Shogun Negotiations

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((This is a connecting thread for how Daryn became the pilot for the Mission to Shogun. NO ONE is to post here please. --btw, yes, this was from an IC discussion via IM services with Vexmun and PSF everything they do/say was done/said by them.))


Lia sat alone in the Ghost Star, the hangar it was nestled in silent as the calm before a storm. Her armor was off, in all possible interpretations, and she fiddled idly with her beads. It was around eleven at night and Daryn had left for the Ante Up after helping her install the port for his astromech to help him pilot the Star on their mission to Shogun. It had been a long, trying, and emotional day…and now she eschewed contact with any other living being. Just what had she done to get herself caught up in this whirl wind of activity and subsequent war? That was simple enough, she’d been passing by the HQ only a month ago while helping at the farm per her father’s request. She’d met a walking recruiting ad named Bane, and an affable cyborg named Ark, and she’d somehow managed to become attached…yes, her father’s death had prompted her joining. The need to find a steady source of income for the farm during the drought. It didn’t hurt that she had found out that her family was directly related to Ark. A heavy sigh escaped the young woman as she rested her head back against the seat, allowing it to hang over the edge of it rather than against the head rest. Green eyes closed half way as she gazed up at the ceiling.

Since she’d returned from the mission on Coruscant, the woman had found herself going through trials of patience, endurance, and spirit. Everything from having to deal with her injuries, the farm, a near nuclear meltdown between Mal and Daryn, getting to know Solus’ad (and everything THAT had entailed), and dealing with Daryn (and everything THAT had entailed). This left her with the particularly sticky question of: who do I pick? Another sigh and the profound silence pressed in on her ears once again. Unfortunately, this only made the reverberations of the words both men had spoken to her at the more easily heard once again as she pondered her position.

“Lia...I'm going Native...for you. It's not like I'm going to be selling it for profit.”

“It” was beskar. Yes, she had been making a deal between Mandalore and Daryn so that he might fly the Ghost Star to drop their teams on the planet, fly her off Shogun and back to the fleet without getting caught, just to pick them back up later. No, she wasn’t worried about Daryn’s skills as a pilot, what she was worried about was the journey there. Thinking back on the incident, Lia sighed.

She sat in the small galley of the Ante Up. As promised she’d contacted Solus’ad so the negotiations could take place, however, she’d had to use her ear piece to do so, acting as a relay between the mercenary smuggler and Mandalore seeing as the Ante Up’s com system wasn’t designated a “secure” signal and her ear piece and com link (given to her by the Spec Ops) was.

Why does everyone want to keep my kriffin ship?

She looked up at Daryn and sighed. How was she supposed to know exactly why?

Wow, this could get very interesting…I’m guessing he just wants to make sure you don’t do anything dumb since you’re not mando’ade…think of it as collateral. So do you wanna pilot us to Shogun or no? It would be a drop off and a pick up only.

…Didn’t ask just to be polite.

Lia huffed slightly. She HAD just asked. Shaking her head slightly she sighed and looked up at him.

That WAS me asking, but fine. Daryn, since you offered to pilot for us already, would you like to pilot the mission to Shogun?

Daryn rested his hands on his hips and she had to resist the urge not to roll her eyes at him.

What are the terms? Let’s break it down to hard credits. I also need an idea of what I’m flying into and how you want to run it.

Oh joy of joys, it was going to be fun to relay this message, and she eyed Daryn slightly as if to warn him not to get a smart mouth in anything she would have to relay.

He’d like to know what the terms are and –quote- “break it down to hard credits.” And he also needs to know what he’s flying and how we’re running it.

Terms are 10,000 credits, all in advance. Or we can trade him an equivalent amount in Beskar. Once the mission is through he’ll immediately return to the fleet with the Ghost Star and he will be free to go on his way with his rewards. He’ll be piloting a stealth enhanced freighter in the dark of night through a hot zone and avoid enemy detection. He will then drop two sticks of men at two separate zones, then proceed to exit the system without alerting the enemy of our presence.

Lia couldn’t help but to sigh inwardly as she relayed the information. This was tedious work being the go-between for Mandalore and Daryn, but it needed to be done. Daryn’s next question confused her, making her tilt her head to the side slightly.

He’s wondering how much processed beskar can be gotten for 10,000 credits.

It took several minutes for the reply, and her fingers drummed quietly along the surface of the metal table she and Daryn sat at.

100 pounds of processed beskar. It would be more transportable than 10,000 credits. It would easily fit in the hold, or the smugglers cache on even a star fighter.

Question…why not use my ship? It’s registered in the Republic and will raise less red flags. Plus…better sensors and jamming. Only problem is space…but if you Mando’ade don’t mind getting comfy with your buddies…could probably make it fit.

Hold please.

She cut the sound on her ear piece as she looked at Daryn.

He suggests the beskar. “It would be easier to transport”…and have you seen the new stats on the Star, Daryn?

She pulled a datapad from her belt and slid it over to him to look over.

I’m figuring the beskar too…Question on the Star…who else is going to be acting as crew? My ship requires me and House…which means no strange Mandalorians to account for if, on the off chance, we got stopped after the infiltration. Yours requires 2-3 people.

Itani would be the only other one who I pilot her with; unfortunately, you’d have to run her on your own, though I could likely call one of my clan.

Hence the recommendation of my ship. No other Mandos to get pinched if I get picked up. I’m just sayin’. Lia, you can vouch, I’m not going to belly up or leave you hanging…but my ship doesn’t scream “Mandalorian” or look like it’s wanting to fight a one-ship war. If you are adamant on using the Star, it’s your choice, but I’d recommend adding a port in so House can act as copilot.

And the price is 150 pounds, processed Beskar.

Lia sighed heavily as she switched the mic to her headset on once again.

He’s askin’ to use the Ante Up, and raising the price to 150 pounds.

He’ll use the Ghost Star, and we can find another pilot if we have to. If he’s looking for a little extra, offer him a safe haven on Mandalore and Concord Dawn. If he runs into trouble in his travels, he’s welcome to park it for as long as he needs to at either location.

She could all but hear the grin in Solus’ad’s voice as he stated that the Star would be used and another pilot could be found. This…had to be one of THE worst conversations she’d ever had, even in her own negotiating of prices.

Relaying.

Once again she silenced her side of the conversation.

Nope, we’re usin the Star, and he’s not haggling…price and ship stay. Cant say I blame him though, we DO have a very LARGE cyborg coming with us. Only other bonus, he’s offering safe haven on Mandalore planet and Concord Dawn. You get into trouble you can come to either place and have a stay for as long as needed.

125 best offer and you install the interface for House. Less questions in a pinch. He’s got to remember, I’m not Mando’ade, I’m a merc and I’ve got my professional pride. You never take the first offer…AND I’m doing something that might very well make Mandalore and Concord Dawn the ONLY places I can go. 125 is cheap for treason.

Lia disagreed with his reasoning. Professional pride should have little to do with it, and if he wasn’t careful he was going to end up making a lot of Mandalorian enemies. With a slight glare she flipped the sound back on.

Okay, he’s asking for the interface for his astromech Full House to be installed on the Star, which I don’t mind as it means one less pilot…and he’s asking for 125 pounds because –quote- “I’m doing something that might very well make Mandalore and Concord Dawn the ONLY places I can go. 125 is cheap for treason.”

Luckily for Italia, she had muted her ear piece once more…and not a moment too soon. She had stood up, pacing around slightly when Daryn had sidled up beside her and playfully squeezed her…rear.

We could double up on bunks?

He had winked at her, but his look had only received a glare in return after she jumped nearly out of her skin at his grabbyness. Rounding on him she barely kept herself from throwing a punch in his direction.

You WILL NOT do anything like this in front of the others, got it?

So the doubling up on bunks is a go?

He sounded entirely too hopeful. His dreams were about to be dashed yet again.

No to that also.

Just then Mandalore started to speak again.

He’ll receive 100 pounds of beskar, no more, a Mandalorian Disruptor, and safe haven if he gets himself into trouble with the Republic, Sith, or Criminal Factions.

Well, this was getting to the end of it it seemed. Sol wasn’t willing to budge on the beskar, not that she blamed him, beskar was something you typically had to earn through rights of passage for making new armor, or had to be given with special permission.

So…the parting kiss for good luck is out too then?

Damn man actually pouted! With a glare she brought the sound back up just long enough to speak.

Relaying

She swiftly muted it again.

That’s right…here’s his final offer: 100 pounds beskar, a mandalorian disruptor, and safe haven from all factions: Republic, Sith, or Criminal.

The man almost looked affronted. Italia wondered why for a moment…until he un-holstered his blaster and held it up that was. That had been when she’d remembered.

I prefer to play with toys that DON’T disintegrate, remember? Got no reason for the disruptor, even with the potential retail value.

She sighed and shook her head slightly.

Yes, I remember. That, however is…hold on, maybe I can figure something else out…there’s something he brought up to me…he uses a stun weapon, so the disru…

She’d switched on the sound once more and no sooner had she started talking to Mandalore again than Daryn started in over her.

Is his final offer? I understand that, but, once again, him being Mandalore doesn’t mean so much to me as it does to you. Still talking treason here.

The frustrated Mando’ika held up an impatient hand to silence him.

I know, I know, I’m talking to him…the distuptor isn’t the best thing to offer him. Perhaps there’s something else…(what would be useful to you? Other than the beskar I mean…)

I’m just a hired gun, Lia. Just looking for money.

Oh his sarcasm was going to kill her one of these days. Putting her hands on her hips, the woman gave Daryn a “don’t give me that bull” look.

Mandalore and Concord Dawn as safe haven regardless of who he pisses off in the galaxy is worth far more than 10.000 credits alone. Tell him he can sell the disruptor if he wants, and that it’s my final offer.

A half sarcastic, half irritated look crossed her face for a moment.

Yes, I thought so. Hold on.

Muting her head set, she rounded on Daryn once more.

Daryn, I’m trying to negotiate between you two…and that’s his absolute final offer. He has a point that having safe haven on our two strong holds from whomever might be after you is worth more than 10.000 credits…I would like something to be worked out here, but you’re not helping me much. Heh…besides…I’m already on the Republic “wanted dead” list for Coruscant. Even just talkin’ to me could have ya in hot water.

She sighed and folded her arms across her chest. Why in the name of Manda was he being so stubborn about all of this?! It should have been simple! If he’d been Mando’ade he would have jumped at the chance, and even most other people would have jumped at the chance to have a favor like that owed to them! What was WRONG with this man??

And my point is that, yes, Lia…I care for you a lot. Probably a lot more than an aruetii should for a mando’ika…especially considering there’s any manner of mando’ade willing to rip out my spleen for feeling that way. I don’t want you there, but I respect your decision and am willing to help you out, even though it’s likely to make me seen as a traitor to all I know and grew up with. If the roles were reversed, and he was asked to do something against your people, even if it was right, ask him if he thinks he’d be asking too much? 110 pounds, haven…

His arms folded over his chest, almost defiantly.

…and the ability to actually live like something other than an aruetii if something goes wrong. Something that would allow me to not get killed if I took a liking to, say, a random, red-headed Mandalorian mercenary and wanted to show it.

Lia pulled an odd face, half closing one eye and blushing slightly in her embarrassment. Oh this was getting very sticky, very fast.

That can be had Daryn, if you join the culture. I’ll ask but…the more you press the less likely he’ll be to grant you anything…I’ll ask though.

She almost hesitantly flipped on the sound again.

He’s asking for 110 pounds, haven and “the ability to live like something other than aruetii” if he needs to tak up that offer. I suggested joining the culture…he…

Honestly…imagine me being Mando’ade?

…he seems to be thinking about it oddly enough…The thing is, until that time, if it comes, he’d want to know he could live here or on Mandalore without being persecuted, or treated as an outsider, or killed if he fell in love with someone of our heritage. Hold on, he’s…um…

By this time he was kissing her throat and whispering into her free ear.

Closest I’m ever going to be to fitting in to the Mandalorian culture is during the warm, cuddly afterglow when you and I are in my bunk. You honestly think I could be Mando?

Lia had to find a way to get the ear piece muted…subtly.

We’re discussing negotiations. Hold on.

With a soft beep the sound was muted once more and she relaxed slightly in his arms.

I don’t see why you couldn’t? Killing is not our way of life. It’s the challenge and acceptance of death that are. I really don’t see why you couldn’t be one of us.

How about I just take the 100 pounds…and you?

He grinned as he changed the topic. To Lia, it was obvious he was just teasing her once again.

Huh?! I…don’t think I can relay that message to him Daryn.

Tell him his assumption that he would be persecuted for joining our culture offends me. The amount of beskar is nonnegotiable. The Beskar of our world is sacred to us. 100 pounds. No more.

Italia was swift to realize her mistake, and silenced Daryn as she unmuted her ear piece.

No, no…he doesn’t think that he would be persecuted for joining the culture. How do I always manage to misphrased things…I meant he’s been persecuted for NOT being part of the culture. I’ve seen it already, when he came to Concord Dawn and was trying to get his ship fixed after he came out of hyperspace in the middle of a dog fight between our navy and some pirates and got caught in the crossfire. He needed his ship repaired and they were charging him double what it should have been.

They did, huh?

There was silence on Solus’ad’s end for a long moment. During the break, she muted her head set again and prompted Daryn to say whatever it was he’d been trying to say earlier before she silenced him.

I was asking “why not?” I need something worth turning my back on my culture for…and that price seems right.

I um…because I’m not up for barter. I should hit you for that.

Italia had to try hard not to smile up at him as he gave her the most pathetic (and adorable) “puppy dog eyes.”

You don’t like me?

Curse him a thousand times, in a thousand ways, for a thousand years! Why did he have to be so gorram adorable when he wanted to be?!

T-that’s not it at all! I’m a woman, not something to be bartered, and it was wrong for you to even suggest such a thing!

She swiftly turned her back on him before he could do any more damage to her ego and frustration with those cute looks he was giving her. Instead, he opted to pull her back against him and kiss her hair. Internally she cursed him again.

You know it wasn’t meant like that. But I would like you…the option of being able to be with you…without having to hide it or expect someone to try and pound me into mush.

Would you be willing to join the culture if I could get you reassurance that you wouldn’t be persecuted during the process?

As if on cue, Solus’ad’s chuckle sounded over her ear piece and she stiffened slightly.

Ask him what exactly he wants.

Daryn grinned and she automatically muted the sound again. She knew that look, it meant there was some smart remark coming.

That mean I can grab yer arse in public then? And only get beaten by you?

…And there it was.

Yes, if you did join the culture you could. I still wouldn’t recommend it…HIGHLY wouldn’t recommend it as there are still some characters who just don’t see fit doing that in public, but the numbers would be vastly decreased.

Her tone was that of a long suffering martyr, prepared to take yet another blow for the good of the people. He turned her around and brought his head down to kiss her. It was slow and passionate, and he held it for just long enough that when he slipped away from her, she needed to take a moment to breathe.

110 and that…and your Mandalore has a deal. Tell him that’s my final offer.

”That” being what exactly of what I said? And 100. Daryn, beskar is sacred, we can’t just go giving bundles of it out like you’re asking.

Green eyes searched his face quietly for a moment.

Lia…I’m going Native…for you. It’s not like I’m going to be selling it for profit. You have things to prepare. Let me know if the Big Man is ready to deal in the morning.

She blinked dumbly at him for a moment before finding her voice again.

…I um…ho—hold on…o-okay.

His hand cupped the back of her head as he pulled her into another kiss, holding it for a long moment before finally relinquishing it and heading off to his cabin as she stood there stunned for a moment longer. She was too stunned to do or think much about anything…even the kiss.

Okay Daryn…I’ll…I’ll talk to him and tell you in the morning.

With that she unmuted her earpiece again as she left the Ante Up, closing the ramp behind her and locking it.

I think he’s going to the 100. He said he would, but…it’s…well, this is all becoming very complicated. I think…I need to speak to you in person. Is that alright?

She ran a hand over her face as she climbed up onto the swoop bike. Lia waited until she had an okay from Solus’ad before clicking off her com and heading in the direction of the base.

((end part 1))

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia sighed again. The sheer darkness of the hangar only vaguely illuminated by the various keys and lights of the read out and control consol that lay spread out before her. Oh how she wanted to just fly off into space and leave all of these troubles behind her…to not care who felt what for her, or what she felt for whom. That wasn’t the case though. The young woman was too proud, too concerned for the feelings of both men, that her honor and sense of right kept her bound…kept her from simply turning tail and running. A small, slender, hand worked its way through her lengthening auburn locks as yet another sigh escaped her. She seemed to be doing a lot of that lately, sighing, but at least she knew why. There was a lot weighing on her mind…the mission to Shogun, the farm and her family, the two men who she found she had feelings for, and who seemed to return those feelings…just in different ways.

Daryn was feisty, swift in mind, had a red hot passion, and was sometimes as sweet and caring a man as anyone could ever want. He had a mouth though…and his cocky attitude tended to get him INTO more trouble than it got him OUT of. That was a concern for her…a big one. Mandalorians didn’t take well to people who ran their mouths without something to back up their claims, and while blunt opinions were valued at times, his mouth went beyond opinions. There was also, now, the concern of him becoming mando’ade. His wish to not kill was admirable, and though their culture did not call for them to kill needlessly, they were called to kill in times of war, to protect their families, to protect their honor, and so on. He would have to learn this also, and in the end, he would eventually need to take a life if he were to stay Mandalorian. The fact that he was willing to TRY, however, spoke volumes about just how deeply he felt for her.

That brought her back to just after she had arrived back here at the base.

That comforting baritone called for her to enter as she paced back and forth in nothing more than her regular clothing. There had been no armor today…not physically anyway, and even now her emotional and mental armor was eroding at a disturbing rate. No sooner had she entered his spartan room than she started speaking, her skin still pale from the shock of what Daryn had said earlier.

H-he said that he’s not going to be selling the beskar for profit…h-he…he wants to be Mando’ade…f-for me. His asking is 110…I told him it would only be 100 though.

Italia was still far too stunned to be anything more than blunt, even as she stumbled over her own words. There was little doubt in the woman’s mind that she was looking like a complete fool right now, and not even making any sense…hell, she didn’t even know what he was doing right now since she’d not bothered to notice as she continued to pace like some trapped and frightened animal.

You know what this means Mando’ika…his heart is set on you.

His voice was calm, steady. It soothed her enough to stop her pacing, emerald eyes closing as she nodded silently, the strands of beads that bound her hair clicking together. How was it that no matter what he could help calm her? She felt that if the very galaxy decided to fall apart and they were facing their death before the very horrors of hell, he would still be able to calm her just by speaking to her?

…Yes…I know…I…just don’t even…I’m torn on what to feel.

She sat down on one of the three chairs in the room and shook her head slightly, not even bothering to look at him. Italia didn’t want to know what she would see in his eyes, not this time…she was too afraid that she would see sadness, perhaps pity there. The little flame did not want to see either. Suddenly she felt the reassuring weight of his hand settle on her shoulder.

I wish I could tell you what to feel, Lia, but that’s yours to do alone.

She hung her head a bit further.

I know, but see…here’s the problem…I like him but…I also…Ialsolikeyou.

That typically strong voice had diminished over the course of the broken sentence, those last words running together in her embarrassment.

I’m not an utreekoy Italia. It would be your honor you grant me to be your man…and a great honor it would be, but that is your choice. You have Mandokar, Italia. The way in which you give it…is your own.

She sighed heavily, both upset that she had prompted him to state that he was not utreekoy, and pleased that he had complimented her. He thought that she had Mandokar, that it would be a great honor to be her man and that…suddenly made her pause. There was no outward sign of shock at his words. Italia was far past that…but inwardly she was just as stunned, if not more so, to realize that he did return her feelings...he did, didn't he? Knowing how confused she felt over what Daryn had said, she didn't feel she could make a proper interpretation of his words. After a long moment she felt it safe to speak without making a fool of herself.

I wasn’t trying to offend. I just…I need time to think things over…I’m…

Oh how she hated the ability to cry. Even now she felt hot tears filling her eyes over the emotional turmoil she was feeling, the distress that came with knowing that she could hurt either, or both, men with her actions. She refused to cry, however, there was no use in crying over this since crying wouldn’t help anything. After a moment she seemed back to normal, but inside she was still wracked with a type of uncertain guilt for things she had yet to do or not do.

…I’m uncertain to the right path…I’m sorry…

She found herself apologizing to him. Why? Perhaps it was for whatever decisions she hadn’t made yet and would need to make soon. After a moment she found his arms wrapped around her, holding her reassuringly, and she wrapped her arms around him as well, the tips of her fingers pressing lightly into his back as she clung to him slightly.

A wise soldier once told me that the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself. I’m saying, the path will be clear to you when the time is right.

She pressed her face into his shoulder lightly and huffed a deep sigh.

I truly hope so Sol…I really, truly, do.


....There was the other half of the coin.

Solus'ad, though twice her age, had a way about him, an unerring calm, that eased the young woman's worries or fears and helped focus and control that fire in her. He was dynamic, one moment kind and gentle, almost uncertain in his sweetness, the next he was stern and cold only to suddenly blaze to life with the same fiery spirit she held moments later. There was also so much they had in common, and not just in their culture, but in their history. They had both grown up farmers, both had lost the one that had taught them to be Mandalorian, both had been mercenaries (she still saw herself as one, but less and less each day). He wasn't perfect, however, and she knew it. Age was the largest problem here. Sol was easily old enough to be her father...in fact, her father hadn't been much older. She was still in her youth, there was still so much she hadn't done in her life and she still had so much to learn, he had the wisdom that tended to come with age. She would out live him more likely than not. He was also Mandalore. That alone should have been enough to frighten her away from trying to get emotionally close to him. How would it look, what would it mean to his honor and his position to be seen with one so young? Or even if she had been older, with one that held so little noticeable honor? Like with Daryn right now, they wouldn't be able to show their affections in public, not often anyway, and even then only subtly. It didn't help that he was a dangerous man, one who was willing to do anything and everything for his people. She understood, and she approved, but the knowledge was...mildly disturbing.

Lifting her head, the young woman felt (at that moment) years older. She often did when she allowed that mask of youth and good humor slip away. Shutting off the rest of the power to the control panel, Lia stood and stretched slightly before pacing back toward her cabin. Everything was in order now, all she had to do was wait. It would be morning soon and everyone would be arriving. Keying in the code to her door, the stoic young woman entered, showering swiftly before re-dressing herself and laying down.

What in the world was she supposed to do when she couldn't decide? How would she be able to decide? WHEN?

All these thoughts and more plagued her as she slowly, and finally, drifted off to sleep. It was going to be a long couple of days.

[projectsunfire]

Solus'ad had lugged his gear down to the Star Early to avoid the hustle his troops might have made. Or so he told himself. There were any number of reasons why he'd come so late in the evening. Perhaps he wanted to get his gear stowed and get to know the ship better. Perhaps he wanted to get more familiar with the ship, or where he'd be sleeping. Perhaps he was madly in love with something wonderfull. Perhaps he wanted to face his the source of those feelings.

Perhaps... Perhaps it was none of these things... All of these things.

One thing was for sure, it was boldness that drove him.

All was quiet in the Hangar, and his eyes strayed to the overlooking balcony where he and Italia had had their conversation about the Ghost star weeks before. With a heavy sigh that seemed to echo dully in the darkenned hangar he made his way to one of the landing struts near the loading ramp. He set his gear down with a thud and searched for the Ghost Stars "Ringer."

The console was clearly marked, though the paint had been worn from exposure. Her new hull gleamed a dull metalic. Oddly enough they had left the console alone. He puzzled out how it made sense to leave ordinary systems intact, considering Italia had been observing the Ghost Stars transformation.

He buzzed the ships coms system to let Italia know there was somone at her loading ramp wanting to get in. He ran wrapped his knuckles against the hull testing it to be sure the engineering crew hadn't goofed. Satisfied with the way things were looking he gave the buzzer another push and leaned against the landing strut next to his armor, and crossed his arms. Closeing his eyes gently he began to prepare himself mentally for the next few days. He'd have quite a situation on his hands. Italia Firians, and Daryn Double Damn Dare. He heaved a heavy sigh, and waited for the ramp to lower.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia had fallen into a fitful sleep.

What she NEEDED was rest, but that certainly wasn't what she got. Her dreams tended to be precocious, toying with her mind in some of the worst ways, and tonight was no different. It tended to happen to her right before a big job, she got the jitters, she got the dreams, end of story. It was different this time around, however. Typically her dreams only involved herself...this time...oh no, this time it was different.

She was hunting, out on Dxun. Lia recognized the place...it was the same place she'd had a tussle with that boma. She was ready for it this time though, her mind already prepared to take down the beast. She was stronger, smarter, older and more experienced...she didn't even have to be armed this time around, she was ready. The auburn waited for the beast to come, but it didn’t…this in itself was odd, so she moved on from the area cautiously. Unarmed save for her rifle, she crept quietly through the dense jungles, wary of every shadow looking for her prey, waiting for it to attack, but still it didn’t. Growing more wary by the moment, she slung her feather, bead, shell, tooth, horn, tusk, and leather decorated rifle over her shoulder, the short charms clinking gently against the barrel of the weapon as it hit the back of her light armor.

Swiftly scaling a tree, she moved through the canopy, the jungle around her eerily quiet. It wasn’t until she heard a series of loud cracks like weapons fire and shouting that she paused. Hearing two voices above the others, she found that she recognized them…that didn’t please her one bit either. Practically bounding through the trees now, Italia moved like some wild animal among the branches, her body shifting and contorting to allow her easy passage through the mass of twisted branches and vines, her muscles and mind working to keep her balance and find her next footing. She would slip under one branch simply to leap over another, grabbing hold of the branch above it and swing herself through a net of thick vines and scrabble to find her footing on the other side as she was forced to find a way around the trunk of the tree and to the next. Drawing nearer to the voices, she began to recognize a third voice and swiftly dropped to the ground, rolling to a stand and whipping her rifle from over her shoulders and wrapping the strap of the weapon around her forearm.

Skidding to a stop just before the edge of the clearing she peered through the brush. Sure enough, the Ghost Star lay settled on its struts there, two men bound, kneeling before a third, behind whom the old crew of the Ghost Star stood…the body of a fourth man laying on the ground not far away.

Rish!! No!

“Not again” she thought, as she darted into the clearing, her rifle already firing its heavy slugs into the bodies of the former crew. Even out numbered as she was by her vod (yes, most of them were mandalorian), Italia hardly cared. She recognized the garish red coat and the silver and black armor even as she leapt out of the way of the incoming fire. Landing in a sliding crouch, the young firebrand was already charging the six men who were still alive as the man standing (one of her worst memories of her time on the Star) shouted his orders for them to attack her. The thick butt of her rifle connected with the nose of the first man she came to, a man who used to be her friend, sending his nose back into his brain and killing him with a wet gurgle as red flew through the air while he fell. The barrel of that well used weapon was thrust backward and the trigger pulled, the slug exploding into the gut of the man who had tried to come at her from behind.

She didn’t even want to know who it was.

Two down, four to go.

Speaking of two, the twins came at her hesitantly from either side. Even in her dreams they didn’t want to fight her…even in her dreams it would be their undoing. She waited, they dove for her, she launched herself forward and heard them collide behind her.

I’m sorry…

Spinning, she fired twice and they flew away from her awkwardly, the twin projectiles entering their heads making crimson blood spray across her white and blue armor. The sorrow, the pain and anger….the hate….boiled up in her once more. Then she saw it…the remaining two had been called back, holding their guns to the back of Daryn’s and Solus’ad’s heads. THAT stopped her in her tracks. Green eyes flickered between the bound men and the one standing there, now cackling his pretty zeltron head off. God she hated zeltrons…and this man was the start of that hate.

Ixor…

His name came out as more of a snarl than an intelligible word, but it got the point across…she LOATHED him. She took one dangerous step forward and he stepped back, holding up a hand.

“Woah there Babe…you twitch another muscle and their heads pop off. Hell, I could be Mandalore if I wanted, right now…”

DON’T….call me babe…

She snarled at him again, like some feral beast, her armor still dripping with the blood from those she’d just killed. The feral woman gripped her weapon, training it ever so slightly on the man she hated so, SO much. In her reality, Ixor hadn’t noticed her movements, here however, he did. One finger raised and with a harsh and sickening sound, and a strangled cry of pain, Daryn fell to the ground. Italia was stunned…her eyes wide with pain, no sound able to escape her throat though she wished it could. Her grip on the weapon failed and it slid from her grasp, her arm being pulled down by its weight, making her stumble forward slightly. Horror gripped her as she looked up to see the second finger rise. She watched, as if in slow motion, the man’s finger pull the trigger. The loud thunking of metal on metal sounded in her ears as she watched Solus’ad fall against the metal ramp of the Star, an odd buzzing ring sounding in her ears.

Solus’ad!

NO!

She had sat up, that last word ripping from her throat and leaving her panting, tears clouding her vision as the end of that second notification died away.

”The com?...Who would be here so late?...Why now of all times?!

Blinking around, she scrambled out of bed, beads swinging wildly around her as she stumbled and crashed unceremoniously to the floor in her disorientation from the nightmare. Panting, she untangled herself from her sheets, struggling for a moment with them like a trapped animal.

Comin’! I’m comin’! Hold on! …..gorramit….

Finally freeing herself from the heap of sheet and blanket, she scrambled to her feet, heedless of the fact that it might not have been the best idea to meet a guest in short shorts and a cut off teeshirt. Grabbing her rifle (the very same one she had used in the dream), she jogged down the corridor and slammed her hand against the ramp control, stepping forward cautiously. By the time he would be able to see her, that large rifle barrel would be aimed directly at him, her face still holding some the lingering emotions from the dream, stained with tears and lightly beaded with sweat.

It took those wild, jungle green, eyes a moment to recognize him…but she did recognize him. Lowering the rifle slowly, she wondered if this was another dream. Blinking at him, the fear and uncertainty, the emotional pain, everything that she hid with that mask of hers, was plainly visible in every line of her. She barely dared to breathe for fear that something new, something worse, might happen to him and she would be powerless to do anything about it. Jumping slightly at nothing but a figment of her hearing, Lia glanced back into the darkness of the Star as if expecting someone, or someones, to appear there, her grip on the rifle tightening once again. Nothing.

Shaking her head to try and clear her thoughts, or calm herself, or…something…she turned back to that older, and very welcome, man. Not moments before, her mind had her believing him to be dead, murdered at the whim of a madman that she’d never been able to kill. Seeing him alive and safe now, here, had her resisting the urge to leap at him and cling to him until he begged for air. At that, a nervous chuckle escaped her and an uncertain attempt at a smile played across her face for a moment. Motioning for him to enter, she glanced around the empty hangar and sighed heavily.

Sol…you’re a sight for sore eyes…come in. What…what brings you ‘round here so late?

There wasn’t even an attempt at a joke, one didn’t even occur to her until the moment had passed, and she stepped back into the ship. It was then that she noticed just what she was clothed in. -Wow, what a way ta make an impression lass. Blue short shorts and a grey cut off…well I hope he likes battle scars. GORRAMIT! He’ll be able to see the boma scar!- Of the myriad of markings that now lined her skin after ten years of being a mercenary and the Coruscant mission, the boma scar from her nearly failed verd’goten was the only one she was truly worried about. It stretched nearly the length of her back, and was easily visible due to the high cut of the shirt. Honestly, she was ashamed of it…and to have him see it. Well, she just didn’t even want to think of it.

I’m sorry ‘bout not gettin’ here faster, then pointin’ my rifle at you, but I uh…you kinda woke me up from a pretty nasty dream…-scared the o’sik outta me…-I nearly didn’ know you were even here.

She clawed lightly at the back of her head, beneath that auburn hair, trying to rid herself of an itch she wasn’t entirely sure was really there…perhaps it was just nerves.

[projectsunfire]

The ramp lowered slowly with the hiss of hydrolics. He reached down and hoisted his gear over his shoulder. When he looked back up he realized he was looking down the barrel of a modified Czerka Corporation Semi -automatic Outland Rifle, with a N4 NightMight removeable scope, and a set of beads that dangled from the foregrip. "Nice rifle!" He exclaimed with a huge grin.

She sure knew how to show a guy a good time. His grin was broad, touching the corners of his eyes, makeing his crows feet show. "Permission to come aboard Lt. Firians." His barritone voice was flirtatiously playfull in its tone, though he stood there a trigger squeeze away from a slug to the chest.

"Sol…you’re a sight for sore eyes…come in. What…what brings you ‘round here so late?" He slowly made his way up the ramp pondering his answer. There were so many reasons. His booted feet clumped dully against the metal of the ramp as he ascended. His gear laiden heavy against his back.

He crested the ramp, and set down his gear as she apologized for takeing aim at him. "It was my own fault for coming so late. I should have just stayed in my quarters. Problem is that I'm a bit too excited to sleep just yet. I've been looking forward to this for months. It'll get worse before we actually jump." He sighed,

"I was hopeing I could find a place to bed down here, maybe sleep next to the engine or something. Get a feel for the place. Every ship has a different feel." He lifted his arms up and gripped the rim of the bulkhead with his hand, and stretched. His back popped and he huffed contentedly. "I mean, after all it was just two weeks ago that you introduced the two of us." He leaned slightly there at the threshold of the ship. His eyes observeing Italia closely.

Solus'ad wasn't sure if she really slept in shorts and a tee, but it looked nice on her. He stifled the lustfull fantasies frolicking through his head for his own sanities sake. For the breifest of moments he wondered if she was cold, until he remembered his own experiences out in the black. Cold was just something you got used to.

He smiled, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Bad dreams, huh? Well, I have the cure for that." He reached over and pressed the button to close the loading ramp of the Ghost Star and picked up his gear. The ramp closed behind them as Sol lead the way over to the modest mess. He took a seat at the metal table, laying his gear down next to him with a long exhale.

"We'll need a couple cups." He said as he reached into his kit bag and pulled out a bottle of Mandalorian Wine. He set it on the metal table with a thunk. He drew a small dagger from his boot and broke the seal. Casually and quietly he slid it back into its sheath, and he brought the bottles lip to his nose and he smelled. "I was planning on openning this after Shogun, but I started considering local food and drink might be more of an adventure."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

She was blushing.

How could she not when he was there so late, and she was so scantily clad?

“Nice rifle!”

Heh…yeah…I…I suppose…

His flirtatious voice was not lost on her even as she lowered her rifle and moved back into the ship. It started as a light pink flush along the tops of her cheeks, slowly working along the tops of her ears. His silence to her question only caused her cheeks to grow a little more heated, the red creeping up even as he answered. As he spoke she moved away into the shadows of the ship, unlocking a weapons holder and stowing her rifle, a bubbly giggle escaped her as he spoke.

…like a little kid…

It was more to herself than him as she closed the compartment again with a snap and clicked the lock closed again. That slowly diminishing blush rose up again, the back of her neck reddening now as he mentioned staying the night on the Star. Well, ‘bed down’ was the term he used…and oh how she wished he hadn’t used that term. It conjured up all kinds of images that just were NOT appropriate to be having about the man behind her.

BEHIND HER?!

Oh holy hell…my scar!

Lia spun on the spot, her hands coming behind her and gripping each other, her one foot coming behind the other. In a child it would have been seen as cute, bashful even, but as an adult, the pose took a slightly less…innocent…look. Certainly it was still one of embarrassment, but with her shoulders pulled back the way they were and her legs twisted in such a way, it only managed to look flirtatious, emphasizing her curves as she attempted to hide the scar along her back. He was there, stretched upward, arms above him as he half hung there, half stood there. Emerald eyes took him in, all of him, and she chewed on the inside of her bottom lip as she watched him watching her. A flicker of a smile came and went, the fears of the dream ebbing away in the presence of Solus’ad.

Again she had to keep herself from simply moving…acting on sheer impulse. She wanted to go over to him, to just be close to him as a form of comfort. Maybe that was all she wanted, maybe she wanted more, well…yes she did want more, but she wouldn’t allow herself to even consider those thoughts seriously. “There’s no way it would work” she would tell herself… “He’s just not interested that way” she would tell herself… “you’re reading too much into it” she would tell herself. Maybe she was right, but something in the back of her mind just kept telling her she was wrong.

Bad dream, huh? Well, I have the cure for that.

Lia raised her eyebrows at him, curious. He raised the ramp and led the way toward the Star’s small galley. Seating himself on one of the two benches along either side of the rectangular metal table, he set his gear down and asked for a couple of cups. Even more curious now, she tilted her head to the side before shrugging and moving away and around the table to the cabinets beside the sink and dish sanitizer. Opening the top cabinet, she stretched up and grabbed two of her more favored clay mugs. They weren’t large, and they certainly weren’t what most would consider ‘classy’…they were earthy, eclectic, flawed because they’d been made by mortal hands, not machines. Lowering herself from her tip-toes, she turned in time to see him sheath his dagger and smell the bottle in his hands. Eyeing the bottle curiously, she already knew it was wine, but upon closer inspection, she found that it was Mandalorian wine.

Oddly enough, despite being mando herself, Italia had never really had the chance to try this particular spirit. She certainly wasn’t new to drinking, and she knew the wine when she saw it, but wine (to her at least) was for special occasions…she rarely found herself drinking wine for that reason alone. Setting one mug down in front of him, she pondered a moment on just where she should sit…or IF she should sit at all. The poor emotionally confused woman wanted nothing more than to tell the big lug (affectionately of course, though she’d never admit it) to move over and sit down beside him. Instead, she shifted slightly and sat down across from him.

I was planning on opening this after Shogun, but I started considering local food and drink might be more of an adventure.

That could be taken entirely too many different ways…of course, the first thing that ran through her mind: celebration. Second thought: date. Shoving that thought to the back of her mind, she tilted her head to the side a tad and blinked at him, lacing her fingers together and resting her chin on the tops of them.

Sol, that should have been saved…we might all need it after Shogun. Besides, wine is like champagne…it should be used for celebrating, not easing a silly girl’s fears. Anyway, feel free to stay here if you like…I’ve enough bunks for now, and it might be best for you to pick your place early since I doubt you’ll be wanting to double up.

She sighed slightly and looked around at the small galley.

She wasn’ made for ten and a cyborg…hell, eight’s a crowd in here but…oh well.

Lia smiled slightly.

You sound like you’re certain we’re gonna win Shogun, talkin’ about their food an’ drink like we’ll be able to waltz right in to any li’l shop an’ have a bite to eat…I wish I could be so confident.

Slender fingers drummed slightly against the table after unlacing them, and she gazed at their motions thoughtfully as she did. -Just go and be close to him. It will help you feel better, and you know it will. Why resist it? You know he won’t push you away.- Lia blinked slightly at the thought. It seemed so unlike something she would think that she almost wondered if it was her own.

[projectsunfire]

((*sigh* Mando Culture needs more work. PSF is about to make something up )

Solus'ad smiled at her when she practically told him he was overconfident in their missions success. He brought the earthenware mugs close enough for him to poor out the rosey colored liquid, his face relaxing a little. He held one breifly admireing it in his hand, turning it over, appreciateing every crack and hairline fracture. He chuckled softly and set it down gently before pooring Italia a drink.

The fluid poored out of the bottle with a soft inviteing burble as Solus'ad filled both cups. His eyes met hers a moment and he cleared his throat before he set down the bottle. He scratched at the five oclock shadow now forming on his chin, his eyes trained on her. His eyes seemed tired, but strangely focussed.

With a slowly purposeful push, he slid Italia her full cup.

"Weather the strike on Shogun is a success or not, Alpha and Bravo aren't going in prepared to fight for an extended period of time. If Shogun turns into a land war, we're going to be scrounging what we can. But I'm not worried. All of the operatives, even the rookies have been through enough to adapt to whatever the situation may require." His smile returned as he exhaled.

He lifted the cup in salute to her, and brought it to his lips. Closeing his eyes, he took a drink. The sweetly sour ferment, had a spiciness to it that made Solus'ad smack his lips. He growled softly in satisfaction, looking down into his cup.

"It's supposed to be papurgaat from the bone orchords on Mandalore. Aged naturally." He chuckled softly, a thoughtfull smile reaching his lips. "It's likely, almost as old as you are." The thought had been bombarding his mind since he'd had dinner with her, and her mother. He was an old man, she was young enough to be his daughter for Manda's sake. He wished he'd just stayed quiet.

He sighed, tired at his own thoughts. "I appreciate you letting me stay. Doubling up wouldn't be so bad, really, as long as it was with the right person." He kicked himself hard mentally. Shut up di'kuut! He quickly looked down into his cup and took another drink vainly hopeing she didn't realize he was talking about her. He was just fumbling tonight. He gathered himself and attempted a re-maneuvering of the conversation.

"She's a good ship." He gestured to the ceiling of the Ghost Star, his eyes following. "Not many like her. Especially now, with the modifications we've made. She may not be able to glass a planet like a Centurion or Inexpungable-class. That does'nt matter much in the grand scheme. Why waste a planet when you can sneak in and use the least amount of force to defeat an enemy." Solus'ad had to admit to himself he'd been trained by some wise men and women, at least when it came to battle. Talking to women, though. He'd have to look into a service manual or something if they got back.

He toyed with the idea of talking to her about how he really felt. What good would it bring them. Would it be selfish of him. His fantasies of a simple life lay burning in the fires of a thousand Mando'ade danceing about them, swords, spears, axes and blasters brandished in a war call. His face seemed slightly pensive, but thoughtfull.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Italia tried not to watch too intently as he sat across from her, but she just couldn’t help it. Those green eyes of hers watched his every movement like she might never see them again. It was only understandable with the dream she’d just had, and the mission looming over them, but it was also something more. It was something more and she knew it, even as those bright eyes watched him pour the wine, his eyes meeting hers. She tilted her head slightly as she watched him push the mug toward her. He looked like he could use some sleep, but he seemed so focused for all of that. Focused on what, she wondered, but easily let the thought go. He was focused on Shogun of course. She nodded to what he said about Shogun and lifted her own mug in return to his action before swirling the rosy liquid around in it once before taking a drink herself.

A small smile touched her lips as the sweet liquid sparkled along her senses. It was like tasting flowers, fruit, spices…it was almost like being able to taste a warm spring day. Now she wished she’d tried this wine sooner. A light chuckle escaped her as he growled happily. What a strange man. I would never think ta GROWL ‘cause I liked something’, she mused. So it was from a fruit of the orchards on Mandalore? She’d never tried that fruit either…in fact, sadly to say, she’d never had a reason to even go to Mandalore, so she hadn’t. In fact, Rish had tried to avoid it like the plague. She took another drink, savoring the flowery sweet spiciness of the wine.

It’s likely almost as olds as you are.

That hurt. She knew he was only talking about the wine, but the words themselves stung with the truth behind them. Little did she know that she was thinking nearly the same exact thing he was. That was the problem…the reason his words had stung. Despite that, she was awake enough now to bring part of that protective mask up; a small smile crept across her face, though it hardly reached her eyes.

Well, things like wines tend to get better over time. Imagine how it might be if it were older? It would only taste better, more...noble.

Italia let the words settle between them. She would let him mull them over and take them for their meaning, whatever he thought that might be. Of course her statement had been layered, she’d thought a moment on how to reply before she had said anything in return to his comment on the wine’s age. His next statement caught her flat-footed and she blinked a moment before smiling, a blush tinting her skin once again. Daryn had said something similar…maybe she should make them bunk together just so they didn’t try anything on the flight. A mischievous smirk worked its way onto her face. Maybe, just maybe, she would…..no…not likely. She didn’t want them killing each other either.

Hmm…and just who WOULD you want to bunk with then?

The wine was making her a bit more bold than normal, and she blushed brightly, shaking her head.

Know what…never mind that question.

Lia scratched at an itch along her ear and sighed, partially glad to have a change of topic. Taking another drink of the wine, she nodded slightly, her face darkening as she gazed unseeingly into the drink she held in both hands. Her fingers tapped lightly against the mug.

Yes, she is a good ship…one of a kind actually…they all are of course. No two ships ever hold the same memories, the same experiences. Modifications change, come and go, that ain’t what makes her special…ain’t what makes anything special. Only memories can do that. Memories and, if it’s a livin’ breathin’ being, personality…the way it thinks, how it feels, quirks…you know, that kind’a thing.

Another moment of thought was given to the second half of what he said.

Mmm…yes. I would prefer stealth to a full scale battle or harming so many needlessly. Even as a mercenary on bounties I tried to take requests for live ones…getting in quietly, taking whom or what I needed…and getting out again. Life is very important to me, mine and others…even if the Star could glass a planet, and you ordered it of me….I’m not sure I could do it…

She paused, thoughtful. Again she was toying with the idea of moving, standing and going to him.

This time she did.

Setting her cup down on the table, she stood, sliding out from her seat, and walked around the edge of the table, one hand gently sliding the mug to the other end of the table. With a slight bend, she pushed his gear gently to the side, bare feet taking its place on the floor as she straightened and nudged him aside with the back of one hand against his shoulder. Only once he moved did she slide in beside him and settle herself comfortably in the padded bench. It was time to change the topic again.

You didn’ come to talk about the ship, or Shogun, I think…but…since you seem so confident about winnin’ Shogun….I’ll play into that idea an’ pose some hypothetical questions.

A light smile graced her features as she looked over at him.

First question: Considerin’ we DO win Shogun back…what’re you gonna do? I mean…Are you stayin’ there? I can only assume we’ll be ordered back here, but you’ll likely be needed there to assure that the transition goes smoothly…

She paused, thinking, wondering if she should really continue with that line of thought. Finally, she decided that there was nothing to be gained by waiting around, wondering what could be, or might have been.

The thing is…I figure you’d deserve a break…even if it’s for one night. Sooo…with that in mind, I wouldn’t mind treating you to something. Not sure what yet, but…

With a shrug of her shoulders, she leaned back casually and tensed her muscles like a cat, relaxing them in the odd stretch.

[projectsunfire]

Solus'ad sat very quietly as she came over though his gutts danced like they were in the middle of a knife fight. As he watched her move his stomache did little summer saults, and he took a drink of wine to settle it. She was very perceptive. He hadn't come to talk about Shogun, or the Ghost. She spoke to him, more than just physically.

He smiled as she sat down next to him. He had not expected that. He knew she liked him. He wasn't sure how to react, so he sat their, trying not to tense up. The wine was doing nothing to settle his nerves. If anything it clouded his senses a little, made him feel vulnerable.

His eyes watched her longingly and he sighed, turning his gaze away. "I don't deserve, a break. There are still many Mandalorian worlds in need of liberty, either from the Sith or the Republic." He looked down into his cup and shut his eyes. He felt tired. Like the world stood upon his shoulders, and all he could do was grin and bare it. Like an obligation he never truly wanted, but knew it was something he had to do.

Just what was it that was eating at him. He lifted one of his legs out and strattled the bench. His direction, and focus straight on Italia. "I..." Solus'ad hesitated. "I want to make sure you understand my intentions, Lia." He said, his heart in his throat. He stared at her, as He girded himself. "I have to tell you, cause its been eating at me." He sighed and held her gaze, his dull green eyes focussed on hers. He tried to speak, but he couldn't find the words.

Without even thinking about it, he felt himself lean over toward her. His heart pounded in his chest, though for some reason he could vividly tell his hands were cool. Almost cold. His whole body felt so relaxed, so natural. His movement was so slow, but he wasn't sure how long it took. He reached out with his right hand and cupped her cheek. It felt soft, and tender. His breath caught and he leaned in closely to her. He could feel her breath against his oily face. Somewhere in the back of his head, he cursed himself for not shaveing.

When he was within mere inches of her face, he hesitated, and looked into her eyes. She didn't look afraid, almost eager, blissful. He could hear her breathing. The in and out was felt in his arm, as it rested lightly against her chest. He exhaled softly, and he finished, what felt like to him, was a long journey.

His lips met hers, and the feeling was raptureous. He felt as though his whole body had become a conduit of feeling. He breathed shallow through his nose, trying to make the moment last. He couldn't remember the last time he'd kissed. He angled his head, and chin to better exploit his angle, to make Italia more comfortable. For a moment he pulled away, and his eyes searched hers. He kissed her again briefly, and grinned, laying his forhead against hers. He exhaled happily, and pulled away.

He sighed heavily and his face become serious, almost sad. The kiss had given him the courage he needed. "I like you Italia Firians. More than just a friend, though for a man like me, friends are a rarity. Your something far more rare." He gently stroked her cheek with the side of his thumb. "Your somone I think I could love, Lia." His eyes watched her closely, now. He was disobeying the first rule of the Resol'nare now, he knew it. He sighed again, and let his hand slip away from her face. "You treat me the way I wished everyone would. I may be just a man. But, to the Mandalorians, I am a symbol. To our enemies I am a symbol."

"When Cay Severn died in the takeing of Concord dawn, I was faced with a decision. I could take up the mantal of Mandalore, and continue to lead our people to freedom, or I could remain a just a man, and let our people sink back again into destitution. The other alternative would be a civil war, decideing who would be Mandalore." He looked at his cup sitting half empty on the table, his eyes distant. "I don't want you to become a target, Italia. Though I can't deny the way you make me feel. I want that life with you. I would be more than willing to try."

His eyes closed lightly, and he felt an ache in his heart. The bliss he had previously felt, being replaced with fear. "It has always been your decision." he sighed again, a lump forming in his throat. "It's selfish of me either way, to push you away, or to embrace you as your man." His gaze met hers, and he faced her. His brow furrowed, his face a question. "What do you want Italia? Name it and I will do it, ask it of me and I will give it."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((omg, so sorry for the novella here...5 pgs at 10pt font...anyway, i wont be around until later today --thursday--...and by later i mean about 7-ish your time most likely...if we come straight home from the anime expo ))

Lia caught that longing look that he gave her and blushed again as he looked away. His words troubled her, however, making her bristle slightly. Even as he said them his eyes closed wearily and she sighed, one hand coming to rest on his shoulder gently.

Yes, there are, but ya can’t help ‘em if you’re worn down and not thinkin’ straight ‘cause you’re pushin’ yourself. Plus, you’re only human…no one can really expect ya to not try an’ enjoy life, an’ if they do, they’re dumb. You’re not alone ya know, Sol…

She sighed quietly and squeezed the shoulder her hand rested against.

Even if no one else is willing ta support you…I…I’ll be there if an’ when you need me. I’m good for more’n just fightin’ ya know…I’ve been told I’m good for moral support also, so please, don’t feel like you have ta be alone in everything…all you have ta do is call.

He shifted then, straddling the seat, his leg slipping into the rather large gap between the bench itself and the bulkhead that acted as a back rest (the other side didn’t have that luxury). She turned her head to gaze back at him, her back resting lightly against the cold bulkhead. The typically collected man seemed hesitant as he spoke, and her breathing became a little more of a conscious act as he mentioned his intentions. Her face was a passive mask of neutrality, only her vivid green eyes showing her curiosity and attentiveness as she stared right back into his. He didn’t even need to tell her that this, what ever it was, was eating at him…it was written in every line of his words, every motion that he made, it almost rolled off of him now, washing against her. After a moment of pause he leaned toward her and she almost moved, uncertain of what she should do, but instinct kept her in place. It was more than instinct, she realized, she didn’t WANT to move.

She DIDN’T move.

Her heart wanted to stop…it threatened to do so with every breath she reminded herself to take. For all the fire that she felt running through her veins right now, for all the heat that was rising in her cheeks, the woman sat perfectly still. If she moved, she was afraid the silky threads of this dream would snap and she would be hurled back into a cold and harsh reality that she didn’t wish to face right now. Certainly this had to be a dream, or perhaps it was just the wine, but everything around her seemed to just feel RIGHT…normal…complete. One cool hand came to rest against her cheek and she was almost certain it would burn him from the heat her blushing brought. Rough and calloused as his hand was from use, it was comforting and welcome…instinct told her mind that the large, rough, pads of his hand and fingers meant strength and protection. Green eyes slid closed as she leaned her face against his hand.

Where she felt her heart might stop before, now it felt as if it were about to race right out of her chest, her breathing coming much more easily now and threatening to become too swift for her taste. With a much practiced control, she calmed her heartbeat and forced herself to keep her breathing even as his arm rested there against her chest. Opening her eyes again, her face remained an impassive neutral, but her eyes showed her expectancy, that eagerness that came with what she hoped was coming, what she wanted to happen. Her eyes met his as he hesitated there a moment, green searching green, as he waited there for what felt like an eternity. Finally she moved. It was just a slight turn of her body, enough for her to face him more openly, and bringing her ever so slightly closer to this dangerous man. At last his lips met hers and she melted. Slender arms, ones that so few expected to hold as much power as she could muster, draped across his shoulders as he kissed her, her head tilting enough to fit his and allowing them both to feel more at ease during the tender moment.

She could feel the mixture of emotions behind it, the happiness, the lingering uncertainty, but there was no hesitation now, not for either of them. Her own fire, the passion, the need for some form of comfort (almost bordering on a type of hunger), the happiness, the strange sense of calm that had washed over her when he kissed her, it was all put into that kiss even as reserved as it was. He pulled away and her eyes remained closed for a moment as she let the feel of that kiss linger on her lips. When she opened them again he was looking at her, eyes searching hers once again and she smiled brightly. Again he kissed her before grinning and resting his forehead to hers. To have him do that, to show that intimacy as well…and know what it meant…she sighed happily and closed her eyes.

As he pulled away from her, she opened her eyes again her arms slipping from around his shoulders, seeing that serious, nearly sad face. His words, in her odd state of calm, did little to faze her…but they touched her heart, bringing a warm smile to her face. Emerald eyes half lidded themselves as the pad of his thumb brushed along her cheek.

You’re someone I think I could love, Lia.

Those emerald eyes opened once more and she gazed at him steadily. Her heart clenched at his words. For as long as she hadn’t known that he liked her, as long as he didn’t SAY he liked her, she had deniability. She could pretend that she didn’t have such a difficult decision to make. Italia could just dismiss her feelings for him as ones that weren’t reciprocated, and she could let her mind have a little peace…all she had to worry about was Daryn. That had been her intention, that had been her thought, though she knew in her heart that it wasn’t the case. It certainly wasn’t the case now. Lia felt his hand slip away from her face and she wanted to catch it, to keep it there…instead, she listened. Through all the talk, she saw only a lonely man wanting, needing, companionship…a man who cared, who was concerned for her wellbeing.

He didn’t want her to be a target…she almost wanted to laugh at that, and a corner of her mouth twitched up for a moment, showing that she found the thought to be at least mildly entertaining. He wanted to have a life with her and he was willing to try for it. She watched as his eyes closed and could almost feel the aching of his heart, the fear creeping up in him…he was bearing his heart to her, holding it out and leaving himself vulnerable.

It meant worlds to her.

All she could do, was gaze at him steadily and will him to feel less afraid, will him to feel the comfort that she felt around him, the safety. She wouldn’t…couldn’t…hurt him. Not intentionally. Never intentionally. Italia didn’t move a muscle, not toward or away from him, as he spoke. She would have him say everything he needed or wanted to say before she would speak or move again.

What do you want, Italia? Name it and I will do it, ask it of me and I will give it.

There really isn’t a selfish bone in his body, is there?

At last she moved, scooting a little closer to him and wrapping her arms around him, pulling him into a warm embrace, every fiber of her hoping to comfort him, to ease some of that fear, the anxiety he felt. Her eyes closed lightly and she sighed quietly. Even when she spoke, she didn’t let go of him.

I’m more than honored to be your friend, Sol, an’ I can’t tell you what it means to me to know how you feel about me…and I need you to know that I feel the very same way about you….

Her voice trailed off for a moment as she thought over her next words.

I know you’re a symbol for our people, as well as to our enemies, an’ if you’re afraid for my safety…afraid they might use me to get to you, to target me as well…you should’a been afraid since the first day we met. I’m a mercenary…a MANDALORIAN mercenary…one that was part of a well known crew, had a well known teacher, did high payin’ jobs…then went off an’ kept up the tradition myself. Add ta that my participation in the Coruscant mission, an’ now my joining the Mandalorian military.

Sol, I’m enough of a target for the Republic as it is…they’ve wanted my head since I turned fifteen, and I’ve only become more and more of a juicy scrap of meat ta them as I’ve gotten older. The bulls-eye on my back can’t get any more vivid ta them than if I were to continue on my own….and yet I still continue on. Why? ‘Cause I’m not afraid ta BE a target…especially not for somethin’ I believe in. So why, then, would I care any more ‘bout bein’ a target over somethin’….someONE…I care for?

She paused again, brushing the side of her face against the side of his head and hair lightly before pulling back just enough to look into his eyes.

As for you bein’ selfish…Sol, there isn’t a selfish bone in your body. If there was, you wouldn’t be the leader you are. You give everything for your people an’ keep nothin’ for yourself. Who else would notice a struggling farm and try to find a way to help their ends meet? Who else would even speak to that poor farmer’s daughter…much less listen to ‘er…and I mean actually LISTEN to her…Who takes the time to speak to old cyborgs and make sure they’re able ta get the frame they need?

Who else is willing to go out with his troops and fight beside them? To deny himself one night of rest and celebration for a job well done? To turn his back on living a normal life to lead his people even if he wasn’t sure he wanted to…simply because his PEOPLE needed him, because he cared MORE about the welfare of his PEOPLE than his own?

That man is NOT a selfish person, and never could be…so don’ you dare tell me that you think of yourself as a selfish man for wanting…NEEDING…something like love.

Her voice had swelled with emotion as she tried to get her point across to him. Perhaps it was obvious and she was making a fuss over nothing, but she didn’t feel that was the case. Emerald eyes were lit with an odd inner fire, a mixture of determination, passion, and deep care flickering within the flames. Finally she sighed, shaking her head and chuckling, almost sadly, a small smile touching her face.

You ask me what I want…I want a great many things, and nothing at all…nothing you can easily do or give anyway. I want answers that I don’ have, and no one can give me. I want an easy path ta follow, but that isn’ my lot in life. I want to know the correct choice to make, an’ how best to make it. I want…I want to know how to do what’s right in my heart, but not hurt anyone…though, in the end, that’s not possible.

That’s only the beginning of my list, Sol, and none of that is even half as detailed as it is in my head…so you see, I can’t answer you as I don’ have the answers myself.

It was time to drop the mask.

With a heavy sigh, she let that practiced calm go, the impassive and neutral facade that had been her face to this point slipping away, and leaving only a very troubled, lost, and soul weary young woman. She looked older, and she felt older, that heavy burden settling around her shoulders again as she finally let him go, her arms slipping from around his shoulders, her hands settling on her leg as she turned to face him completely, her right leg bent and tucked under her left.

You’ve been honest with me, so now it’s only fair I’m honest with you…

I don’t know what I want. I know what my heart thinks is right, an’ I know what my mind tells me is right…sometimes they coincide, sometimes they don’t.

Her eyes closed heavily and she sat there for a moment silent as a statue.

I’ve been having to weigh pros an’ cons to both you an’ Daryn…been thinkin’, frettin’, debatin’…tonight even dreamin’…about both of you, an’ sometimes…sometimes I wonder if it wouldn’t be best for everyone involved if I just vanished from your lives entirely.

Those already closed eyes shut a little more tightly at the memory of the dream, her hands fisting slightly before she relaxed them again.

I’m not that type of person, however. I’ve not been one ta back down from a problem, even if it might kill me. The Star here is proof of that…an’ I’m not about to let somethin’ that could possibly be one of the best things ta happen to me slip away because I decided NOW was the time to run.

That still leaves me with a problem, however, and one I’m comin’ closer and closer to havin’ an answer to…unfortunately the answer for one problem only leaves more problems.

She leaned one elbow on the table and massaged her forehead with the fingertips as she groaned slightly, eyes still closed.

Now one of my worst scenarios is comin’ to life tomorrow and you an’ he are gonna be stuck on this ship for the ride to an’ from Shogun…and I’m left wonderin’ if I was temporarily insane when I mentioned him to ya as a pilot for the Star.

I’m fairly sure that, by now, you might be wondering what this has to do with anything that you said…to be honest, I wonder a bit myself…but the truth of the matter is this: I can’t answer you Sol…

I would never, ever, in a million years want to hurt you…especially not when…

Slowly the emotion had been piling up on her, building within her as she spoke her fears and anxieties. At last it caught up to her, and her words were cut off roughly as her throat closed on her. Those eyes opened once more and they were shimmering with tears. Despite it all, she gazed at him and pushed through her closed throat.

…Especially not when you’ve all but handed me your heart and shared with me so much, and it means WORLDS to me…

I just…need you to understand. This is difficult for me. I can see myself with either of you…and I want to make the correct decision….

This isn’t a “No”…You…you’ve seen more of me now…than even some of my blood family, and certainly more than Daryn…that alone speaks volumes…Sol, with a few words you could crush me. That is why, even a week ago when you came to the farm, I told you that you were a dangerous man. Of course you’re dangerous physically and mentally to others…but I was talking about how much of a danger you could be to me.

You know now almost everything about me. How I think, how and what and why I feel some of the things I do, and now…now you’re seeing ME…there’s no mask here, Sol, not right now…no mask, no armor, nothing…all that you don’t know now is my past.

There is no way, with that knowledge, that you are out of the running…I just need time. I need time to be sure of exactly how I feel.

Her throat hurt now, having been forced to speak against its will, and she lowered her head, those three strands of beads slipping over her shoulder with a gentle clicking. She closed her eyes against the tears…some of relief, some of pain, some of fear…he knew now, just how much he could hurt her and that terrified her. He wouldn’t hurt her though, she knew, somewhere in her heart, that he would never hurt her. Italia needed comfort after saying all of that…in some ways it had hurt her worse than talking about her father, simply because it was all her inner fears and doubts voiced to someone other than herself. She sought that comfort from Solus’ad as she moved closer to him, her arms wrapping themselves around him again as she pressed her face against his neck as if trying to hide from fear, pain and uncertainty she was feeling.

I’m so sorry…so very very sorry I’m putting you through this. Please forgive me.

That murmured apology against his neck was more than heartfelt. She doubted he’d ever know the amount of pain it caused her to put both of them, especially him, through this.

[projectsunfire]

Solus'ad wasn't sure what would happen. His words more than anything had been meant to prepare him, and her for what would happen. She slid closer to him and put her arms around him and gave him a tender squeeze. She closed her eyes, and Solus'ad thought he understood where she was. Caught between two men. He had nothing else he could really do accept be who he was, and to let things be as they were.

She said as much. She felt close to him, though she probably wouldn't admit it. What would it take for her to love him? He stifled his thoughts and focussed on her words as she laid his dreams down gently without crushing them beneath her feet. He knew that she was strong, he knew that she was self reliant, but he wanted her to understand that the Republic Governments as well as the Sith Empire were vastly funded and they could push their might against him, they may not survive.

She brushed her face against his head, and he caught a whiff of her. It was an exciteing feeling. Haveing her there. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. She told him he wasn't selfish, she told him he cared. He wanted to believe her, but he had his own motives and he knew it. He wasn't sure he could do what was needed because of his personal attachments.

She did care about him, that much he could tell. So she wanted to not hurt anyone. Thats an impossibility in life. She really was young in some ways, and mature in others. He Smiled at her, and closed his eyes. They sighed simultaniously, though hers was louder and longer, she may not have noticed.

He openned his eyes and in an instant she had changed. She seemed older. Tired, not unlike him. Though there was something else there, he didn't quite grasp. He listenned closely trying to better understand. Her words reminded him of ice cracking beneath ones feet, and his stomache twisted into knots as she spoke.

Her eyes closed and he became vaguely aware that this was something she likely was warry of telling him. He felt a lot of empathy for her, though he knew the Beskad was likely about to plunge through his heart. Then she said his name.

Daryn. So that really was it. She actually had feelings for the smuggler. He rested his head against her shoulder and continued to listen quietly. She said that it might be better if she dissapeared. It made him sad to hear that, like a his heart were a stone weighing heavily in his chest.

His eyes flew open when he realized she was actually worried that he might try to start something with Daryn. The boy was, just that to him. A boy. Most smugglers were like Strills, or Slice Houngs. Always pups. Looking for the easy way. Never really willing to work for something. Willing to sacrifice for something. With rare acception.

He lifted his head to look at her, eyes and ears trained like the crosshairs of a rifle. Her eyes filled with tears and he wanted to hold her, though how would she react? It was strange, Solus'ad understood now he thought just what it was that was wrong.

He slowly put his arms around her shoulders and brought her head to his chest. I understand Mando'ika, I understand. He thought as he nuzzled her hair, and kissed the top of her head. She was lost.

He waited there a long time, letting her tears soak the long sleeve he wore. He slowly rocked her back and forth. Holding her steadfast in his arms. He wasnt sure why, but he began to sing Vode'an to her softly. Not the more common war chant, but the ghostly way his Nana used to. A softly haunting and calming melody. He sang to her till she stopped crying, and till her breathing slowed.

"I told you once, that your path would become clear Lia. What I may want aside." He hesitated and took a deep breath. "I will tell you more." He exhaled that deep breath. "Your life has many paths. Many different roads you may take. And you will have to decide." He sighed again, his heart conflicted, though he knew it was the right thing to do. "I will give you the comfort, of knowing that you won't hurt me, even if you choose Daryn." Solus'ad's heart screamed agony and hatred at his better judgment. "You fool!" it said. "She will forget you! and you will forever be alone!"

He quietted his mind, and simply relaxed. His breathing slow and steady. "I care about you Lia, and I want you to be happy. If chooseing Daryn makes you happy. Then that is where you need to be. But if he doesn't, if you wanted, I, I-" Solus'ad felt his own throat closeing and he wanted to keep telling her it was alright, but he could say no more, not without saying something absolutely conflicting. His resolve deteriorated, and he closed his eyes. Fighting against his own feelings.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

She tried desperately not to think. Not anything more than she needed to think in order for her ideas to make it from her mind to his…to make him understand. He watched her like a hawk, his eyes trained on her, and it only made her more anxious. As her eyes filled with tears, he gently brought her to him. She could almost tell that he understood at least part of her frustration and pain. He couldn’t understand all of it, not all of it concerned him and so she hadn’t shared it, but he understood what she needed him to understand and she knew that. Somehow she knew that he did.

- You fool! Idiot! Di’kut! He LOVES you! You know he does, and you know that the right choice is! Why do you keep doing this?! Di’kutla dala! He understands you…knows how you think…knows where you come from and why you do some of the things you do! You’ll lose your chance and you’ll find yourself regretting it! -

Her heart railed against her mind’s better judgment…the judgment that told her Daryn was the better choice. He was the one closer to her age, unbound to anything more than his ship and his lifestyle, and even then he was willing to change that for her. They had time to learn together, time to grow, time to change and shape each other…time she didn’t share with Solus’ad…but with him, there was nothing to change, nothing that needed changing. Silently she cried against him, only the shuddering breaths and hot tears evidence.

He rocked her slowly, nuzzling and kissing the top of her head, singing in that soothing baritone voice, calming her as it seemed only he could. Even her father hadn’t been able to calm her so completely and so swiftly.

Once she was calm again he spoke. Yes, he had told her that her path would become clear, she remembered vividly, but it just didn’t feel like it ever would. Yes, she understood that her life held many paths, many choices.

Yes…I know I must, if only to keep from causing worse pain and to do what’s right.

Heh…’what’s right’…sometimes I wonder if I worry too much about doing ‘what’s right’…

This too had many meanings buried within the words. Everything she did was weighed against her sense of ‘right’…if it wasn’t ‘right’ she didn’t do it…and now she was afraid she was deviating from that path in both her family life and her relationships. Everything was unclear…so terribly unclear. She’d had some times where ‘right’ had been blurred, bent, twisted, nearly erased for wrong…but nothing could compare to this. She could almost feel him tense at his own thoughts, though she had no clue what it was he was thinking. Her brow furrowed, but she simply remained pressed against his chest, her arms wrapped about him as she half listened to him, half listened to his heartbeat. It was oddly calming and exciting both, but Lia swiftly pushed that type of thinking away. He said she wouldn’t hurt him…hah. Lia let out a rueful little chuckle at that, a sound that wasn’t even remotely what it should have been. She could almost hear his heart deny his words. He spoke again, trying to reassure her, but in the end his voice failed him.

Shh. Don’t, Solus’ad. I know the truth of the matter, an’ there’s no use in tryin’ ta hide it or sugar coat it. I’ll do what I’ve always done…make my choice best I can and pray I’m right.

She sighed slightly and pulled away from him finally, her hands still resting against his sides, a sad little smile…almost self depreciating in its nature…appearing on her face.

Sol, thank you. I..you actually helped me more than you know by comin’ here tonight…but…t’morrow has too many possibilities like death ta be worrying about this so late in the day. You…we both…need to get to bed.

Maybe it would seem a little callus. Maybe it would seem like an escape. Maybe both were true…but it was also true that bed was needed. Distantly her mind wandered back to his comment of bedding, and she closed her eyes simply to roll them at herself. What a time to be thinking something like that.

Brilliant…’well, I dunno who I wanna be with Sol, but you wanna hook up anyway?’ Yeah, that’s very sensitive and mature. What’ll be the excuse? ‘Oh we might all die tomorrow so I figured it might be a good idea.’ …Hmph.

Removing her hands from his sides, her mask was already firmly in place once more as she turned away and stood up once more, taking her cup with her and draining the last of the wine from it. What a waste of good wine, comforting her…it would have been better to have saved it for after Shogun. Sighing, she rinsed it out in the sink and set it down there before turning back to him with a mild smile.

Are you done with your cup Sol?

She would wait for him to finish his own wine before taking the cup and walking back to the sink and washing them out before setting them in a small rack to dry. Turning toward him again she walked back in the direction of where the bunks for the Star were, pausing at the door and gazing at him for a moment before putting a bright smile on her face, despite her feelings.

C’mon…let’s get ya settled in for the night.

With a “follow me” motion of her head, she vanished around the bulkhead, silent as a ghost…like any of the other ghosts this ship held in its darkness.

[projectsunfire]

She shushed him with her words, and he relaxed. He realized just how tired he really was. She was right, the mission on Shogun would be difficult, and dangerous. They needed rest.

"Yes Im finished." He polished off the wine in the cup, and clicked his tongue, getting the residual flavor off of it. Solus'ad popped the cap on the bottle, and sealed it. He slipped the bottle back into his bag, and strapped it shut. With a soft grunt he lifted his gear onto his back again and followed Italia to his bunk.

She turned on the lights and Solus'ad looked inside the room a moment before walking past her. He dropped his gear at the foot of his bunk, and stood there thinking.

He tilted his head back and took a deep breath before he turned on his feet and looked at her.

"Your welcome to come see me anytime you need me." he said, a worried look on his face. His eyes met hers and he stared at her for what felt like a long time. This beautiful creature standing in the doorway to his bunk seemed a dream to him then. He casually walked over to the doorway and sighed, his face close to hers. With a gentle motion he reached up and caressed her cheek. "Anytime." He said again before he slowly leaned in close and kissed her gently, and sweetly.

Their lips parted and Solus'ad felt the heat they made leave his lips and they felt cold. A long sigh escaped his lips, and he looked into her eyes one last time. "Goodnight Lia." He pulled away from her slowly and walked tiredly to his bunk. The door closed automatically between them when they were far enough away from its sensor.

He laid down on the sprongy fold out bed in his clothes, and kicked off his boots. His socked feet pointed to the ceiling. He brought his hands behind his head and stared at nothing. His eyes saw past the hull of the Ghost Star, past the roof of the hangar, and the tons of ferocrete above that. His eyes pierced the very bosom of the galaxy. His mind finally resting in a far away place. A place of grainy fields, and purple skies. Iriez, Kinrath, and Kath Hounds.

He hadn't thought about home in a long time. It was going to be a long night.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Her shadowy form flowed down the dark corridor of the Ghost Star until she came to a door near the center of the hall who’s back wall butted up against the engine room. Unlocking it with three key presses, she flipped on the light and stepped aside for him to enter. He gazed about the spartan room for a minute before walking in and dropping his gear at the foot of the bed. She watched him thinking quietly for a moment before he sighed and looked at her.

You’re welcome to come see me anytime you need me.

He looked worried and that bothered her. She didn’t want him to be worried, not because of her…so in return she beamed a smile at him.

Gotcha Boss Man.

She said teasingly, giving him a peppy thumbs up for a moment. Smiling only mildly now, they stared at each other for what felt like ages and she wondered what he was thinking. Lia almost asked him, but decided that his thoughts were his own, and if he wanted to share them, he would. The eerie metallic creaking of the ship settling itself caused the woman to glance over her shoulder and down the hall for a moment, green eyes searching for something she knew wasn’t there. Closing them for a moment, she sighed and turned her head to look back at Sol and found he was only a few inches away. It was all she could do not to punch him out of instinct…hell, she was surprised that she’d not jumped out of her skin. Gently, he reached up and stroked her cheek, and her head nearly immediately leaned into the light touch.

Anytime.

She toyed with the idea of dredging up their first conversation…if saying something smart like “Anytime? Even in the middle of the night, asking why the Stars turn?”…but she didn’t. Instead she simply nodded and smiled slightly before he leaned in and kissed her. The soft affection was gentle, sweet, kind…in a way, it took her breath away. Even as he broke the kiss she felt the kiss linger on her lips and it made her hungry for more. Sighing, she turned away slightly, even then catching his gaze. He bid her good night and she chuckled despite herself.

It’s only goodnight, Sol…not goodbye.

She ran a hand along his rough cheek gently before smiling again and turning to go back to her cabin, which was at the very top of the hall. After straightening her bed sheets, she lay down and swiftly fell asleep. At first there were no dreams, and then, when there were, they were pleasant or bland…swift, fleeting, things that she would never remember.

There was one dream, however, that stood out above the rest, and it involved Solus’ad. It was, perhaps not so oddly, based in the ship. The intimate dream pleasing to both mind and body in its wanderings, this wasn’t to last unfortunately. Like so many of Italia’s dreams, this one took a turn for the worst, the cruelest members of Rish’s crew returning to haunt her, and now Solus’ad.

Now fully clothed, thankfully, Lia led them both through the twisting maze that was the dream ship’s hull. Even in her dream she felt trapped, unable to defend herself or the man with her from the blackness that crept up from all sides. Her blaster was useless, the daggers unhelpful, her rifle missing and his beskad had (somehow) been broken beyond repair and it felt as if they’d been running forever. She needed a weapon and she couldn’t get to one. Even as they moved, fighting off one enemy to be blind sided by another, she could tell there was something…a weapon…she needed that she just couldn’t get to yet. It was close…so very close. So close she could almost see it in her mind, but she couldn’t lay her hands on it because it was so terribly far away.

Eventually they found themselves backed into a corner. The mutinous crew (eight or nine in number already), now included her brothers, who Sol likely recognized. He at least would have known Itani’s face, and her other two brothers were more than likely familiar to him as well since the familial similarities were obvious… one with red hair, all with grey eyes or green eyes, features. The fiery young woman was obviously desperate, terrified and furious as they managed to separate Italia from Solus’ad, and the darkness closed in around her, like the men of the crew, until she couldn’t see anything around her but their gleeful, sadistic, grinning, mocking faces. Italia knew them each by name and she called them all, every one she could see (or had seen), she called out as she cursed and shouted at the top of her lungs, striking out at anything and everything she could.

Solus’ad! Gorramit let him go! Gar kyrayc! Let him go!! SOLUS’AD!

Lia! LIA!

She could see him, that damn zeltron…he had her rifle! Lia fought harder than she ever had before and the men were having difficulty holding her down now, even with her bound.

I’m gonna slaughter you pieces of osik! I’m gonna tear your honorless skins off and wear them like a KAMA!

Solus’ad, gar shuk meh kyrayc! You hear me Sol!

She was shouting through her tears, trying to get his attention…praying for a miracle, but her words didn’t seem to reach him.

Ixor! You sick….

Her words were drowned out by Solus’ad’s shouting.

I’ma kyr’amur gar! I’ma kyr’amur An’aliit!

Suddenly, the sickening crack of gunfire was heard…she knew that gunshot…it was her rifle.

Solus’ad! NO!

IXOR! Ni kyr’amur gar!!

She struggled against those holding her once again, tears streaming down her face as she startled upward. Once again she practically fell out of bed in her rush to get moving. She didn’t ACTUALLY fall this time, however. Scrambling out of her sheets, Italia raced down the hall silently, punching in the code to the bunk she’d given to Solus’ad. Her chest was constricted and she could feel it coming on even as the door slid open. Catching sight of Sol there, safe, she all but collapsed against the bulkhead coughing and sobbing and shaking like a leaf.

At least he was safe.

[projectsunfire]

Solus'ad lay awake and motionless in his bunk. Quietly he listenned to the little noises the ship made. Auxillary systems whined softly, and the occasional creeking noise. He felt comfortably cool in his fatigue bottoms. He had changed out of his clothes when Italia had left and was just now beginning to imagine ways of forceing himself to sleep. It seemed like it had been hours.

Then he heard something. For a second Sol thought he had imagined it, then he heard it again. The footfalls of somone comeing down the hall. Solus'ad heard somone at the door, he assumed it was Lia. Regardless he had reached under his pillow and cocked the blaster Pistol he had stashed there, prepared to draw it just in case. When the door openned, she glanced at him and began to sob uncontrollably.

He wasn't sure what was going on, but he didn't like it. He stood up and switched the safety on his blaster pistol to off, and stuck it in the back of his pants. With his weapon stowed he walked over to where she sobbed. He approached cautiously slightly confused. He wasn't sure if she was upset about haveing second thoughts, or about what they had discussed earlier. One thing was for certain he didn't like seeing her like this.

When he got close enough, he put an arm over one of her shoulders gently. When she didn't push him away, he assumed it was ok to get closer, so very carefully he put his arm between her and the bulkhead. Every coughing sob, cut at him a little bit. He worried he had done this to her. Something he had said had set her off. He wanted to reject the notion though. Italia was a perfectly stable woman. She just had an over abundance of men in her life.

He drew her into his embrace and held her there against his chest. "Me'bana, Lia?" He said, his eyebrows raised in a look of worry. Whatever it was, she was a mess. With a protective embrace he squeezed her gently. He looked down at her as she stood there against him. Sobbing into his bare chest.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

She’d nearly slid down the wall. Italia felt that strong arm settle against her shoulders, then around them, and she curled against him, her arms wrapping around him and pulling him closer, needing to know that he really was alive and safe…that it had all been a dream. Right now, he was the only thing keeping her standing, her own strength beginning to fail her. She tried desperately to breathe, but only coughed more, her chest and throat burning with the exertion.

Me’bana, Lia?

For a moment she tried, and failed, to speak….anything…that might get her point across, her words coming across only as incoherent mumblings through her sobbing. Finally, she managed to formulate something that sounded remotely like mando’a, though the words were disjointed, only the last bit coming together to make any kind or sense.

Vercopa…Ixon…kysh…kysh kyrayc….nayc…ni kyr’amur Ixor sol’yc, Solus’ad.

She clung more tightly to him, burying her face in his warm chest, heedless of the salt and pepper hairs that lined his skin, breathing him in as she struggled not to slide down the wall and out of his embrace. If it had been possible, Lia might very well have tried to climb directly into Solus’ad’s skin with him. As things stood, however, this was impossible…but she tried valiantly anyway as she pressed into him with as much strength as her shaking body could muster (which wasn’t much). Slowly her legs began to give out and she slid down the wall.

Ixon…skanah…hut’uun k’liniba….

Italia trailed off, her crying more quiet now though she was still trembling, and her coughing had worsened.

…you….you’re okay…I…ni ceta Solus’ad…ni ceta…

Lia was, of course, deeply sorry for acting like she was, and how she was hating herself for crying like this, for everything. She wanted to apologize for it all. Slowly she made herself let go of him, willing herself to simply…she wasn’t sure what. Fade? Become numb? Give in? She didn’t know. She didn’t even understand why she was having such horrible dreams suddenly. She’d had terrible ones before, but nothing…NOTHING…compared to these. The tears still came but she was silent now, save for her coughing, her face a mixture of emotions that were rarely seen…pain, fear, hints of anger…all of them glittered in her eyes

[projectsunfire]

He let her slide down the wall while he held her. Bending his knees, though he still supported her. Her tears, and coughing made his heart ache, and he knew it couldn't be him that had her so upset. She told him she had been having nightmares. About something from her past. Maybe Alcohol had been a bad idea.

"Ne'linibar par, ni ceta, Lia." He said as he held her there near the floor. Her strength seemed to give way and she felt limp in his arms. All she seemed capable of doing now was crying. He looked at her a moment, and then to his bunk. His jaw felt set, and he decided that if she was this burnt out, she needed water and rest, maybe sugar.

She was very upset. He didn't want to make things worse by scaring her. He bit his lip, in thought, and looked back at her for a moment. In his head everything became quite clear.

Solus'ad moved the arm that had previously been around her belly, and slid it under the crook of her knee. Never letting her become too far from the warmth and comfort of his chest. With what felt like little effort, he lifted Lia slowly from the floor, and brought her into his cabin. She seemed content to cry there in his arms, though he knew she needed to relax. Her coughing wasn't getting any better. He carried her to his bunk and laid her down.

He began to lift away from her but she seemed to cling to him. Osik! He didn't want things to become more confusing for her. Stop thinking and tend to the poor girl utreekov(idiot)! he told himself. With great care Solus'ad kicked his leg out and brought his duty bag close to him with his foot. With a careful hand he reached inside and pulled out a canteen, and some standard issue flattack (crackers).

He felt as awkward as a Gungan, trying to do the corellian two step. He dropped the crackers and water on the bunk within easy reach and maneuvered Lia, so that she could sit up. He positioned himself so she could still lay against him. Solus'ad rested with his back to the cabin wall, at the head of the bunk.

He took her hand and put the water bottle in it. Taking her hand, with the canteen in it, he lifted it to her mouth and urged her to drink. "Pirur(drink), Lia." He said softly, a trill coming off of his R, sounding much like the whispering wings of a bird you heard, but never saw. He waited for her to drink from the canteen and he helped steady her hand, so she wouldn't drop it.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

As he told her there was no need for “I’m sorry,” a tremor wracked her body and she coughed again several times closing her eyes again as she did her best to focus on her breath and not the pain that accompanied it. One arm moved, sliding below her knees and pulling her to him, he lifted her slowly. Both arms immediately went about his neck, her face pressing into the smooth skin of his neck. Slowly, oh so very slowly, she was calming once again. The fact that he was gentle and cautious while picking her up did a lot to ease her fear of being picked up, and when he settled her down on the bed, she was reluctant to let him go. Luckily he seemed to understand so he settled in beside her.

Another round of coughing and she wheezed a bit as she forced herself to take another breath. With her eyes still closed she felt him moving, but she had honestly just lost the will to even care what was going on around her. For all she knew someone could have walked in and…no, she wouldn’t even think that now. Not after that dream. It wasn’t until he moved HER that she opened those emerald eyes and helped move herself. Feeling Sol move as well so she could lean against him, Lia did her best to make sure they were both comfortable. Resting back against him, he would be able to feel the muscles along her back and sides tense and heave as her lungs rebelled against her. The coughing was, thankfully, becoming more and more infrequent, but the coughs themselves were still painful.

Sol pressed a canteen into her hand, and she almost wished he wouldn’t…almost. She knew she needed the water, but at the same time, she had no desire for it. Despite her desires, she did what she knew needed to be done. He helped her exhausted muscles work, to bring the canteen to her lips, and telling her…asking her…to drink. Slowly she took a few sips, her throat rejecting the water at first…though the liquid made it down, she was forced to bring the canteen away as she turned her head and coughed even more for a moment. Reluctantly she tried again, it would be easier this time around…it always was. He steadied her as she took another drink, this time the water and her throat agreed and she was able to take a few more small drinks before her arm felt heavy again and she had to put it down.

Her fear had abated by now, and with it her tears and the horrible shaking she’d had at first, now she was just overcome by a feeling of weakness from the strength of those emotions. She still trembled against him slightly as she rested her head back against him and closed her eyes wearily.

T-thank you…Sol…I’m…I’m sorry for the trouble…

Her voice was soft and raspy, so unlike how she normally sounded. Letting him take the canteen back, she turned slightly so that her side was against his chest, and curled up against his warm body, his presence comforting even without words. A quiet groan escaped her as she coughed again, more lightly this time, her stomach feeling as if it were tying itself into knots.

[projectsunfire]

Finally, she seemed to relax. Her breathing slowed and her shuddering lessened. He ran his fingers through her hair, his worry ebbing slightly. He sighed softly, with the knowledge that she was beginning to recover. He smiled tiredly though she could not see him the way she was positioned.

She began to apologize to him again and he rocked her back and forth slowly. It was his turn to hush her. "Shh, now. Time to sleep Mando'ika. I'll be right here when you wake up." His arms encircled her strongly, and securely. Though loose enough for her to move if she needed to.

She handed him his water and he screwed the lid back on. He dropped it into his open duty bag though in case she needed it again. Gently he encouraged her to maneuver so that she was between him and the wall. Without saying anything he brought her into his tender embrace, buffered by his body. He spooned with her to keep her warm, and drew the thin blanket over them both. Quietly he listened as she breathed. His own eyes began to falter as he struggled to keep awake now.

Strange, he felt as though all the wiry energy he'd been feeling had simply drained out of him as he cared for her. It felt right. Perhaps that was the kind of man he really was. Solus'ad shrugged that idea off, and decided that Lia was simply someone special to him.

He waited, silently. Somewhere in his sleepy mind he realized he could smell her hair. He smiled at the thought. He had admired her hair from a distance at first, eventually he was able to touch it. Smelling its pleasant odor was perfect. Like a little gift he covetously enjoyed like a child after being given a treat. He heaved a heavy sigh, and focused on her breathing. He would watch over her till she fell asleep, and then fall asleep himself.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

His fingers through her hair made her muscles relax further, and she could feel herself drifting slightly as he rocked her, his voice silencing her and reassuring her as his arms wrapped her in his strong embrace. He was there and they were both safe. She was urged to move so that the wall was to one side of her, his body at her back, her more fragile form fitting against his and she felt strangely safe. A long, relaxing, breath was taken as he pulled the blanket over them. Despite the fact that she knew she needed sleep, her mind struggled against it.

His steady breathing at her back and washing over her neck and into her hair made her smile slightly. As he held her there she almost thought she could hear rain falling against the hull of the Star…now THAT was ridiculous, the ship was settled inside a closed hangar. Her mind wandered again and she realized she could feel his warm skin against her lower back. Her breathing evened out and deepened slightly as she settled further back against him, her head nestling against his shoulder and arm and she moved one heavy arm just enough for it to rest lightly against the one draped around her waist.

So calm….

I feel so calm with him here.

Calm…and safe.

She didn’t wish to sleep, she didn’t want the nightmares that she was certain would come with sleep but her body was persistent, at least now…if she woke afraid that something terrible had happened…he would be there and she would know it was just a dream. At last she drifted off into a deep sleep, for once blessedly free of nightmares.