Private A simple job.

[Ti'sonta]

Ti'sonta disliked Mon Gazza.

Here the Force was tinted with a background hint of desperation, most likely from the thousands of workers that toil away in the spice mines. Add to that the ever present crime that made the Republic look non-existent, and you got Mon Gazza.
At least it was better than some other places she's visited...
The red twi'lek had found herself in a pilot's bar just outside the space port. The bar was just grimy enough to be noticeable as the bartender droid behind the counter whirled between patrons of all stripes, passing out drinks and cocktails or ringing up orders for a twi'lek barmaid to hand out to further customers. The air smelled off, with an artificial tang of ozone from being past through atmo scrubbers too many times without a clean or a service.
Ti'sonta was sitting in a booth built into the wall of the bar, with a large window looking out into the street beyond where people and droids bustled along doing Force knows what. With a sigh, she kicked her feet up onto the table in front of her and took out her datapad. She needed a new job, somewhere that took her away from this place. She hated being on one place too long, so she logged in to the current shipping datasphere and began looking for some work.
About five minutes into her perusal she felt her blood run cold. A ripple through the force, like the bow wave from a ship coasting through water lapped against her mind.
Another Force User.
Instantly she reached inside herself and focused her mind, bringing her Force Signature down to the level of a regular sapient. She did not want to be discovered, and going under the proverbial radar was well worth the nigh suffocating dullness of her senses.

 

[Voli Cholrass]

Current Outfit
Pre Built Lightsaber

Voli didn’t find Mon Gozza all that bad.

It was a spice mining planet which meant there was a lot of corrupt people from all over the underworld who want to get a piece of the planetarial pie. Voli had read about how much spice Mon Gaza produces for the Outer Rim only coming second to Kessel. With trillions of credits on the line, there was a lot of backstabbing, murders, constant battles between corpos for territory and the rampant drug use.

While Voli sensed the dark and vile treachery of the people of Mon Gazza when she first arrived, it wasn’t as strong as she initially predicted. The planet was more organized and clean with the red haze mostly dissipated in the more “civilized” areas though the mining facilities remained stained with the red hue.

“I managed to catch a Podracing event,” Voli thought placing her brown bag over her shoulder. “That was pretty fun.”

Voli walked towards the pilots bar taking a deep breath. The easy part which was buy the dark side infused artifact from: Nandor a Kubaz merchant whom Voli was in contact with via the Holonet. He was offering an artifact which was used to open other dark side items and Voli figured that it could be the key to opening a portion of the Sith Holocron.

She took a hop to Mon Gazza where Nandor lived and the two conversed over the price where Voli got a reasonable deal over. 15,000 credits something that she saved up over. Now the hard part was finding a pilot that can take her back to Naboo no questions asked.

“Probably none,” Voli thought as she looked around.

 

[Ti'sonta]

Ti'sonta looked up from her scrolling to signal the barmaid when she saw the newcomer. Black and red striped pants, black crop-top, spiked bracelets? Looked like some teen from the core worlds. But why would she be here all on her lonesome? She ordered something with a strange sounding name from the barmaid and watched the blue twi'lek walk away before moving back to looking for a new job, keeping watch on the newcomer out of the corner of her eye. Something about this one was drawing her attention, but with her actively dampening her force signature she couldn't tell what.

 

[Voli Cholrass]

Current Outfit
Pre Built Lightsaber

Unlike Mon Gazza, the pilots bar was exactly what Voli expected. A rowdy place filled with exhausted pilots filling their mouths with alcohol and trying to flirt with anyone who breathes. Voli wrinkled her nose keeping her head down the place looked and smelled filthy. Beer bottles and food were strewn everywhere and Voli nearly stumbled on freshly made vomit. "A lot of these smugglers delude themselves into thinking that they're hotshots." Voli thought her eyebrows crinkling into a frown. "But they're just audacious pigs."

Their ships weren't any better, the one Voli took was a bucket of bolts with a malfunctioning Hyperdrive. Voli was surprised they didn't get blown to smithereens when the pilot: A five-year-old Devlikk who was experiencing his midlife crisis. Voli nearly fell asleep listening to him rant about how his dementia already was grabbing hold of his brain. "Let's just hope I have better luck finding a pilot," Voli thought until she sensed a small tremor in the Force.

Frowning, Voli looked around until her violet eyes gazed upon a red skinned twilek. "The Force is telling me something," she thought. "And it's pointing to her for some reason."

Who was she? Hopefully somebody who wasn't experiencing their midlife crisis.

Ti'sonta

 

[Ti'sonta]

Ti'sonta arched a tattooed eyebrow at the sight of the teen walking toward her. Not taking her boots off the table, Ti'sonta paused her perusal of the job market as she analysed the girl.
{Can't be older than 16 or 17 as humans go...} She thought to herself. {Someone like that should've gotten accosted by the time she got that far in here, wait-} She paused in thought as she remembered the bow wave in the force she felt. {Hold on, could she be a Force User?} She kept her mind blank in case the girl could read surface thoughts as she watched her approach her table.
"Can I help you?" Ti'sonta asked, a hint of politeness and warmth in her voice as she brought herself into business mode.

 

[Voli Cholrass]

Current Outfit
Pre Built Lightsaber

Voli was inching closer towards the Twileak pilot. The Force was getting stronger as she walked. This woman was definitely Force sensitive whether she was aware of it or not was something that made Voli wary. She remembered when she wasn't aware of her powers. How she would violently lash out against bullies pushing them with massive force pushes causing injuries or how when she went to sleep, she would had visions of the future to which she thought were dreams.

"Nothing worse than an untrained force sensitive," Voli thought as she sat in front of the pilot. "I'm glad to have met Master Dreidi Xeraic when I did. Having all that power and no control or idea on what I was doing was frightening."

She couldn't see the woman's face her boots which she proudly placed on the top of the table obscured it. "What a lovely introduction," Voli thought with a small groan. “Smelling what’s under her boots is something I really want to do when negotiating with pilots.”

This is what happens when Voli wanted to save on costs and to put her trip to the mid rim under wraps. It felt like she was scraping the bottom of the barrel. “And the barell is not the only one that needs scraping.” Voli thought looking at the woman’s boots.

“I want a one way trip back to Naboo,” Voli grabbed the credit chit from her pocket and slid it to the woman. “Just me and the cargo in my bag.”

She then leaned to the woman with a small frown. “And no questions asked.” Voli said.

Ti'sonta

 

[Ti'sonta]

Ti'sonta languidly took her feet off the table and sat upright, looking the teen in the eyes.
"One-way flight to Naboo? Simple enough." Ti'sonta mused as she changed the datapad over to the passanger form she had made for the Dolly Dagger. The twi'lek gestured for the teen to take a seat before placing the datapad on the table between them and tapping the box labled "No questions asked", instantly blanking out a lot of the questions.
"One passenger, three days hyperspace, With no questions asked...How soon do you want to leave?" Ti'sonta asked as the blue twi'lek barmaid placed a strange- shaped glass containing a bright blue and green layered drink garnished with a slice of some native fruit and a little paper parasol in front of Ti'sonta. "Thanks hun." she smiled warmly to the barmaid and tipped her a few credits before turning to the Teen. "Oh, would you like something? My shout."

 

[Voli Cholrass]

Current Outfit
Pre Built Lightsaber

Voli was glad that the pilot was agreeable unlike that Devilkk who would always go on rants about the Galaxy coming to an end. "And he was even using the same old conspiracy theory that the Rakatans created a galactic sized bomb in the unknown region that'll go off in a year." Voli thought placing her elbows on the table. "Not even a good or a well thought out one. Just something that was created by some guy high off deathsticks a thousand years ago."

The Infinite Empire created technological terrors but nowhere near the destructive power of what Voli's fellow conspiracy theorists were saying. But Voli was more into government conspiracy and cults, so she didn't take that conspiracy theory in the first place. "I would love to leave right now," Voli replied when the Tw'leak asked how soon she wanted to leave. "I kinda want to get to Naboo before tomorrow. I have..... an important thing I need to do."

Mainly go on a mission with her Master. They were supposed to investigate a supposed smuggling ring that has ties to a High Republic senator. Dreidi started to trust Voli to go on more missions and Voli hoped that she wouldn't let her down. "Sure....." Voli said her gaze staring at the table. "Just give me a non-alcoholic Jawa Juice."

She was still wary of the Tw'lek. She seemed friendly but Voli could feel the Force around her. "Is she a Sith or something?" Voli thought.

Ti'sonta

 

[Ti'sonta]

"Right now?" Ti'sonta raised a tattooed eyebrow at this. "To arrive at Naboo before tomorrow? Hmmm..." The twi'lek jotted down a few notes on her datapad and looked at the figures. "Doable, but it means we'd have to forgo the safe hyperspace lanes and take the more...interesting ones." She signalled the barmaid to come over and gave her Voli's order before continuing. "There's only one lane that would get you there on time, but pirates and slavers tend to haunt the exits. If you insist, then we would most likely get attention from them and things may get interesting. But if you're willing to stretch your eta by a day or two, then we would probably get through unmolested. And between you and me, I'd rather not go back to wearing the metal bikinis."
Ti'sonta let out a small sigh before continuing, turning the data pad towards the ashen-haired teen. "There's also price. As of right now, an express trip to Naboo on immediate notice via a confirmed hazardous route will set you back nearly eight thousand credits. If you are willing to wait at least an hour or so, I can secure cargo that is en route to Naboo which should bring the cost down to about five thousand. But if money is no object, then we can leave immediately."

 

[Voli Cholrass]

Current Outfit
Pre Built Lightsaber

“You’ll find 15,000 credits in that chit,” Voli responded almost immediately after the woman named her price. “And I want to leave as soon as possible.”

She never did a negotiation before. Voli remembered her Dad saying that making deals is like planting a flower: one has to be firm but fair. “Clearly Dad never planted before.” Voli thought.

“I can wait an hour,” Voli said her violet eyes darting around, her thin fingers tapping on the table. “But as soon as it’s up, we leave immediately.”

She shouldn’t be paranoid, but the last thing she wanted, was her Master wondering what happened to Voli. She was already suspicious of Volis outside activities. “Master needs to get off my back.” Voli thought. “I know what I’m doing.”

At least that’s what she thought.

Ti'sonta

 

[Ti'sonta]

Ti'sonta blinked as she saw the chit, surprised at the amount that was nearly twice what she offered.
"...Very well then." she spoke finally, taking the chit and inserting it into the side of her datapad to withdraw the required amount. After a little chime sounded from the data pad, Ti'sonta withdrew the chip and slid it back to the teen with the remaining 7,000 credits. "Pleasure doing business with you, Miss. The Dolly Dagger will not disappoint."
As the barmaid placed a Jawa Juice beside the teen, Ti'sonta held up a finger before pressing the commlink ear-cone piece on the side of her head.
"...Shifu? It's me, Ti'sonta...I got us a job. sending you the details now...Yes, yes, I know, don't Force the issue...I don't know...okay, can you set up a room for our guest?...Yeah, I got you your oil. Couldn't get the real good stuff, but this was the best they had...okay...gotcha...see you soon."
Ti'sonta released her comm link and focused back on the Teen. "There we go! My co-pilot should have your room set up by the time you arrive. You can find the Dolly Dagger at docking port 12-A. We'll depart within the hour." The Twi'lek took a long sip of her drink before continuing. "Anything else I can help you with before we depart?"

 

[Voli Cholrass]

Current Outfit
Pre Built Lightsaber

The smiling barmaid slid the cup of non alcoholic Jawa Juice towards Voli. Voli gave a small smile and a nod of thanks before sipping on the beverage. The cold and frothy Juice splashing around Volis tongue was a welcome feeling in contrast to the hot and humid temperature that Mon Gozza generated due to the many Spice Mines that dominated the planet.

“No regulation means that these spice miners can do what they want,” Voli thought. “The High Republic needs to do something about it I can actually feel the planet dying.”

Being in touch with nature was simultaneously the best and worst thing that Voli mastered. On one hand, it was nice to feel the harmony that the Force brings to life, but on the other hand, any signs of disruption brings that balance into a cold and dark area. Cold…… Voli didn’t like the cold but at the same time, the initial biting feeling gave way greater understanding. Whenever Voli felt the cold, the dark side immediately came afterwards whispering to her, telling her that all of her questions will be answered if she just opened the-

Voli snapped out of her trance her thin fingers began to shake. She was in one of those force mediations her Master kept talking about. “Gotta concentrate,” she thought. “I’m at the home stretch.”

“I’ll meet you there,”Voli said to the pilot. “Just let me finish my drink.”

Ti'sonta

 

[Ti'sonta]

Ti'sonta frowned as her eyes flicked over the teen's body language. "...Okay...me and Shifu will have everything ready for your trip by the time you get to the ship."
With a final mouthful, the twi'lek finished off the last of her cocktail before standing up from the table. A flash of concern flashed across her face before as she gave the teen a final look before heading to the barkeep. A quick beep of a credit chit paid the remaining tab and she was out the door.

~~~

The space port was bustling with activity.
Droids and workers hurried along their own routes in a controlled chaos that would confuse anyone not already used to the spacefaring life. Ti'sonta had long since learned to move with the current, trailing behind one worker, than another as she got closer to her destination. She could do it without thinking these days. Which was good, because she had a lot to think about.

Up before her loomed her own ship. The Dolly Dagger was a beautiful ship, she thought to herself as she made her way towards what she now considered her true home. It's sleek design and powerful engines reminded her of the beak of a great bird, and the grey paint job - well, it was chipped in a few places. But nothing she couldn't fix with a well-paying job or two. She was also proud of the nose art she had painted below the cockpit when she had finally repurposed the ship from her flight from old master's temple. It felt like the final piece that made it a home.
In the rear loading ramp stood a tall, humanoid droid. It's four arms were busy with movement, two arms directing a set of workers where to load supplies whilst the other paired tapped along a data slate, entering details and checking manifests. His head swivelled this way and that, tracking workers and dock droids before finally catching sight of the approaching twi'lek.
"Ah, Ti'sonta!" the droid greeted. "You're just in time. they've just about finished loading the ship and we'll be ready to leave once the client arrives." His optics glanced around his partner before continuing. "...Err...just where is the client, by chance?"
"Thanks Shifu." Ti'sonta smiled before her eyes hardened. "About that. Could we talk in the ship? I have something we should talk about this client." her words finishing through gritted teeth and a forced smile.
The two walked back into the ship and began the task of configuring a section of the cargo bay for their new passenger. With practiced ease, Ti'sonta and SH1-FU worked together to shift and slide specially designed wall panels along grooves and overhead rails to form a small but comfortable room for their new client.
"Well Ti'sonta, I got your message." SH1-FU began. "You said Force the issue and Don't know. Do you think we're chauffeuring an untrained force user?"
Ti'sonta nodded. "And a powerful one at that. When I was at the bar, I felt a presence in the force that I haven't felt in a while. I clamped down hard on my signature as quick as I could, so I think I'm in the clear. But feeling that power only for little miss scene girl to walk in and sit down at my table? That power had to have been her."
SH!-FU let out a small hum as he processed this, the droid helping Ti'sonta lock in another wall panel into it's set place "A powerful youngling untrained in the force is concerning...but our destination of Naboo suggests she might not be as untrained as you think. The Jedi do have a temple on the planet, so she could be a padawan. Though a padawan without their master is rare."
"I'd rather not chance it." Ti'sonta grimaced as she folded out a cot from the wall and began to make the bed with clean, cotton sheets. "But something told me that No wasn't an answer I've liked to give. And that's not all." Ti'sonta tucked in the last corner as SH1-FU slid the last wall panel into place and set the door. "Just before I left, she seemed like she was...stressed about something. She went quiet for a few seconds and her hand shook a briefly. I think we need to get her to Naboo fast before this becomes a problem."
SH1-FU pondered this as he and Ti'sonta finished the last of the preparations. "...Your paranoia hasn't led us astray so far. Very well, I trust your judgement." he said finally. "You best relax your suppression for now. If anything it will allow us to know if our client is approaching. If this force presence really is her."
"Yes Shifu." Ti'sonta nodded before letting out a small sigh, her body relaxing from the tension of holding back her power, and the small whispers and energy flowing back through her like a greeting from an old friend. Almost instantly she quickly withdrew her connection to the Force and clamped her mind firmly shut from the outside world.
"...Kark! She's coming, it's gotta be her!" She hissed as she straightened up and mentally focused herself on getting back into character. "Let's give our client a good trip."

 

[Voli Cholrass]

Current Outfit
Pre Built Lightsaber

It didn't take long for Voli to finish her drink. She passed the time watching more Podraces and even placing bets on them winning at some credits. Voli always enjoyed podracing to the point where her blog once sponsored at Podracing circuit on Malastare. "Made some good creds off of it," Voli thought. "Wonder how they're doing. Podracing circuits generally don't last too long. Average is about a year."

After collecting the last of her credits, Voli checked her Holowatch realizing that it was 10 minutes before Ti'sonta was ready to take off. "Time to go," Voli thought picking up her bag containing the dark side artifact and slung it over her shoulder. 6 minutes later, Voli arrived at the location the pilot told her to meet at. Voli's violet eyes gazed at the ship, it didn't look aesthetically pleasing, but as long as it could fly, Voli couldn't care less about looks. "People just use pretty aesthetic to hide the flaws." Voli thought as she climbed ramp.

As soon as Voli entered the ship, she took a deep breath. "Hello?" Voli whispered. "I'm here. Are we ready to take off?"

Ti'sonta