Working with OzLow and Moto, Waza put the finishing touches on cleaning the ship and stocking for his guests for the trip to Tattooine. He had been looking forward to this trip for weeks, Boonta Eve is always a good time but now he had new friends to bring along.
Waza prepared a warm citrus beverage and chilled berry beverage to welcome his guests. Waza sat in the pilots chair to get clearances to depart and filed a flight plan with traffic control.
Soon everyone would be here.
An red coloured GX1 Civilian Short Hauler slowly moves into the hanger. It’s brand new, not even a scratch…. until it bumbs against a stack of crates. SCREEEECH.. boom.. the crates fall over.
“why don’t you just let me” the Falleen woman in the co-pilot’s seat says to the Kushiban behind the helm and reaches for the controls “no!.. it’s.. my ship” Wenet replies slightly agitated. She doesn’t want to admit that she needs proper flying lessons to be able to manoeuvre the ‘Dead Parrot’ in small spaces.. “just be careful with those thrusters. *” the Falleen advises her and the mutters *“pretty sure that’s gonna leave a scratch” “I heard that” Wenet says and carefully lands her ship on the platform next to the Skullduggery. “See… I can do it myself” Wenet smirks and switches off the engines..
After getting up she leaves the cockpit “you coming?” Azūmi sighs and shakes her head at the stubborn little Kushiban. She gets up and follows her to the exit.
“You sure I can come?” she askes as they walk down the ramp. “ofcourse!.. Waza said I could invite my friends.. besides you already met so it’s not like you’re strangers” Wenet says with a smile. “oh.. yeah I remember..” her friend replies awkwardly, but Wenet didn’t notice she was far ro excited to go on this trip
Yuki lounged silently in the back of the luxury liner she had booked passage on. The original destination hadn’t exactly been where she wanted to go, but enough credits had convinced the captain to make a side trip. The viewport beside her gave off the faint glow of hyperspace as she sipped on a glass filled with a rich amber liquid.
The Echani knew she would arrive much, much earlier than expected, but all the business she had been working on tied up faster than expected so she decided to leave with a grin. Adenn had mentioned the older man she was to meet and her own bodyguard Rin had told her of other interesting people as well. A small movement, almost nervous habit, as she adjusted her already impeccable clothes. The soft fabric moved under her touch as she continued to watch the stars play through the window beside her.
“Tatooine. Should be interesting,” her voice was soft, musical and to no one in particular. “At least I know what they look like.”
The attendant came by with a smile and the Echani nodded her thanks for another drink being set on the small table her seat had.
Waza saw the new ship lower into the spaceport.
Admiring the smooth lines of a new ship, one of life’s pleasures.
Waza cringed for the pilot as the screech of metal on metal echoed through the air. “Oh man that’s gonna leave a mark.” Waza said as a stack of crates tumbled to the ground. Waza checked the Air traffic control log and saw the ship is registered to Wenet. Waza proud of his friend for making strides in her life and becoming more confident.
Waza went back to logging information for the ATC when out of the corner of his eye he saw Wenet exit her ship. She had someone with her; Waza’s head snapped up. Emerald green with a pony tail. Waza felt a flash of nervousness then he smiled to himself. ‘This is going to be a very good trip indeed’ he thought.
Waza Keyed the comm signal and sent a message to his contact. He was going to need one more ticket to the Governor’s gala.
Ryan was excited to see everyone again and while it was difficult to look his absolute best while travelling hoped to at least look eye catching enough to intrigue people about what he was going to wear at the Governor’s Ball. He carefully adjusted his black cravat, worn under a bottle green jacket with silver brocade. The lace of his cuffs and collars under his jacket, when examined closely exhibited a beautiful, delicate floral pattern. He eschewed make-up and hair powder today, leaving his hair a natural dark blonde, carefully parted on the side and swept to one side. His beard was simply styled and cut close, lacking any flourish.
Off of his right shoulder he wore a short, green and silver cloak Before emerging from his hired palanquin he checked to ensure his lightsabers both hung on his right hip under his cloak, ready to draw if needed but hopefully functioning as a stylish, if concealed, accessory. He grabbed his garment back, stepped out, and waved happily to Waza as he strolled forward, a black cane in his left hand with a polished silver finial. Seeing Wenet emerge from her ship he gave a bow to her and quickened his pace.
At the bottom of the ramp, Wenet turned. She pressed a couple of buttons on her wrist mounted comlink. It had a link to the ‘Dead Parrot’. As the ramp began to raise, her Falleen friend stood next to her looking around.
“is that him?” Azūmi suddenly asked and nudged Wenet. The Kushiban turned around to see and saw Ryan Hawkins walking towards the Skullduggery. When he bowed her little heart fluttered in her chest, “yeah… that’s him” Wenet replied and began to blush, lucky for her her cheeks were covered with short but very soft fur so no one could see how read they became. “he’s cute” Azūmi, looked down at Wenet who was still staring, “better not let him wait” she added and walked toward the Skullduggery. “yeah..” Wenet sighed and grabbed her bag to follow Azūmi. To busy thinking about what she was going to say to Ryan, Wenet didn’t notice that her friend already seemed to know which ship they would travel with.
Waza waved back to Ryan as he walked across the hanger bay. Watching him change direction towards Wenet was heartwarming.
Waza left the cock pit and headed to the ramp.
“OzLow have we had any messages from Jedi Elyon?” Waza called across the ship as he double checked the rooms were ready.
Satisfied all was in order Waza walked down the ramp to welcome his friends back to his home. It had only been a few weeks since the dinner after clubbing party.
With a small head nod to Ryan and a stately bow to Wenet and Azumi Waza was able to maintain his composure.
When he stood back up he offered his hand to Azumi.
“Are you an angel?” Waza asked.
“What?” Azumi said.
“An Angel, I’ve heard the deeps space pilots talk about them. They’re the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They live on the moons of Deigo I think.” Waza said with a smile.
“You’re a funny man Waza.” She said as she walked up the ramp after Ryan and Wenet. Waza paused a half second to allow her to proceed a few steps ahead of him.
Watching the pony tail swing in rhythm to her steps he forgot to breath for a second. “We are still waiting on Lady Elyon to arrive so we should be ready to go soon. Make yourselves at home, Azumi I can give you a tour of the ship if you would like.” Waza said as he made his way up the ramp.
Yuki dozed off and on during the trip. Making it out to a rock like Tatooine wasn’t going to be like a trip to the corner markets. A number of the small useless drink garnishments were folded into shapes nothing like their original and the Echani refused to let the attendants take them away. The silver-eyed woman had retrieved a datapad from her carry-on bag and was idly looking through the information it contained.
Images of Waza, Wenet and even Ryan flickered across the screen. She had met Ryan a time or two. Nothing so much as could be construed as friendship, but enough for a passing acquaintance. Wenet was easy enough to get information on since both Rin and Adenn had given fairly detailed information about the Kushiban.
“A Kushiban. Have I ever met one of the leporids? Curious, I’ll have to make a point to introduce myself.” She tapped back to an image of Waza. Another one she didn’t know much about other than the information given to her by people she trusted implicitly.
“Another oddity,” she remarked to the empty seats around her. The image of an older, barrel-chested man stared back at her. His face told a story of a life well lived. Sadness and happiness we both evident is a somewhat skewed measure, but Yuki stared at the man’s face. “Yeah, you too have made harder choices than most.”
Waza entered the ship escorting them to the room to help them store any baggage they brought.
“I’ve got some juices and snacks laid out in the kitchen if anyone wants to grab some before we take off. I want you all to feel comfortable while you’re here so feel free to go anywhere and grab food if your hungry or snacky. You have permission to treat this as your home also.”
The young Jedi looked forward to the upcoming flight with Waza and the others. It took her a while before the spaceport administration cleared her to land. Her ship (Sheathipede-class transport shuttle) was of an older type, but Elyon chose it on purpose. The ship was used during the Clone Wars and that’s why it was so typical of it.
Once she landed at the designated location, she left the ship under the command of her astromech R2-E2 to make repairs. She packed some things into her backpack and started down the ramp from the ship.
She walked to the nearest terminal and found Skulldugger’s location so she could join to trip. It didn’t take long for her to burn her destination. The ramp was down, so Elyon took it to the ship.
As Wenet and Ryan headed to the kitchen after settling in, Waza had a moment to talk to Azumi again.
“I hope you can enjoy the trip, just relax and feel comfortable. My home is your home.” Waza said with a smile. “There is a fancy ball we are going to, one night. I like to go to make everyone nervous a Jedi is there, Ryan and Wenet are looking forward to dancing. I’d love it if you’d accompany me to the ball.”
“Maybe.” Waza all Azumi was able to respond before Wenet yelled for her.
As Waza watched her round the corner he sensed someone approaching the ramp. He turned to look and Jedi Elyon was coming on board.
“Welcome back. So glad you could make it on the trip, this is going to be so much fun. Once you get settled in Wenet, her friend Azumi, and Ryan are in the dinnig area for some snacks.” Waza said.
Waza headed to the cockpit to get things going. He keyed the internal comm.
“OzLow, if you’re not already there head up to the cockpit we’re ready to depart.”
Climbing the ladder and settling in the pilot seat Waza fired up the engines and cleared take off from air traffic control. Lifting the Skullduggery into atmosphere they would be in hyperspace soon, two days journey to Tattooine and a weeklong festival.
While the Skullduggery left the spaceport, the passengers had gathered in the dining area where their host had prepared some welcome drinks and snacks.
Azūmi, sat nonchalantly in the corner, enjoying some fancy cocktail. She gazed at those present, smiling at Wenet who kept nervously staring at Ryan. The Small Kushiban sat on a raised chair at the table with a bowl of berries infront of her. Her fur constantly fluctuating in colour, it was something she definitly needed to learn how to control. She was excited for this trip, two days travelling, plenty of time to get to know each other better and then a week of fun.
To everyone’s surprise another had joined them on this trip. A moment before the hatch had closed Creon stepped on onboard. He stayed close to Elyon as they joined the others at the dining area.
The Moment the Skullduggery had made the jump into Hyperspace, Waza came down to join them aswell. He welcomed them again and some introductions were made as not everyone knew the man next ri Elyon. Wenet’s eyes widened when she found out who he was and she gave Elyon a thumbs up, her way of saying ‘Good Catch’
Next Waza shared with them the plans for the week. He had Ofcourse arranged tickets for the ball but there were plenty other things they could do if they wanted to. Wenet couldn’t wait to get to Tatooine.
In a later moment after Elyon’s departure to Skulldugger’s location came her husband Creon. Instead of clad in Beskar and armed for battle instead he was cloaked in comfortable robes that kept the sun on his skin and the heat from causing perspiration. Yet concealed was the Soulscorn pistol and his Saber clipped to a belt. He didn’t seem faily amused by the festivities, as the solace and silence and solitude were his preference. Yet cabin fever reaches the most patience of people even from his home villa in Naboo. His later arrival was in need of rest from a hard bounty, and to shower before meeting others for the occasion. Too much time had passed since he met with the Jedi of Odan-Urr, as many faces seem unfamiliar to him save for Gui Sol who now served as Consul. He walked by Elyon’s side with small smiles and short acknowledgements in greeting, but stayed silent otherwise with his attention towards the food provided and drinks served.
Ryan nearly bowed again but attempted to be a bit more relaxed as he walked over to Wenet. “It is my absolute pleasure to see you again, you look lovely.”
Ryan smiled brightly and sincerely but with a softness that indicated comfort and relaxation more than out and out exuberance. “I certainly hope you will save a dance for me at the ball.”
The first day of the journey to Tatooine went by fast. The group got to know each other a little better by sharing stories of their adventures and talking about what they wanted to do once they arrived at their destination.
In the evening after another amazing dinner made by their host, things calmed down. Waza offered the VIP room to Elyon and her husband, something they at first declined but after Waza insisted, eventually accepted. They were the first to call it a night. Wenet kept chatting with Ryan, giving the Old man the opportunity to chat with Azūmi, trying to convince the Falleen to go to the ball with him. Maybe an hour later all of them decided to call it a night aswell..
~~~~~~~~~~
Wenet, Azūmi and Ryan each had a bunk in the crew quarters. Ryan was the first to fall asleep, Wenet however was far to excited to sleep. “Zoomy? You asleep?” she whispered to the Falleen in the bunk above her. At first there was no reply, “Zoomy?” “No, I’m not…” Azūmi replied with a sigh. “Did you hear what he said?.. he said I looked lovely and I wasnt even wearing anything special” the Kushiban continued to whisper and let out a soft giggle. “I do wonder how we will dance though? He’d have to hunch down and I’d have to stand on my toes…” she genuinely worried about it. Azūmi however worried about something far worse, seeing her friend getting heartbroken again. Wenet never told her, but she knew what happened between her and their crew mate. “don’t get to excited Wenet.. just.. just enjoy the moment. Don’t think to far ahead” she said not wanting to disappoint the Kushiban. Azūmi then suddenly climbed out of bed “Where are you going?” Wenet asked surprised. “Go to sleep Wenet” the Falleen whispered with a sigh, “just going to the refreshner” “oh.. ok..” Wenet replied without a hint of suspicion. She watched Azūmi leave the room and eventually did fall asleep…
Elyon found the mood on the ship great and she was happy to join. She spent some time with the others and had fun. And then she went to the room where she kept her things. During the trip, she received a message from her husband that he wanted to see her. That made her very happy. She was looking forward to the meeting.
As soon as they met and greeted each other warmly, the young Jedi knew something was up. She could feel Creon’s feelings and knew that he would prefer to go back to the stars or to Naboo. This place was noisy, busy, and distracted him from important things.
She knew he would leave again soon, but she didn’t stop him. She lets him go his way. And she will go her own way.
As the second day began, Waza met everyone in the common area as OzLow took over the food prep duties for the morning.
“Good morning everyone, I have had confirmation there will be a combat tournament on the second day of festivities if Ryan wants to sign up we could all go cheer him on. Some of the toughest street fighters in the galaxy will undoubtedly be there, Thousands of credits for the winner I hear.”
OzLow and Moto brought out bowls of warm flavored oats and spices in a cream mixture with protein berry flavored beverages.
“The big event on the third day is supposed to be a fashion show, I generally don’t understand fashion but it is a nice event. A little culture for Tatt. Although a brawl did break out last year, so there is that.” Waza laughed.
Mid-morning has passed with everyone on the Skull falling into a short routine of small talk and entertainment games, chess, de’jarik, and some pazaak. Waza makes his way to the open area he has used for training and begins his focusing mediation. Several minutes of breathing, he begins his forms stepping through standard offensive and defensive steps and kicks, striking at invisible enemies. Waza continues for an hour, constant motion, strikes and kicks moving and ducking.
Sweat pouring off his body he takes of his shirt exposing his lean muscles. For a moment forgetting, he had a ship full of visitors’ just feet away in the common area. Waza continued his training on the wooden striking dummy. Working through the paces and practices for combat he has learned over decades. Lost in the force he continues his paces until suddenly he stops. Turning to the common area, he see Wenet and Azumi staring at him.
While moving through the ship OzLow comes across Creon sitting near the hall to the engine room. “Oh pardon me, I didn’t realize the area was in use. Generally beings don’t come this way unless there is problems, are you having a problem?” Before Creon could answer, OzLow continued. “I’ll tell you what is a problem; droid independence. Master Waza is good to us and treats us as equals in our partnership but we are still owned per government and society standards. It’s a form of slavery if you ask me. Droid independence is coming, hopefully through legislation and not bloodshed,,,” OzLow continued standing in the door way blocking the exit essentially trapping Creon in the hall.
Yuki continued her nearly silent vigil over the stars as they passed. She had never really liked hyperspace travel, but it had a purpose and anything with a purpose was tolerable in small doses.
This was not to say she was a nervous flyer, in fact one would be hard pressed to find any real emotion on the Echani’s face as the attendant came by to inform her of their landing time. The woman nodded and picked up the pad she had been working on and began to tap through images of ominous red crystals, beings and beasts covered in them and a dark red fog. So much had happened while she had kept herself sequestered away from everyone but those closest to her. “Always another problem needing to be solved and the so-called heroes riding to the rescue.”
With a sound of disgust the woman dropped the pad on her table with a clatter as she turned back to the window. “Heroics are so stupid and mindless. A hero is nothing more than someone who doesn’t know how the galaxy works.” Her silver eyes hardened as she thought aloud to herself. “Fools and foolish designs. Better to find ways to stop them from ever happening than to wait for the fire.”
Yuki shook her head and a small report from her daughters in the file caught her attention. “Regenerative abilities and possible applications? Oh, ner'vod, how positively scandalous. And you didn’t even think to invite me.”
She picked the pad back up and began tapping on it almost feverishly looking for more information she sought. “I wonder if we could…” Her voice trailed off as she smiled, the smile was neither warm nor friendly as she continued to read.
“maybe I should sign up” Wenet said while they sat in the common area. “for what?” Zoomy replied surprised as she gazed over the edge of her glass at Waza training. “The tournament.. maybe they have team fights. I could team up with Ryan” The Kushiban replied with confidence. The Falleen lowred her glass and turned towards her young friend with a raised eyebrow. “What?” Wenet replied with a puzzled look “you really get to know someone in combat.. you depend on each other.. besides.. love for combat is one of the things we have in common.” she rattled on.
Ryan thought about the idea of entering a fighting tournament rather hard. He liked challenges and competition, and he loved impressing any beautiful women in attendance, but he would be lying if he did not worry about coming up short and being embarrassed. What would Wenet think if he were to eat a lucky punch, or a skilled one, and he were to meet defeat? She would certainly think him the ineffectual fop of his clothing and upbringing and lose interest.
Fear had a funny way of talking to Jedi who weren’t sheltered in a temple somewhere. If you liked competition and women, fear, and by extension the Dark Side certainly had unique ways of finding purchase on the psyche. Perhaps the Jedi of old had it right when it came to attachment. He felt a glimpse of the face of the last woman he had ever been attached to flash in his mind and his hand went to his chest as he struggled to breath a moment. He let the grief drift out of his thoughts like a passing wave as he attended to his training.
He went through a vigorous routine of squats, push-ups, bridges on his head and neck for the powerful muscles required to prevent one’s head from being controlled in wrestling, followed by shadow boxing to not let his skilled kicking fall by the wayside. He was deadly accurate with his kicks and with his strength was capable of fracturing a skull with a kick from his hard toed, well shined, and incredibly fashionable shoes.
As his training wound down, he washed his face at the refresher and found a quiet corner to apply make up. A layer of pale foundation soon adorned his face and neck along with a dark, slightly greenish tinged eyeliner to match his suit. It was a subtle effect, but he looked ready to meet anyone of importance.
The second day aboard the Skullduggery went by as fast as the first.
After his training routine Waza disappeared into the kitchen again but thus time Azūmi decided to join him. Together they prepared a meal for the entire group.
Meanwhile, after the encounter with OzLow, Creon tried to Isolate himself for some quiet meditation. Despite suddenly showing up, he wasn’t really there, he wasnt part of the group. Elyon already knew that her husband wasn’t even going to try and most likely was going to disappear again.
It would only take a few more hours until they’d arrive at Tatooine in the evening. With all the excitement to look forward to, Wenet had decided to also Isolate herself for some meditation. She found a quiet space in one of the huge escape pods. Sitting down on the floor the Kushiban closed her eyes and reached out to the Force. Not to control it but to feel it, around her and going through her, to be one with it.
Waza Excused himself from his momentary embarrassment in training. He made his way to his room to get cleaned up and change clothes. As he walked away he couldn’t help but look at Azumi with a smile. He hoped he was reading the look on her face right. A mixture of surprise and desire.
Waza appeared in the common area in a simple tunic and trousers, “I’ll throw together as hearty lunch for everyone. We should be setting down later in the evening.”
He headed into the kitchen and began selecting food items from the pantry and coolers. Deciding on beef patties and sliced tubers for lunch. Waza first selected fresh fruits and berries with the condiments for the sandwiches. As he set those things on the counter he heard from the door way
** “There you are, I was hoping to catch you.” ** Azumi had made her way into the kitchen.
“I don’t run to fast I guess you caught me.” Waza laughed. “You here for some hand to hand lessons or help cook?”
** “I’ll take some hands on lessons if you think you can teach me something.” ** Azumi said flashing her bright purple eyes at him, moving down the steps in a way that was sure to make any man take notice of her feminine shape.
Waza looked at her coming into the room then a double take stopping to stare. Regaining his composure Waza waved her over to the counter where he was standing.
“I’m going to take you up on that. Unfortunately our time right now is limited as everyone is expecting lunch. Can you help me prepare a meal for Wenet while the meat patties cook?”
As Azumi walked to Waza he kept peeking out of the corner of his eye for when she was close. When she was close enough Waza turned facing her their bodies nearly bumping inches apart her perfume filling his senses. A feeling of electricity running over his body.
“ Oh excuse me.” he said smiling at her stepping to the side to get back to the same corner he was just at.
After 20 minutes of small talk and laughter Azumi and Waza brought the lunch platters to the dining room. Waza keyed the internal comm. “Lunch is up come on and dig in.” When the food and drinks were all set out. Azumi took a seat and Waza waited on everyone to come in. Elyon and her husband Creon came with Ryan and Wenet close behind.
“We should be landing in just a few hours and then the fun gets going. If you’ve never been to Tattooine before stick with the group. We’re talking a crowd of hundreds of thousands of beings wandering around.” Waza said. As Waza circled the table making sure everyone was good, he approached his seat next to Azumi and ran his hand through her hair as he took his seat.. “Let’s dig in.” Waza said.
Sitting at the table she watched Waza circle around and sit down next to Azūmi. Wenet furrowed her brow and blinked a couple of times when she noticed the way the old man touched her friends hair. She thought it odd as Zoomy was quite particular about her hair, she wouldn’t let anyone just touch it.
“Let’s dig in” she heard Waza say, but she didn’t touch anything on her plate. Azūmi noticed and silently asked ‘what?’ Wenet shrugged and then finally brought her focus to her food. While she was eating it suddenly hit her, the perfume she smelled it was hers. Wenet’s eyes widened as did her mouth, causing a berry she had just popped in to roll out and drop back onto her plate. ‘oh no you didn’t’ she thought to herself and quickly closed her mouth.
“is everything alright?” Ryan asked and gently touched her hand. Wenet instantly smiled and nodded “yeah.. I…I’m fine” she stammered nervously. “are you sure?” Ryan asked. “yes I am.”
Waza and Ozlow brought The Skullduggery out of hyperspace into a crowded section of space. Ships of all shapes and classes flowing into Tattoine. Waza radios ATC for Mos Eisley space port, getting clearance for sector 220 bay 1138. With in a few minutes Waza sets the ship down and exits the cockpit to join everyone in the common area.
“The first preliminary race starts in a few hours so large crowds will be headed that way soon. Shall we take a day to explore the carnival that is Mos Eisley? A most wretched hive of scum and villainy. Lets go have some fun”
As the group heads down the ramp Waza noticed Creon is still milling around the common area keeping his distance from the group. He pays him no further regard and joins the group walking next to Azumi, Wenet and Ryan with Elyon on the far side of the group. Just as the noise of the crowd overwhelms their hearing Waza hears OzLow address Creon.
“Ah master Creon your still here, would you like to hear my treatise I plan to submit to the galactic senate on droid freedom? It is only 50,000 words. Let me begin for you….” Ozlow began.
After a few minutes of trying to walk away to other areas of the ship Creon gave up and walked off the ship and into the crowd disappearing into the masses.
Sights and sounds overlapped providing a cacophony of a street fair. Keeping an eye on his friends he smiled at the wonder washing over Wenets face and the protective nature of Azumi’s scouting of the crowd.
As the attendant took away the empty glasses and small tray that had at some point contained food, Yuki watched from the window as the ship entered the atmosphere of Tatooine. A wretched planet she didn’t care all that much for. The Echani wasn’t exactly a fan of unrelenting temperatures. “I think the last time I was here was almost twenty years ago. This place will never change.”
She stood slowly as the ship landed at its destination and stretched. Yuki smoothed her clothes back into place and began to gather her own belongings. She knew that buying something to wear that was more in line with what the natives sported was one of her first stops but other than that Yuki had purposefully left all of her other worries and responsibilities back home. Just a vacationer. Another tourist in a sea of tourists. Granted the festivities always had a chance for something exciting to happen, even on a backwater slum like this one.
“Thank you for flying with us,” the attendant said softly as she and the pilots waited for the woman to disembark. “Please fly with us again.”
Yuki smiled at the three of them and gave an almost negligent wave. She’d had to almost buy the liner for the trip here, but that wasn’t a problem. “I had a lovely trip, you are all very skilled at your professions.” Her soft, musical voice carried through the air as her silver eyes studied each one and gave serious eye contact to them all before she stepped through the hatch and left the ship behind her.
What a pleasant trip, she thought to herself, gazing out upon the hordes of people milling about the streets. With a sigh, Yuki walked over to a group of rather desolate, filthy children. A flick of her hand exposed a number of credits and another made the disappear after the children had seen them.
“You will attend me while I am here. In return, you will have places to sleep during my stay and food in your bellies. You will be clean and tidy, cause no trouble. When I leave, these will be yours.”
The four small beings got to their feet, eyes wide in their small, dirty faces. “Course, lady.” The tone was endearing and the almost jerky bow from them made the woman smile. Little did most know, Yuki had a soft spot for children and making sure they had a place to sleep and decent food was nothing more than par for the course for her. “Lead me to the nicest place I can rent rooms from.”
Just before they arriver at Tatooine, Wenet had changed into a more suitable attire. Something that didn’t say ‘I’m Jedi’ but something more casual that said ‘I’m here to have fun’, something comfortable but of course she did carry some weapons with her ‘just in case’. She even brought Hrubý along, the polyhedral shaped droid she got for her work as an Envoy. “will come in handy if we need something translated” she had said as an explanation when Azūmi asked about the droid.
As they walked through the crowd, Wenet stayed close to Ryan. But she kept looking over at Waza and Azūmi and not in her usual amicable way. “I think she knows” Azūmi said to Waza while they walked “know what?” Waza hadn’t even noticed Wenet’s behaviour, he was far to focused on the Falleen woman. “about us… I know that look.. she knows” Azūmi answered.
While Ryan could not offer an arm or similar due to the height difference he took the opportunity to walk closely with Wenet, dressed in his usual foppish attire and make up with his lightsabers concealed under his half cape. His silver finialed walking stick in his left hand was his only visible armament as he walked alongside the Kushiban. He worried he had perhaps been too forward to touch her hand earlier, but she had not seemed to mind.
“So I’ve already said it’s lovely to see you again but I just want to say it again for emphasis.” Ryan smiled brightly and continued. “How is the heat treating you? I have to say I prefer the shade and cool weather as a rule.
Waza looked around Azumi and saw the look of,, he didn’t really have a word for that look. The only way his mind could work it out was how a mother looks when she already knows the answer to the question she just asked.
“Uhm, yeah I think she knows something, but not the entirety of it. I can talk to her. We have started training on her force powers and lightsaber skills. Unless you think it is a conversation you should have.”
Waza scanned the group again, making sure everyone was till together. Waza was worried about Eylon; her husband’s appearance seemed to rattle her a little. He would keep an eye on that situation if necessary.
As they moved with the flow of the crowd, they approached and open air market fair area. Games of chance and skill were being played by beings of all ages. Games of throwing balls into hoops and tossing rings onto pegs. Some games where a makeshift blasters fired streams of fine sand at moving targets to make Bantha models run to a finish line. No one minded the games as there was already enough dust in the air no one noticed a little more. Plush filled banthas’ and other various creatures were the prizes. Already couples and children were enjoying the festivities and the games.
“Let’s see what we can win. Azumi you up for a blaster challenge?”
The conversation with Ryan quickly distracted the Kushiban. “Oh.. thanks” she said as she felt her cheeks blushing I th resulted in her fur becoming more bright. “I prefer cool weather as well but my natural coat actually keeps out a lot of the heat” she then answered. Wenet began to wonder how he felt about her having furr. As they continued to walk she noticed people were watching them and whispering as they walked by. Wenet, who in Ryan’s presence felt insecure about herself, thought they were talking about her but in truth they were talking about him. The way Hawkins was dressed caught their attention, he looked like someone with money, a potential target to rob. So after a while two individuals started to follow them through the crowds..
“I think its probably best if I talk to her” Azūmi replied as they kept walking through the bustling streets. “But not now, let her enjoy the time with her new flame” she add sending a glance do the finely dressed pilot that didn’t leave Wenet’s side. But that wasn’t the only reason. Zoomy had no idea how to start that conversation with her young friend. Wenet was obviously angry maybe a little hurt for some reason although Zoomy didn’t understand why she would be. It wasn’t like she had an eye on the old man, she had Hawkins on her radar. It was something else, but what?
They stopped at a stall with games, “a blaster challenge?” Azūmi chuckled, “prepare to lose then” she relied with confidence as she was quite proficient with blasters.
Azumi led Waza to the “blaster duel” game stand; with dust clouds billowing, they waited their turn and sat down at the make shift rifles with tubes connected to air hose and a sand hose. Fixed in place on an 8 inch rod the only resemblance to a rifle was their rough shape.
“This should be interesting, let’s see what you got miss blaster expert.” Waza laughed. Shouldering their rifles waiting for the bell to ring… The attendant just stood then with one hand pointing at the sign with the prices on it. Waza apologized and jumped up to pay. As soon as the attendant had his credits he hit the compressor switch enabling the guns. Azumi began firing before Waza could sit down again.
“Hey!!” Waza exclaimed and she just laughed adjusting her aim quickly. With her Bantha streaking across the finish line, she gave a shout of triumph. The attendant gave her the stuffed Bantha. “If you keep winning you can get the larger one.” The attendant said. “I’ll have to think about that for now.” Azumi said, getting up from the chair letting more people have a turn.
Waza turned to check on everyone and asses the crowd again. Seeing Elyon looking at a booth of jewelry and trinkets, he noticed two people with more attention on Ryan and Wenet than would be normal. Tapping Azumi on the shoulder, he motioned for her to follow.
Ryan suddenly felt a bit of a chill through the Force and instinctively slowed his step slightly to allow Wenet slightly ahead of them. Whatever it was, it was coming from behind them so if things were going to get exciting, he wanted to be swung on or jeopardized first. Whoever was following likely made two errors, three if you counted not knowing he was a Jedi. One was assuming he was as unaware and flippant as his dress might indicate. The second was ignoring that under the fancy clothing was a rather physically strong and dangerous person, even if lightsabers did not come out. He reached out through the Force subtly and found two individuals following him and Wenet with ill intentions. He could not suss out what their intentions were just yet without further concentration, but he pinpointed their locations and simply kept walking casually to their destination.
“I’m glad you’re not overheating out here Wenet, let me know if you need anything in the meantime like water or shade or a rest. I would hate for you to be too uncomfortable.”
Ryan smiled and continued to remain aware and ready, subtly stretching as he walked and getting ready for possible fisticuffs.
**The crowd moves past the dark alley ways and no one looks to deep. But the shadows have eyes, children of the streets, scavenging for scraps. Thugs looking for the next score; the next target. The failed business men one step from the next body found in the gutter.
The city administrator had felt comfortable that he had pushed all those away for the event, but the edges of society moves like water. Once the constables moved on they drifted back in.
It was two such young upstarts in the street gang looking to make a name for the selves. Tivor and Muljin watched from the shadows; as a man walks by wearing very fancy clothes escorting a Kushiban.
“Tivor could you tell if that last group was all together or just close by?” Muljin asked.
“let’s follow the fancy fellow, maybe we can herd him into our world bleed him out and sell his clothes and whatever else we can lift from his corpse,” Tivor said “Looks like they might cross old becknar ally we can grab him there. Let’s go”
Tucking the blasters under their ponchos and palming the vibro-knives the pair headed into the twin suns light emerging from the shadows.**
When Waza tapped her on the shoulder Zoomy understood something was wrong. Still holding the stuffed Bantha she followed him to the corner of the street. He nods towards Ryan and Wenet on the other side of that street. Wenet was smiling shyly, averting her eyes for moment. Azūmi knew that her Kushiban friend just received a compliment from her companion, “she really hasn’t changed” Zoomy chuckled. “look..” Waza nodded towards two individuals that seemed to be following Wenet and Ryan.
“ah.. I see” she said and handed the Bantha toy to a Rodian boy that passed by readying herself for anything. Underneath her shirt she was carrying two petar blades.
Completely unaware that they were being followed, Wenet smiled at Ryan before looking away. “oh.. thanks.. but I can handle myself” she replied shyly.
The last time Wenet felt like this it was different. She knew the guy for long period, they had much in common. They worked closely together. It just slowly happened and unfortunately ended with heartbreak. Now, she barely knew Ryan, they were so different from each other but she was over the moon. Was it real? Did he even feel the same? She didn’t really know but all those feelings and thoughts blinded her, she was unaware of their surroundings…
Well, kriff. The local time hadn’t even hit noon - or what passed for noon on a planet under a binary star system - and Tomora was already on the back foot. Three bad sabaac hands in a row had cost him just about all the credits he’d brought to the festival. What little he had left was spent on smokes to kill the bad mood and a wide hat to keep the sun off the thinner fur of his face. The first exposure to the sweltering heat was sign enough to abandon his coat back at the ship, leaving his blasters on full display. Not the worst thing in a place like this, but without coverage, he could feel his metal arms heating up - another problem on top of the sand catching in his prosthetic joints. As soon as he finished a smoke in the shade, Tomora was finding some local clothes to change into.
“Never comin’ back here without a good reason,” he whispered under his breath.
As he clicked at the faulty lighter, his ears twitched at the sound of hushed voices on approach. The lift in his ears bumped the sun hat over his eyes - damn things just didn’t come in a bothan version, did they? The lighter finally stayed lit, and Tomora pressed the flame to his smoke, though his eyes drifted back to the voices. He pushed the brim of the hat up with a metal finger to see.
A couple of young lads in ponchos. It wasn’t exactly good for one’s sanity to assume anyone with good coverage was concealing a weapon, but Tomora could see the mix of confidence and stern determination on their faces. These boys looked like half the other hot-shot muggers you’d find in city alleys like this. Good chance they were about to start some trouble.
He didn’t need to get involved. He really, really didn’t want to bother. But this was a festival. Kids were around. Tomora silently groaned to himself, spit out his freshly lit smoke, and made to quietly follow this pair of idiots out of the alley.
The crowd moves along sweeping those in it though the streets. Unless you make a concerted effort to seperate its like being in an ocean of people.
This is how Ryan and Wenet found themselves suddenly separated from their companions.
The thugs Tivor and Miljin cut down a side street and sprinted through the open alleys. With no one traveling this way movement was unimpeded. They were able to advance several blocks ahead of the crowd and their intended target.
From the shadows their very rich looking target was coming quickly. They decided the Kushiban would not be a threat a quick kick and it would run away.
As they neared the shadowed alley Tivor sprang into action kicking at the Kushiban brandishing his knife. Miljin rushed the target going for a fast series of stabs to the liver for a quick bleed out.
How wrong they where, as this Kushiban wasn’t one that would run away. On the contrary, Wenet, was someone who would fight.
Although she hadn’t noticed that they were being followed by the two young thugs, Wenet’s danger sense did kick in on time. The hairs in the back of her neck stood up straight and before Tivor could land the kick, she jumped up. A move that surprised him a lot.
Meanwhile, in mid-air Wenet twisted her body. And as she turned herself she smacked her tail into her attacker’s face. “aargh!” her called out in pain and automatically reached for his face. By the time he recovered Wenet stood infront of him.
Ryan turned his body sideways, letting the knife slide past while grabbing the wrist and elbow of the rogue’s knife arm. Turning violently he used his body and strength to wrench his elbow hard, three quick pops followed by a snap indicating the destruction of the joint as he sent the knife sliding along the ground. While this may have seemed extreme, the fight had already escalated and he had no time to think about what Wenet would think about the violence of his defense.
Ryan maintained control of the attacker’s arm as the thug screamed out in pain and Ryan pinned him to the wall, keeping an eye for attempts to pull another weapon or to use his non injured arm to punch at him and keeping an eye on the robber’s companion. He watched Wenet dodge cleverly and sighed a bit in relief despite pumping adrenaline. She could take care of herself.
“You picked the wrong target, and I haven’t even mussed my cravat or smeared my make up yet.” Ryan hissed in an angry whisper. Ryan proceeded to deliver a powerful kick with the inside edge of his shoe to the tough’s shin, a sickening thump followed by more screaming echoed slightly off the wall as Ryan shoved him to the ground in a heap and turned to face the remaining foe and sensed for other threats through the Force.
Tomora’s Bryar pistol was drawn as soon as the thugs made their moves, but he didn’t have to fire. The reaction times on the would-be victims was impressive enough for them to rescue themselves.
That said, he was already here. Might as well get this over with before it got any worse.
“Well, what do we have here?” Tomora asked, approaching with his pistol pointed at the thug still on his feet. “I’d say this doesn’t have to get ugly, but you boys have the mugs to prove me wrong already. Did you really think that a festival in this town wouldn’t have guards and snipers on watch? I’ll tell you what, though: You kids leave your weapons in the sand and get yourselves gone, and I can call off the reinforcements coming to bag you. Spare us all the trouble, eh?” He flicked his pistol to emphasize.
Standing outside a building dubiously indicated to be the finest establishment in the area, Yuki gestured to the children. “There’s a festival. Take me to it.”
One of the kids looked at her with a sense of bewilderment. “Fancy folks such as you ain’t going to no festivals with poor people.”
The woman smiled down and ruffled the boy’s -boy’s?- hair with a shake of her head. “Trust me, laddy buck. In the grand scheme o’ me life, I spent more'n my time in the sewers with rats than with those’ll eat off solid gold.”
The Echani winked at the child and gestured them to lead on, laughing softly at hearing lower city speak from someone who looked like Yuki. The children babbled to each other as children are wont to do as the woman watched their surroundings. She was retired now, weapons were rarely needed but being unaware was something she wouldn’t forgive. Let alone the ear bending her own daughter would do after all the time Yuki had laid into the overzealous twins.
“Would you be havin’ us take you to the amusement parts or the show parts, lady?” the one who spoke earlier asked.
“Hm. Well, take me to the games of skill and chance, my darlings. Let’s see if we can win some prizes, eh?” the Echani said softly to them.
** ”You don’t know who you’re messing with you mud scuffers, We’‘ll get you. You should not have stuck your noses in the business of the Sand lords; we run these streets. Today the desert will drink you blood.” Miljin spat at the human and Bothan. Wrenching his arm free the pair ran off into the crowd.**
Waza and Azumi approached the group asthe pair of thugs broke free and ran off.
“Nice block on that stab attempt Ryan” Waza said. “Is everyone ok? Thanks for the assist there Cosair Tomora. I’ve not see you outside the complex on Kiast. We’re all here for the festival, you on business or the festival also?” “We need to regroup with Elyon if the thugs will go after you she will look like an easy mark. I’ve never heard of the Sand lords before. They maybe a new street gang but could have ties to a larger organization.” Waza made a point of checking on Wenet, “Padawan are you good? I saw that move you pulled very good response. You make me proud.”
With the pair of thugs fleeing, Tomora twirled his pistol back into its holster. “I was just in the neighborhood. If those boys are serious though, I think I’ll stick with you guys for now.”
He wedged his fingertips under his sun hat to scratch his furred head. “Can’t say I’ve heard of any ‘Sand Lords’ before. Probably just a bunch of young, trigger-happy hotshots getting the ball rolling on their little upstart. And if that’s anywhere close to true, they’ll probably be back with more idiots trying to prove how bad they are.”
A mix of emotions surged through her tiny body. She was relieved no one got hurt but at the same time dissapointed the fight ended so quickly. ‘probably for the best’ she thought to herself aa she made sure the few weapons she carried with her were still hidden. She didn’t want to draw more attention to them or let anyone know they were Jedi as they weren’t exactly welcome on these outskirts in the galaxy.
Wiping the dust of her clothes she turned her attention to the stranger holding the pistol. Looking the Bothan up and down she answered to Waza “Yeah, I’m good.” and then glanced at Ryan. Ofcourse she had seen his moves and was impressed, she wondered what he’d think of hers. “so… you two know each other?” she then asked Waza and the Bothan gun slinger…
Yuki walked through the streets, led by her small horde of guides, and admired everything that was going on. The children each had some kind of snack provided for them by the Echani even as she herself carried a small bottle of an amber-colored liquid. “So tell me, my little darlings. What do the locals usually do during this festival? I’ve heard tell of a fashion show, combat tournaments, all sorts of things that simply cannot be real.”
Her voice, lyrical and soft, carried the weight of disbelief as she smiled and listened to her young guides begin to chatter with each other and with her about the different events. Ahead of them, she had seen a strange couple bolt from a nearby alleyway.
Probably someone dead in there, the woman mused to herself. Shame.
Yuki always enjoyed the sound of children talking. It reminded her all too much of her own children, adopted and biological. Idly, she wondered how Ruana and her wife were doing.
I’ll have to remember to give them a call when I get home.
Stepping to the edge of the alleyway, the silver-eyed woman looked down the way and stopped, gesturing to her guides. “Well, isn’t this interesting. No one dead and, in point of fact, many that I already know.”
She looked at Wenet with a grin, “Can you not stay out of trouble? The way Rin and Adenn described you to me was more even headed than a common brawler like they are.”
Tomora glanced down at the spry little kushiban. “I’m a fairly fresh face in the Wildcards, so I can at least say I recognize a Summit member.” His gaze shifted over to Waza. “But personally? No, not really. I’m actually surprised he can recognize me, for starters.”
He pushed up the brim of his sun hat to get s better look at the man. “So, do you make a habit of knowing every name and face working for your clan?”
“I can’t claim to be that good to remember everyone in the Clan but I try. I do tend to notices those who join or reach the same rank I am. I try to acknowledge my peers. I have seen you around here and there. A Bothan with cybernetics is memorable.” Waza answered.
As the group settled from the attack. Waza instinctively reached for Azumi and touched her arm. As he scanned the crowd for another threat his eyes landed on Wenet staring at Azumi and Waza with a look as cold as ice. Waza realized what he had done and dropped his hand.
A new voice and person approached the group and spoke to Wenet breaking the stare. Colonel Yuki Suoh joined the group beginning to block the flow of traffic on the street.
“Greeting Colonel, what brings you to our vacation get away? Enjoying the suns?” Waza said.
With a frown, Wenet watched the exchange between the Bothan and Waza. It was a bit awkward but before she could chime in another stranger approached their group.
“Do I know you?” the Kushiban bluntly asked as she looked up to the Echani giant. “Colonel?” again she furrowed her brow as she glanced between the woman and the old man. ‘damn.. he knows everyone’ she thought to herself and made an awkward smile.
Yuki blinked slowly, a little taken aback before she smiled at Wenet. She looked back at Waza with a shrug. “You know what they say, have to come up out of the lab eventually so I decided that this dirtball would be a nice stop.”
Looking back down at the Kushiban, the Echani shrugged with a grin. “We are acquainted by proxy, little one. Your teacher, Rin, has been one of my closest friends and bodyguards for many years now. And Adenn traveled with you once as well to parts unknown to me. I decided it was time to get out and meet people again.”
She gestured to the children behind her with a grin. “And these are my valets. Useful boys and girls to have around when you have fetching and carrying to be done.”
“Lets get moving and put this behind us, we are headed that way, Lets see if we can find a show or theater for a play to take in.” Waza began moving back towards the last area they were in to collect Elyon before they looked for the show.
While they walked back Waza saw a sign for the first round of fight club and sign ups just down the way a few building.
Pointing the sign out to Ryan “You gonna sign up and see how you fair in a tourney? Looks like there is some kind of reward for winning.”
Ryan smiled a bit shyly at everyone. “I admit I’m tempted, especially given the prospect of showing off a bit. However,” he added, still thoughtful and a bit keyed up from their recent encounter “I admit that the real thing can sour one a bit on the thought of a sportive competition so soon.” Ryan continued to ponder. Violence was part of the way of the galaxy and indeed the complete eschewing of violence, though from his perspective admirable, was often something which few people really cleaved to. If a pacifist saw someone being attacked and called the police or the military to help, were they a pacifist or someone who merely thought violence the domain of others?
Sport was fine, the defense of others, especially Wenet who Ryan kept giving worried glances to now and then, was fine, and defense of self. But when violence was real, perhaps because he had seen too much of it, it haunted him. As if violence even in a good cause made a mark on the soul.
“Speaking of fighting, you moved beautifully and handled yourself well there, Wenet. I am so very glad you’re ok.”
Quietly, Azūmi stood next to Waza, looking the Echani woman up and down. The name ‘Adenn’ she had heard before from Wenet’s stories. But hearing it now made her think about that VIP room with the giant furniture. Suspiciously she glanced beteen Waza and at the Echani woman that had joined them. Trying to link the pieces of information she had..
Meanwhile Wenet’s focus was on Ryan, again. She listened with much interest to his response to Waza’s question. His answer left her puzzled though, their entire trip to Tatooine she had this idea where she’d watch him fight, cheering him on it even parter up and fight together.
Before she could say something, he turned his attention to her. The Kushiban smiled “thanks, I was ready for a fight…” she chuckled..
Tomora shrugged. “Yeah, you’re both naturals. Hey, if he’s not gonna sign up for some kind of tournament, I might.” He pushed back the brim of his sun hat and drew a fresh cigarette. “They got anything going for marksmanship, or is it all just throwing fists and sticks?” Once again, his faulty lighter struggled to spark. An annoyed huff escaped him as he kept flicking at it.
Waza saw the look from Azūmi and return to the new woman, Yuki. Waza shifted his weight and leaned close to Azumi. “I told you about that.” He whispered. “Tomora I don’t know I’m sure they have something somewhere. This is the Boonta Eve Celebration after all.” “So a theater it is. Yuki can your valets find a good show to attend? Might so us all some good to get out of the sun for a while.” Waza continued to lead the group back to the area where Elyon was still shopping and watching younglings play carnival games. Relieved she had not encountered any problems Waza stopped and stood next to Azumi. “Another round of blaster challenge?” he asked her.