If I Had A Credit... [Res]

[Reisier]

A pale hand hesitated slightly as a short glass was brought to full lips, the distinct peppery scent of the whiskey burning her nostrils. Nose wrinkled at the scent’s intrusion, a simple sip taken not long after that. Amaris Sataj smacked her lips absent-mindedly, feeling the heat of the liquid as it ran down her throat. A heavy sigh escaped the woman’s lips, a gentle ‘clink’ lost within the busy cantina as the glass was brought to the countertop. Generally, the woman could be found with a silly grin plastered across her cheeks, emerald eyes swimming with a distinctive mischief; yet, today, something seemed amiss. Amaris slouched on her seat, one hand clasped tightly around an empty glass, the other rubbing gently at her temples.

Her body was aching – head throbbing; the slightest of movements bringing a wave of pain across the woman’s shapely frame. She shifted slowly, crossing and uncrossing her legs – desperate to find a more comfortable sitting arrangement. Yet, again and again, the task failed and Amaris was left to sit sourly by the counter, eyes shut, hand clasped tightly around a glass of whiskey. Heavy lids covered bright emerald eyes, an unusually spread of fiery red hair trailing to her side. The Zelosian’s shoulders drooped slightly, ‘God damn, everything hurts.’ Perhaps it would’ve been a brighter idea to have stayed home that day – lounged on her bed, groaning the night away. But, the temptation to engage on her daily outing had been too large for the woman to ignore.

Who would’ve thought that a couple of Jedi could be such a pain?

Sure, the Tolothian Jedi had been nice enough – a little childish from time to time, sure, but that wasn’t the problem. The task she had been approached with, well, it was as fun as getting an appendectomy with a dull spoon. Granted, she had gotten paid – well at that – but there were moments Amaris doubted she was getting paid enough. Getting involved in a shoot-out, dealing with slavers, jumping off a roof, and seeing a naked Bothan all in a single outing seemed like the perfect combination for a holonet show, the same couldn’t be said when experiencing first-hand. Amaris emptied her glass, shuddering before she sighed. Force willing, she wouldn’t have to deal with it again.

Amaris suddenly grimaced; then again, knowing her luck this wouldn’t be the case. “So,” a gruff voice interrupted her bitter musing, forcing the Amaris’ eyes to flick up, “…how did that little running around you did work out for ya?” Green orbs fell upon the wide shoulders of the Drunken Drummer’s bartender, his small, watery black eyes scrutinizing her. Amaris’ nodded a greeting to the male, head propped lazily against an open palm. How had it gone? ‘Fan-fraking-tastic,’ ‘craptastic,’ and many more colorful expressions could definitely be used to describe yesterday’s escaped. She could do better though, that is, with the descriptions, but currently the Zelosian didn’t feel particularly compelled to think about it too much.

“I got shot,” She clipped, weary eyes watching as the much larger male refilled her glass. There was a sigh, the shake of the head, Yassu crossing his arms defiantly across his chest. For a second, Amaris felt almost small, as if a child was withstanding the condemning glare of her father. The Zelosian shifted uncomfortably, the bartender leaning over the counter as he slid the full glance to her once more.

“Told you they were nothing but trouble,” The throaty voice spoke, gaining a simple shrug of Amaris as a response. “Yeah, I know…” Hands dug instinctively through the weathered leather jacket, a slightly crumbled package of cigarra and a lighter pulled out, “…should definitely learn to listen to my wise Yass.” A cigarra quickly found itself lodged between Amaris’ lips, the ashen tip glowering in an odd orange light. She breathed out; the hot refuse held momentarily in her lungs before being released in a soft breath.

“I mean, what would I do without your guidance and knowledge?” The woman quipped, leaning slightly forward, elbows digging into the questionably clean countertop. She grinned slightly, if a little unenthusiastically, gaining an eye roll from the larger male. “I’d end up in a ditch somewhere – or maybe I’d cry myself to sleep.” Amaris grinned at her words, the Zelosian shrugging her shoulders instinctively. The friendly banter the two exchanged was a common enough sight in the Drunken Drummer – a daily occurrence to those that frequented the place enough.

“Oh, come on now, don’t get all teary-eyed on me, Ama,” She quirked an inquisitive brow at the man’s words of choice, “…things always get awkward when people cry. Then they expect hugs and kisses, and crap.” It was suddenly impossible for Amaris to hold back a laugh; breathy, gentle, rolling laughter from the pit of her stomach. “Yeah, that would definitely get awkward.” She said, a dainty finger trailing her glass, her eyes never parting from the clear liquor. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, Yass, I love you an’ all…” she continued, “…but you are seriously not my type.” Yass roared with laughter at the remark, leaning towards the proportionally smaller woman.

“Heh – believe me, sweetheart,” He grinned, “…you wouldn’t be able to handle me even if I was.” She chuckled at the first words, if she had any more energy, she’d probably press the subject further. But, for now, Amaris raised her glass in appreciation. “You, babe, are a jewel.”

“If I had a credit for every time I’ve heard that.” The man shifted, his attention called by a patrol on the other side of the counter. Huh – that was a bit outstanding, she honestly thought she’d be the first to use the word jewel. Treasure, rarity, sure, she could predict others using it; oh well, she’d just have to think of something better next time. “ Well, let me know if the unwise smuggler needs anything else.” She gave a half-hearted wave, hand clasped around her glass as she took another swing.

[Res]

It had bern a tough last couple days. There hadn't been any work for a twenty year old pirate with no experience. It wasn't like the others having to turn down jobs because they had one already. Sterina had been on Nar Shaddar for about a week now and she spent most of her time in the cantina Drunken Drummer. She had formed a first name basis with the bartender Yass. Such was not something she does so easily.

Stepping down the ramp of her ship she looked around seeing the different shady people on the smugglers moon. It felt like home now and Sterina needed that. Just two years prior she had been betrayed by the two people that though loved her. Though deep down she knew that they did what they did to protect her. But it was the fact they kept that information from her for so long.

Rina had finally made it to the Drunken Drummer. Stepping inside she made her way over to the counter. She noticed a Zelosian speaking to Yass, she was pretty. What caught her was the womans eyes, they were a brilliant shade of green. As she was taking in the beauty of the Zelosian another bartender gave Sterina her usual drink.

Lifting herself up onto the stool she lifted the glass up to her lips. The room temperature brown liquid slid into her mouth and down her throat. Tryten was use to the burning sensation of the alcohol. Placing the glass back on the counter she glanced back over at the green eyed woman. By then her and Yass had finished their talk. Yass had spotted Sterina at the bar and made his way over to her.

"Howdy Rina, what happened with that lead for work you had?"

"Hey Yass, oh the one that turned out to be stealing from a Hutt. Yeah thanks for that. I need work but draw the line at stealing from the Hutts. She said sarcastically.

The man laughed "You'll find something. Hang in there" With that he placed his hand on her should and smiled. Sterina looked up at him raised her red eyebrows quickly in a manner to say yeah right. Yass just chuckled and turned as he was called to the other end of the bar. The human sat there and sipped on her drink, glancing over to the Zelosian ever so often.

[Reisier]

“Well, isn’t this interesting?” Amaris thought after a few seconds, leaning hap hazardously in the small stool. Her eyes met those of the woman that sat across from her, piercing green drowning Sterina’s brilliant blue. A new face – a target easily spotted in the Smuggler’s Moon. It was not hard to identify the new comers, Amaris would admit, often sticking out like a sore-thumb in this sad, little place. The Drunken Drummer was no different, the smuggler would say, a steady stream of regulars filtering through the bar on a daily basis. Of course visitors were common enough, curious souls that simply wanted to know what was going on in the saloon, but they often stayed for a minute – the smell of cigarra, drink, and sweat driving them away. With this one, however, it was different, and Amaris could feel it.

Still, there was always someone willing to take advantage of the fresh meat. Generally, these people were an array of scam artists, looking for an easy target to prey on; but, today it was a bit different. Fosu was a man that Amaris had come to know well enough over the years, having done several runs for him and his contacts with the Hutt family. The man was not bearable by any means – he was a pain in the ass as far as the Zelosian was concerned, but he always was willing to offer her a job. Granted, Amaris was usually forced to remind him of the blaster she carried on her side, the warning of a well-placed shot leaving her lips on multiple occasions, but the woman could bare it. Yet, as she watched the man pull himself to the younger woman’s side, his typical glances and coy words within her sight, Amaris couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “What a kriffing.”

The ‘expert’ pick-up lines began to roll as if on cue, and Amaris couldn’t help but snort. Seriously? This man could seriously not take a hint.

A chuckle escaped her, head cocked to the side, “Oh, Fosu, you’re seriously out of your league...” The Zelosian toyed during mid-sip. Even if she couldn’t see the male’s reaction, Amaris imagined the color draining from his pasty face. “So unless you want her to step on your pretty ego, I suggest barking up some other tree.” She grinned at the familiarity of the situation, one that she and Fosu had repeated countless of times before.“You might have better luck around the corner – women willing to touch you if you pay.”

“One day,” He chuckled, his greasy voice sending shivers down her spine, “Amaris, you will know the pleasure of my company.” At first, the smuggler was unsure if she should laugh or cry – maybe she should combine the two into one. Just the idea of touching the slime ball made her cringe, a bucket of cold water dropped in the pit of her stomach. Amaris blinked at disbelief, the words slowly sinking in. It was a minute later that she laughed – bright eager laughter that shook her body, the movement causing pain across her still sore muscles. ‘Did he really just say that? Really?’ The laughing stopped, “Don’t worry, the day that happens, I’ll eject myself into wild space.” His smile soured, peeling himself from the younger woman’s side. Amaris waved him off, her attention returning to Sterina once more.

“Sorry about that, the only thinking Fosu does seems to be with his smaller head.” She ran her fingers through her hair, pushing the strands out of her face. She never got used to it though, the day she did would be the day hell froze over. Usually, the woman would do little to intervene on the human’s conquests, if one could even call them that, but today she was in no mood to deal with them. Besides, the woman Fosu decided to bother looked young; young enough to be the daughter of the majority that enjoyed the bar. Amaris took a drag from her cigarra, free hand reaching towards her glass. In a few, graceful steps, the woman had settled by Sterina’s side, the glass was placed on the counter, hand stuck out in a friendly gesture. “Amaris Sataj.”

[Res]

Sterina had just started to drink her second glass, when a man that was old enough to be her dad stepped up on the stool. Before she could say anything the Zelosian pipped up and fended him off. Rina sat there trying to stifle a laugh through the whole thing. The man probably tried to pick up woman all the time and by the look at it Amaris apparently knew he slimball.

"Isn't that most men in these places? Sterina.

She said as she watched the woman make her way over to her. Shaking the others hand as she sat and introduced herself. Rina left her last name out just in case her 'parents' had sent her to retrieve Sterina. The Zelosian was even more beautiful up close. It wasn't that Sterina was attracted to woman but she just appreciated beauty.

"That wasn't the first time a depo maskey sleemo(two faced slimball) tried anything. So what brings a pretty young thing like you in here. Samething as me, scraping the bottom for work?

Sterina said taking a sip of her drink then smiling. It had been somewhat of a disappointing day. The job she had wasn't worth her risking her life for just one simple part from a ship on the other side of Nal Hutta. Now if it wasn't in Hutt controlled space she might have done it. But in space where you are killed for just looking at a Hutt wrong she wasn't interested. The pirate finished her drink and raised it to get Yass' attention.

"Care for another one?"

[Reisier]

“Heh,” The Zelosian chuckled under her breath, studying the female that stood by her side. She was a rather pretty thing, Amaris would admit, with a gentle face and delicate eyes. Her eyes twinkled as she tried to hold off laughter, cheeks perking slightly as she spoke. Amaris listened on with amusement, nodding her head in agreement. Sad to say, it was nothing short of the truth. The Galaxy’s underbelly wasn’t particularly a female-oriented world; however, it generally worked to their advantage. “But believe me, the majority of them can take a hint.” Especially after a few broken fingers or the jamming of a blaster to the face.

“Fosu, not so much.” Amaris partially blamed his cologne’s fumes. While the perfume itself was relatively nice – she may have considered getting it for her brothers at a time – the fact that the man marinated in it, made Amaris cringe in disgust. Some guys just needed to learn that less was more. Sadly, she doubted that the human would ever learn – hell would definitely freeze over before he did. She knotted her brow, actually, now that she thought about it, didn’t she have some conversation with Fosu about that before?

She swirled the whiskey carelessly, eyes flicking from the clear liquid to the woman to her right. She clicked her tongue, laughing softly, “Well, nice to meet you, Sterina.” It was nice to finally meet someone with her head in the right place. She shot the drink back, a heavy sigh following the ‘clink’ of the empty glass against the countertop. Amaris spun her empty glass lazily on the counter, green orbs rolling to the human once more. She grinned, a wide smile that slightly narrowed her eyes. “Sure,” she started with a shrug, “Why not? The night is early and my glass empty.”

A small wink was thrown in Sterina’s direction, her hand shooting up into the air. “Hey, Yass; two more when you get the chance.” The bartender glance back at the unusual pair, a simple shrug thrown as a response. “You got it.” Came the throaty reply after a minute or two, his attention shifting to the man he was serving at the time.

Amaris shifted slightly, turned her back against the bar, her attention now focused on the red-head. “Truth be told, enjoying some R and R…” Though, she’d definitely would be needing more rest than just a simple night out. Amaris leaned lazily against the bar, balancing her weight on the heels of her boots. “Though, take it you’re new around here, babe?"

[Res]

She was fairly new on the Smugglers moon, if you call being there for almost two years. Sterina looked over at her new drinking buddy and smiled. She was liking the company at the moment. She hadn't found a friendly face in the bar aside from Yass yet. As Yass brought the new drink to the ladies the redhead downed the rest of her drink and clenched the other glass.

Alcohol for Sterina was like breathing oxygen for most species. She held onto the glass like it was her oxygen. Alcohol to Sterina was the only thing that hadn't betrayed her it was always there and tasted the same everytime she drank it. After she finished the staring contest she had with her glass she turned back to Amaris.

"Yeah im new, been trying to make it on my own. But trying to get work that doesn't involve the Hutt, is like pulling teeth from a rancor."

Sterina had beed trying to find work that didn't involve them, but it was true. It was more common to get shot then find work that didn't have some connection with one of the Hutt families. Taking a large gulp of the brownish liquid then swallowed. Though Amaris did have a point, it was harder for woman to be taken seriously in the smugglers world then men.

"Though hon, you do have a point. Woman as sexy as us, these guys only think of one thing when they see us. That would he… well most of the time they're not thinking really."

Sterina turned looking around at the bar. It was crowded more than normal but she really didn't pay attention to why. There were species from all over the galaxy and most of what they were saying were in Huttese which she spoke fluent. Turning her attention back to Amaris she smiled and felt her face flush looking into the Zelosians stunning green eyes.

[Reisier]

Well, Nar Shaddaa was the largest moon in the Hutt capital of Nal Hutta, so looking for a job where the Hutt’s didn’t have their grubby fingers in, was like looking for a fish that didn’t swim. It was difficult – though the Zelosian would prefer to call it impossible – a task that definitely couldn’t be achieved. Heck, it was more likely that Amaris would get involved with Fosu than Sterina would ever did find a job that didn’t involve, if ever so slightly, the notorious family.

Still, Amaris smiled brightly at the woman’s words, nodding her head lightly. “I’m sure you’ll find something to erm, fit your tastes soon enough.” Though, if it were her, she’d keep an open mind. There’s only so long someone can survive without credits in this moon, and Amaris was very familiar with this fact – sometimes a little too well.

“Just be careful around here – as good as some deals sound, sometimes it’s better to let them pass.” Some slavers, for instance, were particularly good at having people do their dirty deeds without realizing it. They’d ship people in boxes with a fake bottom – hell, she’d even heard of one sending four people in the sides of a speeder. Amaris rubbed her temples, poor sods, they were half-alive when the smuggler found them, was barely able to get them to a hospital. Last she heard they had done a full recovery, though the smuggler in question had disappeared without a trace.

Sterina’s voice exorcised the thoughts, forcing the Zelosian to look back once more. She chuckled brightly at the female’s explanation, taking a swing from her glass. “Well, not all men are like that, hon,” Amaris explained, “…some are dead.” The Zelosian shrugged, glass brought to her lips once again. She sipped her whiskey silently, smacking her lips as she swirled the liquid slightly. But a sudden grunt brought her to her senses, head propped against her hand. “Oy! I take offense to that.” The male bartender huffed, making Amaris throw a cheeky grin as a response.

“But, that rule excludes you, my dear Yass…”

And, well, she could think of a handful of others that could fit that list – including her brothers and father, of course – and yes, she was well aware that ‘not all guys are like that,’ but a lot of them could be described as annoying. Somehow, in the recesses of their mind some men failed to understand that tightening pants didn’t count as personal growth. Amaris’ eyes flicked to the woman besides her, eyes caught within each others once more. For a minute, the Zelosian’s attention never wavered, never failed, until she noticed something odd – a small blushing on the human’s face, though the reason, Amaris could only guess.

“Heh – should probably slow down with your drinking, hon. Don’t want it getting to you, now do we?” She winked, returning her attention to her own drink.

[Res]

Swirling the liquid in the bottom of the glass she clutched. She pondered what she was doing on the moon. She knew that she wouldn't get a job that was halfway decent without working against or for the Hutt. She would rather work for them rather steal from them.

She heard that one of her old crew mates double crossed a Hutt. So ever since then a bounty hunter has been after him. She just wanted to stay on the good side of them slugs. The easiest way she could think of was not getting involved at all. Breaking her train of thought Rina looked at the other woman.

"Thanks, I hope so too. You know, you're the first friendly face I've met here in quite sometime. Well aside from our friendly neighborhood bartender, Yass."

The redheaded woman smiled and placed her hand on Amaris' shoulder. Then she heard her say something about slowing down. She looked down once more and removed her hand. She doesn't pay attention anymore too how much she drinks. Since most of the time she is trying to drown her sorrows.

"Well isn't not like im going to be flying and drinking anytime soon."

The pirate quipped glancing up at Amaris smirking, trying to lighten the mood.

[Reisier]

“Eh, no worries.” Amaris added with a grin, “There are enough nice people in this moon, you just gotta know where to look.” And that was true. It was always a good idea to find out as much as possible about people you were going to deal with – and that’s usually where people like Yass came in handy. Hell, so many different kinds of people passed along these bars, that bartenders usually could stir you in the right direction as to who to engage with and who to avoid. Honestly, it was Yass that helped her get her footing in Nar Shaddaa; well, that and the fact that she had worked for Typhoon for many years.

Amaris eyes snapped towards Starina, a small laugh crossing her lips. “Yeah, you’ve got a point there.” Though, hopefully the woman didn’t have to wait that long. That is, to find a steady job. Heck, if Amaris had anything going on aside from Fosu’s run, she’d definitely offer it up to the girl.

She blinked.

Actually, that wasn’t a bad idea – after all, everyone had slow months and then there were the fast ones; when worked came so quickly and in such huge amounts that it was difficult to a single party to handle it all. Usually, when this was the case, smugglers helped each other out, spacing the work out to the best of their abilities. After all, what was the point of taking all of those jobs if you weren’t going to be able to complete them?

“What’s your area, Sterina?” Amaris questioned after a few seconds, leaning back haphazardly on her stool. The Zelosian’s fingers tapped happily against the wooden surface, free hand coiled steadily around the glass.

[Res]

The red head looked at the Zelosian and thought what type of work she dose. She hadn't been in the business very long and she had no idea what her niche was. She enjoyed salvaging from derelict ships that are abandoned. Also she liked the raids she did them with her mentor. She pondered for a few more moments before answering.

"I'm not sure really. I haven't figured out what I prefer. I like doing salvage work, its less messy but doesn't pay as much."

Sterina took a drink from her glass, with a clink set it back on the counter. She was enjoying the talk with the woman. The pirate might have finally found a friend other than the bartender. Rina placed her hand on Amaris' hand and smiled.

"I think I found a friend finally in the dump called a moon.'

Feeling her face heat up and she removed her hand. Placing it around her glass. Looking down at it she started to feel slightly embarrassed. She had never felt these feelings for anyone before. man or woman. Though she had never had a conversation for more than a couple moments. It was a quick back and fourth for a job and then they parted way until she finished the job.

The human slammed the rest of her drink which was about half and ordered another one. She wanted to forget the event that had just transpired. She had no idea what was going on, or how Amaris was going to respond to the gesture. She hoped that she wouldn't be off putting by it and shy away from the conversation or leave.

[Reisier]

“Salvage work?” Now that was a job she didn’t hear about often. Generally, Amaris came across bounty hunters and smugglers, mercenaries as well. And, well, the occasional criminal was not uncommon either. Truth be told, the Zelosian tended to stay away from the later; of course, that didn’t always work out for the woman.

The female leaned forward, arms jutted against the bar. She tilted her head slightly, eyes falling unto her companion. She furrowed her brow thoughtfully, a small smile crossing her lips. “Well, it’s honest,” usually, at least, “…and definitely will keep you from stepping on anyone’s toes,” most of the time anyway. There were exceptions to every rule, but out of all the available positions someone could come across in Nar Shaddaa, salvaging shipwrecks was definitely the safest. Less chance of getting shot, Amaris figured.

It was a strange warmth and gentle pressure on her hand that swayed Amaris’ attention. Where the Zelosian’s skin was unusually cool, the hand that skidded past hers was warm. It was a simple gesture that encompassed everything the young human felt at the moment, the thankfulness of finding a ‘friend,’ as she said. Amaris’ eyes locked on the subtle hand for a couple of seconds more, before Sterina’s hand recoiled away.

“Aye, you can say that.” Amaris chuckled, finding the young woman’s actions to be slightly adorable – comical even. “At the very least, you know someone that can give you some input about potential clients,” or she could ask Efad to find out more about them anyways. “…whatever rocks your boat, hon.” She shrugged, cup to her lips, draining her glass.

[Res]

The young woman sat examining the Zelosian. She was right with Amaris, she could find clients a little bit easier. Though she needed a crew still. Trying to rely on the scum to protect her and not try to take an extra cut was hard. Sterina sat for a moment and watched at Yass refilled her glass. She was feeling a little tipsy but she was fine.

"Thanks Amaris, Ive had the worst luck.

Taking a sip from her glass she looked down. She had bern away from Corellia for nearly two years. To add to it, she hadn't been in the Core for that long as well. The read head was afraid that her 'parents' would try and find her. It was heard that they hired someone to track her down but no concrete evidence has come up.

"So, I must know. How did you get suckered into this glamorous lifestyle?

[Reisier]

Amaris crossed her legs, the muscles of her back easing her into the back of her chair, fingers tracing the brim of her glass with disinterest. Green eyes studied the young woman as she continued to talk, never wavering except for the rare occasions when a familiar face would pass by. She rolled her foot slightly, a quirk that had been hers for years, and which generally made itself known when the Zelosian wasn’t particularly employed. The movement when undisrupted as the woman stirred, right arm draped lazily across the back of her seat – the hand hung silently to the side, swaying slightly by the mere pull of gravity.

For the most part, the conversation had dwindled slightly, though it wasn’t necessarily uncommon. Short discussions were common exchanges and sometimes, incredibly entertaining. Yet, as the woman continued to talk, Amaris couldn’t help but look up curiously at her companion. The Zelosian chuckled softly, fingers stopping their traveling, instead curled against the cool surface of glass. “Eh, no worries, bumble.” Amaris said, bringing the brim of the cup to her lips. “Luck isn’t something a lot of us have.” The cup was emptied, set on the bar. The woman visibly shuddered, a sigh rolling off her tongue, feeling as the golden liquid warmed her body from the inside out. It was a pleasant sensation, but sometimes came as a surprise.

“You know,” The woman continued with a wave, her once motionless arm waved through the air, “…what would a smuggling moon full of drunks, cigarras, kriffers, and bar fights be without a little bad luck?” She chuckled, heavy lids veiling her eyes, “It’s what gives this place it’s seasoning.” Otherwise, Nar Shaddaa could definitely be described as boring. Take away the gambling, take away the illicit substances, the drinking, the curious characters of this place, and the misadventures combining any of the above could bring, and you would be left with absolute stillness. Boring stillness, may she add. “Granted, we could use a little less of it at times.” But beggars can’t be choosers.

Amaris lifted a hand wearingly as Yass came around her glass, shortly after refilling Sterina’s own. She wasn’t worried about the drinking, there were few things that could affect the woman in that sense, but after so many glasses she could feel her throat becoming tight and dry. Amaris cleared her throat, rubbing her neck tentatively. It was the woman’s voice that made Amaris look up again, eyes locked into blue. She froze.

What had brought her to Nar Shaddaa?

Teeth pulled on her lower lip, brow furrowed in thought – it wasn’t common for her to talk about things of this nature. Generally, Amaris would simply disregard the question, but she didn’t have a good enough excuse to do so this time around. She smiled softly, if a little forced, a rolled shrug trying to hide her uncertainty. “The glitz and glamour.”

“It was always my dream to be covered in grease, smell like alcohol, and drink the night away in first-class establishments like this.”

“Damn straight.” The bartender piped mid-conversation with another patron, falling silent just as quickly. Amaris chuckled wryly, head tilted back, eyes locking on Sterina once more. She could see the questions that ran through her head, which honestly surprised the Zelosian. In her experience, her responses would generally be met with annoyance and eye rolls. Amaris smiled, flipping the cup upside-down on the table with a clink. “The non-exciting story though, I didn’t have the choice.” Green eyes watched as the few remaining droplets of alcohol that clung precariously to the side began to roll, squirming down the surface and dropping silently into the bar. “My family needed the money and I was going to help out, no matter the circumstances.”

Her eyes softened, closing lazily as a hand gently rubbed at them. “I didn’t even know what I was getting into.” She smiled, “I was just going to scrub tubs and mop floors – and before I knew it, here I was.” She tapped her fingers against the wooden surface, a rolling sound drowned by the loud voices and music that surrounded them.

“What about you, bumble – what brought you here?”

[Res]

Sipping the drink she held in her hand taking in every word the Zelosian was saying. She let out a chuckle as Amaris made the remark about the glitz and glamor of Nar Shaddaa. The Smugglers Moon was far from glitz, and there was nothing glamorous about the slime that populated it. Though she would have to admit she was glad she met Amaris. She was the one thing she enjoyed since coming to the Hutt controlled rock.

The question of how she ended up here in the Mid Rim hit the redhead. It wasn't somthing that she was proud of. She got a nervous look on her face, looking down at the counter. She knew she had to tell the truth to they woman. Her companion had been very nice talking to her and she had to be honest with her.

"Well its a long story, but i'll make it short. It started two years ago when my adoptive parents told me that my biological mother had died. All my life I never knew I was adopted, I had a suspected something. But when they told me that why I just left the house and never looked back."

Sterina paused for a moment so her drinking partner could absorb what she had said. It was a lot to take in and it wasn't over yet. It wasn't as honorable as Amaris having to work to take care of her family. Though it was one that needed to be told.

"After that I started to get into the pirate business. My first job with the group was to raid a transport with my adopted fathers product. After a while my parents had figured if they cut me off from my money I would returned. When they did, I worked even hard to get away so I bought a ship and made my way here."