to the people wanting him safe and plan to use me as bait. That’s why I needed to talk to you both. Those men are here right now. I won’t tell you who they are because I don’t want you involved any more than you already are, but if something happens to me, I want you to call Agent Jonas Balkar,” Natalia handed Jake a small filmsiplast, knowing the bouncer was good at keeping his head during a crisis, “Here’s his direct line. Just tell him Naula’s in trouble. Can you do that for me?”

 

“I’ll do it,” Jake nodded gravely, “but I don’t like the thought of you in trouble.”

 

“I’ll be fine,” Natalia assured him as a teary Rose hugged her, “However, I might be going into protective custody after tonight…..at least until the danger is over. I’ll call the club so you know I’m safe, then burn that contact info Jake. Now both of you, get back out there before anyone notices you’re gone. I don’t want the boss hounding you for slacking off.”

 

Rose and Jake both hugged her then left, leaving Natalia alone with her thoughts. She grabbed her datapad out of her locker, sent Jonas a brief message, then feeling like the walls were closing in, decided to spend the last few minutes of her break getting what passed for a breath of fresh air. She donned on a robe, grabbing a small blade and a flash bomb out of her bag and tucking it into the pocket, then stepped out the back door into the alley behind the club. She realized her mistake as soon as the door shut.

 

“We were hoping you’d make this easy for us,” a burly Human stepped out from behind the dumpster, “Now be a good girl and come along quietly. No one wants you to get hurt.”

 

Natalia’s heart began to race as she backed up to the door, her eyes darting to each of the five men who must’ve left the club while she was talking to Jake and Rose. In her rush to go outside, she’d forgotten to check to see of Bradley’s men were still at their table……that was really stupid, Natalia, she mentally chided herself. Unfortunately, getting back inside wasn’t an option since the door automatically locked when it closed and there was no way she’d be able to key in the entry code before those men were all over her. She glanced up, and much to her dismay, the camera above the door had been ripped out.

 

“Right,” she shot back, allowing her voice to quiver in fear as adrenaline coursed through her body, “Because dancers never disappear in dark alleys on Nar Shaddaa. Sell that to someone else because I’m not buying.”

 

“We’re being honest, Miss Naula,” another spoke and Natalia recognized the tall young man who’d spoken out against the Senator when he was getting too grabby during that party, “We just need you to bring in…..”

 

“We don’t have time for this," the first man grumbled, "Come on, boys…..let’s grab her and get out of here before she’s missed or someone realizes that camera’s out.”

 

 

Author’s Note:

 

Hopefully the mental communication wasn’t too confusing. I tried to keep those parts in italics to help.

 

I took Ka’van’s mental prep/meditation before leaving for the club from Kitar’s Essles story.

 

Edited July 2, 2015 by alaurin

[Irongut]

New Revelations

 

You seem to have posted the previous part again for New Revelations.

 

I'm loving this story so far. I don't follow the SFC thread much so haven't read any of it before and I'm avidly reading each part to keep up to date. The relationships between your characters and their shared background works really well and some of your companions are spot on how I see them myself. You've even got me thinking about playing my BH again and he's been languishing on the sidelines for about two years.

 

Looking forward to the next part!

 

 

Edit: Forgot to say I wish I could kill Skadge too. I didn't see any reason to invite him to join my crew, never use him and don't like the fact he stands beside the mail terminal right outside the cockpit, where he can see and hear everything!

 

Edited February 11, 2015 by Irongut

[alaurin]

You seem to have posted the previous part again for New Revelations.

Well, poop......isn't that just embarrassing! I figured I had a few years left before senility hit, but maybe not. Its fixed now and the correct story should be there.

 

Reply:

 

I'm loving this story so far. I don't follow the SFC thread much so haven't read any of it before and I'm avidly reading each part to keep up to date. The relationships between your characters and their shared background works really well and some of your companions are spot on how I see them myself. You've even got me thinking about playing my BH again and he's been languishing on the sidelines for about two years.

 

Looking forward to the next part!

Thanks!! Glad you're enjoying my guys' little saga and I'm not ashamed to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed killing that particular companion in two of my legacies!

 

 

Now I suppose I'll post the next part and trust me, I'm gonna double check to make sure it's the correct one before submitting!! This next part was originally posted on the SFC thread 11/4/2014 for the Sounds of Silence prompt and contains no spoilers that I can think of.

 

 

How the Story Unfolds

 

 

A hulking figure entered the alleyway, halting at the first step in. The yellow scales glinting as the Trandoshan paused near the streetlamp at the entrance. Nostrils flared as he sniffed the air, smelling the telltale signs of battle……blood, the slightly acrid odor of burning flesh, a hint of jasmine…..the dancer. He slowly scanned the area, shrewd eyes taking not missing a thing as the story unfolded in front of him……ending where he was currently standing with multiple sets of bloody footprints leading away from the scene and beginning at the still supine figure at the other end of the alley.

 

Qyzen silently made his way towards the body, already smelling death on the Human, careful not to disturb the footprints since he’d need to study them later. He recognized the Human, one of the men he and the Herald passed on their way out with the Colonel. He was dead, a pool of blood around his head and shoulders, coming from the gaping slash across his throat. Qyzen studied the area around the corpse, needing more information to determine if this was the only casualty. He spotted blood on the wall not too far from the dead Human, but it’s arcing pattern fit the man’s wounds perfectly and judging from the position, he was likely killed by a left handed person. Seeing no other traces of blood besides the footprints, he began to look for where the burning smell came from. He saw them a few seconds later, several circular scorch marks on the opposite wall. Someone fired a blaster and judging from the burnt flesh odor he detected, at least one of the blaster shots found its mark. He hadn’t seen any on the corpse, but checked again to be sure.

 

After confirming the dead Human hadn’t been hit, Qyzen walked over to the tiny white pile of fabric laying a few feet from the back door to the club, a stark contrast to the dark grey duracrete. He studied it for a moment before gently picking the silken robe up. The moment he touched it, he knew the fight had only taken place mere moments before he’d arrived. The fabric was still warm, very close to Human body temperature and the scent of jasmine was strong. He noticed some blood spattered on the left sleeve and closed his eyes to search his memories……the dancer went up to the bar soon after leaving their table. The bar keep handed her a drink with a straw, which she used to stir it……with her left hand. The dancer was left handed, she killed that man, the blood on the sleeve likely his. His initial assessment of her had been wrong and he realized now that she was no soft thing, but a cunning and deadly huntress in her own right.

 

The dancer agent came out in her robe, probably on break, a man stepped in front of her…..got too close and she killed him with a blade, probably something small she had in the pocket……then what? Qyzen set the robe back down and studied the ground around it, spotting another, smaller pool of blood about a foot away along with unmistakable signs of a struggle…..an overturned trash bin, scattered scuff marks, and the remains of a flash grenade. Then four different sets of footprints leading out of the alley……all going in the same direction, but one set was smaller…..female. The dancer killed the first man, catching them by surprise as they didn’t know she was a trained SIS agent. After shock wore off, the others tried to grab her and they struggled, someone getting stabbed or cut during, then someone set off the flash grenade. Qyzen worked on the assumption that those hit men wouldn’t be expecting a struggle and would see no reason to have a distraction tool like that, but an agent would, especially one knowing she was being hunted. The dancer agent probably pocketed a knife and the flash grenade before stepping out of the club since the Herald made her aware of the threat to her.

 

So the dancer blinded the men, then ran. Four sets of footprints, one hers, and a dead man……that would account for the whole group from the club, but three questions still remained, who was hit with blaster fire, who was stabbed or cut, and were either of those injuries mortal? Qyzen squatted next to the pool of blood, dipped a clawed finger into it, then brought it to his nose for a sniff before tasting it. The Trandoshan sighed in relief, the blood wasn’t Human so not the dancer’s. He had no way of knowing who was hit with blaster fire, but the footprints might give a hint. He studied the female’s first, once again very careful not to disturb any of them and saw no indicators she was hurt while fleeing. They were spaced out normally for someone running, no staggering pattern, none looking heavier than the rest. One set of the others’, however, were slightly uneven, showing a limp……one of the men had a leg injury.

 

Satisfied he’d gleaned all the information he could from the sight, Qyzen set off in the direction of the footprints to track those men and the remarkable little agent, pulling out a comlink to call his Herald as he hurried along the trail.

 

 

Author’s Note:

 

Kitar uses customization #1 for Qyzen and I decided to stay with that since I’m using her JC, Ka’van.

 

Edited February 11, 2015 by alaurin

[alaurin]

One more for today, this next bit was originally posted 1/24/2015 in the SFC thread for the A Good Villain prompt and contains no spoilers that I can think of.

 

 

The Good Senator

 

 

“Stubborn bastard!” the tall figure seethed, whipping the rocks glass into the fireplace. The flames hissed for a second as the man continued to pace along the ornate rug.

 

He passed the family portrait, snarling at the reminder of what was causing his current troubles. The portrait had been done a few years ago, just after his son had graduated the Military Academy on Coruscant. His wife had arranged it with a local artist, a way to show their off pride in their son’s service and gain public favor.

 

Back then he had a good life, a picture perfect family, an heir, and a promising career. Then that idiot boy had to screw it all up by trying to play the hero. Now things were getting messy and if it was one thing Edwin Bradley hated was anything less than ordered. He preferred things neat and efficient, his home, his staff, his business, his family, and his friends. Everything served a purpose and when it no longer did so, it was disposed of like used furniture.

 

It wasn’t his son’s death that bothered him as much as the circumstances surrounding it. It was an election year and a lot was riding on him winning it, including several very lucrative contracts for his high school friend and occasional lover, Karen Mills. They could ill afford anything that would tarnish the wholesome family image he’d worked so hard to build. When he discovered his son had been responsible for the deaths of his squad mates, some Imperial officers, and several civilians, Edwin knew he had to take action. He’d called on another friend from secondary school, Robert Wilks, the same man who’d ensured his son get a position in the highly coveted Spec Forces despite the fact that the boy was nowhere near the caliber of soldier needed for that posting.

 

He’d been friends with Robert and Karen all through secondary school. Having come from a working class background, Robert had gone on to Military Academy while he and Karen went off to a prestigious college. Despite differing careers, the three of them stayed in touch throughout the years, occasionally calling upon one another for a favor.

 

Before the truth could come out about his son, both he and Karen had fired off messages to Robert, but he’d been reluctant to tamper with the records until they made the Colonel an offer he couldn’t refuse. Before the first of the three sole survivors was even out of the kolto tank, everything was in place. Robert managed to damage the recordings from Tempest Squad’s audio feed just enough to hide his son’s disobedience and make it look like the commanding officer was responsible for negligence. Then he switched the cases containing the armor cam footage with some old records going to storage, destroying it at first opportunity.

 

Robert Wilks had been a good friend and valuable asset until his guilty conscious got the better of him. Edwin started wondering about his friend’s motives when Robert had gotten careless, forgetting to delete the messages he and Karen had sent offering him money and contracts in exchange for covering up his son’s part in the mission failure. It was a costly mistake since a former Tempest CO, Colonel Hallyard, was doing some personal investigation into the mission and its fallout. Hallyard found the messages and was bringing up charges against Wilks, until a friendly fire incident claimed his life. A friendly fire incident that had cost a lot of credits to arrange.

 

Things had died down after that and the records had been sealed on the charges. The cover up was safe and he’d won the election for Senate. Everything was going well until a couple months ago when a hacker found their way into the Military databanks and found the sealed file showing the charges Hallyard brought up against Wilks. The hacker had been kicked out before anything could be downloaded, but they’d seen enough to raise questions. Questions that could lead to things getting messy.

 

It took some of Karen’s best people, but after a few days they traced the hacker back to Dekkyn Varlok, one of the three survivors from Operation Landslide. That’s when he and Karen decided it was time to tie up all loose ends. Anyone who knew the truth had to go, including those three survivors, Dekkyn Varlok, Zevryn Varlok, and Jaxzin Roark. It was also time to deal with their old friend. Robert Wilks had served his purpose, but now he was just another loose end that needed cutting as well. He decided to use the same ‘consulting firm’ that handled Colonel Hallyard for them, Manson Strategies based on Nar Shaddaa.

 

However, after two months, much to Edwin’s dissatisfaction, all four men were still very much alive and knew they were being hunted. Not only that, but thanks to one of Dekkyn’s crew, he and Karen were aware that the three survivors were also after Robert. Certain their old friend would talk, Edwin and Karen decided making preparations to disappear if necessary. They both had secret bank accounts and Karen had a couple of residences in Imperial space they could hideout in until things died down.

 

Edwin felt a twinge of guilt that his wife would take the brunt of responsibility, but he and Karen needed a scapegoat and she was a believable one. It was regrettable since he truly liked her, but she was his wife and would serve her purpose. Their marriage had been arranged to unite two prominent families in Corellian society, and all things considered, he couldn’t complain. His wife preferred the company of other women, but did her duty and provided him with an heir. After that, she didn’t care if he strayed as long as he was discreet and they both had a mutual understanding ever since.

 

Even in his late fifties, the Senator still cut an imposing figure. His golden hair had gone silver, but he’d kept himself remarkably fit throughout the years, wanting to keep his image one of vitality. He’d aged well and was still a good looking man who had no troubles finding a bed partner. He loved all types of women, young, old, whores, debutants, and had several mistresses all over the galaxy. Rare was the woman that turned him down and he still felt a pang of annoyance that the dancer from Nar Shaddaa rebuked him a couple of weeks ago. Then he remembered his consulting firm was in the process of acquiring her. Maybe I’ll have them hang on to her after they use her to snag the bigger fish. I can pay her a visit and show that uppity sl*t how to f*ck a real man. That really pissed him off……the b*tch turned him down then took some lowly Cathar for a lover. Yes……breaking her will be fun, he mused, a malicious grin crossing his handsome features as he thought of all the things he’d like to do to her. Eager to ensure he’d get to teach that dancer her place, Edwin picked up his comlink to call Manson Strategies.

 

[alaurin]

Here's the next part, originally posted 12/2/2014 for the Out of Time and Mix It Up prompts. There are no spoilers that I can think of.

 

Note: This is the last one to be cross posted and from here on out, it'll all be new stuff.....which means the updates won't be happening as frequently. The last remaining few parts are in various states of completion, but the next one should be ready to post this evening and the two following are nearly complete.

 

 

A Tense Reunion

 

 

 

Ka’van and Wilks entered the hangar in time to see Jax rushing down the ramp, followed closely by his crew.

 

“Colonel Robert Wilks…..as much as I despise you, I’m glad you’re safe,” Jax sighed his relief at seeing his former superior officer with the Jedi, the former wisely staying silent as the Cathar’s piercing blue eyes held his for a moment before turning towards the Jedi, “I owe you big time for this, Ka’van. Zev should be touching down any minute, so we can chat with the good Colonel about his deal with Bradley and how he’s going to clean up the mess he made of our careers.”

 

“I’m sure I’ll think of something, my friend, but chatting with the Colonel may have to wait,” Ka’van replied gravely, “We have other pressing matters to deal with for now.”

 

“Did something happen? Where’s Qyzen?”

 

“I sent him back to the club,” Ka’van began, pausing as they heard booted feet running in the corridor. A moment later, three men appeared in the main doorway.

 

“Master Jedi,” the tan Zabrak bowed when he got to them, “Thank you for your quick assistance. From what I gather, Wilks was about to permanently disappear. Colonel, glad you could make it, but you’ll forgive me for not saluting the man responsible for most of this.”

 

“There’s trouble still, Zev,” Jax warned, nodding at Ka’van, “So what’s going on? Why’d you send Qyzen back?”

 

“To watch over your pretty agent friend,” Ka’van answered, “Those men were there by the time Qyzen and I arrived, but they had no idea Wilks was in the corner booth thanks to Natalia’s quick thinking. We stayed for a little while, watching the show and chatting like we were old friends, then the three of us left. When we passed the table those men were sitting at, I caught their thoughts and they weren’t good.”

 

“Is Natalia in trouble?” Zev asked, seeing Aric tense up out of the corner of his eye, “Did they figure out who she is?”

 

“No,” Kavan shook his head, “They only know her as Naula and believe she’s a dancer.”

 

“Then why’s she in trouble?” Aric spoke up, an edge to his voice that Zev could sympathesize with.

 

“Like they did with Jax, they needed to find a way to lure you out, Major,” Ka’van explained, “Natalia got Zara off the grid before they could get her, but they’d already been looking for someone to use against you. Your family is under heavy security due to your father’s old military connections so they decided to use one of your squad mates since you see them as family, or in Elara Dorne’s case, more. In fact, they intended to use her originally.”

 

“That’s impossible,” Tanno’s gravelly voice insisted, “No way is some hit man gonna snatch one of us, I don’t care how skilled they are. Spec Forces don’t play around.”

 

“and neither do these men. They weren’t going to try and take on Havoc….” Ka’van argued, then the tall Jedi suddenly trailed off, clutching his chest as his heart began to race.

 

“Master Jedi!” Zev shouted, grabbing Ka’van’s arm to keep him from falling. Jax aiding him a second later.

 

“Her heart’s racing……fear…..fight or flight,” Ka’van gritted, trying to isolate his connection to the force sensitive agent so he could sever the ties to their physical systems.

 

“Natalia?”

 

“Yes, I connected to her with the Force so we could communicate in the club……takes a while for the connection to break and ours is unusually strong given her secret little talent. The connection is causing my body systems to mimic hers and she’s in serious trouble.”

 

Just then Ka’van’s and Zev’s coms went off, the latter shouting out to Vik when he spotted his XO getting ready to take off, “Aric, don’t! Grab him Vik!”

 

“I’m not going to let those bastards hurt her,” Aric growled as his claws came out, “Let go of me Vik or I swear I’ll tear your a** into pieces!” Bowdaar and Akaavi went over to help the Weequay with the struggling Cathar.

 

Zev and Ka’van answered their coms and the images of Jonas Balkar and Qyzen appeared respectively.

 

“Agent Bryce got a message out to me about ten minutes ago,” Jonas spoke up first, “She said she’s a target now. I getting some backup when I got a call from a bouncer at the club saying Naula instructed him to call me if something happened to her. Apparently she never came back from break and those men are gone. I tried to contact the ship, but Elara and Yuun said you were heading for Jax’s hanger already. I hope Wilks is enough because I’m officially pulling her from this assignment and as soon as I find her, she’s going into a safehouse. I’m heading to the Red Light Sector now with a couple of agents now to see if we can figure out what happened and where she’s headed. We’re in civ clothes to keep her cover intact, but armed just in case.”

 

“She was attacked in the back alley,” Qyzen informed them, “Other hunters tried to grab her, she fought, killed one, on the run now. Picked up trail and I follow.”

 

“What did you see, Qyzen?”

 

“Dead Human male, small robe pooled by the door…..still warm, had her scent. Fight very recent, happened only a few minutes ago. See bloody footprints, about her size and spread apart……says she runs. No sign of other hunters, so they give chase.”

 

“Can you tell if she’s injured?” Zev asked, seeing the stricken look on his XO’s face.

 

“Blood on robe smells same as dead man,” Qyzen answered, “Other blood not Human. Her footsteps appear normal, no staggering pattern or other indicators that she’s hurt.”

 

“Thanks Qyzen,” Ka’van told the Trandoshan, “Keep me informed and good hunting.”

 

“I’ll continue on to the club and see if I can get that bouncer to get me access to a camera feed,” Jonas told them, “If Natalia is able, she’ll follow protocol and set off one of the signal beacons we have planted all over Nar Shaddaa. I’ll let you know as soon as one lights up.”

 

“Sounds like a plan, Jonas,” Zev nodded, “We’ll work on going after these men as soon as we get a lock on their location.”

 

“I…..am…..not…..going …..to ……sit …..here…..and……wait!” Aric raged, finally breaking Vik’s hold on him and, shoving his squad mate away only to get blocked by Bowdaar and Akaavi.

 

“That’s enough!” Ka’van’s voice rang out, deadly calm as he finally regained control of his racing heart, “You’re not going anywhere, Captain.”

 

“With all due respect, Master Jedi,” Aric spat, “You can f*ck off. I’m going after her.”

 

“And that’s exactly what they want, idiot!” Ka’van shot back, “Since they didn’t dare try and take on Havoc directly, they intended to lure one of you out. Elara Dorne was their first choice, but they couldn’t get to her brother without drawing suspicion, so they had to go with the next best thing, which is you. You’re Zev’s good friend and his XO.”

 

“Natalia was supposed to draw Aric out?” Corso mused, “Why would they think that?”

 

“They can’t possibly…….” Aric whispered, a cold feeling settling in his gut as something occurred to him that Ka’van confirmed a second later.

 

“When you took that drop last week, they were there. By an unfortunate coincidence, they left a few minutes after you did and when they passed by the alley, they saw you kissing her.”

 

“Well, I don’t give a womprat’s hairy a** if they try to take me,” Aric growled, “I’m going after her and…….what the hell?!”

 

“No,” Ka’van stated simply, his palm extended towards the Cathar now struggling against an invisible barrier, “You’re not. Now try and think with your head and not your heart for a minute. Don’t make me take your furry a** out because that will be one less person we have to get her to safety. I haven’t seen a more skilled tracker than Qyzen and he’s on her trail.”

 

“I can’t…..” Aric protested, still struggling against Ka’van’s Force block.

 

“Look, I know you care deeply about her,” Ka’van sighed, “Your emotions are pouring off you right now, but you need to push past that and think like the soldier you are. First though, I strongly suggest we get the Colonel off planet now.”

 

“I agree with Master Ka’van. We don’t want to take a chance of those men figuring out we have Wilks so we need to get him out of here now. You take him, Jax,” Zev suggested, “Get him on your ship and as soon as you’re fueled up, take off……I don’t care where you go, but I’d err on the side of caution and at least get away from Hutt space.”

 

“I hate to leave when Natalia’s in trouble,” Jax protested.

 

“I know that, Jax, but she risked a lot to keep Wilks safe and get him to us,” Zev countered, “Don’t make it for nothing. I’ll contact you after we deal with this.”

 

“And I’m not going anywhere, my friend,” Ka’van assured him, “I sent a message to Tharan and he’s waiting for us in his office, keeping in touch with Qyzen and preparing.”

 

“I can leave some of my crew behind…..”

 

“No, Jax,” Zev shook his head, “I’d feel better knowing the six of you were watching over Wilks and Dek would agree.”

 

“Let me know as soon as she’s safe,” Jax nodded as Corso and Akaavi took Wilks on board, “I’ll call Dek once I’m in space and bring him up to speed.”

 

Zev’s com went off before he could reply and Elara’s image appeared, “Trouble, sir!”

 

“Talk to me, Elara.”

 

“Approximately five minutes after you, Jorgan, and Vik left, a group of men attacked the hanger,” Elara answered.

 

“Dammit,” Zev cursed, swallowing down the old fears threatening to choke him at the thought of something happening to his squad or the woman he loved, “Are you and Yuun alright?”

 

“Yes, sir,” Elara assured him, a cheeky smile curving her lips, “Apparently they were prepared to take Yuun and I, but unfortunately for them, they weren’t prepared for Forex.”

 

“Evil heathens trying to attack the noble forces of the Republic,” the massive wardroid cried out, “It grinds my gears and I made them regret their stupidity, sir.”.

 

“Please tell me he left one alive,” Aric snarled menacingly, the feral look on his face enough to make even the Jedi back off a little.

 

“Eight dead, two severely wounded and detained,” Elara confirmed, “I had security lock down the hanger until further notice.”

 

“We’re on our way, Elara,” Zev told her, the fear dissipating with the knowledge she was safe as he turned to Jax and Risha, “Jax, if you have enough fuel, take off now!”

 

“We do,” Risha nodded, grasping Jax’s hand to lead the stubborn Cathar back to his ship, “Come on, Captain…..we need to get out while the getting is good.”

 

“Keep me posted, Zev,” Jax called out as he and Risha retreated up the ramp, “and make those bastards pay!”

 

[alaurin]

Alrighty, here comes some new stuff!!! Hope it's worth the wait!

 

 

The Missing Piece

 

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for Smuggler Voss

 

“Are the fuel lines cut?” Jax yelled out as he ran towards the cockpit.

 

“They’re reeling in the hoses now, Captain,” Corso replied.

 

“Take Wilks to the rec room, and stay with him!” Jax ordered, “I’m not taking any chances now that we have him. Akaavi, can you watch over him as well and make sure he doesn’t have a comlink on him……void knows what that sneaky bastard might try.”

 

“He seems to be on the level,” Risha volunteered as she took the co-pilot seat.

 

“I thought so too when I served under him,” Jax growled, “Then he karked us all over for his Senator buddy.” Then he hit the call switch to the hanger station, “Ground control, this is Rendia Freight, is everyone clear so I can start my engines?”

 

“All clear to start your engines, Captain. Please stand by for takeoff clearance.”

 

“Roger that,” Jax replied as he ignited the freighter’s engines.

 

“Any thoughts on where we’re headed?”

 

“Not really,” Jax sighed, “Just want to get off planet and ideally out of Hutt Space. We have enough fuel to get us to the Core Worlds, probably to Coruscant, but I’m not sure that’s the safest place right now since it’s Bradley’s turf and void knows who he has in his pocket.”

 

“You do have three deliveries to make in the Core Worlds as punishment for those shady dealings on Voss,” Risha suggested, “Might as well head to one of those planets and get it over with.”

 

“Good call, Rish,” Jax nodded, “I didn’t want to wait too long on that and risk pissing them off any further.”

 

“Definitely don’t want to lose access to those illicit connections you have going on just outside their capital,” Risha agreed as she checked Jaxzin’s manifest, “Looks like we have drop offs to make on Alderaan, Balmorra, and Coruscant.”

 

“We definitely don’t have enough fuel to get to Balmorra without stopping, but we can make Alderaan for sure,” Jax mused, “Plus, I’d prefer not to be too far from Nar Shaddaa in case something happens and we need to head back there.”

 

“Rendia Freight, this is Ground Control. You are cleared for takeoff. Bay doors are opening now.”

 

“Roger, Ground Control,” Jax acknowledged, flipping the switch to fire the engines for throttle.

 

As soon as the bay was open, he eased the throttle lever forward and guided the Lucky Fool out of its hanger, then after checking there was no traffic in front of him, he gunned the engines and took them into orbit. He set course for Alderaan, then called C2 to the cockpit.

 

“I’ve got it on autopilot, SeeTwo,” he told the protocol droid when it arrived, “We should reach the hyperlane in about twenty minutes. Let me know when we get there, and I’ll come back to make the jump. Right now, I’m going to go speak with our new guest.”

 

“Yes, Captain,” C2 replied, as he took position at the monitors.

 

Risha followed Jax out of the cockpit, concerned at the tension she could see in those broad shoulders. She knew what Wilks had been responsible for, and she had a feeling Jax’s former officer was about to see the result of his actions. Jax paused at the doorway, taking a deep breath to try and get his anger under control.

 

“Colonel Wilks,” Jax called out, his bright blue eyes narrowing at the man responsible for putting the final nail in the coffins of his, Dek’s, and Zev’s careers, “I never thought I’d have to see your face again. Although you’re looking a bit worse for the wear than the last time I saw you. You remember that, don’t you? When you called me into your office about an hour after I got out of the kolto take just to tell me I’d been busted down a rank and kicked out of Spec Forces for my part in getting those civs killed?”

 

Jax,” Risha murmured, squeezing his broad shoulder.

 

“No Rish, this guy ruined my career!” Jax snarled, his whole body tensed with the effort not to shred his former commander, “Some snot nose little sh*t decides to be a big shot and refuses a direct command to abort! Nine civs were killed and eighty-three injured because of that idiot, but Bradley’s rich Senator Daddy couldn’t afford a scandal so he paid this as*hole to lie! All for some kriffing military contracts! We lost nearly our whole squad! Friends! And I’m reminded of it every time I look in the f*cking mirror! I relive it in my sleep! Then, as if what we went through wasn’t bad enough, the physical pain, the recovery, the guilt we felt that we made it back when the others……good soldiers…..friends didn’t, we get the blame! They made me out to be some reckless idiot that just decided to go attack a Nexu den for no reason. Made it looked like I got Raney killed.” Jax grabbed Wilks by the collar, and hauled him up, “Was it worth it….Colonel? Was the money worth the lies you told? I might not be the greatest guy out there, but I have a sense of honor and I was proud of my military service! You took that away! From me, from Dekkyn…..all for some dirty Senator and his greedy corporate friend! You make me sick and I swear, if anything happens to Natalia…..you know what, I’ll make you answer to Jorgan for that.”

 

“Jaxzin,” Risha gently chided, grasping one of his arms, “Put him down……we didn’t waste all that effort to get Wilks to safety just for you to maul him. Think about Dek and Zev.”

 

Jax looked down at the defeated man he’d once saluted with pride and some of his rage cooled. He relaxed his grip, shocked to discover his claws had come out and punctured his palms. He stepped away from the Colonel, looking down at his bleeding hands, then up towards the woman still holding his arm.

 

“Come on, Jax….you need to sit down and let Guss take a look at your hands,” Risha insisted softly, thankful that he was no longer tense and shaking, “The Colonel’s here with us and as soon as we get word from Zev, we can see about getting him to tell the real version of the story to the Senate and the head of the Military.”

 

“I-I-I can do more than testify,” Wilks spoke up, the older man still shaken over everything that’d happened the past few hours, “I never destroyed the real footage.”

 

“Where is it?” Jax demanded.

 

“In a secure vault on Corescant.”

 

“I guess I’ll have to change course then,” Jax nodded, turning towards the door until Wilks’s next statement.

 

“Wait! I don’t have the key,” Wilks explained, “I hid it in my great nephew’s trunk before he went off to Tython.”

 

“Is your sister still there?” Risha asked Jax as he strode over to the outlet for the ship’s Holo.

 

“We’re about to find out,” he muttered as he entered Syarra’s frequency. A moment later, a disheveled Cathar appeared.

 

“Jaxzin?” his rumpled littermate grumbled, stifling a yawn, “It’s barely daybreak…..you’d better have a good reason for waking me up this early. Otherwise I’m going to hurt you really badly the next time I see you.”

 

“Sorry, sis,” Jax smiled, knowing how cranky his sister was when anything woke her before what she considered a decent hour, “Are you still on Tython?”

 

“Mmmm-hmmm,” she murmured as she rubbed her eyes, “Ship’s docked on the orbital station….leaving for Belsavis later. Why?”

 

“I need your help with something, Syarra.”

 

That was enough to bring her fully awake and she noticed the strain on her brother’s face. “What’s up?” she asked, concern replacing the annoyance in her voice.

 

Jax went on to explain what had happened over the last twenty-four hours with Skadge, Bradley’s men, their contact at the club, and Wilks.

 

“These men are serious if they’re willing to attack a Spec Forces transport,” Syarra shook her head, “Is Zev’s squad alright?”

 

“I think so thanks to that freaky droid of his. He was headed back to his ship to question the survivors when I took off.”

 

“Wish I was there to help…..a little Force use can go a long way during interrogations.”

 

“We’ve got that covered,” Jax smiled grimly, “Ka’van is with them.”

 

“Good,” Syarra nodded, having never met the Jedi master but knowing he was quite unorthodox from her brother’s stories about him, “And your contact?”

 

“They were tracking her…..I hated leaving, but we needed to get Wilks off planet before Bradley’s hired goons realized we had him.”

 

“So what can I do to help?”

 

“I need you to get a key.”

 

“A key?” Syarra’s brow furrowed as she recalled her brother’s first question, “On Tython?”

 

“Wilks didn’t destroy the footage from our armor cams,” Jax explained, “He hid it instead.”

 

“Smart man,” Syarra snorted in disgust, “Easier to extort more money from his crooked friends that way.”

 

“I never got paid,” Wilks protested.

 

“Oh, you poor thing……..you karked up my brother’s career and got stiffed on the payment,” Syarra growled, glaring at the older man, “Serves you right you honorless bastard.”

 

“Trust me, we’ve already covered what a piece of sh*t he is,” Jax sighed, “But he’s trying to make up for what he’s done.”

 

“Doesn’t make me like him any better,” Syarra muttered, “But I’ll do anything I can to help you. So this key….”

 

“It’s for a lock box,” Wilks told her, “A few months ago my great nephew was sent to Tython for training. My family had a small party before he left and by then I was already starting to get a little leery of Ed and Karen. They never knew that I hadn’t destroyed the real footage, but I wanted to be certain it was safe. I wasn’t proud of what I’d done to your brother and the others, but I wasn’t strong enough to go against my friends. I kept the footage in hopes I’d find the courage to do the right thing one day. I decided it would be safer if the key was hidden somewhere away from my post in the Outer Rim, but I didn’t want to have it in my apartment on Coruscant either. During the party for my nephew, I hid the key in the lining of his trunk.”

 

“The Order allows Padawans to have their own trunk from home,” Syarra sighed, “It made transition easier and saved on space. What’s your nephew’s name?”

 

“Robert Danner….he was named after me,” Wilks bowed his head, “Hopefully he’ll be a better man than his namesake.”

 

“When did he arrive on Tython?”

 

“He would’ve arrived two months ago.”

 

“Where exactly did you put the key?”

 

“In the back lining, halfway down the left corner, there will be a small slit I cut into it. The lining is padded a little so the key might not have shifted much.”

 

“I’ll find it,” Syarra promised, “Then what?”

 

“I have a drop off to make on Alderaan and we’re headed there now,” Jax told her, “Is there any way you can stop over on your way to Belsavis? It’s on the hyperlane route you’d need to take.”

 

“That shouldn’t be a problem,” Syarra nodded, glancing at the chrono, “The shuttles down to the surface should be up and running shortly. I’ll take the first one and call you when I locate Wilks’ nephew. He might want to speak to his uncle before letting me rummage around in his trunk.”

 

“Thanks, sis…..I really owe you one,” Jax smiled.

 

“I’ll make sure to take it out of your *** for waking me up so early when I see you on Alderaan,” Syarra grinned.

 

“Would a case of Alderaanian Ale convince you to forgive me?”

 

“Make it two and I’ll consider it,” Syarra pondered, winking at her brother, “I’ll see you soon.”

 

“Captain…..I don’t think your sister learned the Jedi Code very well,” Guss observed when Jax disconnected the call, “She definitely seems to have forgotten the whole ‘there is no emotion’ part.”

 

“Syarra isn’t too keen on hiding her emotions, especially not first thing in the morning,” Jax chuckled, relieved to see his littermate acting like her old self again. He’d been worried about her after they spoke a few weeks ago. With a sigh, he let himself sink into one of the soft chairs, the stress of the past couple of days finally catching up to him.

 

[alaurin]

Here's some more! No spoilers that I can think of.

 

 

Getting Some Answers

 

Content Warning: Some mild violence and implied torture below.....nothing too descriptive, but I like to play it safe and throw up a warning.

 

“Elara?” the tall Zabrak frantically called out when he boarded the ship, followed closely by Aric, Tanno, and Ka’van.

 

“We’re in the cargo hold sir,” she answered and a second later, she was being crushed in her shaken CO’s embrace.

 

“I’m so sorry, Elara,” Zev murmured into the top of her head, the fear clawing at him making him unwilling to let go of her just yet, “I didn’t think they’d be stupid enough to attack the ship.”

 

A growling Aric pushed past the couple, honing in on the injured merc Forex was guarding. He lifted the man off the ground by his jacket and slammed him into the wall hard enough for the sharp thud to echo in the hold. Those bright green eyes bored into the visibly paling Human as his claws began to extend.

 

“Start talking or I rip out your throat,” Aric snarled, baring his fangs at the man.

 

A stuttering protest came from the other prisoner huddled in the corner of the hold as his scared eyes pleaded with the robed Human that had entered the hold with a Weequay, “M-m-master Jedi……you can’t let him ki-“

 

“If you think I’m going to stop him, you’re sorely mistaken,” Ka’van shook his head, “You brought this on yourself and I suggest you do as he’s asked otherwise you’re about to get mauled by one really pissed off Cathar.”

 

“Do what you have to do Aric,” Zev nodded grimly, “Don’t drag it out too long though….”

 

“You can’t let him torture us!” the huddled man blanched as he watched the Cathar sank his claws into his screaming partner’s blaster arm.

 

“You attacked a Spec Forces squad in a military hanger,” Zev snapped, still unable to break contact with Elara, “In an attempt to use the woman I love as bait! Consider yourself lucky you’re still alive and I’ll do anything I damn well please to get some answers after that. However, since Aric here just found out your buddies tried to snatch his girl, I’ll let him have the first crack.”

 

“That looks like it hurt,” Aric observed nonchalently, a feral smile crossing his features as he grabbed the bleeding man by the throat. He cocked his head as he held a razor sharp claw pointed at the man’s eye, “I wonder if your bosses will pay for cybernetics to replace your eye after I scoop it out.”

 

“Your b*tch is going to beg for them to kill her,” the merc sneered, knowing he was as good as dead no matter what.

 

“Wait Captain,” Ka’van called out to the enraged Cathar, having caught the man’s thoughts, “He knows his bosses will kill him if he talks, so he’s not going to no matter what you do. He’s purposefully goading you into killing him fast.”

 

“Maybe I should oblige him,” Aric growled, shaking with the effort of holding back after the man taunted him about Natalia, “then we can move on to his partner.”

 

“Let me poke around his head first,” Ka’van suggested, “I don’t have time to be gentle so it’ll be unpleasant at best for him, then you can do whatever you wish once I get whatever useful intel he has.”

 

The tall Jedi knelt, his loose ginger locks spilling across his face as he bowed his head. His eyes drifted shut as he allowed himself to absorb the fear coming off the captured man as well as Aric’s rage, careful not to take in too much dark side energy otherwise he’d risk corruption showing, but taking in enough to ensure he got immediate results. Then he reached out, sending the smoky darkness into the merc’s mind, a cold smile curved his lips at the man’s sharp intake of breath when Ka’van painfully penetrated his mind. Working quickly, the Jedi didn’t bother to take care as he ripped the information out of the man’s mind, the Dark Force burning corruption as it searched recent memories.

 

“The Senator wants Naula after she serves her purpose. Apparently he wasn’t happy she rebuked him at his party and intends to teach her a lesson,” Ka’van informed them as he gained access to the knowledge, “The group at the club was supposed to capture her and take her back to their headquarters. Then they were going to contact Captain Jorgan’s personal comlink and once they had him secure, she was to be taken to one of the Senator’s residences off world.”

 

“What about Jax and Dek?” Zev asked, wincing at the agonized expression on the merc’s face, “and are there more coming here?”

 

“They never knew Jax landed,” Ka’van answered after a moment of further prying, “They’ve got several people at Mezenti spaceport and they’re watching for Mantis class ships…..they got Dekkyn’s registry from Skadge. As far as this guy knows, all of their people on planet are assigned to these tasks so there’s no backup coming.”

 

“And Wilks?”

 

“As far as they know, he never showed up at the club. The dancer was their secondary target.”

 

“Anything else useful?” Zev asked, feeling a little guilty when the merc started wimpering under the mental assault.

 

“One interesting thing, apparently one of the partners in this little ‘consulting firm’ isn’t happy with their client and wants this job over with. Other than that, nothing relevant,” Ka’van replied as he severed the connection to the merc’s mind. Then he turned to the Zabrak, easily picking up on the soldier’s feelings of guilt. “Don’t waste the effort feeling sorry for this guy, Major. He’s a sick bastard who enjoys what he does for his boss. This group fully intended to kill Yuun and rough up your medic while they waited for you just because she’s an Imperial defector.”

 

“I’ll call the Republic embassy and have them send over some MP’s,” Zev replied thickly, his large fists clenching as he swallowed down the urge to put a blaster bolt in the merc’s skull after finding out what they’d planned to do to Yuun and Elara. He felt sick that he’d inadvertently put his squad in so much danger. Then his gaze traveled between the merc clutching at his head and the other surviving attacker shaking in the corner and he gave a sigh, “These men attacked Republic Spec Forces…..I’ll let the brass decide what to do with these two.”

 

“P-p-please….h-h-help me…it b-b-burns……the p-p-pressure,” the merc stuttered as he slumped against the wall.

 

“Nothing I can do about that,” Ka’van shrugged as his datapad beeped with a message, those cool blue eyes narrowing at the broken man, “Since you didn’t want to cooperate, I had to resort to using the Force to get the answers we needed. With time being of the essence, I had to work quickly and use harsher means. I’m afraid the brain damage is irreversible and eventually your body’s systems will start to shut down as your brain deteriorates.”

 

Zev frowned at the suffering man, but despite what he intended to do to Yuun and Elara, he couldn’t let it drag out. With a sigh, he turned to his XO, “Kill him……just make it quick. Tanno, put the other guy in chains and take him to the med bay while I arrange for a Republic escort to the military lockup.”

 

“Gladly,” Aric growled, grabbing the merc by his head and in one swift motion he snapped the man’s neck.

 

“Really?” Ka’van raised a brow, “I figured you’d rip him open.”

 

“Didn’t want to make a mess since Zev’s got security coming,” Aric shrugged, “and despite what you saw earlier, torture’s really not my style even if he deserved it. Besides, you were able to get the info we needed out of him so I saw no reason to drag it out.”

 

“Qyzen’s still hot on the trail,” Ka’van informed them as he held up his datapad, “They’re stopped at an abandoned building and he’s pretty sure she’s hiding inside, but more of Bradley’s people have joined in. He’s keeping an eye on things but doesn’t want to risk going in alone. Theran sent Qyzen’s current location to my datapad.”

 

“I’ll wait here with Elara and Forex for security,” Zev nodded, “Aric, Tanno, and Yuun, head to those coordinates and you as well if you’re willing Master Jedi. We’ll catch up as soon as we can.”

 

“I promised Jaxzin I’d help see her safe,” Ka’van bowed, “and while I’m not the most sterling member of the Order, I never go back on my word.”

 

“You have my thanks,” Zev bowed in return. He watched the Jedi follow the others off the ship and sent his eyes skyward as he whispered, “and may the Force keep us all safe.”

 

He felt a gentle squeeze on his shoulder and smiled at Elara before walking to the ship’s Holoterminal to call the Republic Embassy.

 

Edited July 1, 2015 by alaurin

[alaurin]

Sorry this took so long, but my kids had a long weekend then I got distracted by my quest to try something new. I'm glad I finally decided to watch Game of Thrones, but it kept the muse from focusing on my stories. Anyways, next up is a short bit that contains no spoilers that I can think of. Hopefully I'll have the part following this ready to post before my in laws arrive on Thursday.

 

 

On the Run

 

 

 

Can’t stop…..keep going……gotta keep going. Her legs felt like rubber and every breath set fire to her chest, but the agent pressed on knowing she was serious trouble if she didn’t. She fought the urge to cry out as pain shot up her legs every time one of her slipper clad feet hit the duracrete, knowing they were close behind her. She could hear them desperately trying to get off a stun shot, but failing as she darted around corners and through buildings, changing directions frequently to throw them off. She knew these streets and back alleys well after spending the past year living and working in the Red Light Sector, but despite that small advantage, Bradley’s hired goons weren’t as far behind as she’d like and judging from what she could hear, that initial group had backup with them now. Almost there, she told herself, forcing her exhausted body to go faster as the cluster of abandoned buildings loomed ahead.

 

After killing that guy and setting off a flash bomb, Natalia lit out as fast as she could towards one of her many bolt holes. She knew it was a risk choosing one of the further ones from the club, but without knowing what lengths these men would go to to get her, she wanted to get far away from Jake and Rose. Also the threat to any civilians was minimal since the area she was headed for had been abandoned for months after a turf war had rendered several of the buildings uninhabitibal. Eventually the area would get rebuilt, but the far outskirts of Red Light Sector wasn’t exactly on any Hutt priority lists. Until then, it suited her needs perfectly.

 

When Natalia first took on this assignment, she’d found several places to lie low in case anyone figured out who she really was and knew the quickest route to each from both her apartment and the club. Each location had provisions and could shelter her for a week if necessary, but that wasn’t what she intended at this point. Her bolt holes also had defences and deadly traps for any enemy who dared to follow her in and it was the latter she was going to make use of as soon as she got there. Unfortunately she hadn’t counted on being chased down by so many men, nor had she anticipated being dressed as she currently was. That’s your own fault, she chided herself as she rounded the final corner, cursing her stupidity for going outside in the first place. Thanks to that careless mistake, she ended up sprinting through the Red Light Sector in a skimpy dancer costume and thin slippers instead of finishing out her shift in safety while waiting for Jonas to extract her.

 

 

“She went in that building,” one the mercs pointed as the rest joined him, “Door’s locked now.”

 

“I got this,” a tall Human muttered, grabbing out a slicing kit as he pushed past his coworker, “Go around and make sure the rest of the exits are covered.”

 

He’d just started working on the lock when the large storefront window of the building across the alley exploded, sending out deadly shards of glass that cut into any exposed skin. Another explosion sent metal shrapnel flying out from the now open window and the men began screaming as sharp metal tore through their leatheris.

 

“Who is this girl?!” the slicer growled as he wiped blood from his face, thankful he’d worn some plating as he looked around and spotted several of his men dead or dying.

 

“I don’t know, boss,” one of the survivors answered grimly as he noticed several windows in the floors above the door had been blown out by the blast. He unhooked a string of smoke grenades and began pulling the pins and lobbing them through several of the open windows, “But these should smoke her out soon enough."

 

Edited February 24, 2015 by alaurin

[Irongut]

I'm glad I finally decided to watch Game of Thrones, but it kept the muse from focusing on my stories.

 

Hehe now you know that

 

 

 

[alaurin]

@Irongut:

 

HAHA....I'd not seen that one yet, but definitely accurate . By the time I finished season 2, I'd learned not to get attached to anyone......

 

 

Now, on to my guys.......

 

 

A Welcoming Party

 

Spoiler Alert: Brief mention of Smuggler Voss.

 

The red skinned Zabrak was drumming his large fingers impatiently on the control console while he waited for landing clearance when the ship’s Holo went off startling him. Frowning, Dekkyn hit the switch to bring the call up on the cockpit’s extension and Jax’s reflection appeared.

 

“What’s going on?”

 

“Natalia’s in trouble,” Jax replied grimly, “Bradley’s hired goons tried to ambush her in the back alley when she stepped out for some fresh air during her break.”

 

“Tried?”

 

“She got away,” Jax answered, “and even managed to injure one and take another out despite being in her dancer getup. She had a warning so I’m guessing she made sure she had a weapon before stepping outside.”

 

“Its not like professionals to let someone slip through their fingers…..I’m guessing they weren’t prepared for her to fight back,” Dek mused aloud, then a worrisome thought occurred to him as Mako came over to stand behind him, “So why are they after her? Did they find out who she really is?”

 

“No thank the stars,” Jax shook his head, “Apparently she’s bait for Aric in case they couldn’t grab Elara. Ka’van got Wilks out of the club and sent Qyzen back there after they got the Colonel to the spaceport. I guess Ka’van caught the threat to Natalia and made her aware of it before he left. Ka’van was filling us in on what he found out when his heart began to race. I guess he connected to her through the Force and he was feeling what she was, and then Qyzen called a few minutes later saying he found signs of a struggle, but was certain she escaped and was on the run. We’d just found out they tried to grab her when Elara called Zev and said Bradley’s goons tried to attack their hanger.”

 

“That kriffing Houk…….he really karked things up for us,” Dek grumbled, bringing his fist down on the console in his frustration. He sighed as he felt a gentle squeeze on his shoulder and patted Mako’s hand, “Zev’s squad…..they alright?”

 

“Yeah, but those thugs aren’t……they weren’t prepared for Forex and there were only two survivors,” Jax sighed, “They wanted me to get Wilks off planet since we were all in my hanger. Ka’van, Zev, Aric, and Tanno were headed back to Havoc’s hanger.”

 

“It was the right call, Jax. Between my cousin and Aric, those men are in for it plenty,” Dek nodded, knowing how protective his cousin could be.

 

“And if they refuse to talk, I’m sure Ka’van will be able to change their minds one way or another,” Jax’s fangs bared as his lips curved in a cold smile. Then the grey Cathar sobered, “I just hope they can get to Natalia in time…..I didn’t like leaving with her in trouble.”

 

“I know you didn’t,” Dek acknowledged, knowing he’d feel the same way, “But at least we got to Wilks before Bradley’s men and with any luck they don’t even suspect you have him. Speaking of…..where are you taking the good Colonel?”

 

“Alderaan,” Jax answered, “And there’s a bit of good news…….he kept the footage.”

 

Dek sat back in his seat, feeling some of the tension ease in his shoulders with the first stirrings of hope. He knew the fight wasn’t over yet though and sighed after a moment, “Is he willing to testify?”

 

“He is, but we have to get the key to the safety deposit box the recordings are in first.”

 

“On Alderaan?”

 

“Nope…..its a long story but Wilks hid the key in his nephew’s trunk before the kid went to Tython,” Jax explained, “Syarra was on planet still and is going to get the key for us. I told her take it to Alderaan since I have a delivery to make there and didn’t want to go too far from Nar Shaddaa.”

 

“Good idea…..it doesn’t look suspicious for you to be there. I’m just glad your sister was on Tython.....we owe her one.”

 

“And she’s going to collect,” Jax grinned, “I had to wake her up.”

 

“I don’t envy you meeting up with her,” Dek chuckled, remembering how cranky Jax’s littermate was at morning call during their military days.

 

“Eh,” Jax shrugged, “I promised her a couple cases of Alderaanian Ale and she’s happy for us finally getting a break.”

 

“Mantis……this is Mezanti spaceport tower control, you are cleared for landing Mister Roing.”

 

“Roger that tower control,” Gault answered, “Preparing to land now…..thank you.”

 

“Alright Jax, we’re getting ready to land.”

 

“Watch yourself Dek,” Jax warned, “These guys were willing to attack a military hanger.”

 

“With any luck, they won’t know we’ve landed, but just in case I’m leaving Mako in the cockpit ready to takeoff and Blizz has a few surprises he’s going to set up in case we get any uninvited company.”

 

“I’m getting ready to make the jump to hyperspace, but keep me posted.”

 

“I will,” Dek promised as Gault steered the ship into the hanger.

 

As soon as the engines were powered down, Dek instructed Blizz to keep an eye on the entrance to the hanger and call out if anyone other than the spaceport staff entered. Then he headed over to the ship’s main Holoterminal and put in his cousin’s frequency.

 

A moment later, Zev and Elara’s images appeared, “Did Jax fill you in?”

 

“He did,” Dek nodded, noting his cousin had a protective arm wrapped around the blonde medic, “Are you alright Elara?”

 

“Yuun and I are fine,” Elara assured him, “Unfortunately for those men, they weren’t adequately prepared for Forex.”

 

“Did you guys find anything out from the survivors? Is our other friend safe?”

 

“Aric questioned one of them, but Ka’van took over when the merc refused to talk,” Zev sighed, shuddering at the memory, “It wasn’t pretty and Aric put him out of his misery after, but we did manage to get some information. Naula was their secondary target after Wilks was a no show at the club. They still don’t have any idea where he is, but I guess the Senator wants to keep her now…..he didn’t like that she turned him down after his party at the club.”

 

“I didn’t think it was possible to hate him anymore….” Dek scowled.

 

“Tell me about it,” Zev shook his head, “But they haven’t caught her yet. Qyzen contacted us just a few minutes ago and Aric, Tanno, Yuun, and Ka’van went to go back him up.”

 

“Was that a good idea? Do Bradley’s goons have backup coming for you?”

 

“Nope, their people were all split between the Dulcen and Mezanti spaceports, and the Red Light Sector. We just took out the Dulcen group and they had no idea Jax landed, but the group at Mezanti is watching out for you. They don’t know you’re landing under an alias, but thanks to Skadge, they do know to watch for Mantis class ships and they also know what each of your crew looks like.”

 

“Damn,” Dek cursed, knowing they were in for it as soon as they left the hangar, “Anything else?”

 

“Apparently one of the partners at Manson Strategies doesn’t like what the Senator has them doing and is having second thoughts. Republic Security on the way to take the remaining survivor to a holding cell at the Embassy, but he started talking after seeing what happened to the other guy we questioned. We know that both partners are still out there, but if we can get to the one having second thoughts, we might be able to get him to talk in exchange for immunity.”

 

“That would be good, but if the group lurking around Mezanti attacks my hangar, I’m not going to stop and ask if one of them is the partner with a conscience before I start firing.”

 

“Didn’t expect you to cuz,” Zev grinned, “We got a name and Balkar has someone working on getting a file for the guy. As soon as I get it, I’ll forward it to you.”

 

“Might I make a suggestion?” Gault spoke up, a slow smile spreading across the wily Devaronian’s crimson face, “Since they know we’re coming and are already here just waiting for us to emerge, how about we extend them an invitation…..”

 

“And?”

 

“And have a little welcoming party waiting for them.”

 

“That’s not a bad idea,” Zev nodded at the cunning con man, “If you can somehow get word out that you’ve arrived, then seal off the hanger once they’re all in……”

 

“You and I could take up cozy positions in the rafters and start picking them off while the others man the ship’s guns,” Dek told Gault, “But how do we get the word out though? I really don’t want any of us leaving the hanger until this situation is under control.”

 

“I can take care of that,” Mako volunteered, already seeking out a couple possibilities on her HoloNet feed.

 

*****

 

“Are sure this is a good idea boss?” a jittery Twi’lek murmured as he started working at the lock.

 

“Look kid,” the burly Human answered as he fixed his slicer with a warning glare, “You’re paid to slice locks not to question orders. You heard what those stupid kids were yammering about……the Great Hunt Champion just landed in this hanger. Varlok must’ve given a false name to the landing authority to throw us off, but one of those HoloNet geeks must’ve figured it out.”

“You sure you trust that though?” a Human merc spoke up.

 

“Normally I wouldn’t, but I crossed checked with the registry and it is a Mantis class ship that landed in this hanger.”

 

“I’m sure they’re going to be ready for an attack though……”

 

“Will you idiots quit worrying,” the leader snapped, pissed at his partner’s conscience for making some of the boys uneasy lately. Roland was a good kid and the most talented slicer he'd ever seen, but he wasn’t as hard as one needed to be in this business. With a sigh, Kane addressed his men, “Credits grease a lot of wheels in this city and I paid that ground crew well for their uniforms and silence…….trust me, our target won’t know what hit him until it’s too late.”

 

The young Twi’lek repressed a shiver as that cybernetic eye fixed on him. His boss gave a low chuckle as he turned back towards the controls for the hanger door. A reassuring pat on his shoulder calmed him a little and he smiled at his old friend.

 

“Don’t worry Zeke,” the pale Zabrak grinned as he nodded at the cart his brother was pushing, “We’re not even going to get close enough to the ship for them to get a good look at us.”

 

“And it wouldn’t matter if they did……once this thing’s fired off, the Mandos are gonna need to crown another Great Hunt Champion.”

 

“I hope so,” Zeke sighed, a sixth sense telling him it wasn’t going to be so simple.

 

A moment later, they heard a click and the hanger door opened, allowing the false hanger crew inside. They had a momentary scare when the door closed, but Zeke said he could get it back open when it was time to leave. Kane told him to wait by the control panel and open the door on his command. The two Zabraks wheeled the cart down the corridor and rounded the corner to see the Mantis, heat swirling in invisible waves off its engines still. All but the Zabraks pushing the cart had weapons out, but the ramp to the ship hadn’t even been lowered yet.

 

“Let’s move it boys,” Kane barked, “Get those launchers set up and blow that ship before the crew decided to disembark.”

 

“Too late for that, I’m afraid,” a husky voice called out from above a second before two shots rang out. Both the Zabraks fell and one wasn’t moving after hitting the ground.

 

“Someone’s a little rusty,” another voice observed dryly, “Not to worry, I’ll put him out of his misery.”

 

“Appreciated,” that first voice called back, “It’s been a few years since I had sniper training.”

 

“Cowards!” Kane bellowed as he looked towards the rafters and motioned the rest of his group.

 

“You and your men posed as a ground crew, sliced into our hanger intending to blow up my ship with me and my crew inside and you have the guts call us cowards?!”

 

“I thought you Mandos liked a good fight,” Kane taunted as two of his men flashed a signal at him.

 

Dek looked across at the Gault and nodded. Both men placed masks over their faces and charged their rifles just as several smoke grenades sailed upwards towards their positions. Dek tapped his earbud, “Two headed for the ship. Our man isn’t here so feel free to open fire…..but watch it, those packs they’re carrying aren’t that big but I’m assuming they’re full of grenades they planned to toss in our engines, so try to avoid hitting their packs if possible.”

 

“Blizz make no promises, but hit before boom gets too close to ship.”

 

“Kark me!” one of the men screamed as the ship’s guns lowered to point at them.

 

Neither got the chance to run back towards the rest as a volley of shots picked them off. Unfortunately, one of the shots did hit a grenade sack and a decent sized explosion rocked the hanger. True to his word however, the little Jawa didn’t let the hired thugs close enough to do any damage to the ship, but the men themselves were no longer identifiable. As the smoke cleared, all that remained of the group was the leader and the jittery slicer trapped at the exit, the latter raising his hands in surrender as Dek and Gault approached with weapons trained on them.

 

“You ungrateful little punk,” Kane growled at the quaking Twi’lek, “I outta shoot you myself…...”

 

“You’re not shooting anyone,” Dek countered just before emptying his rifle into the man’s head.

 

“P-p-please,” Zeke whimpered beyond intimidated by giant red Zabrak’s imposing figure, “D-d-don’t hurt me…..I surrender. I told him the boss this was a bad idea……and dirty too. He didn’t care what I thought though and I’m too much of a coward to stand up to him.”

 

“Awww, let him live, Dek,” a soft voice spoke up, “Void knows, they probably bullied him into taking the job in the first place.”

 

“We’ll see,” Dek sighed, figuring she was probably right as he pulled out his comlink, “For now, you and Torian take him on board. Torian can secure him in the holding cell and Mako…..can you contact your new friend at spaceport security to deal with this mess while I call Zev?”

 

“Sure thing, hon,” Mako nodded as she reached a hand out to the frightened Twi’lek.

 

A moment later, Dek was once again staring at his cousin’s image as Mako and Torian led Zeke up the ramp.

 

“The plan worked,” Dek informed Zev, “That partner wasn’t with this group, but I think one of the other partners was.”

 

“Was? Any survivors?”

 

“Just their slicer, kid was pretty scared and Mako thinks they probably bullied him into working for them. I’ve got him in the holding cell on my ship,” Dek answered, “Any word from the others?”

 

“Elara and I were just headed out,” Zev replied, “Tanno called. They caught up to Qyzen and there was an explosion, but it appears it was our little friend’s doing. Qyzen said Bradley’s people left suddenly and he was going in to investigate when Ka’van arrived.”

 

“Give me the coordinates and we’ll head out too. I’ll leave Blizz here to watch over our prisoner and we can question him later.”

 

“You got it cuz……see you soon!”

 

Edited October 27, 2015 by alaurin

[alaurin]

Sorry for the lengthy wait.....I got distracted by my decision to read the Game of Thrones books as well as writing for my other legacies. Also, I had a hard time with this next part, but I'm finally happy with the way it is flowing so here you go! Ka'van-Kitar's JC is in this next part and she's given her okay for that. No spoilers that I can think of in this next bit and I sincerely hope its worth the wait.

 

Getting the Girl

 

 

The Trandoshan kept a careful distance from the agent’s persuers, just close enough to be certain he wouldn’t lose her. He kept his tread light as he followed the trail down an alleyway, noting several of the buildings in this part of the sector were abandoned. He paused before turning the corner, hearing multiple male voices discussing something. He slowly slid along the wall of an abandoned warehouse and peered around the corner. Just past the warehouse, one of the men was directing the others as he searched his pack for something. Qyzen strained to listen, the hunter in him disgusted that those men weren’t even trying to keep their voices quiet.

 

“I got this,” a tall lanky Human was telling his men as Qyzen saw him pull a slicing kit out of his pack, “The rest of you go around and make sure the rest of the exits are covered!”

 

The man with the slicing kit began working on the lock as others went to do as he’d instructed. Two men turned to head in his direction, but Qyzen ducked back before he was seen. He pulled a small mirror out of his belt pouch and held it out so he could see where those men were going. He watched as they turned around the corner and cold grin split his yellow scaled face as an opportunity presented itself. Contemplating a way to intercept them without drawing the attention of the rest, he began making his way around the back of the warehouse. He could hear their voices closer now and was about to make a move towards his quarry when an explosion rent the air, shaking the duracrete under the Trandoshan’s feet. A few windows in the nearby buildings shattered and Qyzen sought shelter in a doorway of a loading dock as shards from above rained down while shouts rang out from the hunters now turned prey.

 

After a few moments, Qyzen figured the worst was over and went to investigate the damage for himself. He suspected the explosion was the agent’s work, but wanted to verify she was unharmed. Smoke still filled the air, but was thinning fast and he could already see figures both moving and still. The tall Human who’d been slicing the lock must’ve ducked for cover at the blast since he was relatively unharmed other than a deep gash on the side of his face. The men standing by waiting to gain entry into the agent’s hiding place weren’t as lucky though. The explosion had come directly across from the majority of the group, blowing out a floor length window of the empty shop on the other side of the street. The blast itself killed three and those without helmets suffered the worst damage from aftermath, their faces torn and bloody.

 

“Karking hell, who is this girl?!” he heard the slicer mutter as he surveyed the carnage, wiping blood from his face.

 

“I don’t know, boss,” one of the survivors answered grimly as he looked up at the old office tower the agent was hiding in. He unhooked a string of smoke grenades and began pulling the pins as he lobbed them through several of the open windows, “But these should smoke her out soon enough.”

 

Hoping the agent had planned for that possibility, the Trandoshan retreated back to the doorway he’d hidden in and was just about to update Tharan when he felt a gentle probe at his mind. Recognizing his Herald, Qyzen relaxed, mentally replaying all that had happened these past few minutes as he scanned his surroundings so the Jedi could find him.

 

****

 

“Not far now,” the ginger haired Human assured the impatient Cathar standing next to him as he tucked the datapad back into the pocket of his robes.

 

“Good,” Aric nodded as they began walking again, having ditched their speeders in a lot near Natalia’s apartment building.

 

Yuun had suggested they go on foot as they neared their destination, saying paths were easier to find with a quiet tread. Knowing the Gand had an uncanny knack for finding the impossibl, both Aric and Tanno complied despite the urgent need for haste. Ka’van simply shrugged as he parked his as well, but concern was etched on his pale face and he felt uneasy that there hadn’t been word since they left the spaceport. The foursome kept a swift pace as they continued on deeper into Nar Shadda’s Red Light Sector and they were closing in on Qyzen’s last known location when they heard an explosion in the distance.

 

“Kark me,” the Weequay swore, his sharp blue eyes scanning the buildings ahead of them. A few blocks away, he spotted smoke waifting up towards the sky, “There……up ahead.”

 

“Dammit,” Aric growled, charging his rifle as he ran towards where Vik was pointing, the smoke billowing thicker each passing second.

 

“Wait,” Ka’van called out, “I know you want to get to her, but we have no idea if our friend was involved in that and we need to be smart.”

 

Aric paused as something occurred to him……something Natalia had mentioned, “One of her bolt holes.” At Ka’van’s raised brow he elaborated, “She had several hiding places near the club and her apartment in case she needed to drop off the grid. From what I’ve gathered, it’s routine for these bolt holes to have traps for anyone after them.”

 

“Agent was leading men to this path,” Yuun surmised, “Path away from friends, people. A safe path she knew well.”

 

“She was probably banking on the fact Ka’van knew of the danger and could spread the word,” Aric sighed, trying to keep calm while Natalia was still in trouble. “She’s gotten close to Jake and Rose at the club and must’ve wanted to keep them out of harm’s way.”

 

“She’s a smart girl,” Tanno clapped his XO on the shoulder, knowing how fond the brooding Cathar had become of the pretty agent. “I’m sure she’s alright……but let’s get moving so she stays that way.”

 

The group continued on quietly, the only sounds were of Aric and Tanno’s charged rifles while the Jedi reached out with the Force seeking both allies and enemies. They’d only gone a couple of blocks when he picked up on a familiar lifeforce. Ka’van held up a hand to stop the group as he closed his eyes and put all his focus into probing that mind.

 

“This way,” he murmured after a moment, leading them down a narrow alleyway on their left, “Qyzen saw the blast and is sure it’s her handywork, but hasn’t seen any signs of her yet. Says three of the mercs were killed and several injured. Apparently they’re trying to smoke her out now.”

 

Knowing his Herald was on the way with backup, Qyzen readied his weapon, charging the large vibrosword in his hands as he once again left his hiding spot. This time he wasn’t hesitant about making his presence known, but it didn’t matter. Raised voices were calling out and the men were running around the far corner of the office building. Curious, he holstered his weapon and crept closer to listen and possibly get a better look.

 

“It has to be hers Roland” one of the men was saying to the leader, “and there’s fresh blood on it.”

 

“She must’ve slipped out somehow,” another ventured, breathing heavily as he approached the group.

 

“But how dammit?!” the slicer snapped, “The exits were supposed be be guarded! Did you see anything up there?”

 

“Searched the rooftop, no sign of her there sir. The door to the stairwell was locked though, but the control was damaged and there was rust all over it so I doubt she could’ve used that door at all…….damned explosion nearly knocked me off the fire escape though so I was distracted for a minute.”

 

“With that door sealed off, the only way she’d be able to get up there would be the same way you did,” Roland shook his head, a puzzled look on his face.

 

“Maybe she snuck out during the blast boss. While we were taking cover from the glass and there was a lot of smoke in the air for a couple of minutes.”

 

“She probably had that timed,” Roland concluded, running his long fingers through his thick brown hair as he tried to think, once again wondering just how a simple stripper was so adept at avoiding capture. He didn’t have time to contemplate that mystery however and with a heavy sigh, he addressed the remainder of his men, “She’s barefoot now and couldn’t have gotten far with all this glass on the ground. We split up and head out in each direction…..there’s a good chance she might be leaving a trail now if the glass cut her so watch for blood.”

 

Qyzen waited for a few moments before making his move. The men were long gone and he fully intended to see that slipper for himself. Keeping his blade at the ready, he strode past the office building, pausing to listen before going down the narrow alleyway. He saw the delicate white fabric easily against the dingy grey duracrete and knelt down to inspect it. He noticed blood staining the inside and gently picked it up, seeing that it had been punctured on the bottom. His yellow eyes narrowed as he scanned the ground around him, but saw no blood. Is strange……not possible……would be trail. A light scrape echoed in the dim alley and Qyzen was immediately on his feet as one of the mercs was about to strike.

 

“You were at the club,” the little Rodian sneered, “With that Jedi……what are you doing here?”

 

“Is not your concern weak thing,” Qyzen hissed as he raised his sword and a quick deadly blow stopped the Rodian before he could get out a warning. More sc****** and booted feet running made his scales twitch for a second before he spotted the familiar figure of his Herald.

 

“Are you alright?” Ka’van asked his longtime companion, eying the corpse distastefully.

 

“Was distracted. Weak thing snuck up but was sloppy. Easy kill……not many points but Rodian didn’t get to warn anyone before he died.”

 

“Any sign of Naula?” Aric asked, not wanting to use her real name in case any other enemies were skulking around.

 

“Dancer is here,” Qyzen confirmed as he pointed to the ground, “Is her slipper. Others think she ran away, but not what happened. Look…..fresh blood on inside, and holes in the bottom. Glass cut her feet, would leave trail if running.”

 

“A decoy?” Tanno wondered out loud.

 

“I’m catching her scent,” Aric murmured, his eyes closed as he inhaled deeply, “but it’s very faint.”

 

“Agent’s path is up,” Yuun told them.

 

Tanno looked up, his sharp eyes looking at the rooftops of the office tower and the abandoned apartment complex next to it, “You think she jumped across?”

 

“It would explain why she lost a slipper without leaving a trail,” Ka’van agreed, “and I definitely sense her near.”

 

“Men searched the rooftop of office tower,” Qyzen informed them, “Is highest. Would see her easily on other roof.”

 

“The rest of you keep a lookout,” Ka’van instructed, “Those men are bound to realize someone’s missing and turn back. I’m going to open up my connection to her again, but I’ll need to focus.”

 

“On it,” Aric nodded, taking up position at one end of the alley with Vik while Yuun and Qyzen went to the opposite end.

 

“I’m calling the boss for backup,” Vik told his XO, “I have a bad feeling that Jedi’s right about those men coming back and we’re not as equipped as we’re used to for combat.”

 

“Agreed,” Aric nodded, wishing they’d switched out their leathers for plating before they left the hangar. They hadn’t wanted to draw attention to themselves by going to the Red Light Sector in Republic armor though and he’d grabbed a rifle instead of his assault cannon for the same reason, “Let’s just hope we can find her and get the hell out of here before that happens.”

 

“All the same, you’d better take one of these,” Tanno replied as he handed the tawny Cathar a shield generator, “I’ve got a couple more in my pack, but they’re old and probably won’t last long under heavy fire.”

 

“It’s better than nothing,” Aric accepted the offering gratefully as the Weequay dialed their CO’s frequency.

 

Ka’van closed his eyes, slowly letting that connection with Natalia open back up as Aric and Tanno’s voices grew quieter with distance. He found her unique signature quickly and concentrated on that connection, sensing there was still danger.

 

“I feel you nearby. Where are you?”

 

“Hiding,” her thoughts echoed in his mind.

 

Ka’van could feel the pain she was in and knew she was exhausted from being chased across the Red Light Sector, “It’s safe now, those men think you escaped and are giving chase away from here.”

 

“Thank the stars,” her relief was palpable, but he could still feel fear spiking through her.

 

“I feel your fear,” he told her, “Are you trapped?”

 

“Sort of,” she replied, wincing as rough metal scraped against her bare foot. The blood made keeping a steady hold difficult and she could feel herself slipping again, “I jumped across the roof tops and hid in an old garbage shoot. I didn’t count on it being rusted out on the inside. Most of the ladder has fallen off. When I climbed in, the top couple of bars broke off, so I can’t get back up……I can’t hold on much longer.”

 

Ka’van looked around, spotting a metal chute a few feet away from him on the apartment building. The dumpster had been taken away a while ago from the looks of it, probably when the building was condemned. He saw a couple of rusted rungs on the duracrete underneath it along with several drops of blood and knew he’d found her, “I’m underneath the chute. Let go and I’ll catch you.”

 

“I can’t…..I’m too high up!” She insisted, clutching the bar tighter as she tried to press her feet harder against the side of the chute, but she was weak from her flight across the Red Light Sector and the sharp, stinging pain in her feet was making her legs shaky, “It’s too far to fall…..”

 

 

“I know it’s asking a lot, but I made a promise to my friend that I’d see you come out of this alive. I’ll slow your fall as best I can with the Force, and you have my word that I will catch you.”

 

Tears ran unchecked down Natalia’s cheeks, but she knew there was no choice when she felt herself sliding down a little more. Her grip was slipping and didn’t think she’d be able to hang on long enough for someone to get to her, “Okay,” she whispered in his mind, then she swallowed past the lump in her throat, took a deep breath, and let go.

 

Ka’van reached out with the Force, directing its focus with everything he had left to slow her fall, but he’d exerted himself a lot already and she was still dropping fast. He braced his legs, preparing his body for impact as he reached his arms out and caught her a few seconds later. The force was enough to stagger him, but he stayed on his feet and managed to hold on to the scantily clad Agent.

 

He smiled down at the shaking woman in his arms, “Well now…….there are certainly worse things I’ve caught on Nar Shaddaa.”

 

The laugh that bubbled up from her was pure relief and with a hiccup, it quickly changed to sobbing as hot tears began to run down her grimy cheeks. Running footsteps caught their attention and Ka’van turned to see a grimfaced Aric and Tanno racing towards him.

 

“We’ve got trouble incoming,” Aric called out, then he realized the Jedi wasn’t alone, “What the….”

 

“It’s my lucky day,” Ka’van grinned, “Half naked beauties falling out of the sky…..or garbage chute in this case. But seeing as you look like you’re about to have a fit, I’ll let you have this one.”

 

Ka’van gently set Natalia down, keeping a steadying hand on her since he didn’t have the time or energy to heal her feet. She didn’t need his support long though, Aric quickly crushed her to him, placing several kisses on her face, his lips brushing her forehead then trailed down her tearstained cheek before claiming her mouth as her hands clung to his leatheris jacket.

 

Tanno cleared his throat, “As much as I understand the sentiment, boss, we’ve got company coming and I don’t think we’re gonna make it out of here before they arrive.”

 

Edited September 21, 2015 by alaurin

[Lunafox]

I'm really enjoying this! I liked seeing Aric with Naula/Natalia, and the characterizations are great. Great lines in there, and I especially enjoyed Ka'van's near the end when he caught Nat, "there are certainly worse things I've caught on Nar Shadaa."

 

Great stuff, looking forward to more. ^^

[alaurin]

I am so very sorry and embarrassed it has taken me so long to finally update this thread. Hopefully there's still people interested because I have the next part now.....well after I make a quick reply.

 

@Lunafox: Oh thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying my guys! It's so funny that you commented about Natalia and Aric because I'd originally intended for her to be with Corso when I first started outlining this whole saga. Then I got that naughty bachelor party idea in my head and decided she was much better suited to Aric.

 

Showdown!

 

Spoiler Alert: No real spoilers other than who the BH, JC, Smuggler, and Trooper companions are.

 

They’d already picked off several of Bradley’s hired goons, but were way outnumbered and trapped in the narrow alley by more mercs coming in from both directions. Aric was a good soldier, but knew it was only a matter of time before the hired guns captured him. He’d taken a couple bolts in that last volley and his shoulder was bleeding. The Jedi was exhausted, having used the Force extensively to shield them as long as he was able, not to mention the deadly projectiles he hurled at the mercs bearing down on them. His yellow saber was still slashing with deadly intent and deflecting most of the blaster bolts coming at him, but the ginger haired Human was barely able to keep himself upright. Both Tanno and Qyzen were injured, the former bleeding profusely and despite wielding a techstaff with deadly force, he could see the Gand’s movements were slowing. Natalia was propped up against an old crate, using it as both a crutch and cover while she fired the blaster he’d given her in rapid succession. Thankfully she’d improved in that aspect of combat as well and had picked off any enemy before they reached her. Unfortunately, her blaster was on the verge of overheating and a moment later she was forced to drop it. He watched her scramble to find another as one of the mercs was closing in on her. Natalia nearly died once because of him and Aric refused let that happen again so he decided to bide some time for Zev to arrive with reinforcements. It was him they really wanted to use as bait for their primary target, and that’s what he’d offer.

 

“Enough……its over,” Aric growled at the tall dark haired Human who appeared to be the leader, “We have reinforcements on the way. Your team that attacked Havoc failed and they’re all dead. We left a couple alive long enough to get some information extracted from them so I know I’m the one you’re after……if you let the rest go, I’ll come quietly.”

 

“Aric, no!” Natalia’s hoarse voice protested as she raised a blaster she'd pilfered off a nearby corpse at the man approaching her, “You can’t…..”

 

“If it means you’re safe…….” Aric swallowed, looking into those teary eyes for a brief second before lowering his rifle, “That’s all that matters to me.”

 

Roland studied the Cathar carefully, keeping his blasters trained on the Spec Forces soldier. In his opinion it was the ideal solution, despite their client’s last minute request…..a request he wasn’t comfortable with. In fact, he wasn’t entirely comfortable with this whole job, something he’d voiced to his partners multiple times, but had always been outvoted in favor of taking more of the very wealthy Senator Bradley’s credits. Credits are only good if you’re alive to spend them, he mused…..the same argument he’d given to Kane earlier that day, but despite that and the several other misgivings Roland had, Kane promised the Senator they would hold the dancer for him. Kark that sick bastard, he decided as he nodded at the officer.

 

 

“I accept your offer Captain.”

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

“Sounds bad,” Zev warned his cousin when the larger Zabrak arrived, “But I don’t want to go storming in there without knowing what’s what.”

 

Dek turned to the Devaronian behind him, “Can you get up there? Get us some details and maybe get in position for a shot if you’re able?”

 

Gault’s yellow eyes narrowed at the tall building in the distance, “I can……but it's gonna take me a few minutes to sneak around.”

 

“Move as quick as you can,” Zev nodded as he handed the former con man an earbud, “Void knows how much longer our people can hold out.”

 

“How you holding up Elara,” Dek asked quietly, keeping his eyes peeled as they walked towards the sounds of combat. He’d felt bad about what happened to her and Yuun, even more so after his cousin told him what those mercs had intended.

 

“I’m fine,” she assured him, “I was more afraid for Zevryn and those men definitely got the worst of it.” The medic shuddered as she recalled the Jedi’s interview after one of the mercs refused to answer Aric.

 

“Speaking of those men,” Zev broke in, remembering an important fact they’d learned after he’d spoken with his cousin, “That other guy that survived talked after Aric, Tanno, and Yuun left with Ka’van. Turns out one of the partners was leading the group that attacked my hangar. He was one of the ones that were already dead when we got there.”

 

“That’s two down then,” Dek nodded, “That Twi’lek who surrendered to us said the guy leading them was a partner, Kane. He definitely wasn’t having any second thoughts though.”

 

“Our prisoner didnt know anything about that, but admitted he was newer to the firm and didn’t know anyone very well yet.”

 

“Alright….I’m in position,” Gault’s voice came over their coms, “And it’s not good. Two of ours are down…..Vik and the Trandoshan. The Gand is still putting up a fight, but those mercs are wearing him down. Jorgan’s favoring an arm and is struggling to get his shots off. Our girl is picking them off with a blaster pistol, but she’s leaning against the wall and her feet look bloody. Jax’s Jedi buddy isn’t looking too good either.”

 

“You see the leader anywhere?”

 

“I think so…...there’s a tall Human, looks pretty young….maybe early twenties, dark hair. I can’t hear what they’re saying, but he and a Nikto are working their way towards our girl. Wait a sec…..Jorgan’s shouting to them…….what the kriff?! Jorgan just lowered his rifle.”

 

“Aric knows we’re coming,” Zev caught his cousin’s eye, “He’s probably buying some time. Keep them in your sights for now, we’re getting into position.”

 

“They already are,” Gault replied dryly, “I can take them out at any moment.”

 

“Just be careful…..I don’t want any of our people taking friendly fire.”

 

“Hey now,” Gault snorted, “I was taking out marks at a hundred yards before you kids were even a glint in Daddy’s eye.”

 

“He’s good cuz,” Dek assured the other Zabrak over their coms as the two groups separated to cover either end of the alley, “He could probably give Aric a run for his money…..and that’s without any formal training.”

 

“Uh-oh, looks like a possible mutiny among Bradley’s goons,” Gault observed a few minutes later, “The Nikto is arguing with the leader……and uh-oh…….he just made a grab for our girl. I got a clean kill shot, you guys ready?”

 

“Ready here,” Zev called out.

 

“We’re good to go Gault,” Dek replied a second later as Torian powered up his tech staff, “Take him out!”

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

“No you don’t Roland,” the Nikto countered, “Our client wants the girl too……”

 

“I don’t give a bantha sh*t what that sick bastard wants,” Roland spat, not bothering to hide his disgust, “That was never part of the original deal. The dancer was to be released when we got the Captain and I don’t feel the need to risk everything for that obsessive pervert. If that Cathar’s telling the truth, you know damn well we’re as good as dead if we stick around.”

 

“Kane was right about you going soft,” the Nikto muttered, “You’re too young for this business….”

 

“Well I’m still a partner and your boss, Rexx, so secure Captain Jorgan and move out,” Roland barked, ignoring the scathing look the older Nikto shot at him, he turned towards the tall Jedi slumped against the wall, “I don’t want anyone else to get hurt, but make any wrong moves, Master Jedi, and the Captain will regret it. Tell his XO we have him.”

 

“I’m not letting you kark this job and piss off the Senator. Crossing powerful people like that tends to shorten your lifespan and I’m not getting killed for some damned stripper……I don’t care how hot she is,” Rexx growled, bristling as he marched over to the dancer struggling to stand. She cried out as pain shot through her feet when he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her up against him, raising a blaster to her head, “Okay girlie, tell your boyfriend to behave and you might still be able to shake that nice little a** of yours for all those drooling idiots at the club tomorrow.”

 

“Eat sh*t and die,” Natalia spat in Rexx’s face as she struggled against him.

 

“Now now…..that wasn’t very nice of you at all,” he chuckled as he wiped at his face, then he leered down at her half naked body as he tightened his grip, “You know…..the Senator never said you needed to be unharmed when we turned you over to him. I wonder just how far we can go before your boyfriend loses it a-“

 

A single shot rang out and Natalia felt something wet against her face as her captor suddenly released his grip. Time seemed to still as she turned, eyes widening at the Nikto lying at her feet…..half of his head missing. Then someone shouted and all hell broke loose. The roar of an assault cannon filled the alley on one end, followed by screams coming from the other. One man tried to run back to the main group, his leatheris jacket on fire. Another shot echoed out from above and the burning man’s screams were silenced.

 

“Karking hell…..they’ve got a sniper!”

 

A third shot cracked the air and Roland looked around just in time to see the man who’d shouted the warning fall dead to the duracrete, a hole burned through his throat. Dread settled cold in his gut as he tried and failed to spot the shooter above. He could hear open fighting coming from both ends of the alley now and knew they were blocked in. If Captain Jorgan was right, then the rest of his squad had arrived and judging by the fiery blasts of a flamethrower and the Mando’a shouts, they’d been joined by Dekkyn Varlok and his crew. That could only mean that Kane’s team was out of commission as well as Chet’s, which meant his group was all that remained of Manson Strategies.

 

While fairly decent with a blaster, a skill Roland had been forced to hone as a teen during his stint with the Red Light Lancers, his tall lanky figure wasn’t exactly the best in physical combat. He was more the brains of their operation and great with tech, which is why Kane and Chet recruited him for their 'consulting firm' six years ago. He did all the behind the scenes stuff, the slicing into databases, interpreting blueprints, planning ops, and covering their tracks while Kane and Chet did the front line stuff. Sure he’d done his fair share of heavy lifting working side jobs in whatever warehouse was hiring during his Lancer days, but that mountain of red skinned Zabrak made him look like a small child in comparison and his military cousin was no slouch either. Plus there was the Jedi to consider and even though he appeared fatigued, that deadly yellow saber was still activated and pointed right at him. Besides, even if he was decent at any form of combat, he was grossly outnumbered at this point. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the dancer limping over to the ashen faced Jedi and for a brief second, he thought he might be able to get out of this situation with his head if he could just get to her.

 

“Don’t even think about it,” Aric snarled, leveling his rifle at Roland before he could take a step, “I told you we had backup coming. Now I suggest you drop your weapons before you end up missing half your head like your Nikto buddy over there.”

 

“He deserved it,” Roland grumbled as he powered down his blasters and holstered them. Then he raised his arms and put his hands behind his head as he turned to the young woman who’d given them a fight they never expected, “I’m sorry….I-I-I wasn’t going to go through with it…..hand you over to Bradley I mean. It wasn’t right. I-I-I had a plan....to let you get away…..i-i-it was sorta stupid, but…..”

 

“I remember you from Senator Bradley’s party at the club, Roland…..right?” Natalia murmured as she limped over to Aric, smiling weakly at the young man who’s face was riddled with guilt as he confirmed his identity with a nod. She sensed his regret and hoped to use it to their advantage, “You stood up for me that night. That proves you have some decency.”

 

“He made me sick,” Roland frowned as he recalled the good Senator’s behavior that night, “He was actually upset that you wouldn’t let him grope at you. Just because you were a dancer didn’t mean you were there for anything more than that, but he just assumed he could buy you like everything else…..I hate people like that.”

 

“Then why work for him?” Natalia asked as Zev searched him over for weapons.

 

“I didn’t want to,” Roland admitted, “I didn’t like him from the start, but I’m a newer partner and the other two had done a job for him a few years back. Apparently he pays well and despite my protests, we accepted the job.”

 

“You could’ve quit,” Natalia countered gently, easily seeing the remorse in those unusual topaz eyes and she wanted to see if her instinct was right about what kind of guy he was.

 

In many ways, he reminded her of Jaxzin’s mercenary crewmate, Corso Riggs. Roland didn’t come to the club often, but whenever he did, he was always shy, sitting in the back and blushing whenever she paid him any attention. At Bradley’s party, after the second time she’d rebuked the all too handsy Senator, Roland was the man who pulled him away from her just as Jake had come in for the routine check in. The Senator was pissed, but he should be thankful that his hired man intervened when he did because Jake would’ve rearranged his face.

 

“I’d thought about it these past few weeks,” Roland sighed, a lock of caffa colored hair brushing his tanned cheek as he bowed his head, “But I sorta owed them. Chet saved my skin a few years back when I ran with the Lancers and I’ve been working for him and his brother Kane ever since. They made me a partner last year when their buddy was killed during a job and for someone barely in their twenties who’d grown up on the streets, that’s a pretty big deal…….b-b-but the Senator’s latest request……well let’s just say it was more than I was willing to do.”

 

“And what was that request?” Natalia asked when she felt Aric tense and saw Roland pale.

 

“Never mind about that,” Zev spoke up as his cousin approached with Torian and Mako, “I want to know what you are willing to do. Your partners are both dead.”

 

"How...."

 

“We have our sources,” Dek answered. “I dropped Kane after he broke into my hangar at Mezanti and tried to blow up my ship. The only one who made it out alive was a Twi’lek named Zeke. He’s in a holding cell being guarded by one upset little Jawa.”

 

“Blizz doesn’t like anyone who tries to hurt his friends,” Mako elaborated, “and he loves that ship.”

 

“And Chet?”

 

“Let’s just say his team wasn’t adequately prepared for Forex,” Zev told the now very pale young partner. “He was dead by the time I got there…..which was lucky for him considering what happened to the guy Master Ka’van questioned.”

 

“I was in a hurry,” Ka’van shrugged, leaning heavily on Torian as he slowly knelt down, “and Jorgan was in on it too……he’s the one who snapped the guy’s neck.” With a sigh, Ka’van’s blue eyes drifted shut and a golden aura began to glow around him as he bowed his head.

 

“He had it coming,” Aric growled, recalling what the man said about Natalia and what they’d intended to do to Dorne and Yuun.

 

“That he did,” Zev agreed, his thoughts mirroring his XO’s.

 

“I can’t argue that,” Roland nodded, having warned his partners that attacking those hangers was a big mistake for many reasons. Then he he felt his throat tighten when he realized he was probably next, because despite all his reservations, misgivings, and outright disgust with their client, he didn’t do anything to stop Chet and Kane other than verbal protests……and that wasn’t enough. He looked around, but saw no one else from the firm that was still standing. He swallowed hard and braced himself for the worst as raised his head to look the angry pair of Zabraks in the eye. “I’m going to die too…….aren’t I? I suppose I deserve it for not trying harder to stop those guys….I should’ve stood up to them, but I’m not so good at that.”

 

“Hey now,” Natalia interrupted softly, stepping between the cousins to reach up and stroke the young man’s cheek, gently wiping at the blood there, “No one else intervened when Senator Bradley overstepped his bounds at the club. That took a lot of guts and so did admitting your part in everything. It’s not too late to do the right thing.”

 

“Who are you?” Roland blurted out, instantly regretting it when the Zabraks tensed and a menacing growl came from the Cathar. “I-I-I’m s-s-sorry, b-b-but you d-d-don’t act like a n-n-normal c-c-club d-d-dancer......a-a-and I-I-I’ve never m-m-met one who p-p-packed o-o-ordinance like that.”

 

“I’m someone who might be able to help you out,” Natalia told him, holding her hand up to quiet the others, “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.”

 

Roland relaxed a little, the dancer’s kind smile easing his nerves and after a moment, he nodded and turned his gaze away from her to look at the two men his firm had been hunting these past couple of months.

 

“I-I-I’ll help you,” he told them, somewhat surprised that he didn’t feel shame for betraying Chet and Kane until he recalled how they laughed at him for being too soft hearted whenever he argued against what Bradley wanted……..hell, they were willing to hand that girl over to that pervert so he could rape her as payback for her turning his sick a** down.

 

“Telling us everything you know would be a good start,” Zev nodded, holstering his weapon, “and records if you have them.”

 

“I can do that,” Roland agreed, “Most conversations I knew about were recorded, encrypted, and stored for future reference……and an insurance policy if needed.”

 

“Will it be a problem accessing them with the other two partners dead?” Dek asked, “Because Mako’s the best slicer I know of…”

 

“That’s not a problem,” Roland shook his head, “I’m the slicer and tech guy in our firm…..it’s why Chet and Kane wanted me. I’m the one who traced Mako’s hack into Wilks’ military file.” He smiled sheepishly at the petite brunette when she scowled, “Err….uh….sorry about that. Anyways, those guys are pretty bad at coding and stuff so even if they kept anything from me, it won’t take much to find it.”

 

“We would be very greatful for that,” Zev replied, then went on after Natalia nodded at him, “What do you want in return?”

 

“I kinda like being alive, so that would be good…..”

 

Natalia couldn’t help herself and a giggle bubbled out before she could stop it. A second later, it caught on and Mako joined her. Even Aric had to crack a smile and Zev was grinning when he held out his hand to the young man who looked like he was barely twenty.

 

“I think we can do more for you than that.”

 

“Look, I-I-I don’t want money or anything like that,” Roland told them, “But I’d rather not testify unless it’s absolutely necessary. Bradley’s got a long reach and a lot of money……so after I give you everything I can find, I’d really just like to disappear.”

 

“Well there’s definitely going to be a trial so we’d at least need you to stick around until that’s over,” Natalia replied, “But we can put you up in a safe house until then and we’re pretty good with changing identities.”

 

“We?”

 

She flashed him a wicked smirk, “Agent Natalia Bryce, SIS.”

 

“Wow……that….uh…..explains a lot.”

 

“I’ll bet it does,” Gault’s snarky voice called out from above, “Don’t worry kid, it’s still safe to go to strip clubs…...most dancers aren’t packing like she does.”

 

“How about me, Torian, and Gault,” Dek paused to gesture at the Devaronian who was climbing down from his perch, “take Roland back to his office and collect whatever he has on Bradley and Mills while you guys get everyone back to Zev’s ship. Mako can help Elara patch people up and we’ll head there after.”

 

“I’d be happy to assist with any healing,” Ka’van offered as he stood, seeing an easy way to deal with whatever Natalia had stored away in that remarkable mind pertaining to his family. “And I’ll even see if Tharan is willing to lend a hand.”

 

“You don’t have to do that, Master Ka’van,” Zev protested, seeing how weak the Jedi still was, “You’ve already done so much and you look like you need to sleep for a day at least….”

 

“Nonsense,” Ka’van waved him off, “Jax has been a good friend this past year and I really don’t have that many. The meditation restored some of my energy, and sleep will take care of the rest later…….besides, I think that cute Zeltron’s shift is over by now so I wasn’t going back to the club anyways."

 

Edited October 27, 2015 by alaurin

[Lunafox]

Another great chapter! Well worth the wait, I think. Loved the action and it's a good thing Gault is such a great shot. I love his characterization, he's always been a favorite of mine. I wouldn't have wanted to be in Natalia's shoes. Yikes. *shudders* I can just imagine the pop and splatter after Gault took that Nikto out. And another appearance from Ka'van too! Great stuff. Edited July 2, 2015 by Lunafox

[alaurin]

@Lunafox: Thanks!! Gault's one of my favs too and I'm glad I do a decent job with him. Glad you enjoy Ka'van, Kitar and I both enjoy writing Ka'van and Jax......especially when they're together getting into some sort of trouble (which is often for those two).

 

Now for the next part.....

 

*Edit: GAH! I'm so sorry, but I just realized I didn't tag any spoilers. My deepest apologies......I feel really, really bad.

 

It’s All Coming Together Now

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for Smuggler and Trooper post Voss missions. Also spoilers for JK Act 2 finale.

 

The freighter was quiet as it hurled through space on the hyperlane towards Alderaan. The captain had put the ship on a sleep cycle for the flight, but the man himself was currently wide awake in the pilot seat despite having the autopilot activated. Those azure eyes watched the streaks of light through the transperisteel bay window as they zinged past stars, the Cathar’s mind focused elsewhere. He couldn’t sleep without knowing if his friends had managed to find the agent who’d put her life at risk to save the man who could clear their names and put Senator Bradley in a prison cell for the rest of his miserable life.

 

Risha had been keeping him company until Jax caught her nodding off in her seat and urged her to go to bed, promising to join her as soon as he heard something from either Dek, Zev, or Ka’van. It ended up being Zev that contacted him halfway to Alderaan.

 

“Is Natalia safe,” Jax immediately asked when his buddy’s image came up on the small terminal in the cockpit.

 

“She is,” Zev confirmed, but Jax could see weariness in the other man’s posture. “We’re hanging out at one of Balkar’s safehouses right now.”

 

“Is everyone alright?”

 

“A few of us are a little worse for wear, including Natalia, but nothing too serious. Aric and Qyzen will be spending the night in kolto tanks,” Zev saw the look on the Cathar’s face and quickly elaborated, “Aric injury isn’t too bad, but after what happened to him on the Gauntlet, Elara thought it best if he went into a tank. Qyzen’s injuries were worse, but he’ll be fine in a few days.”

 

“What about the rest?” Jax asked, hoping Ka’van hadn’t been hurt too badly doing this favor for them.

 

“Natalia’s feet were a mess after running across the Red Light sector in a pair of satin slippers, but Ka’van stuck around and healed both her and Tanno as best he could before nearly passing out from exhaustion. He’s resting right now and his own injuries were minimal. The rest of us had the usual minor burns and bruises……you know the typical stuff from combat.”

 

“Sounds like Elara and Mako were busy,” Jax sighed, wishing he’d been able to back his friends up.

 

“You have nothing to feel bad about Jax,” Zev told the Cathar, knowing what was on his friend’s mind, “We needed to get Wilks off planet quickly and you were the best choice. Besides, there were enough of us to get the job done and Ka’van’s scientist associate helped treat the injuries.”

 

“I’m just glad you all made it out of there alright and that Natalia’s safe from Bradley’s thugs.”

 

“We did even better than that,” Zev grinned then filled Jax in on everything that went down.

 

“Bradley’s done for sure now,” Jax chuckled coldly, the tips of his fangs glinting in the dim light. “I should be on Alderaan in about seven hours. Syarra got the key from Wilks’ nephew and should land about on Alderaan about an hour after me. The footage from those armor cams should be enough to clear our military records and between Roland and Natalia, there’s bound to be enough information to ensure Bradley doesn’t see daylight for the rest of his miserable existance.”

 

“That’s the plan,” Zev nodded. “Dek and Gault got all the pertnant files from Roland and he will be coming with us to Coruscant along with Agents Bryce and Balkar. We’ll probably head out as soon as Aric is out of the tank.”

 

“I’ll head there with Wilks as soon as we get the key from Syarra.”

 

“Sounds good, but I’m thinking Wilks should stay put on your ship until we can get him in front of a military board,” Zev cautioned, “Bradley’s bound to have people on the lookout for his old buddy at the spaceport.”

 

“Kark, I didn’t even think about that, but I’m sure you’re right,” Jax agreed, hoping his former commander wouldn’t make a stink about being holed up on the Lucky Fool. He might despise the colonel for what he’d done, but they needed him alive to give testimony. “I don’t have an issue with keeping Wilks on board until we can make other arrangements, but maybe one of us should go retrieve the safe deposit box just to be safe.”

 

“That shouldn’t be a problem……..and Jax, try not to maul him or anything,” Zev snickered, the Cathar’s quick temper well known among his comrades. “We all hold a grudge against Wilks, but at least he’s trying to do the right thing now.”

 

“Only because Bradley turned on him,” Jax muttered, not quite able to believe Wilks’ remorse was genuine.

 

Zev wasn’t sure if he agreed with Jax, but he knew better than to press the issue with the stubborn Cathar and after promising to keep Jax posted if anything came up, they ended the call. Relieved that everyone was safe for the time being and that soon Bradley would burn for his crimes, Jax could feel his own exhaustion setting in. Deciding to finally go get some sleep, he checked the controls and called for SeeTwo to come to the cockpit. Once the protocol droid got settled, Jax left the cockpit for his quarters.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Several hours later, Jax and Corso were riding loaded speeders towards Organa Palace to make his delivery for the Voss representative on Alderaan. The grey Cathar sniffed the crisp morning air as they went along the main road from the spaceport. Azure eyes looking almost luminous in the sunlight glinting off the snow scanned the surroundings, enjoying the scenery and appreciating how clean everything was. The captain had to admit that Alderaan was a beautiful planet, but the nobles and their sense of entitlement always rubbed him the wrong way. Jax had come from wealth himself, but unlike most of the nobility he’d encountered on the planet, his family didn’t think they were any better than those that worked for them. Still there were worse places he could be at the moment and he was thankful his littermate was able to meet him.

 

A grin crossed the grey Cathar’s features as he made a mental note to stop by one of the shops on the return trip. His punishment for waking Syarra before what she considered a decent hour was to buy her a case of Alderaanian Ale. He figured he’d toss in a couple bottles of Alderaanian brandy as well because he really did owe her for taking the time to do that very important favor and it was one of her favorites.

 

Luckily the Voss was waiting for them at one of the side entrances and had people to help carry the supplies back to his suite so the actual delivery only took a few minutes, then once it was confirmed with an adjudicator via comlink, Jax sent Corso back to the Lucky Fool while he made a stop to procure those items for his littermate. He’d just arrived back at the spaceport when he spotted Syarra’s ship landing. He drove the speeder towards the hangar she’d been assigned and after confirming it was Master Syarra Roark’s ship, he left the gifts with the ground crew with instructions and a generous tip to take them to the ship. He sent his littermate a quick message that he was there and asked if she’d like to meet in the small café just outside the spaceport. A moment later she agreed and Jax took his speeder back to the Lucky Fool, then headed for the café. He found a quiet table isolated in the corner and had just ordered a spiced caffa for both of them when the yellow Cathar strode into the café. Azure eyes identitical to his own searched the small room for a second before spotting him and the leatheris clad amazon wove through the tables towards his.

 

“You’re looking a bit worse for the wear,” Syarra frowned, seeing the dark circles under her littermate’s eyes as she sat.

 

“I could say the same,” Jax observed, noting the sadness on her normally cheerful façade. “How you doing?”

 

“Just trying to make my peace with everything that’s happened these past few weeks,” Syarra sighed as the waitress arrived with their drinks. She inhaled the sweet spicy fragrance, smiling her thanks at her brother as she added some cream to her caffa. She took a sip, savoring the rich flavors for a moment before going into detalis about her assault on the Emperor’s Fortress and the fallout. Jax caught the glitter of tears before Syarra bowed her head when she admitted to the horrible things she’d done.

 

“Syarra,” Jax murmured as he reached over to grasp her hand, hating that she’d been through all that. “You’re a smart girl so you know it wasn’t really you doing those things.”

 

“My brain knows that Jax, but my heart is sick over it. My memories come back in spurts and it’s so vivid that it floors me.” Syarra shook her head sadly, “I killed people Jax……and yes, I’ve ended lives before, but those were soldiers……Sith…….people that were capable of defending themselves and even then I never set out with the intent to kill.”

 

“The Emperor made you kill those people, Syarra,” Jax countered.

 

“Because I was too weak to stop him from taking over my mind and using me like a sick puppet,” Syarra growled bitterly.

 

“You’re one of the strongest people I know,” Jax assured her, “and you broke free from his control eventually. Those other Masters haven’t as far as you know and they’re a lot more trained than you. That says something about how powerful you are sis.”

 

“I know,” Syarra conceded thickly, “I just wish I could’ve broken free sooner…….but don’t worry, I’ll be fine with time and you can bet your *** the Emperor will pay for all his crimes.”

 

“If anyone can accomplish that, it’s you,” Jax nodded, his mouth twitching in a smirk at seeing the fight was still in his littermate, “but you call if you need backup……I mean it. I’ll be there in a heartbeat and so would Dek and Zev, you know that.”

 

“I do,” Syarra smiled weakly, “and I’ll keep that in mind, I promise. I just have no idea when that’ll be. Lord Scourge is more concerned about stopping the things the Emperor has in the works before it’s too late.”

 

“About that Sith lord……are you sure about him? Do you really believe he’s telling the truth?”

 

“Not all Sith are bad Jax,” Syarra pointed out, “There are plenty honorable ones out there.”

 

“None that I’ve ever met,” Jax grumbled, those encounters on Tatooine surfacing in his mind.

 

“Well I have,” Syarra argued, rolling her eyes as she poked her finger at Jax’s broad chest, “and not all Jedi are good either……you should definitely know that by now.”

 

“Yeah, but that’s different,” Jax scoffed, “You and Ka’van might not be pillars of the Jedi Order but you’re both good people with a sense of honor.”

 

“And so is Lord Scourge,” Syarra pointed out, “Our goals are the same right now, so yes…..I trust him and I know he’s telling the truth about the Emperor.”

 

“Well I’m more concerned about what happens when your mission is over,” Jax grumbled, “Just promise me you’ll watch your back around him okay.”

 

“I’m not stupid Jax,” Syarra growled, jabbing him again.

 

“Ouch!” Jax yowled as her claw poked through his shirt, “Watch the claws will ya?! I like this shirt!”

 

“Serves you right…….plus I owed you for waking me up yesterday,” Syarra smirked as she pulled a keycard out of her pack, “And speaking of…….here’s that key you sent me after.”

 

“I really owe you one for this Syarra,” Jax sighed as he took the key from his littermate, “You saved our bacon with this. With that armor cam footage, Dek, Zev, and I will finally get our names cleared and Senator Bradley is going down along with his greedy partner.”

 

“Just be careful,” Syarra warned. “I met him once and while he puts on a clean cut, generous appearence, he’s rotten to the core inside. You can bet he’s prepared……especially if he’s aware of what went down on Nar Shaddaa.”

 

“I’m sure he knows something happened, but since the only survivors of that little ‘consulting firm’ he hired are now working with us, I doubt he’s been able to get any details,” Jax agreed, pausing as the waitress returned to clear away their dishes. He pulled out a credit chit and tipped her before she left, then turned back to his littermate, “You’re right though…….that crooked bastard is likely scheming as we speak…..trying to figure out a way to cover his *** or plotting more ways take us out.”

 

“Probably both,” Syarra scowled as Jax’s comlink went off.

 

“Sorry to interrupt,” Risha told him when her image appeared, “But I thought you’d want to know right away…….Ivory’s come through for us.”

 

“We got a location?”

 

“Tatooine,” Risha nodded, “But we need to hurry if we’re going to have any shot at getting him.”

 

“Damn,” Jax sighed, running clawed fingertips through his neatly trimmed black mane, “Not exactly the best timing……we have to get this key to Coruscant.”

 

Syarra looked torn as they stood, “Normally I’d love to help you out Jax, but I have to get to Belsavis.....”

 

“I know,” Jax told his littermate as they walked out of the cafe, “and you’ve already done plenty with getting Wilks’ key for us and stopping here on your way to get it to me.”

 

“You’re my brother Jax. Dek and Zev are practically family……well Zev was a little more…..”

 

“Easy with that,” Jax made a face as they strode into the spaceport, still not liking the reminder that his littermate hooked up with one of his best friends.

 

That joyful laughter that bubbled out of Syarra was worth the annoyance and Jax reached over and mussed her long mane before grabbing her in a bear hug. “Don’t worry about this…….I’ll figure something out.”

 

“Good hunting Jax,” Syarra called out as they parted ways.

 

“You too sis,” he tossed back, then strode towards the Lucky Fool’s hangar.

 

Jax boarded his freighter a few minutes later to hear a familiar voice on the ship’s Holo and worry settled in his gut. “What’s going on?” he demanded, concern making his voice harsh, “Did something happen?!”

 

“Everything’s fine,” Zev assured the agitated Cathar, “I just hadn’t heard from you yet and wanted to touch base before I left Nar Shaddaa…..so I called. Risha filled me in on your situation.”

 

“Yeah,” Jax sighed, relieved that no one had taken a turn for the worse. “Pretty bad timing to say the least, but since I can’t be two places at once……”

 

“You don’t have to,” Risha interrupted, “I think I’ve figured out a solution and I was just talking to Zev about it.”

 

“I’m all ears,” Jax nodded, grateful for her quick thinking and keen intelligence.

 

“Simple…..you’re going to Tatooine without me,” Risha suggested, “I’ll wait here with the key until Zev gets here and I’ll go on to Coruscant with him.”

 

“We’re just waiting for clearance to take off,” Zev told them, “and its no problem to stop by Alderaan on the way, but it’ll be at least twelve hours before we get there.”

 

“Are you sure about this?” Jax raised a brow at the pretty brunette who’d wound her way dangerously close to his heart, “I know you don’t exactly like Alderaan that much.”

 

“The planet’s alright, it’s just the people I can’t stand,” Risha shrugged, then her lips curved upwards, “But I think a little shopping will distract me from that…….and it’d be even better if you set me up in a nice room.”

 

“You got it,” Jax chuckled, not caring how many credits it would cost him.

 

Jax didn’t like the idea of Risha being alone and he knew he’d miss her, especially at night since his nightmares weren’t as bad when she was sleeping next to him, but at least she’d be in good hands with Zev. Also, Duke Organa owed him a favor and Jax figured he’d call it in by requesting a small suite in the Organa palace for Risha to stay in. The Duke was an honorable man and would see to Risha’s safety and comfort until Zev got there.

 

“Well if everything’s settled, I’m going to finish packing so you guys can head out……the sooner you can get to Tatooine, the better.”

 

“Go ahead and start getting the ship ready for takeoff,” Jax told Corso as Risha strode towards his quarters, then he turned back to the Zabrak’s image, “What about Wilks?”

 

“General Garza agreed to handle the military end of things and she’s already reviewing the data we got from Manson Strategies. She might want to speak with Wilks directly, but I see no reason they can’t do it over the Holo……and as we talked about before…..it’s probably best if he’s not on planet until he needs to go in front of a review board.”

 

“I’ll feel better once you go get that safe deposit box,” Jax admitted, hoping there wouldn’t be an issue without Wilks being there, “There’s no way they can ignore the truth once they see that armor cam footage.”

 

“I won’t be able to go get it right away,” Zev warned, “Aric and I have to attend an Inquiry……long story, but some other Senator is trying to block our activities. Agent Balkar found evidence that he’s sold out to the Empire though and I’m certain Rakton is behind it.”

 

“Gods be damned!” Jax swore, “What’s going on with our karking politicians lately?!”

 

“Tell me about it,” Zev snorted, the tall Zabrak crossing his arms as a dark look came over his face, “But at least we’re going to nail them both very soon.”

 

“It’s all coming together finally,” Jax nodded slowly, part of him unable to believe it after all this time, “and I can’t wait to see that bastard Bradley and his crooked Czerka buddy burn for everything they’ve done to us…..and our friends.”

 

“Not to mention Colonel Hallyard,” Zev spat, having idolized his predecessor in Tempest, “I’d love to put them in front of a firing squad for that alone.”

 

“If only we could,” Jax smiled ruefully, “Maybe Wilks though…..”

 

“Take it easy on him Jax,” Risha scolded gently as she returned with Bowdarr, “Think about it, he knows he’s likely facing imprisonment at best and yet he’s still coming forward instead of running away. That should count for something.”

 

She’s got a point,” Zev sighed, seeing Jax’s scowl, then both their eyes popped open when they caught sight of the Wookiee, who had a backpack slung over one shoulder, a garmet bag over the other, a travel case in one hand and a large suitecase in the other.

 

“You know you’re only going to be gone for a few days at the most….right?!” Jax snorted.

 

“I like to be prepared,” the engineer defended herself as both Zev and Jax snickered, then she told Bowdarr to go ahead and put her stuff in her speeder.

 

“Good luck with that Bowie,” Jax grinned at the departing Wookiee.

 

“Good to see you acting more like your smart*** self,” Risha rolled her eyes at her captain, knowing she’d miss him while they were apart.

 

“Been brooding a bit?” Zev raised a brow at his friend.

 

“Eh,” Jax shrugged, “These past few weeks have been stressful to say the least.”

 

“That they have…….I’ll be glad when this whole debacle is behind us.”

 

“Speaking of, I can go get that safety deposit box since you’ll be tied up with the Senate, Zev,” Risha volunteered, having overheard the conversation while she was packing.

 

“I’m not sure I like the idea of you walking around Coruscant alone,” Jax frowned, worried that Bradley would have people looking out for all of them.

 

“Elara can go with her,” Zev suggested, thinking along the same lines, “Two women out shopping would blend in with the usual crowd at the plaza......and if it makes you feel better, I’ll have Tanno tail them.”

 

“You got it boss,” a gravelly voice called out, “No one’ll touch ‘em on my watch.”

 

“Vik’s still a little peeved at what Bradley’s hired thugs were going to do to Elara and Yuun,” Zev explained, “He might have some questionable ethics, but he’s loyal……he’ll make sure they’re safe.”

 

“Alright we’ve got a plan then,” Jax conceded, “Just keep me posted.”

 

“I will,” Zev promised, “You just worry about getting Rogun……..but watch yourself Jax, between Tanno and Gault, I’ve heard this guy’s tough. Plus his bolt hole’s bound to have some serious defenses.”

 

“And thanks to my source, I know most of them,” Jax flashed a feral grin, knowing his old buddy definitely wouldn’t approve of the Rattataki. Ivory wasn’t Jax’s type of person either, but the old underworld kingpin kept his word and they wouldn’t have found Rogun without him.

 

Zev was relieved to hear that since there were few better at breaching defences and using explosives than Jax, Tanno was one of those but it was close. He nodded at the Cathar, “Risha, I’ll call you when we land. Jax……good hunting.”

 

“Thanks Zev……you take care of my girl.”

 

“Your girl?!” Risha snorted, rolling her eyes, “I’m a woman thank you very much……and who says I’m yours?”

 

“I’m pretty sure you said that just a few hours ago…….remember? We were both naked at the time and you-ouch!”

 

“Yeah……I think I’ll hang up now,” Zev chuckled as Risha cuffed Jax again, “See you soon Risha.”

 

Less than an hour later, the Lucky fool was bound for Tatooine to intercept Rogun the Butcher.

 

 

Edited August 18, 2015 by alaurin

[alaurin]

This next part takes place a few days after the previous one...

 

 

Who Can You Trust?

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for BH, Smuggler, and Trooper post Voss missions

 

“Karking traitors……I still can’t believe I was duped,” the leatheris clad spacer grumbled as he left the spaceport, the anger still burning strong in his gut as he wondered if anyone else out there would betray him. Wilks, Bradley, Mills. Then Skavak. Now Darmas and Dodonna. Who was next?

 

“I didn’t see that coming in a million years,” the dreadlocked Human sighed, still looking a little shell shocked. “Viidu always liked Darmas. He’d have been sick to know his old friend was workin’ for the Imps if he were still alive.”

 

That brought the ghost of a smile to Jax’s grey furred features, remembering the portly Underworld boss on Ord Mantell and he turned to the Mantellian who’d been with him ever since Viidu was killed. “I remember how pissed he was at Skavak, he’d be out for blood now.”

 

Corso was one of the few Jax knew he could trust along with his family, Dek, Zev, and Ka'van. For one thing, the young Mantellian hated Imperials as much as he did, and Corso didn’t have it in him to stab someone in the back. No, Corso was the type who wore his emotions on his sleeve and was loyal to a fault.....as was Bowdaar. Jax knew the Bowie would never betray him after he’d saved the Wookiee from Drooga back on Nar Shaddaa. Jax insisted that Bowdaar didn’t owe him anything and warned the Wookiee that travelling with him wasn’t safe since Rogun had a price on his head and they were still hunting Skavak, but Bowdaar refused to leave his side and had been part of Jax's crew since.

 

Risha was intelligent, cunning, and had kept secrets from him in the past, but Jax could understand why. Ever since revealing who she really was, she was up front with him about her goals. Plus Jax was certain her feelings for him ran deeper than she’d like or even admit, but it all came down to her future on Dubrillian and as much as it would hurt when he left, he respected that. He just hoped his feelings for her wasn't clouding his judgement because Gods help him, Jax knew he'd never be the same if she ever betrayed him.

 

Akaavi was her own person and worked for herself. The Mandalorian told him from day one that she didn’t know how long she’d stick around, but he wasn’t worried about her betraying him. Akaavi had too much honor to do something so underhanded and would be insulted if anyone thought otherwise. Guss on the other hand, was another matter and Jax trusted him about as much as a used speeder salesman. The Mon Cal did come through in the end on Hoth and had shared all he knew on Rogun, but Jax was still leery of the former padaway and planned to keep an eye on his medic.

 

“We’re here Captain,” Corso’s voice broke into Jax’s thoughts and he saw the Voss approaching their speeder.

 

“Sorry,” Jax sighed, “Just thinking about things…..”

 

“I know,” Corso nodded as he and Jax started transferring the cargo to the Voss’ speeder.

 

A few minutes later, the young Voss was driving away and Jax turned to his friend, “You sure you don’t mind doing this?”

 

“I’m sure Jax,” Corso nodded, “There’s enough going on right now without you having the Voss on your back. Besides, you’re probably going to be stuck here for a few days at least and Balmorra isn’t that far.”

 

“I really appreciate this man, and there’s no one I’d trust more than you and Bowdaar to get this job done,” Jax shook Corso’s hand, “Just take care of the Lucky Fool eh…..”

 

“I swear nothin’ will happen to her on my watch,” Corso promised, then his kind brown eyes locked with Jax’s tired azure ones, “Good luck…..and try to get some sleep alright.”

 

“I will,” Jax nodded and a moment later, Corso was speeding away while he walked towards the taxi station.

 

The tall grey Cathar climbed into a taxi, murmuring the address before sitting back in his seat. Azure eyes drifted closed as the taxi sped away from the spaceport and he wanted nothing more than the comfortable bed at his parents’ flat.

 

He had difficulties sleeping without Risha and ended up getting into the sleep stims Ka’van hid in the stuffed nexu. The stress was a big contributer, but he couldn’t deny that part of the cause was being separated from Risha……..whom he could no longer deny was his mate. It didn’t surprise him really, knowing it was a likely possibility given his growing feelings over the past year, but after crossing the boundry of friends and lovers, the bond had been formed. Jax wasn’t sure what to do about that newfound realization, but he’d worry about that after things were settled with Bradley, Darmas, Dodonna, and the Voidwolf.

 

The anger swelled once again at even the thought of those names and his mind began rehashing happened when he went after Rogun. Him, Corso, and Bowdaar had found the small desert house on the outskirts of Anchorhead and thanks to Ivory, they knew of the hidden entrance to the massive underground complex the house rested on top of. With the three of them packing enough weapons and explosives to breach a military compound, they fought their way through Rogun’s people easily and caught up to the Chagrian in record time. The Underworld kingpin was trapped and knew it, but he didn’t beg or plead for his life. Instead he ranted about how Jax was a traitor working for the Imperials. At first Jax and Corso thought Rogun was off his perverbial rocker, but then they all got the shock of their lives when two Sith entered the warehouse.

 

The Sith seemed amused at the situation as Jax, Corso, Bowdaar, and Rogun all raised their weapons at the two women. Then they dropped a bombshell that Jax was still reeling from. Darmas and Dodonna were working for the Voidwolf this whole time. The Privateer gig allowed Dodonna to use Jax to aquire items the Republic wanted without officially involving them. Then her and Darmas would take those items and send them on to the Empire. Luckily Jax didn’t turn the contraband over to Dodonna on those initial assignments. Instead he’d sold the weapons back to the Balmorrian Resistance and he saw to it that the so called cloaking device would never be used again. They got nothing from the Treasury ship heist, but in hindsight Jax suspected they didn’t intend for him to survive that. As for Rogun, Jax now realized they simply wanted the kingpin out of the picture so they could take over the Underworld operations for the Voidwolf and were using him to take care of that since there was bad blood between them over that stolen weapons shipment from back on Ord Mantell.

 

Jax was seething by the time the Sith stopped playing the recording of Darmas and Dodonna talking to the Voidwolf and he wasn’t the only one. He could see Corso shaking with anger out of the corner of his eye and Rogun was deadly calm as he held his rifle pointed at the Sith lords, but Jax could see the cold rage in the Chagrian’s eyes.

 

“We’re on the same side now,” Rogun broke the tense silence, “Let’s take care of this problem, then we can talk.”

 

“Deal,” Jax growled, then nodded at Corso who pulled an incendiary grenade off his belt and lobbed it at the Sith before they could react.

 

Even outnumbered, the Sith lords weren’t easy to take down, but that initial grenade Corso threw at them ignited their robes on contact and their attention was diverted between putting out the fire and warding off Bowdaar’s initial charge. Jax and Rogun took position behind some crates and fired with deadly precision while Corso charged in to assist Bowdaar. The Sith shielded themselves from the first volley of shots and one was able to use the Force to heal, but they eventually exhausted themselves. Bowdaar’s shield gave out and the Wookiee ended up spending several hours in the kolto tank on the Lucky Fool after, but once the Sith were weakened, the fight was over within minutes.

 

“Damned Sith,” Rogun muttered, shaking his head as Corso poked at the corpses to make sure they were really dead, “Never expected to see them knocking at my door…….but then again, I never expected you to find me either. I’m assuming you told Darmas that you’d found me.”

 

“Actually I didn’t,” Jax frowned, wondering how the Sith knew where to find them, “So I’m thinking either Ivory did or Darmas had a tracker planted on my freighter at some point when I was on Port Nowhere.”

 

“I have some tech here that you can use to check for a tracking device,” Rogun offered as he holstered his rifle, “and if I were you, I’d sever ties with my predecessor. Ivory’s only loyal to himself.”

 

“We parted ways after he gave me your location,” Jax nodded, more than happy to have the Rattataki off his ship. He trusted Ivory even less than he trusted Guss and didn’t like the sort of business he’d been involved in before being imprisoned on Belsavis.

 

“Then you’re smarter than I gave you credit for,” Rogun chuckled as he fished a cigarra case out of his coat pocket. “But you were played good.”

 

“There was always something about Darmas that put me off a little,” Jax admitted, running his fingers through is mane in frustration, “But I never took him for a karking Imperial!”

 

“That’s one thing we can agree on,” Rogun crossed his arms, “And I have to say I found it hard to believe those rumors about you secretly working for the Voidwolf given your ties to the Republic. Guess Darmas played us both.”

 

“Where do we go from here?” Corso spoke finally spoke up, still shaken and uncertain about trusting the Underworld kingpin who’d been hounding them since Ord Mantell.

 

“Well I suppose sparing my life and helping me get rid of those Sith is worth some stolen blasters,” Rogun answered, the older Chagrain sounding tired, “But Darmas and Dodonna are still out there working for the Voidwolf and all three need to be dealt with. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m getting too old to be in the thick of fighting, but seeing as you’re out for blood……”

 

“Oh I’ll be more than happy to take care of them,” Jax growled, “But I have personal business on Coruscant that can’t wait.”

 

“I can work around that,” Rogun replied, “It’ll take time for my sources to track them down, but don’t linger too long. Once they find out we didn’t die here, they’ll know you’re coming after 'em.”

 

Jax sighed as the taxi landed at the terminal for the skyscraper his parents’ flat was located in, hoping his part in the hearing wouldn’t keep him on Coruscant too long because he wanted nothing more than to catch up with that backstabbing bastard Darmas and his Senator girlfriend Dodonna. He looked forward to emptying both blaster barrels into Darmas. As for Dodonna, he’d fully intended to bring that conniving b*tch back to Coruscant and maybe she’d get a cell next to Bradley.

 

He entered the building and got on the elevator, quickly hitting the number for his floor before leaning against the wall. By the time the door shut, so were his eyes and Jax thought he might take a nap before calling Dek and Zev to catch up. A few minutes later Jax keyed in the door code and entered his parents’ flat, realizing sleep wouldn’t be happening when he heard his friends’ voices coming from the living room.

 

“Didn’t expect you guys to be waiting here,” Jax greeted them from the doorway.

 

“They showed up a couple minutes after you called,” Risha explained, frowning at how tired her Captain looked. She knew all too well that stress triggered his nightmares and wondered if he’d had difficulties sleeping while she was away. “I told them you’d be along shortly and they decided to wait.”

 

“But we can come back later if you’d rather,” Zev told his friend, noticing the fatigue as well.

 

“You look like you’re about to pass out,” Dek observed, “I don’t mind coming back later. I just arrived on planet a couple hours ago and was thinking about getting a place for Mako and I to stay other than the ship……sort of a mini vacation to take our minds off of things.”

 

“Why don’t you guys stay here,” Jax offered, stifling a yawn, “There’s plenty of room since none of my family is on planet right now. In fact you can take Syarra’s room since she’s tied up with Jedi business right now and definitely won’t be around here for a while.”

 

“I might take you up on that,” Dek sighed, “It’s been a stressful couple of days…..”

 

“Bradley still causing trouble?” Jax frowned.

 

“Actually no for once,” Zev answered. “By the time Elara and Risha got the recordings from Wilks’ safety deposit box, Aric and I were finished with that other inquiry we had to deal with……”

 

“How’d that go?”

 

“Depends on how you look at it……good in the sense that thanks to Balkar, we proved without a doubt that Senator Zian was in the Empire’s pocket, but it’s kinda disheartening to see another dirty politician exposed. I’m beginning to wonder if there’s anyone decent running the government.”

 

“I understand that feeling,” Jax snorted bitterly.

 

“Risha filled us in on that,” Dek nodded, clapping his old friend on the shoulder, “I’m sorry man.”

 

“I think I’m angrier about being duped more than anything,” Jax sighed, “and I really thought I’d found a way to serve the Republic doing what I like.”

 

“It’s a valid idea and I’m sure others will see the merit after Dodonna is exposed,” Zev assured Jax, “That is if she survives the confrontation after you find her and Darmas.”

 

“Oh she will,” Jax growled, “I plan on hauling her a** back here so she can rot with Bradley and that bastard you just busted.”

 

“So you guys didn’t have any trouble getting into Wilks’ box?” Dek asked Risha, deciding to get back to the original subject and curious as well.

 

“No problems at all,” Risha assured him, “Elara was in civilian clothes and we did a little shopping first before going to the bank. With our shopping bags, we looked like most of the other people around at the time. No one questioned us at the bank since I had the key and all the pertinent information.”

 

“Tanno didn’t see anyone tailing them, so either they blended in too well for his people to notice or Bradley had no idea we were on planet,” Zev elaborated.

 

“Is that bastard on Corescant?”

 

“He was actually at the Inquiry Aric and I were forced to attend thanks to Zian,” Zev nodded, annoyance flickering in those bright green eyes.

 

“He’s got a set of balls on him,” Jax shook his head, “I’ll bet Aric wasn’t too thrilled he was there either.”

 

“I was worried for a moment when his claws came out, but he held it together…….not that I can blame him after finding out what that sick bastard was going to do to Natalia,” Zev crossed his arms, “His time’s coming though. General Garza spoke with Roland and Natalia while I was at the inquiry and once she reviewed the original armor cam footage, she had charges brought up and sent them on to the Senator Arnus. Two hours later, Senator Bradley was arrested.”

 

“I’m going to let them catch you up,” Risha called out as she stood, “so I can finally get to enjoy that bath I was about to take when they showed up.”

 

Thoughts of joining her immediately entered Jax’s mind as his gaze traveled wistfully at that curvy body walking out of the living room, but that would have to wait for a bit since he really wanted to know what was going down while he was taking care of business on Tatooine.

 

“When’s the hearing?” Jax asked after Risha was out of his sight, feeling a little weight lifting off his shoulders with the thought of Bradley in custody.

 

“Given everything he’s done, Garza put him down as a flight risk and called in a favor with Senator Krasul to put a rush on the hearing.”

 

“I know Zorin Krasul,” Jax nodded, “Mom has worked with him a few times over the years and always spoke highly of him. She's also good friends with his wife. Before Syarra and I went into the military, our family usually had dinner with the Krasuls whenever we were on Coruscant. I think they were hoping either Sienna or Syarra would take to one of their sons.”

 

“Well we saved his hide a year ago when one of the Havoc traitors abducted him, so Senator Krasul was more than happy to help us,” Zev explained as his comlink went off, “So the hearing is in four days.”

 

“General Garza,” Jax called out when Zev answered his com, “Did my package arrive safely?”

 

“My people just called to say the Colonel is at the safehouse Captain,” Garza answered. “So far it’s been pretty quiet there, but that could change after the hearing starts.”

 

“Is that why you called General?” Zev asked, “Or is there something else.”

 

“That’s the main reason, but I also wanted to let you gentlemen know that I’m meeting with a review board in the morning. Based on everything we have with the original armor cam footage and the stuff we got from Manson Strategies regarding Senator Bradley’s deal with Colonel Wilks and his completed contract on Colonel Hallyard, there should be no question about what really happened during Operation Landslide,” the general paused to let that information sink in then smiled, “I fully expect for your records to be cleared immediately following.”

 

“Thank you General Garza,” Dek bowed his head, “For everything you’ve done for us.”

 

“I protect my people,” she nodded, “even when they’re technically not mine anymore. You boys were top notch soldiers that deserved recognition for your efforts, not to be made a crooked Senator’s scapegoat because you happened to survive his son’s idiocy. Colonel Hallyard was a good man and a good friend who should still be serving the Republic.”

 

“Bradley’s gonna pay for that,” Jax growled.

 

“I’m sure he will,” Garza nodded, a cold look on her lined face. “I’ll contact you as soon as I’m finished with the review board. Garza out.”

 

“It’ll be nice to have our records cleared,” Zev sighed after he pocketed his comlink.

 

“I won’t rest easy until Bradley is locked away for good,” Dek muttered.

 

“Well that shouldn’t be too much longer,” Zev patted his cousin on the back as he stood, “At any rate, I think I’ll head back to our suite at the military complex. Aric’s probably back from visiting Natalia by now and I’d like to know how her and Roland are doing.”

 

“I was going to ask about them before the general called,” Jax nodded, “Where are they?”

 

“Holed up in a safehouse,” Zev answered, “Probably the same one Wilks was taken to. Balkar and Garza aren’t taking any chances.”

 

“Is it really a good idea for Aric to be visiting?” Dek’s brow furrowed, “What if Bradley has people following us still?”

 

“Jonas arranged it so Aric’s part of the guard rotation and they all wear military fatigues complete with headgear so it’s really hard to tell any of them apart other than their tags, which you have to look really close to see.”

 

“He’s got it pretty bad for her, doesn’t he,” Jax grinned.

 

“He does,” Zev nodded, “and I’m starting to wonder if he had feelings for her back during her Ord days and just didn’t realize it for what it was.”

 

“It’s possible,” Jax agreed, unable to stifle his yawn this time. “Many times the lifemate bond starts forming well before you’re aware of it.”

 

“Personal experience talking?” Dek asked pointedly, feeling a little guilty when the smile was wiped from Jax’s face, “Look man, I didn’t mean to pry……forget I asked. I think I’ll head back to my ship and pack a couple bags. Mako’s gonna be happy to have a few nights off the ship…….I really owe you fro that.”

 

“No problem,” Jax assured his friend, relieved that Dek didn’t press his line of questioning. “Here, let me write down the key code in case I’m sleeping and Risha is still in the bath. EnFive can show you to Syarra’s room.”

 

A little while later, Risha found an exhausted and very naked Jax snoring softly on his bed. He hadn’t even bothered with the covers, probably having fallen asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. She was relieved, having been worried at how worn out he looked. She carefully pulled a silken sheet over his nude body, carefull to keep it loose since he had a tendancy to move around a lot in his sleep. She sat at the edge of the bed and watched him for a moment, knowing the moment his nightmare started by the twitching of his mouth and nose. She gently ran her fingers through his neatly trimmed black mane, her other hand resting on his broad shoulder. She continued her soothing touches until the muscles under her hand stilled and she was about stand when his hoarse whisper stopped her.

 

“Please stay.”

 

Edited June 2, 2016 by alaurin

[alaurin]

You May Think It’s Over…..

 

Spoiler Alert: Spoilers for BH, Smuggler, and Trooper post Voss missions

 

“We're sorry to interrupt regular programming, but we have a breaking story. Coming to you live once again outside the Senate Tower, this is Chance McKinney reporting on the latest in the Senate scandals. Beloved senator, philanthropist, and family man Edwin Bradley was also a man with several skeletons in the closet……..dark and horrifying skeletons that have come out over these past few days. It’s been a shock for us all in the Republic’s capital, but for none more than those in the Senate courtroom and it’s all coming to an end. I’ve just gotten word from my trusted source on the inside that the verdict has already been reached and handed down. Ladies and gentlemen, based on irrefutable evidence and testimony from multiple sources, Senator Edwin Bradley has been found guilty of all charges……”

 

The hearing in the Senate Tower was not only big news on Coruscant, but throught the Republic as a whole, partly due to it coming on the heals of the now former Senator Zian’s exposed Imperial connections, but a large part was the man himself. Edwin Bradley was a charismatic figure whom the public in general loved and it was big scandal when the supposedly loving family man, generous philanthropist, and staunch supporter of the Republic Military was taken into custody for what could be considered by some as acts of treason.

 

Senator Bradley’s arrest was enough to set the media abuzz and his accusers were plastered all over the HoloNet, featured as the top story on every source of news both local and galactic. Dekkyn Varlok, Major Zevryn Varlok, and Captain Jaxzin Roark suddenly found themselves thrust into the spotlight and in Dek’s case, it was a dangerous situation until it was revealed that most of the charges against him were bogus. Master Jun Seros reluctantly backed off his witch hunt and the Supreme Chancellor took a hit in popularity when the truth was exposed. Dekkyn’s deal with the SIS to bring down Darth Tormen still had a green light since it was fully plausible he’d hold a grudge against both men.

 

Zev was able to avoid the media hounding him for the most part since civilians weren’t allowed in the military complex without authorization and knowing Havoc would be deployed after the hearing was over, he was busy training with the rest of his squad outside of the courtroom. Jax and Dek weren’t as lucky. The tower the Roark’s posh flat was located in had top of the line security, but whenever Jax or Dek were spotted leaving, the press swarmed them. Ever the charmer, Jax had little issue speaking out to the crowd, but Dek flat out refused to leave the flat after a group of reporters cornered him that first morning. Fortunately Mako had been with flustered Zabrak and not so nicely convinced them to back off.

 

The worst of the media frenzy hit when the actual legal proceedings began. The press and general public were barred from the courtroom, but any military or political official was allowed to attend the proceedings. As hard as General Garza and Agent Balkar tried to keep the public ignorant of the key witnesses, their names came out during the pre-trial hearing and as with Senator Bradley’s accusers, Colonel Wilks, Agent Bryce, and Roland Zavala also found themselves the subjects of unwanted attention. Robert Wilks had already anticipated the public finding out his part since he would be up for a court marshal when Bradley’s hearing was concluded, but both Natalia and Roland had their reasons for wanting to stay out of the public eye.

 

For their safety, Robert, Natalia, and Roland were essentially prisoners in their safehouse, which was really an apartment above an antique store that served as a front for SIS operations in that sector. They only left the apartment when court was in session and were escorted by their guards, mostly made up of Military Police in plain leatheris fatigues, through the back entrance of the building where an unmarked closed vehicle waited for them. The general public could enter the antique shop, but it wasn’t very popular and few did. The apartment was another story, only authorized personal could gain access to the second floor and even then the door to the apartment could only be unlocked from the key panel on the inside.

 

Despite being shut in, the trio took comfort in the simple things. Natalia was more than happy to ditch the brown contact lenses and liked having her hair back to it’s normal color since the dye tended to make her scalp dry and itchy. She was also thrilled to be wearing normal clothing again and swore she wasn’t wearing high heels for at least a month. Thanks to Jonas pulling some strings, Aric was part of their guard rotation and Natalia got to spend time with Aric although they weren’t ever completely alone. Typically both guards remained in the antique store below the apartment, but at night one of the guards stayed in the apartment while the other kept visual on the security monitors around the perimeter of the building. Aric was always part of the night rotation and the one that stayed inside the apartment.

 

They made the most of that time together, playing chess or sabacc if the others were interested. When Roland and Robert went to bed, Natalia snuggled up to Aric and they put a movie on the HoloVid but typically were too focused on each other to really pay much attention to it. After the movie was over, Natalia would go to her room while Aric settled in for the night on the couch to keep guard. If she was confident her roommates were sound asleep, she’d leave her door open and Aric would sneak soon after. They were careful to keep things as quiet as possible when they made love and Aric always returned to keep watch the couch after she fell asleep, but they were happy for what they could get and looked forward to when the trial was over. Despite their efforts, Natalia suspected the others knew what she and Aric were up to, but no one ever said anything.

 

All it took to make Roland happy was the fully loaded gaming laptop that arrived a couple hours after they did and a bed large enough to fit his tall frame with room to spare. The shy young man spent most of his time holed up in his room playing video games, but he did come out to share meals with the others and whenever Natalia suckered Robert into letting watch one of the Captain Coruscant movies. He also sensed a kindred spirit of sorts in the Colonel and they talked more than once about their regrets. Roland felt bad knowing the older man would probably end up in prison after this whole thing was over because he knew how hard it could be to stand up someone who’d been a friend when you needed one the most. Chet and Kane had saved him from gang life and had given him a permanent job in their firm when most wouldn’t have considered a street rat’s life worth it. He’d been so grateful to break away from the Lancers that he didn’t dig too deeply into what their company was really doing until it was too late. During one of their talks, Robert admitted he was one of the few working class kids in his school and had no friends until Edwin and Karen. Two of the richest kids in school taking the poor kid under their wing......Roland could easily understand Robert getting suckered in since he would’ve probably done the same and in a sense did.

 

Despite getting along with his roommates, Roland usually kept to himself. He wasn’t really avoiding them, he just wasn’t used to living with other people and preferred his solitude. He also still felt awful for going after Natalia. Roland meant what he'd told them in that back alley on Nar Shaddaa, he never intended to turn her over to Senator Bradley, but he should’ve stood up to his partners and stopped the madness. Natalia told him many times that she’d seen that he was a good guy when he spoke out for her when Senator Bradley was getting to handsy at the party. She also kept reminding him that without all his evidence, they wouldn’t be as certain of convicting the cunning politician and that he was taking a big chance by helping them. She insisted that more than made up for his reluctant part in the contract his partners took. He still felt unworthy of her kindness though and tended to avoid being around her too much as a result. Plus there were times he was certain the pretty agent could read minds and that made him a little nervous……that and the fact her smile made him feel all warm inside, something that he tried really hard to contain whenever her Cathar boyfriend was around.

 

Roland was also doing a lot of thinking about his future whenever he was alone. Roland was afraid of having to testify because he’d met Senator Bradley and the man was rotten to the core under that charismatic and wholesome exterior. He was also rich and powerful enough to have a far reach and Roland didn’t relish being on the run from his wrath, even if the man would likely be spending the remainder of his life behind bars. Then Agent Balkar had shown him an alternative to going into hiding once a new identity was secured and given him a chance for a better future. Natalia’s boss was impressed with his slicing abilities and tech skills and made him an offer to work for the SIS……an offer he was seriously considering. Roland wouldn’t be an agent unless he desired to go through training, but he would be a paid consultant that would be guaranteed legitimate work for the agency as well as their protection.

 

Robert couldn’t complain about being stuck inside the apartment because he knew full well he’d be in a real prison soon enough. Despite knowing what loomed ahead for him, he was happy for the chance to atone for his crimes in covering up the truth of Operation Landslide. Every time he entered the court room and saw the three soldiers whose careers he ruined, Robert was stuck with guilt and disgusted with himself for playing a part in Bradley’s schemes. The only time he felt satisfaction was when sat on the witness stand, looked Edwin Bradley in the eye, and exposed his former friend for the backstabbing bastard he really was.

 

He enjoyed watching both Roland and Natalia testify as well, but he worried about the repercussions the younger people faced after seeing the cold look Bradley gave them as they stepped down from the witness stand. Robert had known Ed since secondary school and even then he had powerful connections. Connections both he and Karen nurtured and extended over the years. Connections he himself had benefited from in the past. Robert didn’t care what happened to him, he’d lived his life and not as honorably as he should’ve and for that alone he deserved whatever happened. Death didn’t scare him, but during their confinement in the apartment, they’d forged a bond of sorts and he’d come to respect Natalia and Roland. He and Roland talked a few times about the guilt they felt, both of them wishing they’d made different decisions in the past. Robert assured the other man that he was still quite young, highly intelligent, and had plenty of time to take a different course in his life. Roland told him about Agent Balkar’s offer and Robert encouraged him to take it. It really would be the best thing for his future in many ways.

 

Robert also knew Natalia was taking a big risk by testifying in person, not only from suffering Ed’s wrath, but of being recognized by anyone who saw her at the club, especially after the press got wind of the key witnesses’ identities and made them known to the general public. He had to admit it was hard to equate the raven haired agent who watched those annoying superhero movies and often had her nose in a comic book with the scantily clad red headed dancer Naula, but all it took was one person to figure it out for her life to be in grave danger. Robert sincerely hoped no one would ever know because he liked Natalia……it was impossible not to. The young agent had a way of drawing people in and she genuinely cared about people. She always seemed to know when the guilt was eating at him and would assure him over a hard fought chess match that he was making up for it now. Roland wore his emotions on his sleeve and whenever they saw him looking down, Natalia would insist on putting on a Captain Coruscant movie after figuring out they were his favorite. Robert didn’t mind too much and had a feeling Roland was smitten with the pretty agent despite it being obvious her heart belonged to Captain Jorgan.

 

While the trial energized the public and spurred them into rallying for full investigations of all members of the Senate, it was exhausting for those directly involved in the proceedings. Edwin Bradley was a man who always planned for contingencies and he came prepared for a fight. Upon taking the stand, the ever charming Senator opened up with an apology to the three survivors of that failed military operation and dropped his first bombshell, telling the audience he discovered that his wife had been overcome with grief over their son’s death and vowed revenge. Regenia Bradley was responsible for the things he was being accused up. Edwin appeared genuinely distressed over events, insisting he had no idea what his wife had done until he was arrested and his people began investigating the allegations. He had documented proof, including contracts that bore her signature, that the money paid to Manson Strategies had come from her accounts. He also had several witnesses that could support his story. For a brief time, it appeared Edwin Bradley had successfully found a perfect scapegoat in his own wife.

 

Regenia Bradley was shocked and outraged at her husband’s betrayal. Throughout their marriage, one her parents arranged, she’d been the epitome of a loyal and dutiful wife……always appearing on his arm at parties, being the perfect hostess whenever he invited influential people over, running their home with pristine efficiency. Edwin lacked for nothing and had always thanked her for it. He was well aware she preferred woman over men and tried his best to make sex enjoyable for her when they were trying for a baby. She’d been happy with their life despite having never wanted to be married to any man and once she provided Edwin with his heir, they had an understanding. Edwin was free to pursue as many women as he wished and she could resume her relationship with Fiona, whom she’d been with since their time at boarding school. Regenia knew her husband was cunning and sensed potential darkness within him, but she never dreamed he’d go the lengths he had to eradicate anything that could stain his sterling reputation. Regenia Bradley was a good wife, but she drew the line at taking the blame for his evil and vehemently denied it when she took the stand. However, despite her proclamations of innocence, Regenia Bradley had no proof to dispute her husband’s allegations.

 

It wasn’t until Roland took the stand the second day that Edwin’s story began to fall apart. Roland told the court Manson Strategies met with Edwin Bradley in person on Nar Shaddaa and he’d looked over all their plans, even giving some new instructions. He’d personally witnessed Edwin Bradley forging his wife’s signature on several documents and the files he’d gathered from the company database provided further evidence of Senator Bradley’s involvement in both plotting against his accusers and in the death of Colonel Hallyard. Edwin’s defense attorney immediately attempted to discredit Roland, citing that he was part of the company hired to assassinate Jaxzin Roark, Dekkyn Varlok, and Zevryn Varlok. The cunning lawyer put further doubt in their minds when he asked the court if they were willing to believe a young man who used to run with one of Nar Shaddaa’s gangs after escaping slavery on Tatooine as a kid or a prominent businessman who'd served the Republic well since being elected to the Senate.

 

Natalia took the stand immediately after Roland and with her testimony and the footage from her hidden camera, she blew up both Edwin Bradley’s story and his image. The good Senator had talked rather openly during his party at Club Paradise and thanks to the tiny camera hidden inside the jewel of her naval ring, she got it all. Edwin’s lawyer demanded to know where she got those recordings and she was forced to admit she was working undercover at the club. Jonas Balkar intervened before the defense attorney could ask anything further, explaining that Agent Bryce’s mission was classified. It was enough to please the court and the Senator’s wife was cleared of suspicion. A very grateful Regenia hugged both Roland and Natalia on her way out, thanking them for their testimony and apologizing for everything her husband put them through.

 

Colonel Robert Wilks’ testimony on the last day of the trial was the final nail in Edwin Bradley’s coffin. Thanks to the footage from the armor cams, Jax, Dek, and Zev’s military records had already been amended to reflect the truth of what happened during Operation Landslide, but the court was shocked to see how easily the Senator had manipulated the situation to make the three survivors guilty. Robert was honest about everything he’d done to help his good friends Edwin and Karen, even admitting he’d accepted their bribe in exchange for doctoring the records and destroying the armor cam footage. His conscience had gotten the better of him though and instead of destroying the footage, he kept it hidden away where no one else could find it, hoping he’d have the courage one day to bring the truth out. He fully accepted his share of the blame and deeply regretted the lives he’d ruined with his bad decision.

 

“Those men were good soldiers,” Robert nodded at Dek, Zev, and Jax, “and I helped Ed throw their careers away all because he didn’t want his son’s failure tainting his reputation. There’s nothing I can do that will ever make up for all the harm I did in agreeing to help my friends back then, but I at least wanted the truth to come out. I’ve known Edwin Bradley for decades…….and he’s not the man he shows to the public. I hope you all can see that now.”

 

“Thank you Colonel,” a young Senator serving as the clerk replied, then turned to the military prosecutor, “Do you have anything further to bring to our attention?”

 

“No Senator,” the stern woman replied.

 

“Does the defense have any further response?”

 

“No Senator,” the now ashen faced defense attorney shook his head, knowing his client was guilty as hell and there was nothing he could do to change that fact. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the almost imperceptible nod Edwin Bradley gave him and he pressed the send button on his datapad.

 

“Then court will be dismissed while the Senatorial Inquiry board deliberates, you may-“

 

“There’s no need for deliberation,” Senator Arnus announced as he stood, “My colligues and I have already reached a decision.”

 

“We would like to thank all of you who gave testimony and evidence in this case,” Senator Vorellia addressed the court, then nodded at the tall Cathar next to her.

 

“Senator Edwin Bradley has been accused of committing fraud, bribery of a military officer to alter military records, conspiracy in the death of Colonel Gabriel Hallyard, and conspiracy to murder Dekkyn Varlok, Major Zevryn Varlok, and Privateer Captain Jaxzin Roark,” Senator Krazul’s deep voice rang out sternly, “Based on the evidence shown and the testimony given, we find the defendant guilty of all charges. Edwin Bradly, your position in the Senate has been revoked and you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment for your crimes.”

 

There was a dangerous glint in Edwin Bradley’s eyes when the two armed Military Police flanked him, but he made no attempt to fight them as they escorted him towards the exit. His stride barely slowed as he passed his accusers, but it was enough for them to hear the ominous warning he quietly murmured.

 

“You may think it’s over now, but I’m not finished yet…”

 

“You sick bastard,” Jax bristled, already stressed over being stuck on Coruscant while Darmas and his political stooge Dodonna were out there plotting, and it took both Dek and Zev to hold the large Cathar back.

 

“Dammit Jax,” Dek muttered as their nemesis left the courtroom, “That’s what he wants!”

 

“That bastard is up to something,” Jax growled a few minutes later as they left the Senate Tower, “You know I’m right!”

 

“He is,” Mako whispered, and the three men turned towards the petite slicer and were shocked to see the horrified expression on her face.

 

“What is it?” Dek asked as she paled visibly before his eyes.

 

“It’s bad……really bad,” she swallowed, touching the cybernetic implant at her left temple, “Agent Bryce’s cover identity from that last assignment is all over the HoloNet. Every sleazy businessman, every corrupt official, anyone and everyone she busted as Naula is now common knowledge. She’s already got a price on her head from the Hutt Cartel and several prominent gangs on Nar Shaddaa alone.”

 

“You’d better call Balkar,” Jax told Zev, “He’s got a leak somewhere and I’m willing to bet they’re on Bradley’s payroll.”

 

“I will,” Zev nodded, checking his wrist chrono as he pulled out his comlink, “Aric should be on his way over to the safehouse now, can you call him and let him know while I get Balkar on the line?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Natalia’s bounty isn’t showing up on any Mandalorian boards yet,” Dek sighed as he scrolled through his datapad, “But it’s on the planetary boards for both Coruscant and Nar Shaddaa. Roland is on there as well……looks like someone wanting revenge for his former partners’ deaths.”

 

“That poor kid was scared to death something like that was going to happen to him,” Zev shook his head as he keyed in Balkar’s frequency and the agent’s image appeared a moment later. “Bad news, Jonas. Natalia’s Naula identity and all the people she busted using it is all over the HoloNet. Dek just checked and both she and Roland are showing up on bounty boards.”

 

“Dammit,” Jonas cursed, an uncharacteristic show of emotion from the normally collected agent that raised the brow of the two Zabraks.

 

“Did something else happen?”

 

“I’ll say,” he nodded, “General Garza just contacted me…….Bradley’s gone.”

 

“Gone?!” Dek’s red rimmed green eyes widened as he exchanged a look with his equally shocked cousin, “He was just escourted out of the courtroom by four armed men less then ten minutes ago!”

 

“And apparently they were in his pocket,” Jonas enlightened them.

 

“Hey Zev,” Jax called out, frowning as his call failed for the third time, “Aric’s not answering his com.”

 

~*~*~*~

 

“It’s probably Aric,” Natalia called out from the refresher when the doorbell buzzed.

 

“You finish freshening up,” Robert offered, smiling as he walked towards the door, knowing she was probably right, “I’ll let him in.”

 

It had been refreshing seeing the young couple obviously so much in love and he hoped things would die down soon for Natalia so she could enjoy some private time with the Spec Forces Captain without having to worry about sneaking around. The doorbell rang again just as he got to the keypad and seeing a figure in the familiar fatigues, Robert keyed in the unlock code, then the smile curving his lips slowly died as the door slid open to reveal a fully charged blaster leveled at his chest.

 

Edited September 17, 2015 by alaurin